1622 Amendments of Klára DOBREV
Amendment 1 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Title 1
European Parliament resolution on ‘Children first – beyondupscaling the Child Guarantee, two years on from its adoption’
Amendment 10 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2022 on upscaling the 2021- 2027 multiannual financial framework: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Citation 12 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2021 on access to decent and affordable housing for all
Amendment 14 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Citation 12 c (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 11 May 2023 on a roadmap towards a social Europe – two years after the Porto Social Summit
Amendment 16 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Citation 12 d (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 22 June 2022 on "Towards a common European action on care";
Amendment 18 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Citation 12 e (new)
Citation 12 e (new)
– having regard to the Eurofound report “Guaranteeing access to services for children in the EU”1a _________________ 1a Eurofound (2023), Guaranteeing access to services for children in the EU, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publicat ions/policy-brief/2023/guaranteeing- access-to-services-for-children-in-the-eu
Amendment 21 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Citation 12 f (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 7 April 2022 on EU Protection of children and young people fleeing the war against Ukraine;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the socio-economic situation of children in Europe has worsened firstly as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, not only in terms of health and social impacts but also due to the lockdown measures taken to control the emergency which resulted in mental health problems, educational gaps and school dropouts, increased violence and abuse against children, but also due to the economic and humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which had devastating effects not solely for the millions of refugee children and their families fleeing the war, but for the overall population in the EU, in terms of soaring costs of living, energy prices, inflation, growing inequalities, access to basic services and affordability of healthy food and medicines;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital A
A. whereas access to basic services, including effective and free access to high quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) and healthcare, as well as to education, and school-based activities, adequate housing and healthy nutrition plays an important role in breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage and lifting children out of poverty and social exclusion, as it can help to tackle the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty and vulnerability;
Amendment 30 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital B
B. whereas investing in the youngest generation brings the greatest return and contributes to the growth and prosperity of society as a whole; whereas several Member States have allocated more than the requested 5 % of European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) resources to tackling child poverty and 23 Member States have programmed a total of EUR 8.9 billion in ESF+ support to address the issue; whereas however the ESF+ resources alone are in no way sufficient to address the challenge of child poverty in the EU and therefore a significant increase of funding for the European Child Guarantee is of utmost importance; whereas child poverty is a European problem that affects all Member States and should be tackled as such in all Member States with ambitious European and national instruments; whereas the implementation of the ESF+ plans has been delayed, in turn delaying the reforms to be undertaken under the Child Guarantee national action plans (NAPs) and financed through ESF+;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital C
C. whereas child poverty and social exclusion remains a key challenge across the EU, given that an average of 1 in 4 children are still at risk of poverty, with the share varying widely between countries – ranging from over 40 % in some countries to 11 % in others (2021 Eurostat data) – and trends are worsening in many countries because of the multiple crises across the EU and globally;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital D
D. whereas many more children are bound to befind themselves in a vulnerable situation, not only those living experiencing poverty and social exclusion, but also children living with disabilities, children with a minority racial or ethnic background, children residing in institutionsfrom single parent families, homeless children, children residing in institutions, children without parental care, migrant and refugee children, and so on; whereas improving their lives in the short term and establishing successful life paths for them in the long term requires structural changes and innovative solutions and an inter- sectoral approach at EU, national and local levels;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital E
E. whereas the European Child Guarantee is a high-quality and innovative policy instrument with the potential to deliver significant improvements to the everyday reality of millions of children in the EU in a multidimensional way; whereas its objective is to prevent and combat social exclusion by guaranteeing effective access of children in need to a set of key services, such as free early childhood education and care, free education, including school-based activities and at least one healthy meal each school day, free healthcare, healthy nutrition, and adequate housing; whereas the European Union and the Member States should deploy all efforts to turn the European Child Guarantee into reality by fully implementing the Council Recommendation and the National Action Plans (NAPs) and all other European and national programmes which contribute to the delivery of its key services; whereas more needs to be done to achieve a more comprehensive, intersectoral approach to tackling children’s risk of vulnerabilitypoverty and social exclusion and to ensureing a genuine implementation of the Child Guarantee by removing the policy, political, administrative and financial barriers;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital F
F. whereas 20 months on from the original deadline of March 2022, 24 Member States have adopted their Child Guarantee NAPs, with a focus on the major areas identified in the associated Council Recommendation; whereas the submitted plans vary significantly among each other with regard to their governance methods, their outreach strategy vis-a-vis the most disadvantaged groups and the way to target them and to monitor progress, the timelines of proposed measures and the budget foreseen to effectively deploy such measures; whereas several plans appear as generic and superficial documents in which policy-makers merely listed measures already put in place or planned;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital G
G. whereas in some countries, NAPs have been accompanied by the revision of existing laws in several areas, such as deinstitutionalisation or access to ECEC services; whereas not all NAPs include new measures to address child poverty and social exclusion or have a clear budget, timeline, targets or monitoring mechanism;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital J
J. whereas some countries have lacked transparency and have failed to consult children and families, ECEC staff and service providers, and their representative organisations (including non-governmental organisations (NGOs)) when drafting their NAPs;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital L
L. whereas some countries have struggled to develop and implement a monitoring framework for their NAPs and do not collect enough data on child poverty and on access to basic services, which should be disaggregated and gathered at both national and subnational level; whereas the lack of standardised guidelines for data collection hinders the monitoring of the implementation of the European Child Guarantee;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas countries that benefited from technical assistance have developed better quality NAPs, with stakeholders' collaboration and targeted measures for effective access of some of the most disadvantaged groups of children to the basic services;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital L b (new)
Lb. whereas Next Generation EU, in particular the Policies for Next Generation Pillar of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans adopted by the Member States under the Recovery and Resilience Facility offer a unique opportunity for significant investments and reforms aimed at improving early childhood education and care, their quality and inclusiveness; whereas the implementation of these measures by the Member States should be closely monitored and should be designed and delivered in synergy with already existing national and European programmes in the field, in particular the Child Guarantee, the European Social Fund Plus and the other European Structural and Investment Funds;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Recital L c (new)
Lc. whereas Europe is facing a severe housing crisis, especially affecting urban areas in many Member States, both wealthy and less wealthy countries alike, where it has become difficult to find affordable housing at market prices, including for middle-income households, leading to social exclusion and spatial segregation; whereas access to decent and affordable housing is harder for vulnerable groups and families and has a dramatic effect on children and their material and psychological well-being; whereas households with children are generally at a higher risk of severe housing deprivation, and the proportion of children living in an overcrowded household is higher for children living in poverty than for the general population; whereas lack of access to social housing is a barrier for income-poor children caused by an insufficient supply of social housing, leading to long waiting times; whereas properly heated housing with safe water and sanitation and housing in general is a key element for children’s health, well-being, growth and development; whereas adequate housing is also conducive to children learning and studying;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Member States to ensure the full implementation of their NAPs and, when reviewing them, to set even more ambitious objectives to tackle child poverty; highlights that the adopted NAPs by Member States are largely heterogeneous among each other when it comes to their governance methods, their outreach strategy vis-a-vis the most disadvantaged groups and the way to target them and to monitor progress, the timelines of proposed measures and the budget foreseen to effectively deploy such measures; warns of the risk that such heterogeneity could bring to the situation of child poverty and social exclusion in Europe, jeopardising the overall objective of the Child Guarantee in achieving upwards social convergence in the EU; regrets in particular that several NAPs do not include measurable objectives and concrete targets, which generates serious concerns when it comes to the quality of measures effectively put in place;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to design a national framework for data collection, monitoring and evaluation for their NAPs, involving participatory research methods, gathering disaggregated data at national and subnational level; invites the Member States to create child poverty observatories to gather high- quality, disaggregated per targeted groups and internationally comparable data at national level;
Amendment 96 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the need for comprehensive and disaggregated data on child poverty and on access to basic services from the Member States, and underlines that the indicators for monitoring child poverty selected by the Indicators subgroup of the Commission’s Social Protection Committee must make it possible to establish a closer link between the European Child Guarantee and the Social Scoreboard;
Amendment 106 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that further economic aspects of each NAP must be monitored, particularly national and EU funding, including funding reaching the beneficiaries; highlights in particular the necessity to closely monitor the implementation of National Recovery and Resilience Plans in the field of child poverty, which should be designed and delivered synergistically with dedicated resources of the European Child Guarantee Action Plans and the European Social Fund Plus;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights that the issue of “value added” of the European Child Guarantee should be given utmost importance, since all resources dedicated to its measures should not simply replace already existing national or European measures but should instead complement them; highlights that the NAPs should not constitute a re-branding or re-packaging of already existing programmes or measures, which would constitute a serious risk for the achievement of the Child Guarantee objectives and would raise concerns with regard to the general principle of additionality of the EU cohesion policy;
Amendment 111 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to use the mid-term review to support the revision of the NAPs; calls on the Member States to streamline NAPs and create synergies between them and national policies and strategies, notably the National Recovery and Resilience Plans, as well as their funding, in order to ensure that the measures are consistent;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that take-up of ECEC remains low among low-income families; calls on the Member States to provide more quality places in childcare facilities and to support professional training for ECEC staff; increase significantly the coverage of more quality and affordable childcare facilities and to support training and the improvement of working conditions for ECEC staff as these have an impact in the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of services1b; _________________ 1b Eurofound (2015), Early childhood care: Accessibility and quality of services, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/def ault/files/ef_publication/field_ef_docume nt/ef1512en.pdf
Amendment 123 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to increase their efforts to ensure that all children enrolled in education receive at least one free healthy warm meal each school day; highlights that often children in need depend on such meal during school days and therefore invites the Member States to take this into account by introducing measures that ensure that they would not miss out on a meal during their absence from school; such a fundamental necessity; stresses the interconnection between food poverty, malnutrition and eating disorders such as obesity among children and the access to full time at school; invites Member States to implement national strategies to review their school menus to avoid or reduce the usage of processed and transported foods, while also ensuring the monitoring of the safety of the meals and their nutritional value; calls on the Member States to ensure universal access to school canteens which should be recognised as a right for all children in the EU, and affirms the principle that no children in the EU should ever be denied a meal at school, for whichever reason;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights that in 2021, 5% of low- income households with children had unmet medical needs in the EU1c and that NAPs have identified several unmet needs in the healthcare sector; calls on the Member States to strengthen and adapt their healthcare systems in order to guarantee all children free and equal access to quality services, including dental and psychological services; _________________ 1c Eurofound (2023), Guaranteeing access to services for children in the EU, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg
Amendment 134 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 13
13. Highlights that poor housing is still one of the causes of child poverty, given that it is linked with energy poverty and precarious living conditions; reiterates its call to the Commission and the Member States to make housing one of the cornerstones of the Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights; recalls that EU policies, funding programmes and financing instruments have a great impact on housing markets, the quality of the housing stock and on citizens’ lives; calls on the Commission to urgently develop an integrated EU-level strategy for social, public, non-segregated and affordable housing, creating an enabling framework for national, regional and local authorities to ensure the provision of safe, healthy, accessible and affordable quality housing for all; calls on the Commission, as part of this strategy, to improve its action to engage all levels of governance in fully and consistently implementing the right to decent housing for all; invites the Member States, therefore, to assess and revise their social housing policies and housing benefit systems in order to better cater for the needs of vulnerable families; and children;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages the Member States to register all children and adolescents regardless of their parents’ administrative status (residence status) in order to decrease the practical and administrative barriers to accessing key servicesdecrease the practical and administrative barriers to accessing key services by keeping procedures simple and accessible, online as well as offline, and by accepting declarations on honor when documents needed for registration cannot be procured;
Amendment 149 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to promote outreach activities and raise awareness of the European Child Guarantee and the key services that children and families can benefit from; calls for support for cities to establish one-stop shops to provide children and families with targeted support to access information on early detection and Early Childhood Intervention social security and assistance, as well as specific local measures for social inclusion;
Amendment 153 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on Member States to ensure that public transport is accessible to all children, including children with disabilities, children living in rural areas, and all children with a migrant background;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses the necessity for the Member States to invest in social protection systems and policies such as adequate minimum income schemes and minimum wages as a means to sustain most vulnerable households in the EU; calls on all EU Member States to swiftly adopt and implement the Council Recommendation of 30 January 2023 on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion and the EU directive on minimum wage to combat poverty and social exclusion in the EU; reiterates that it is essential for income support and minimum income not to contribute to social dependence and that they must rather be combined with incentives and support tools, enabling active labour market measures to (re)integrate those who can work in order to break the vicious circle of poverty and the dependence on public support for individuals and their families; is concerned about the recent decision of the Italian government to drastically curb its minimum income scheme which supported around 3,6 million people especially for its impact on children, going against the overall trend in the EU in the fight against poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 162 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Reiterates its call for a comprehensive and integrated antipoverty strategy with a designated poverty reduction target including for child poverty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure children’s right to adequate housing is implemented, including by providing related support to parents having difficulties with keeping or accessing housing, so that they can remain with their children, with particular attention on young adults exiting child welfare institutions; calls on the Member States to adopt a specific housing policy for children, based on children-specific data on child homelessness and children's housing exclusion situation; highlights the necessity to facilitate access to social housing by streamlining and simplifying procedures at the national and local level and by significantly increasing public spending on housing, which remains highly fragmented across the EU, and by strengthening financial contribution and subsidies to families in need to make rents more affordable; calls on the Member States to adopt measures to protect vulnerable households with children from evictions, strengthen the presence of social services in the area at higher risk of social exclusion and among marginalised communities;
Amendment 164 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the Member States to ensure consistency between the European Child Guarantee and the reinforced Youth Guarantee in order to cover the entire age span from pregnancy to adulthood; highlights that the European Child Guarantee, like the Youth Guarantee, bears the potential to become a driver for positive structural change in the Member States' ability to plan and deliver key services, strengthen the partnership among institutional actors at the different levels and with civil society organisations and social partners;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 18
18. Reiterates its call for an urgent increase in funding for the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion for 2021-2027, and insists that this dedicated budget must be made part of the revised multiannual financial framework and reinforced ESF+; invites all Member States, not only those with a povertydeeply regrets that the Commission’s proposal on the MFF mid-term revision does not reflect Parliament’s long- standing demand for an urgent increase in funding for the European Child Guarantee; calls on all Member States, not only those with a "at risk of poverty and social exclusion (AROPE) rate" below 5 %the Union average, to increase their financial efforts andbove the thematic concentration of 5% indicated in the ESF+ and to show greater ambition to invest more in children, given that this is a valuable social investment; highlights that child poverty is a European problem affecting all countries in the EU and calls on the Member States to re-programme their ESF+ national operational programme to dedicate adequate resources for the implementation of the Child Guarantee; highlights the necessity to introduce a binding thematic concentration for all Member States when the ESF+ will be next revised;
Amendment 175 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to assess the quality of spending on children, in particular to evaluate the effective and consistent use of the EUR 8.9 billion dedicated to the European Child Guarantee under the ESF+, and asks the Commission to propose options for synergies and blending with other sources of funding, notably the ERDF, InvestEU, Next Generation EU and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, AMF, ReactEU, EU4Health and Erasmus+;
Amendment 178 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the necessity to closely monitor the implementation of the investments and reforms under the Policies for the next Generation Pillar of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans adopted by the Member States, with a view to carefully evaluate the achievement of the milestones and targets of the measures aimed at improving the affordability, the quality and the inclusiveness of early childhood education and care services; highlights that in general terms, the reporting obligations of the RRF have resulted in the availability of more detailed and measurable objectives and data on expenditures in this policy area; regrets however that in some cases Member States' authorities have failed to produce sufficiently clear figures on the planned objectives and the measures effectively delivered, for example with regard to the numbers of new places in nurseries and on the increased coverage of early childhood education services; points out to the necessity of guaranteeing financially and from an organisational standpoint the maintenance of the expanded capacity and coverage of early childhood education and care services after the extraordinary investments under the National Recovery and Resilience Plans will be exhausted; stresses the necessity to coordinate the National Recovery and Resilience Plans in this field with the Child Guarantee objectives and with the resources already allocated under the ESF+ and the other European Structural Funds to foster synergies, avoid funding overlaps and ensure a long- term sustainability of the proposed measures;
Amendment 180 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Member States to ensure that best use is made of available EU and national funds and invites them to explore innovative funding schemes, including public-private partnerships; encourages the Member States to work with the European Investment Bank and invest in social infrastructure dedicated to children; underlines the importance of exempting the investment in the key policies for combatting child poverty and social exclusion from the national spending cuts;
Amendment 188 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to ensure direct, adequate and easily accessible funding at regional and local level to boost investment in social infrastructure and increase the capacity of local services to pilot new models and solutions to reduce child poverty; highlights the necessity to provide Local and Regional Authorities and Municipalities with adequate support to implement the measures included in the plans, especially in the most rural areas; welcomes the Flexible Assistance to Territories (FAST-CARE) model that provides funding to local authorities and civil society organisations and notes that it should become a wider model in the revision of the MFF;
Amendment 196 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Member States to involve all relevant stakeholders at all levels in the revision and implementation of their NAPs in order to build solid partnerships that can strengthen and expand ownership and commitment; highlights the importance of involving civil society, ECEC staff and service providers and children in developing and implementing the monitoring and evaluation framework;
Amendment 200 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the Member States to support local partnerships for children, between municipality-led services and other service providers, local communities, parents and children, schools, charities, social partners, NGOs and private-sector actors, in order to maximise resources for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee; notes that local partnerships should ensure a participatory approach to developing, implementing and monitoring the local Child Guarantee and guarantee that responsibility for this is shared; suggests the establishment of a technical assistance facility for local and regional authorities and municipalities to increase their capacity to plan and deliver Child Guarantee related services and to maximise the potential of EU funds in this field;
Amendment 203 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to draw up a solid governance framework at EU and national levels, ensuring a successful and integrated interplay between the Child Guarantee, national framework and strategies, and the EU social and equity agenda – including the European Semester; highlights the need for multi- level governance, with joint responsibility and coordinated strategies between local, regional, national and EU levels, to prevent and mitigate child poverty;
Amendment 207 #
2023/2811(RSP)
Paragraph 26
26. Highlights that national coordinators need to receive adequate leverage and financial and human resources to effectively coordinate the implementation of the NAPs; highlights that Member States have appointed as national coordinators very different profiles, some being external experts, others being high-profile figures at the ministerial level; a heterogeneity which should not result in uneven results in the delivery of the European Child Guarantee; stresses the crucial role of national coordinators within the governance of the European Child Guarantee, notably in their function and responsibility to coordinate strategies between local, regional, national and EU levels; calls for these coordinators to duly report every two years on the progress made on all aspects of the Child Guarantee and to regularly exchange best practices with their national counterparts; calls on the Commission to ensure reinforced institutional coordination;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 7
— having regard to International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No 135 concerning protection and facilities to be afforded to workers’ representatives in the undertaking (the Workers’ Representatives Convention), ILO convention No 155 concerning Occupational Safety and Health, ILO convention No 187 concerning Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health and ILO convention no 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work,
Amendment 7 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 19 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions of 17 December 2020
Amendment 8 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 19 b (new)
— having regard the Council Decision (EU) 2022/2296 of 21 November 2022 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
Amendment 9 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 19 c (new)
— having regard the Commission action plan on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights of 4 March 2021 and the Porto Declaration on social affairs adopted by the members of the European Council in May 2021
Amendment 27 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital B
B. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure or have been dismantled in some Member States in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the European Semester's Country Specific Recommendations adopted between the years 2011 and 2015 requested Member States to decentralise collective bargaining systems and stop wage indexation as well as the ultra-activity of collective agreements; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years, with an estimated drop in EU average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811, owing to labour market reforms in many Member States that decentralised collective bargaining systems, the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self- employment; whereas in most Member States, collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies; whereas bargaining coverage is substantially higher in countries where there are sectoral agreements and where these are frequently extended to non-covered companies or workers; _________________ 11 Visser, Jelle, Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies, ‘Database on Institutional Characteristics of Trade Unions, Wage Setting, State Intervention and Social Pacts’, Version 6.1, November 2019.
Amendment 40 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital C
C. whereas European workers and employers are currently facing major challenges stemming from the consequences of the pandemic and, since 24 February 2022, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the consequent cost-of-living and energy crisis; whereas these events have shown a pressing need for broader and stronger participation by social partners, especially if the green and digital transitions to a sustainable, fair and social future for the EU are to be achieved; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them, in particular on the transfer, restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; whereas according to Eurofound EUPolicy Watch database, social partners have been involved during the pandemic in almost half of the legislative policy measures recorded, while this involvement has decreased during 2022, when further policy measures related to the green transition, support for refugees from Ukraine and responses to the cost-of-living crisis were mapped;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the RRF regulation includes an obligation for Member States to consult social partners in the preparation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans through a greater variety of settings, however the quality and intensity of the involvement is uneven and rather weak in a relatively high number of countries; whereas the review report of the Commission on the RRF states that the success of the RRF depends on the close involvement of social partners, civil society organizations, local and regional authorities, and other stakeholders;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital F
F. whereas the involvement of social partners in policymaking and particularly in the implementation of the European Semester and the Recovery and Resilience Plans is an indicator of the quality of social dialogue; whereas some Member States are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue, while in some other Member States, social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures, a lack of capacity and strict representational criteria, attacks against workers’ rights to join or to form a trade union at the workplace, ineffective legislation that does not enable trade unions to access workplaces for the purpose of organising, attacks against the right to strike; whereas the EU regulatory landscape in the field of employment law and company law remains excessively fragmented, which could result in a lack of legal certainty on applicable rules and rights for both employers and employees;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital H
H. whereas the enabling conditions for a well-functioning social dialogue are: (i) the existence of strong, independent trade unions and technical capacity in employers’ organisations; (ii) access to relevant information to participate in social dialogue; (iii) a commitment from all parties to engage in social dialogue; (iv) respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining; and (v) appropriate institutional support and (vi) allowing for independent social partners to negotiate and conclude collective agreements autonomously;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital I
I. whereas strong collective bargaining, in particular at sectoral or cross-industry level, contributes to quality jobs; whereas trade unions, workers’ representation and participation and collective bargaining coverage are essential for the enforcement of workers’ rights and the proper functioning of companies; whereas action isand better legislation to protect trade union rights are needed to ensure a balance of bargaining power between employers and trade unions, which can be improved by strengthening democracy at work;
Amendment 85 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital L
L. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to use to establish fair wages and working conditions; whereas strong collective bargaining systems increase Member States’ resilience in times of economic crisis; whereas societies with strong collective bargaining systems tend to be wealthier and more equal; whereas the right to collective bargaining is an issue that concerns all European workersworkers in Europe and that can also have crucial implications for democracy and the rule of law, including respect for fundamental social rights; whereas collective bargaining is a European fundamental right and the EU institutions are bound to respect it by Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU; whereas in this context, policies that respect, promote and strengthen collective bargaining and the position of workers in wage-setting systems play a critical role in achieving better working conditions and ensures better living conditions;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital L a (new)
L a. whereas the informal economy is characterised by a high share of invisible and most vulnerable groups of workers; whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a growing number of workers, especially women, to enter informal economy and exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities; whereas the most represented sectors in the informal economy in the EU, i.e. health, care, social work, and agriculture, are at the same time vital ones for the functioning of our societies;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 2
2. UIs convinced that good-quality social dialogue pays off in turbulent times when stability is needed to face ongoing economic uncertainty, as it was proved during the COVID-19 crisis when it played a major role in managing the crisis and mitigating its negative economic and social effects; urges the Commission to monitor the implementation of its recommendation at national and Union level, jointly with the Member States and relevant social partners; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that this monitoring allows social partners to, among other things, identify situations from which they have been excluded or in which they were inadequately involved in national-level consultations on Union and national policy, including access to justice and the right to redress; calls on the Commission to initiate infringement procedures in case social partners involvement is not respected; proposes that Eurofound’s EUPolicyWatch database, as unique EU wide instrument to capture social partner’s involvement in national policy making, could be used for that purpose;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Urges the Commission to promote collective bargaining, democracy at work, and social dialogue through the European Semester, and specifically in the country- specific recommendations, in order to ensure, decent wages through collective bargaining; encourages the Commission to propose new social dialogue indicators for the European Semester, relating to industrial relations in the Member States that could be used to further strengthening the social dialogue; such indicators could include references to industrial democracy already used by Eurofound in its Industrial Relations Index;
Amendment 145 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure, with the involvement of social partners, an enabling environment for collective bargaining; calls on the Commission and the Member States to include in such an enabling environment effective measures against union-busting practices, since those practices decrease trade union density; calls on the Commission and the Member States, along with social partners, to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of 90 % by 2030, and to taking concrete measures in this regard with a view to improving living and working conditions in the Union, contributing to upward social convergence, fighting in- work poverty and social exclusion and reducing wage inequality;
Amendment 156 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to repeal any national legislation that hampers collective bargaining, including any legislation that inhibits trade unions’ access to workplaces for the purpose of organising in order to be able to collectively bargain; calls on Member States to ensure access to the workplace is being guaranteed, also when the work is performed digitally; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote sectoral- level collective bargaining as an important instrument to increase collective agreement coverage, making sure that derogations from collective agreements concluded at a higher level are restricted to situations in which those derogations are needed to maintain quality employment;
Amendment 188 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the EU industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green, but above all decent, well paid and based on good working conditions, including as regards health and safety at work, robust social protection and gender equality; calls on the Member States, in the context of the European Green Deal and the RePowerEU plan, to adopt and implement, in close cooperation with social partners, comprehensive and coherent policy packages to benefit all societal groups and to make optimal use of public and private funding, including social conditionalities for the creation of quality jobs with fair working conditions and good pay, the promotion of collective bargaining and respect for collective agreements and trade union rights; considers furthermore that all EU financial support to undertakings, including the Green Deal industrial plan programmes, should be made conditional on the undertakings’ compliance with the applicable working and employment conditions and/or employer obligations, including any applicable collective agreements; urges the Commission and the Member States to enforce the requirements that companies receiving public support must avoid redundancies and the worsening of working conditions and that, under the EU industrial plan, undertakings must respect collective bargaining and information and consultation processes with unions on investments, restructuring and any reforms; public funding must also be linked with training obligations under which companies agree to put in place paid apprenticeships with the right to be retained, as well as cost-free, on-the-job re- and up-skilling programs for workers;
Amendment 200 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reminds the Commission and the Member States of the urgent need for a social progress protocol that, in the event of conflicts between economic freedoms and fundamental social rights, give priority to the latter
Amendment 210 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Stresses its deep concern of union busting practises; calls on the Commission to propose a directive guaranteeing trade unions access to workplaces for the purpose of organising, information sharing and consultation, and to secure every European citizen the right to voluntarily organise in a trade union, strengthening worker’s representation and securing social partners’ rights to collectively bargain;
Amendment 222 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Member States to ratify and implement all ILO core conventions, including No 155 concerning Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment and No 187 concerning the promotional framework for occupational safety and health, which have both been recently designated as ILO core conventions and which have not yet been ratified by all Member States, as well as ILO convention 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to encourage the Member States to ratify and implement all the ILO core conventions;
Amendment 228 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote and facilitate freedom of association and collective bargaining in the informal economy as a means of raising worker’s visibility, ensuring decent working conditions and social protection, as well as tackling undeclared work;
Amendment 238 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Calls on the Commission to make the necessary improvements to the legal frameworks regulating European public limited-liability companies (Societas Europea or SE) and European Cooperative Societies and, on the basis of a timely evaluation by the Commission, to the Company Law Package, and to amend them to introduce minimum EU rules governing employee participation and representation on supervisory boards, including on gender equality;
Amendment 239 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Is convinced that introducing new digital technologies has the potential to have a positive impact on the work environment if they are implemented and monitored in a trustworthy manner, which will require timely and meaningful information and the consultation of workers’ representatives, including trade unions, to ensure full respect for their health and safety at work, data protection, equal treatment, employment stability, social protection and well-being at work, and to prevent undue exploitation and surveillance of workers, as well as discrimination and stigmatisation, in particular via management by algorithms; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology prior to their introduction; 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; highlights the need to apply the ethics-by-default principle throughout the entire life cycle of the digital technologies in order to harness their full potential and avoid biases; stresses that social dialogue structures, sectoral collective bargaining, the provision of information to trade unions and workers’ representatives, and the consultation and participation thereof are key to providing the necessary support for workers to better build and participate in the uptake and monitoring by social partners of digital technology at the workplace;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the Eurofound's Consolidated Annual Activity report 2022;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard to the Cedefop's Consolidated Annual Activity report 2022;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
– having regard to the ETF's Consolidated Annual Activity report 2022;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
– having regard to the EU-OSHA's Consolidated Annual Activity report 2022;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 e (new)
Citation 2 e (new)
– having regard to the ELA's Consolidated Annual Activity report 2022;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the fact that, following a formal decision by the Management Board of Eurofound, the Executive Directors of ETF, ELA, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) participated in person or were represented at the Management Board meeting for the first time, joining colleagues from EU-OSHA and Cedefop, who already joined the meetings in the past; notes that such participation is in line with the reinforced cooperation foreseen in the Commission’s 2019 staff working document on the evaluation of the EU agencies working in the employment and social affairs policy field;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the agencies are the most qualified at assessing the use of resources and play a crucial role in supporting the right sustainable projects in line with the European Green Deal; calls on the Commission to ensure funding supportwelcomes the fact that plans to improve energy efficiency and climate neutrality of their operations were incorporated by nearly two ing three EU agencies in securing the social dialogue; notes; welcomes that Cedefop, EIT and Eurofound plan to start issuing a sustainability report by 2024; welcomes the fact that EU aAgencies have a crucial role in securing social dialogue with the EU institutionsNetwork (EUAN) set up a working group to promote the introduction of sustainability reporting and the sharing of good practices in this area;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2182(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure funding supporting the EU agencies in securing the social dialogue; notes that EU agencies have a crucial role in securing social dialogue with the EU institutions;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highly values the Foundation’s mission to provide knowledghigh quality work enhancing and disseminating knowledge, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, and appreciates the work done by the Foundation in this field; stresses the Foundation’s importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the budget of the Foundation for the financial year 2022 was EUR 26 million (EUR 27 million in 2021)1 ; expresses its satisfaction that the Foundation’s budget for 2022 was executed by 100% (as it was in 2021); highlights the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Foundation to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate, including in the light of the significant challenges regarding the changing world of work; _________________ 1 These budget figures were taken from the ECA’s Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2022 and are based on the total payment appropriations available during the financial year.
Amendment 4 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Appreciates that Foundation’s leadership is seeking close cooperation with other European Union Agencies, including Cedefop, EU-OSHA, ETF, EIGE, FRA, EEA, and EEACDC, which aims at strengthening the synergies between these agencies and avoid overlaps;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Appreciates the Foundation’s close working relationships with international organisations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), with which a new Framework agreement for cooperation was signed in 2022, as well as the Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD);
Amendment 6 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Appreciates that the Foundation is further building on its relations with the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) and close collaboration is taking place in the domains of digitalisation and new forms of work, as well as monitoring structural change in the labour market;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note that some weaknesses related to the procurement procedure for networking services were found due to the lack of a clear distinction between selection and award criteria; welcomes the fact that the Foundation has taken the steps to correct its tender templates accordingly;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2167(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes noteRegrets that some weaknesses related to Foundation’s traineeship programme in 2022 were found related to updating trainees’ remuneration and welcomes, resulting in the payment of €3 330 less than it should have to the 16 affected trainees; welcomes, however, the fact that the Foundation made the necessary corrections; also takes note offter paying adjustments to the trainees from October 2022 onwards; acknowledges the fact that in order to avoid such issues in the future, the Foundation updated its rules for 2023 accordingly;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, the budget of the Agency for the financial year 2022 was EUR 22 million (the same as in 2021)1 ; expresses its satisfaction that the Agency’s budget for 2022 was executed by 98.7%; highlights the need to keep ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Agency to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate; _________________ 1 These budget figures were taken from the ECA’s Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2022 and are based on the total payment appropriations available during the financial year.
Amendment 4 #
2023/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. ANotes the prominent role that the Agency has been given when implementing the principles enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights and achievements of Porto targets; appreciates the Agency’s continued significant contribution, through several actions carried out alone or in collaboration with others, to safer and healthier workplaces in Europefor every worker in Europe regardless of the size of the company, the type of contract or the employment relationship further to the global health crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates the Agency on the good results achieved;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2166(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction the important role assigned to the Agency in the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 and the way this has been taken forward; welcomes the Agency’s strong commitment to delivering on the Vision Zero approach to work- related deaths, on mental health at work, as well as on the impact of heatwaves and climate change on the health and safety of workers;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2163(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. AppreciatWelcomes the Foundation’s activities in helping transition and developingUnion partner countries, enlargement countries and Central Asian countries harness the potential of their human capital and improve the employment prospects of their citizens through the reform of education, vocational training, skills and labour market systems, in the context of the Union’s external relations policies;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2163(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NotWelcomes that, the budget of the Foundation for the financial year 2022 amountedincreased up to EUR 25 million (EUR 21 million in 2021)1 ; expresses its satisfaction that the Foundation’s budget for 2022 was executed by 97.7%; highlights the need to keep ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Foundation to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate; _________________ 1 These budget figures were taken from the ECA’s Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2022 and are based on the total payment appropriations available during the financial year.
Amendment 5 #
2023/2163(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises that the Foundation’s objectives and actions are closely aligned with EU policies and activities in the field of vocational education and training, human development, skills and migration; welcomes the Foundation’s continued cooperation and sharing of resources with other agencies, in particular with Cedefop and Eurofound, which enables significant knowledge sharing; stresses its importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2163(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with concern that the Court reported weaknesses in sometwo public procurement procedures related to the lack of financial solvency of the tenderers proposed by the Foundation; calls on the Foundation to further improve its public procurement procedures, ensuring full compliance with the applicable rules, to ensure they achieve the best possible value for money, notably by simplifying its methodology and together with relevant Commission services discuss possible alternative methods to implement activities in the Foundation’s partner countries;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the year 2022 was the first full year after the Authority gained financial autonomy (in May 2021) and that the Authority is still in a growing stage reaching full resources only in 2024; notwelcomes that the budget of the Authority for the financial year 2022 was EUR 54 million (EUR 31 million in 2021)1 ; expresses its satisfaction that the Authority’s budget for 2022 was executed by 97% (95,8% in 2021); nevertheless, notes with concern the high rates of carry- overs of available 2022 commitment appropriations to 2023; highlights the need to keep ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Authority to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate; _________________ 1 These budget figures were taken from the ECA’s Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2022 and are based on the total payment appropriations available during the financial year.
Amendment 4 #
2023/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Appreciates the Authority’s work to assist Member States and the Commission in ensuring a fair and effective enforcement of Union rules on labour mobility and social security coordination, and in facilitating effective labour mobility in Europe through European Employment Services (EURES) activities, making it easier for citizens and businesses to benefit from the internal market;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes that the Authority has not yet reached its full operational potential; recalls that the Authority’s activities are restricted due to the voluntary nature of the cooperation and participation of Member States and its limited legal framework that prevents it from carrying out investigations on its own initiative or dealing with labour migration from third countries; calls, therefore, on the Commission to present a proposal for a targeted revision of the Authority’s founding regulation, with a view to strengthen its mandate and allowing it to reach its full operational potential;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that at the end of 2022, the proportion of temporary workers (seconded national experts (SNEs) and interims) at the Authority was 58 %, the highest proportion compared to all EU decentralised agencies; calls for the conversion of some15 of the SNEs posts into temporary agents posts (TAs) to ensure the need for appropriate staffing for the Authority to be able to continue fulfilling its mission; notes that high reliance on temporary workers leads to a regular high staff turnover, entailing the risk of losing expertise (specialised knowledge, contact networks built with stakeholders), which could negatively affect ELA’s operational capabilities; notes that a high staff turnover may also impact business continuity;
Amendment 11 #
2023/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsTakes note that the Court found systematic weaknesses in the Authority’s management and control systems, particularly related to the payment of daily and monthly allowances to SNEs and national liason officers (NLOs); acknowledges that the Authority has strengthened the management and control of the SNE file regarding the ex-ante and ex-post controls and calls on the Authority to further address these weaknesses;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2143(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. NotWelcomes that the budget of the Cedefop for the financial year 2022 amountedincreased up to EUR 26 million (25 million in 2021)1 ; expresses its satisfaction that the Cedefop utilised essentially all of its available funding with an overall budget implementation rate of 99,98%; _________________ 1 These budget figures were taken from the ECA’s Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2022 and are based on the total payment appropriations available during the financial year.
Amendment 2 #
2023/2143(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Cedefop’s activitieshigh quality work , providing research, analyses and technical advice and expertise in vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies; with the aim of promoting high-quality training tailored to the needs of individuals and of the labour market; highlights the need to keep ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Centre to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate; stresses its importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2143(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the fact that the Court found some issuirregularities related to the payment of daily subsistence allowances made by Cedefop to two seconded national experts (SNEs) employed by it; welcomacknowledges the fact that Cedefop intendsdentified and documented such irregularities in the registry of non-compliance and rectified the situation based on external legal advice; welcomes the Centre’s aim to amend its rules to make it possible for any SNE that has to change their place of living and relocate to Thessaloniki to be eligible to receive allowances, as this would also ensure equal treatment of SNEs independently of their nationality;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the European Commission’s Annual management and performance report for the EU budget 2022;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that spending under the subheading “Economic, social and territorial cohesion” (Subheading 2a) focuses on 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 achieving its targets and assisting Member States and regions to harness new opportunities and address challenges, such as globalisation, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, industrial change, digitalisation and supporting up and re- skilling and lifelong learning;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is greatly worried that the overall level of error was material at 4.2 %, compared to 3.0 % in 2021, largely above the 2 % materiality threshold; and is particularly worried that the level of error is mainly driven by ‘Cohesion, resilience and values’, which was the biggest contributor to this rate (2.5 %); 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; calls for urgent action to decrease the error rate in the future, especially for the new funding period, and calls on the Commission to assist the agencies to improve their internal procedures in order to ensure compliance with applicable public procurement and state aid rules;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted in New York on 16 December 1966,
Amendment 8 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Amendment 10 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR),
Amendment 11 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
– having regard to the EPSR Action Plan with its 2030 headline targets and the EU social scoreboard,
Amendment 12 #
2023/2066(INI)
– having regard to the Porto declaration of 8 May 2021 and the renewed commitments at the 2023 Porto Social Forum,
Amendment 16 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
Amendment 17 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 29 April 2021 on the European Child Guarantee,
Amendment 20 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 c (new)
Citation 5 c (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 7 April 2022 on the EU’s protection of children and young people fleeing the war in Ukraine,
Amendment 21 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 d (new)
Citation 5 d (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 5 July 2022 towards a common European action on care,
Amendment 22 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 e (new)
Citation 5 e (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 5 October 2022 on the EU’s response to the increase in energy prices in Europe,
Amendment 23 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
Amendment 24 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
Amendment 25 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 26 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
Amendment 30 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
Amendment 32 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)
Citation 12 b (new)
– having regard to the Council recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems,
Amendment 33 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 c (new)
Citation 12 c (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020) 152 final), of 5 March 2020,
Amendment 34 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 d (new)
Citation 12 d (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation for 2020-2030 (COM(2020) 620 final), of 7 October 2020,
Amendment 35 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 e (new)
Citation 12 e (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication Union of Equality: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (COM(2021) 101 final), of 3 March 2021,
Amendment 36 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 f (new)
Citation 12 f (new)
– having regard to the Communication of the European Commission on European Care Strategy (COM/2022/440 final) of 7 September 2022 , the Council recommendation 14785/22 of 29 November 2022 on early childhood education and care: the Barcelona targets for 2030 and the Council recommendation 13948/22 of 25 November 2022 on access to affordable high-quality long-term care,
Amendment 37 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 g (new)
Citation 12 g (new)
– having regard to the Council Recommendation of 30 January 2023 on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion 2023/C 41/01,
Amendment 38 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
Amendment 39 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
Citation 14
Amendment 40 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
Amendment 41 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
Amendment 46 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17
Citation 17
– having regard to the reportopinion of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality,
Amendment 53 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas child poverty iin 2021, more than 19.6 million children (one in four children) were at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the EU; whereas despite significant differences in child poverty and social exclusion rates between the Member States, no Member State is free of child poverty1a; whereas over one-fifth (22.4 %) of the EU population living in households with dependent children was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 20222a; whereas in 2021, 54.3 % of people living in single-adult households with dependent children in the EU were unable to meet unexpected financial expenses3a; whereas child poverty is thus a multidimensional phenomenon stemming from household poverty, meaning that low- er-education and low-income families, single-parent families – mostly made up of women and their children – and large disadvantaged families are at greater risk of poverty and bear a higher probability of transmission of poverty over several generation; whereas this phenomenon requires a multidimensional response, which necessarily includes improving employment quality and job security, guaranteeing and enforcing rights, increasing income and ensuring universal access to quality public services; , as well as family and child benefits; _________________ 1a Save the Children Europe (2023) Guaranteeing Children's Future: How COVID-19, cost-of-living and climate crises affect children in poverty and what governments in Europe need to do. Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net /pdf/Guaranteeing-Childrens-Future- Report-Full-MARCH-2023.pdf/. 2a Eurostat (2023) Living conditions in Europe - poverty and social exclusion. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Living_conditi ons_in_Europe_- _poverty_and_social_exclusion&oldid=58 4082. 3a Eurostat (2022) Living conditions in Europe - material deprivation and economic strain. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Living_conditi ons_in_Europe_- _material_deprivation_and_economic_str ain.
Amendment 67 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 70 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas life in areas with the lack of accessible quality child-centred services and support to the families increases the risk of child poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 72 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 74 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Amendment 77 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Amendment 79 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Amendment 81 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas not having a nationality or identity documents makes it difficult for stateless children to access some of the most fundamental rights, such as birth registration, education, healthcare, social security and housing, and exposes them to greater risks of abuse and exploitation such as trafficking, child labour, and immigration detention;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, adopted in 2021, aims to reduce the number of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion by at least 5 million by 2030; whereas even if this target were achieved around 15 million children in the EU would still be at risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas this number is projected to further increase with the emergence of new complex and intertwined social crises1a; _________________ 1a Save the Children Europe (2023) Guaranteeing Children's Future: How COVID-19, cost-of-living and climate crises affect children in poverty and what governments in Europe need to do. Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net /pdf/Guaranteeing-Childrens-Future- Report-Full-MARCH-2023.pdf/.
Amendment 91 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Child Guarantee is a key EU instrument for preventing and combatting poverty and social exclusion by guaranteeing free and effective access for children in need to essential care services, such as early childhood education and care, educational and school-based activities, healthcare and at least one healthy meal per school day, and effective access for all children in need to healthy nutrition and adequate housing;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas childcare and pre-scgh-quality inclusive early childhoold education mayand care plays a significant role in compensating for the disadvantaged socio-economic status of children at risk of poverty and its impact on children’s health and socio-emotional development, and fosters the integration of parents, especially mothers, into the labour market; whereas the remote learning policies during the COVID-19 pandemic increased inequalities due to the lack of resources and support needed to the disadvantaged children and their families1a; _________________ 1a Human Rights Watch (2021) “Years don’t wait for them”: increased inequality in children’s right to education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/me dia_2021/05/global_covideducation0521_ web.pdf.
Amendment 119 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 127 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas in 2021, 3.6% of children in the EU below 16 had unmet medical needs and 4.4 % of children reported a disability1a; whereas even in countries where the right to health is enshrined in law, inequalities persist and many children do not have timely access to adequate healthcare and some have extremely limited access to services other than emergency services, putting at risk the health of women during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as thessential health services; whereas the far-reaching crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic put at risk mental health and well-being of the entire generations of children; whereas the prevalence of mental health problems is three times higher among children from low-income families2a; whereas the risks of pervasive digital technologies for health and wellbeing of children and their families should not be underestimated; _________________ 1a Eurostat (2023) Health statistics - children. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Health_statistic s_-_children&oldid=508288. 2a Save thealth of babies and children; Children Europe (2023) Guaranteeing Children's Future: How COVID-19, cost-of-living and climate crises affect children in poverty and what governments in Europe need to do. Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net /pdf/Guaranteeing-Childrens-Future- Report-Full-MARCH-2023.pdf/.
Amendment 134 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families; whereas several Member States are attempting to further limit access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through highly restrictive laws that put at risk the health of women during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the health of children;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas all children, parents, foster families and carers should be protected from discrimination, such as discrimination on grounds of sex, language, sexual orientationand/or gender identity , religion or belief, political or ideological beliefs, national, racial, ethnic or social origin, belonging to a national minority, economic situation, disability, age or any other status, and children from vulnerable population groups are at greater risk of marginalisation, poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas children with disabilities and children born to parents with disabilities are still exposed to discrimination and violation of their rights through persistent barriers in all areas of life; whereas these barriers and lack of accessible quality care and support services for persons with disabilities and other persons in need of care and support is particularly manifest in the times of crises, leading to the additional burden on informal, family carers, majority of whom are women;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas child support and family policies do not always reflect and are not sufficiently adapted to the family diversity and family living arrangements (e.g. families with unmarried parents, children of separated parents living in two households or children living in a blended large family, foster families, rainbow families), to the detriment of families’ living standards, access to social protection programs and benefits, and their resilience to crises;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Amendment 158 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas playing gives children the opportunity to express themselves in a symbolic way and forms an essential basis of the way they think; is the natural and the most effective way for children to learn about themselves, their social and natural environment, to express themselves and develop; whereas participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport directly contributes to children’s well-being and helps them to thrive; whereas financial constraints hamper participation of children from disadvantaged families in non-formal educations and extracurricular activities;
Amendment 191 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and Member States to increassignificantly increase and ensure sustainable and adequate public investment in universal and targeted policies that have a direct and indirect impact on children’s lives, above all by guaranteeing equal access to high-quality public services (especially, such as care, early childhood education and care, education, health, decent housing, cultural and leisure activities), to promote the creation of work with rights based on robust collective bargaining and recruitment with decent and fair wages, to facilitate a work-life balance by, inter alia, reducing working hours and providing for maternity and paternity leave, and to bolster mechanisms for ensuring the participation of children and their families in the development, implementation and monitoring of these policies; for children and families in vulnerable situations; calls on the Commission and Member States to bolster mechanisms for ensuring the participation of children and their families in the development, implementation and monitoring of these policies; underlines the importance of exempting the investment in the key policies for combatting child poverty and social exclusion from the national spending cuts;
Amendment 200 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the creation of quality jobs with strong labour rights and decent working conditions, including stable and fair work contracts, as well as decent and fair wages, which guarantee access to social and health protection, and robust collective bargaining as a crucial mechanism for representing and defending workers’ rights, especially in the times of crises; underlines the importance of facilitating a work-life balance by, inter alia, maternity, paternity, care and parental leave, reducing working hours and, providing flexible working arrangements for parents and carers;
Amendment 206 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Acknowledges the critical role of family and child benefits, as part of fair and inclusive social protection systems, which are adapted to the variety of family arrangements and provide timely access to social protection and adequate support for all, including for refugee and migrant children and their families; calls on the Member States to tackle the low take-up of social benefits and support by campaigns dedicated to raising awareness and combatting stigma and stereotypes;
Amendment 209 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that the governments of the Member States are moving away from universal policies andto increasingly promoting policies based on the liberalisation of services and instruments whose availability depends on the resources of the beneficiaries; stresses that universal, coordinated and long-term policies offer better protection against the multiple causes of poverty and social exclusion, by providing structural responses that can, if necessary, be supplemented by immediate, one-off support measuresor temporary targeted support measures; calls on the Commission to take this issue up in the context of the annual cycles of the European Semester for coordination of economic and social policies; encourages the Commission to invest in further take- up of the Social Imbalances Procedure;
Amendment 215 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the importance of well- designed minimum income schemes for social inclusion and people’s ability to lead dignified lives, especially in the times of crises; calls on the European Commission to propose a framework Directive on Minimum Income that sets minimum common standards and methodologies to guarantee accessible, enabling and adequate minimum income schemes;
Amendment 221 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to refrain from recommending reforms that lead to cuts in and the weakening of public administrationsector in the Member States, aimed at promoting the relaxation of employment relationships and the privatisation and liberalisation of public services, which have led to the weakening and, in some cases, the undermining of the social and labour rights of children and their families; calls on the Member States to increase the investment in availability and accessibility of professional care services as a means of reducing the burden on informal carers and ensuring minimum quality standards in care; deplores the recent statements by the President of the ECB, who criticised the investments by national governments in social responses aimed at addressing the increased cost of living;
Amendment 233 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the widest possible use of the Child Guarantee as a social response facilitating the social integration and inclusion of children suffering from poverty and exclusion; stresses the key importance of living up to the political commitment with comprehensive ambitious, regularly and timely updated Child Guarantee national action plans with measures targeting the most vulnerable children and their families, clear indicators, a timeframe and a structured monitoring framework that guarantees meaningful participation of multi-sectoral stakeholders, paired with a national framework for adequately disaggregated data collection; calls on the Commission and Member States to scale up investment and to strengthen child protection systems and social welfare services, allowing for swift implementation of the Child Guarantee in the context of new crises and the growing number of children in need;
Amendment 261 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to implement legislation that protects or enhances maternity, paternity and parental rights, allowing for a more effective work- life balance and a more equal distribution of care and housework, that makes it possible for women to return to work after pregnancy and maternity leave, and for breastfeedingallow for adequate time for breastfeeding after returning to work;
Amendment 273 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU budgetary authorities to take advantage of the upcoming mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 to strengthen and make better use of ESF+, ERDF, FEAD and Child Guarantee allocations in order to strengthen structural policies and social support for children and families accounting for the multisectoral nature of poverty; reiterates its repeated calls for the urgent increase in funding of the Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion for the period 2021-2027; insists on making this dedicated budget part of the revised MFF and reinforced ESF+; calls on the Commission to make available – and on the Member States to make full use of – all available resources to effectively implement the Child Guarantee, including the ESF+, ReactEU and the RRF;
Amendment 282 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends thatCalls on the Member States to ensure that all children have access to formal and non-formal, public, free, inclusive and quality education at all ages; deplores persistent cases of discrimination through separation or concentration of disadvantaged children, particularly Roma children, children with disabilities and children with a migrant background, in specific schools and classrooms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat school segregation and to develop policies, strategies and tools for advancing inclusive education; calls on the Commission and the Member States to specifically ensure access to inclusive, high-quality education for all persons with disabilities;
Amendment 295 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses, in view of the difficulties in accessing early childhood care in most Member Stateducation and care throughout the Union, especially for children aged 0-3 and children from economically and socially disadvantaged families, the need for increased investment in quality early childhood education and care services, thereby creating or bolstering a public, universal and free response from the very beginning of the education processupport to parents and carers from child’s early years;
Amendment 311 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the experience of some Member States, which ensure that textbooks and teaching materials, as well as school transport and healthy meals, are inclusive and provided free of charge; recommends extending this system to all Member States as a means of ensuring equal access to education and as an important means of financial support for the most vulnerable of families; encourages the Member States to use the available European funds to promote equal participation of children from disadvantaged households in extracurricular and leisure activities;
Amendment 321 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to guarantee universal, public, free and quality healthcare for all children and their families; highlights the value of vaccinating children and the need to fight the hotbeds of misinformation with regard to the benefits of vaccinationintegrated healthcare, including health promotion and disease prevention, for all children and their families through a universal health coverage package; calls on the Member States to guarantee universal and accessible maternal, new- born and paediatric care, from pregnancy to adolescence, providing for regular paediatric visits, consultations with nutritionists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other health professionals, regardless of the ethnic, social or administrative status of the parents; highlights the value of vaccinating children and the need to fight the hotbeds of misinformation with regard to the benefits of vaccination; is concerned over the persistent considerable shortage of medicines for children and calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure sufficient production and stockpiling of important paediatric primary care medicines; calls on the Member States to support families in vulnerable situations through individualised and tailored social services and psychosocial support;
Amendment 329 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States to develop specific measures to support parents with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, and to ensure accessible information about the support available to them; acknowledges the benefits of family-centred early childhood intervention and calls on the Commission and the Member States to mainstream it in all the relevant policy areas, such as policies for the protection of children’s rights and persons with disabilities, and to foster an exchange of information and best practices on it; calls on the Commission and the Member States to incorporate the disability perspective and meaningfully consult persons with disabilities and their representative organisations when planning actions to ensure adequate standard of living and social protection of persons with disabilities, particularly in times of crises and transitions;
Amendment 333 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the transition from institutional care to family- and community-based affordable professional quality care services, in full respect of the obligations enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other key human rights instruments;
Amendment 335 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the right to comfortabledecent housing that meets the needs of children and their families and ensures their well- being, privacy and quality of life; calls on the Member States to eradicate homelessness through preventive and housing-led strategies, to promote a public housing policy that tackles property speculation and guarantees this righte right to affordable quality housing, and to increase investment in quality social housing; highlights the importance of adapting the living, care and education facilities to climate emergencies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to mainstream child-sensitive approach in policies and measures for tackling climate change;
Amendment 340 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Deplores the fact that the cycle of poverty in Roma families often leads to Roma children being overrepresented in social protection institutions in comparison to non-Roma children; highlights the fact that Roma children and their families are often the first to suffer in times of crisis; calls on the Commission and Member States to pay specific attention in the implementation of the Child Guarantee to the unique challenges faced by Roma children, who often experience extreme poverty, marginalisation, and discrimination in all spheres of life; calls on the Member States to prioritise effective measures and specific actions for improving the status of the family and living conditions, health and well-being of children, early learning and fostering responsive parenting in the implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework;
Amendment 344 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to foster programmes to monitor the prices of food, energy, transport and other essential goods in order to reduce the impact of the rise in the cost of living on children and their familiesprovide timely assistance to the families hit by the cost of living crisis, taking into account child- and gender-sensitive approach; highlights the detrimental impact of inflation and cost- of-living crisis on the life and rights of children and families in vulnerable situations and calls on the Member States to uprate social benefits and wages to inflation;
Amendment 359 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Condemns all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, including child labour, and neglect with regard to children, as well as violence against women, domestic and gender based violence; calls on the Member States to develop and implement integrated prevention and protection systems for children and other victims with a view to eradicating violence and discrimination, both in physical and digital environment;
Amendment 374 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need to invest in support and follow-up for children and young asylum seekersrefugee and migrant children , especially unaccompanied minors and stateless children, their families, carers and host institutioncommunities;
Amendment 79 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The UNCRPD recognises that persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various administrative, technological and societal barriers can result in discriminatory treatment. The purpose of the UNCRPD is therefore to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect of their inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons, thus ensuring their full and effective participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with others. The UNCRPD also recognises the importance of respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity and the need to take appropriate measures to ensure full and equal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
Amendment 83 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) The UNCRPD further recognises the difficult conditions faced by persons with disabilities who are subject to multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, indigenous or social origin, property, birth, age or other status. It particular, it recognises that women and girls with disabilities are at greater risk and subject to multiple discrimination, and that State Parties should take adequate measures to ensure their full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Amendment 84 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission at Gothenburg on 17 November 201740 provides that everyone, inter alia regardless of disability, has the right to equal treatment and opportunities regarding, among others, employment, social protection, education, and access to goods and services available to the public and that equal opportunities of under-represented groups are to be fostered (principle 3). In addition, the European Pillar of Social Rights recognises that persons with disabilities have the right to services that enable them to participate in society (principle 17). _________________ 40 Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights, OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10live in dignity and to income support that ensures a decent living, services that enable them to participate in society and a work environment adapted to their requirements (principle 17).
Amendment 98 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) PIn the cases where persons with disabilities movinge for longer periods to other Member States for employment, study or other purposes, except where otherwise provided by law or agreed among Member States, may have their disability status assessed and formally recognisedthe European Disability Card should serve as temporary recognition of their disability status until formal decision by the competent authorities in the other Member State and may receive, by means of a disability certificate, a disability card or any other formal document recognising their disability status in accordance with applicable rules of that Member State.
Amendment 111 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Alongside physicvarious physical, intellectual and other barriers in accessing both public and private spaces and services, high expenses are a key factor discouraging many persons with disabilities from travel48 12, because they have specific needs resulting in additional expenses related to their disability and may also require person(s) accompanying or assisting them including those recognised as personal assistant(s) in accordance with national legislation or practices, making their travel costs higher than for persons without disabilities49 13. The lack of recognition of disability status, in other Member States might limit their access to special conditions, such as free access or reduced tariffs, or preferential treatment and has an impact on their travel costs, lives and choices. _________________ 48 Findings from Final Report based on Survey targeted at EU-level CSOs; Shaw and Coles, ‘Disability, holiday making and the tourism industry in the UK: a preliminary survey’, 25(3) Tourism Management (2004) 397-403; Eugénia Lima Devile and Andreia Antunes Moura (2021), Travel by People With Physical Disabilities: Constraints and Influences in the Decision-Making Process. 49 McKercher and Darcy (2018), Re- conceptualizing barriers to travel by people with disabilities, Tourism Management Perspectives, 59-66. [More for Explanatory Memorandum?]personal autonomy.
Amendment 134 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Examples of special conditions or preferential treatment include free access, reduced tariffs, reduced fees or user charges for toll roads/bridges/tunnels, priority access, designated seats in parks and other public areas, accessible seating in cultural or public events, personal assistance, assistance animals (particularly guide dogs or assistance dogs for persons with visual disabilities), assistance on the beach to enter the water, support (such as access to braille, audio guides, sign language interpretation), provisions of aids or assistance, loan of a wheelchair, loan of a floating wheelchair, obtaining tourist information in accessible formats, using a mobility scooter on roads or a wheelchair in bike lanes without a fine, etc. Parking conditions and facilities include extended parking or reserved parking spaces. With respect to passenger transport services, in addition to the special conditions or preferential treatment offered to persons with disabilities, in accordance with national legislation or practices, assistance animals (particularly guide dogs or assistance dogs for persons with visual disabilities), personal assistants or other persons accompanying or assisting persons with disabilities (or reduced mobility) may travel free of charge or be seated, where practicable next to the person with disabilities. Persons accompanying or assisting persons with disabilities are designated by the persons with disabilities themselves or their legal guardian(s) and can change on an ad hoc basis provided there is explicit consent by the persons with disabilities or their legal guardian(s) depending on their needs.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) The issuance and renewal of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities should always be and remain free of charge.
Amendment 146 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) In order to strengthen the utility and impact of the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, the Commission should establish a publicly available Union database, based on information provided and regularly updated by the Member States, in order to inform persons with disabilities of the different parking conditions and facilities offered for persons with disabilities in each Member State and its regions, cities, and municipalities. This Union database should be available in a public and fully accessible Union website dedicated to the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
Amendment 154 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In order to guarantee that workers with disabilities can effectively exercise their rights to free movement fully and also enjoy services, activities and facilities offered by Member States, including when provided not for remuneration, the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities should also be available to workers who travel to or visit another Member State for work-related purposalso applies to mobile workers, including frontier and cross-border workers with disabilities.
Amendment 155 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) The envisaged framework for mutual recognition of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities does not impinge on the competences of a Member State to assess and recognise the disability status and to grant special conditions, such as free access, reduced tariffs or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities and/or person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s). It does not cover social security benefits, social protection or social assistance covered by Article 24(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council56 . _________________ 56 Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens20. Social security benefits, social protection and social assistance should be covered in certain time-limited instances, either when moving to another Member State for work or study or while being part of theany Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC, OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77or national initiatives and/or any mobility programmes, to allow for the temporary continued recognition of the disability status while the persons with disabilities are undergoing the reassessment process to have their disability status recognised by another Member State.
Amendment 159 #
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, accessible formats, for persons with disabilities including in digital formats, national sign languages and easy-to-read, 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 165 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31 a (new)
Recital 31 a (new)
(31 a) Member States should ensure that private operators or public authorities make information on any special conditions or preferential treatment publicly available in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way and in accessible formats. The Commission should establish a single dedicated website, available in all official languages, collating the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by their public authorities. Member States should facilitate information concerning the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by private operators on the website where available and to update this information regularly according to any national legislation changes.
Amendment 176 #
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.
Amendment 205 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Paragraph 2 shall not apply in the following time-limited and momentary situations in order to ensure equal treatment and equal access between national and other Union citizens with disabilities: a) where European Disability Card holders move to another Member State to engage in an employment contract or enrol in an educational institution until such time as their disability status is re- assessed and formally recognised by the competent authorities in the other Member State or b) where a European Disability Card holder participates in any Union initiative and/or any mobility programme.
Amendment 226 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) “special conditions or preferential treatment” means any specific conditions, including those related to financial conditions, or any differentiated treatment related to assistance and support such as free access, reduced tariffs, priority access, offered to persons with disabilities and/or, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s) or assistance animals, such as guide dogs or assistance dogs, recognised in accordance with the national legislation or practices as such, irrespective of whether provided on a voluntary basis or imposed by legal obligations;
Amendment 275 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall introduce the European Disability Card following the common standardised format set out in Annex Iand the universal accessibility requirements set out in Annex I. Member States shall provide the option to persons with disabilities, when applying for the card to the relevant authorities, to display their required reasonable accommodation via the relevant symbols on the Card. Member States shall introduce digital features in physical cards using electronic means addressing fraud- prevention as part of the European Disability Card, as soon as the requirements concerning the digital features referred to in Annex I, are laid down by the Commission in the technical specifications referred to in Article 8. The digital storage medium shall not contain more personal data than the data provided for the European Disability Card in Annex I.
Amendment 287 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. The European Disability Card shall be issued or renewed by the Member State of residence directly or upon application by the person with disabilities. It shall be issued and renewed within the samwhere already provided for in the national disability assessment and recognition procedure, or upon application by the person with disabilities. It shall be issued and renewed free of charge for the beneficiary and within a reasonable period from the date of the application which shall not exceed either 60 days or the period set in the applicable national legislation for issuing disability certificates, disability cards or any other formal document recognising the disability status of a person with disabilities whichever is shorter.
Amendment 297 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Member States shall ensure that persons with disabilities, or designated representatives acting on their behalf and with their or their legal guardian(s)´ approval, may appeal a decision by the competent authorities regarding the issuance, renewal or withdrawal of a European Disability Card.
Amendment 310 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 11 to supplement this Directive in order to set the digital format of the European Disability Card and ensure interoperability, and to amend Annex I in order to modify the common features of the standardised format, adapt the format to technical developments, introduce digital features in order to prevent forgery and fraud, address abuse or misuse and ensure accessibility and interoperability.
Amendment 326 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The European Parking Card for persons with disabilities shall be issued or renewed by the Member State of residence upon application by the person with disabilities. It shall be issued or renewed free of charge for the beneficiary and within a reasonable period from the date of the application which shall not exceed 60 days.
Amendment 331 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Member States shall ensure that persons with disabilities, or designated representatives acting on their behalf and with their or their legal guardian(s)´ approval, may appeal a decision by the competent authorities regarding the issuance, renewal or withdrawal of a European Parking Card.
Amendment 341 #
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 all 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 in accessible formats. The database shall be available in the single website, in all official languages, collating the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by their public authorities. Member States shall facilitate information concerning the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by private operators on the website where available and to update this information regularly according to any national legislation changes.
Amendment 400 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
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 as well as persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
Amendment 406 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee and shall meaningfully involve representative organisations of persons with disabilities. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
Amendment 411 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to ensure compliance with this Directive. Participation and permanent dialogue with civil society organisations and associations representing persons with disabilities shall be promoted.
Amendment 413 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) provisions whereby 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 in ensuring that the provisions of this Directive are complied with may take action in accordance with national law and procedures before the courts or before the competent administrative bodies on behalf or in support of a person with disabilities, with his or hetheir approval, in any judicial or administrative proceedings provided for the enforcement of obligations under this Directive.
Amendment 416 #
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 format clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way and in accessible formats. The Commission shall establish a single dedicated website, available in all EU languages, including all of the EU’s national sign languages for audio and video content and in accessible formats, collating the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by their public authorities. Member States shall facilitate information concerning the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by public and private operators on the website where available and to update this information regularly according to any national legislation changes.
Amendment 431 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. By dd/mm/yy [threewo years after the date of application of this Directive], and every fivthree years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions a report on the application of this Directive.
Amendment 433 #
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 developmentsand other relevant developments, including technological, 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.
Amendment 441 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall adopt and publish, by dd/mm/yy [within 182 months after the entry into force of this Directive] at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions.
Amendment 445 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. They shall apply those provisions from dd/mm/yy [3024 months from the date of entry into force of this Directive].
Amendment 464 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I a (new)
Annex I a (new)
The card shall have a QR code containing all data included in the card in accessible format duly defined and indicated by an embossed stamp, fully compliant with data protection legislation.
Amendment 474 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – point 3 – point b – indent 1
Annex II – point 3 – point b – indent 1
– in capital letters, the words ‘European Parking Card for persons with disabilities’ in the language(s) of the Member State issuing the card and in braille using the Marburg code dimensions; after a suitable space, it shall appear in small type in the other languages of the European Union;
Amendment 480 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II a (new)
Annex II a (new)
The card shall have a QR code containing all data included in the card in accessible format duly defined and indicated by an embossed stamp, fully compliant with data protection legislation.
Amendment 138 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Member States should be provided with the tools and measures to combat the most serious corrupt behaviour, involving abuse of high level power or causing serious harm to societies. In order to ensure improved track record of tackling high level corruption cases across all Member States, it is imperative that national authorities dispose of specific measures with regards to the prevention, repression, investigation and prosecution of cases involving high level officials or gross misappropriation of public funds or resources.
Amendment 140 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) Corruption is not a victimless crime and the rights of victims of corruption should be safeguarded on the same level as those of victims of other crimes, including regarding the right to information, support and protection. Victims of corruption should be represented in court proceedings, consulted about corruption investigation and adequately compensated. This will ensure that the consequences and the damage of corruption to societies are recognised and guarantees the rights of people suffering from corruption.
Amendment 145 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To root out corruption, both preventive and repressive mechanisms are needed. Member States are encouraged to take a wide range of preventive, legislative and cooperative measures as part of the fight against corruption. Whereas corruption is first and foremost a crime and specific acts of corruption are defined in national and international law, failings in integrity, undisclosed conflicts of interests or serious breaches of ethical rules can become corrupt activities if left unaddressed. The prevention of corruption mitigates the need for criminal repression and has wider benefits in promoting public trust and managing the conduct of public officials. Effective anti-corruption approaches oftenin all Member States should build on measures to enhance transparency, ethics and integrity, as well as by regulating in areas, considered to be enablers of corruption, such as conflict of interest, lobbying and, revolving doors, public procurements and political parties financing. Public bodies should seek the highest standards of integrity, transparency and independence as an important part of tackling corruption more broadly.
Amendment 148 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Member States should have in place bodies or units specialised in the repression and investigation and specialised in the prevention of corruption. Member States may decide to entrust a body with a combination of preventive and law enforcement functions. In order to ensure that these bodies operate effectively, they should meet a number of conditions, including having the independence, resources and powers that are necessary to ensure the proper administration of their tasks. The management of the specialised bodies should be appointed through an open and transparent procedure in full compliance with the principle of legislative oversight, including several branches of government, to ensure public trust in the national anti-corruption bodies and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Amendment 150 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) To ensure coordinated EU oversight over the efforts of Member States to tackle corruption, Member States should facilitate the tasks of an EU Anti- Corruption Coordinator. The Coordinator should be responsible for improving coordination and coherence among EU institutions, EU agencies and Member States and should contribute to the effective application of this Directive. To ensure implementation of the country- specific recommendations in regards to combatting corruption set out in the Commission annual Rule of Law Report, the Coordinator should report on the actions that Member States take to address and fulfil them. On its own initiative, or upon the request of the Commission, the Anti-Corruption Coordinator may draw up opinions regarding national measures which may have a significant impact on the implementation of this Directive, including the national anti-corruption strategies of the Member States.
Amendment 216 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
(b) any other person assigned and exercising a public service function or providing public service in Member States or third countries, for an international organisation or for an international court.
Amendment 230 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
8. ‘high level officials’ are heads of state, heads of central and regional government, members of central and regional government, as well as other political appointees who hold a high level public office such as deputy ministers, state secretaries, heads and members of a minister’s private office, and senior political officials, executives of state- owned corporations, leaders of political parties, as well as members of parliamentary chambers, members of highest Courts, such as Constitutional and Supreme Courts, and members of Supreme Audit Institutions.
Amendment 235 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
8a. ‘victim of corruption’ means a legal person, in accordance with national law, who is a victim as defined in Article 2(1), point (a), of Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council60a, that has suffered harm as a result of any of the offences within the scope of that Directive; _________________ 60a 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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/oj
Amendment 239 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
8b. ‘high level corruption’ means the commission of any offences referred to in Articles 7 to 14, where the offence involves a high level official or results in a gross misappropriation of public funds or resources.
Amendment 252 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall take measures to ensure that key preventive tools such asare in place, such the development of national anti-corruption strategies in consultation with the relevant specialised bodies referred to in Article (4) and civil society, an open access to information of public interest, effective rules for the disclosure and management of conflicts of interests in the public sector, effective rules for the disclosure and verification of assets of public officials and effective rules regulating the interaction between the private and the public sector are in placefor the disclosure and transparency of national political parties financing.
Amendment 258 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 260 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Member States shall take measures to regulate the movement of public officials from positions of public office to positions in the same field in the private or voluntary sector in either direction. Those measures shall include restrictions on post-term employment of public officials and post-term employment of interest representatives with a period of time, as determined in national law, following the end of their mandate during which public officials and interest representatives shall not undertake employment related to their former professional activities.
Amendment 262 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Member States shall take measures to ensure transparency and accountability of public procurements. Such measures shall include creating a public and easily accessible national procurement register, providing standardised data, including information on all procurement contracts concluded by the public authorities.
Amendment 269 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) members of law enforcement and the judiciary, including measures relating to their merit-based appointment and conduct, and by ensuring adequate remuneration and equitable pay scales.
Amendment 277 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) develop anti-corruption action plans to address the main risks in the sectors identified.
Amendment 293 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that one or several bodies, or organisational units specialised in the repression of corruptionand investigation of corruption, including high-level corruption, is or are in place.
Amendment 298 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) are functionally independent from the government and have a sufficient number of qualified staff, including on the operational level, and the financial, technical and technological resources, as well as the powers and tools necessary to ensure the proper administration of their tasks;
Amendment 300 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Amendment 302 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a b (new)
(ab) are managed by executive member or members with an adequate and sufficient term of office, ensuring functional political independence. The executive member or members shall be appointed through a transparent, open and non-discriminatory procedure in accordance with the principle of legislative oversight. The selection criteria shall be predictable and known no less than 1 year before the planned appointment.
Amendment 304 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) provide public access to relevant information on the exercise of their activities, including annual reports on their activities, with due regard for the protection of personal data and the confidentiality of investigations;
Amendment 311 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a (new)
Article4a Coordination of Union strategy on combating corruption 1. In order to contribute to a coordinated and consolidated Union strategy on combating corruption, Member States shall facilitate the tasks of a European Union Anti-Corruption Coordinator (‘the Coordinator’). In particular, Member States shall transmit to the Coordinator, when requested, information referred to in Article 26 of this Directive. 2. The Coordinator shall promote the effective and consistent application of this Directive and shall monitor the implementation of the provisions of Articles 3 and 4 of this Directive. 3. The Coordinator shall advise the Commission, on its own initiative or where requested by it, on the implementation of the country-specific recommendations related to combatting corruption, set out in the Commission annual Rule of Law Reports, or on national measures which might have a significant impact on their implementation.
Amendment 315 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that national authorities competent for the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution or adjudication of the criminal offences referred to in this Directive are continually provided with an adequate number of qualified staff and the financial, technical and technological resources necessary for the effective performance of their functions related to the implementation of this Directive.
Amendment 318 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall take the necessary measures to ensure adequate resources for and the provision of training at a regular interval for its national officials to be able to identify different forms of corruption and corruption risks that may occur in the exercise of their duties and to react in a timely and appropriate manner to any suspicious activity.
Amendment 375 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article13a Liability for serious negligence The conduct referred to in Articles 7 to 13 shall constitute a criminal offence when committed with serious negligence.
Amendment 379 #
2023/0135(COD)
(a) the criminal offences referred to in Article 7 and 12 are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least sixeight years;
Amendment 380 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the criminal offences referred to in Article 8 to 11 are punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least fiseven years; and
Amendment 381 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the criminal offence referred to in Article 13 is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least foursix years.
Amendment 394 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) criminal or non-criminal fines, the maximum limit of which should not be less than 510 percent of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person, including related entities, in the business year preceding the decision imposing the fine;
Amendment 396 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
(ia) the publication of all or part of the judicial decision that relates to the criminal offence committed and the sanctions or measures imposed, where there is a public interest, without prejudice to rules on privacy and the protection of personal data.
Amendment 399 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the offender ice involves a high level official or constitutes high level corruption;
Amendment 405 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Amendment 406 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) the offender does not provide assistance to enforcement authorities when legally required;
Amendment 407 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(gc) in the case of legal persons, the offence was committed by a person having a leading positons within the legal person concerned.
Amendment 408 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 412 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that privileges or immunities from investigation and prosecution granted to national officials for the offences referred to in this Directive can be lifted, either at the national official's own initiative or through an objective, impartial, effective and transparent process pre-established by law, based on clear criteria, and that is concluded within a reasonable timeframe. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that privileges and immunities accorded to public officials shall not be applicable in instances of investigation and prosecution of cases involving high level corruption.
Amendment 418 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) the offence is committed in any Member State and is a case of high level corruption.
Amendment 448 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Article23a Victims compensation 1. Member States shall take measures to ensure that victims of the criminal offences referred to in this Directive shall be afforded the rights under Directive 2012/29/EU. 2. Member States shall take measures to ensure the identification and timely notification of victims of corruption. Member States shall accord victims of corruption the right to instigate legal proceedings with the aim of securing proportional and adequate compensation for the infringement of their rights.
Amendment 459 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission, through the EU network against corruption, and the European Union Anti- Corruption Coordinator, shall in particular:
Amendment 468 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the number of cases involving high level officials reported;
Amendment 469 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the number of cases investigated, including those involving cross-border cooperation;
Amendment 470 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) the number of cases involving high level officials investigated, including those involving cross-border cooperation;
Amendment 471 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) the averagemedian, average and maximum length of the criminal investigations of cases;
Amendment 472 #
2023/0135(COD)
(fa) the number of convictions for corruption crimes related to offences committed by a public official;
Amendment 477 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall, on an annual basis and by 1 June, publish, in a publicly available manner and in a machine- readable and disaggregated format, the statistical data referred to in paragraph 2 for the previous year and inform the Commission and the European Anti- Corruption Coordinator thereof.
Amendment 506 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 3
3. By [48 months after the deadline for implementation of this Directive], the Commission, in consultation with the Anti-Corruption Coordinator, shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, assessing the added value of this Directive with regard to combating corruption. The report shall also cover the impact of this Directive on fundamental rights and freedoms. On the basis of this evaluation, the Commission shall, if necessary, decide on appropriate follow-up actions.
Amendment 35 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) European statistics on population and housing are required for the design, implementation and evaluation of Union policies, in particular those addressing the demographic change, the green and digital transformations, the promotion of energy efficiency, economic, social and territorial cohesion, implementing the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda.
Amendment 39 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) To achieve the targets of the European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, to tackle the economic and social crises caused by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and to fight the cost-of-living crisis, the development and evaluation of effective policies require enhanced statistics relating to the energy use and efficiency of housing, detailed geographical data on the distribution of the population as well as deeper studies of the relationship between population and housing. With the COVID-19 pandemic the need for reliable, high frequency and timely statistics on deaths in the Union was manifested. While data needs were met with a voluntary data collection from Member States to the Commission (Eurostat), the Union needs an adequate mechanism for mandatory collection of such data within the European Statistical System (ESS) with the necessary frequency, timeliness and detail.
Amendment 47 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The rapidly changing nature of some population and housing characteristics, in particular in relation to demographic and migration phenomena, and the corresponding need for a prompt targeting and adaptation of policies means that there is a need for statistics to be available on a timely basis soon after the reference period. The periodicity and timeliness of statistics should be therefore tangibly advanced. To this end, the Member States should provide adequate resources for their national statistical institutes.
Amendment 54 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The current legal framework for European statistics on population and housing needs to be updated to ensure that the presently separate statistical processes are adequately integrated in a common framework which allows the ESS to respond effectively to new information needs of the Union and encourage statistical innovations. Statistical output must enhance to remain relevant in the face of demographic, migratory, social and economic changes in societyand challenges.
Amendment 59 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Privately held data can improve the coverage, timeliness and crisis response capacities of European statistics on population and housing or to enable statistical innovation. Such data have the potential to complement existing demography and migration statistics, bring statistical innovation and even serve for production of early estimates. The national statistical institutes and other competent national authorities and the Commission (Eurostat) should have access to and use such data, based on specific data-sharing protocols.
Amendment 63 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 b (new)
Recital 26 b (new)
(26b) Adequate, timely and effective policies presuppose reliable and comparable data, disaggregated by gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, socio-economic status, geographical area, and other parameters in accordance with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. This data is relevant to better understand population and housing trends, to combat intersectional discrimination and to implement and assess Union policies, objectives and actions, such as the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Child Guarantee, the European Care Strategy, the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness, all of which rely heavily on data about households and families. The collection and the use of such data must be conducted with full respect of Union and national privacy and fundamental rights standards, particularly in statistical research involving minors.
Amendment 64 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) European statistics on population and housing should address the persistent lack of data regarding vulnerable groups (hard-to-reach population groups), such as persons residing in institutions (e.g. military institutions, correctional and penal institutions, dormitories of schools and universities, religious institutions, hospitals, residential care centres, institutions for persons with disabilities and orphanages), persons aged 75+, persons with disabilities, homeless people, persons with migrant background and stateless persons. In order to bridge this data divide and to prevent social and economic inequalities arising from it, the Member States should develop strategies and targeted solutions for collecting data about hard-to-reach population groups, in particular with regard to locating, contacting, persuading and interviewing such populations.
Amendment 76 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
(8a) ‘hard-to-reach population groups’ means groups of individuals for whom a real or perceived barrier exists for full and representative inclusion in the collection of statistical data;
Amendment 78 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
(12a) ‘institution’ means a collective living quarter for the purpose of long- term inhabitation and provision of services to a group of persons;
Amendment 79 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘family’ means a group of two or more persons who live in the same household or in multiple households and who are related through parenthood or through marital, registered or consensual union partnership;
Amendment 85 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) buildings intended for habitation, living quarters and conventional dwellings, including institutions.
Amendment 87 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) families and households.;
Amendment 88 #
Amendment 105 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) disaggregate data, where relevant, by age, gender, disability, socio-economic status and other characteristics, in accordance with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics;
Amendment 108 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) reduceavoid possible risks of undercounting or double counting related to asymmetries of migration flows;
Amendment 114 #
2023/0008(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Article 12 – paragraph 6
6. At the request of the Commission (Eurostat), Member States shall provide necessary additional clarifications to evaluate the quality of the statistics without undue delay.
Amendment 8 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 33
Citation 33
Amendment 11 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 38
Citation 38
– having regard to Cedefop’s report entitled ‘Skills forecast: trends and challenges to 2030’, the joint Cedefop Eurofound report entitled ‘Fostering skills use for sustained business performance: Evidence from the European Company Survey,1a _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/def ault/files/ef_publication/field_ef_docume nt/ef21010en.pdf
Amendment 18 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the futureimportance of vocational education and training (VET) and in particular the upskilling and reskilling of workers will require two types of change among workers: upskilling and reskillingfurther increase, not least due to the digital and green transitions; whereas decent working conditions are essential to retain and attract skilled workers; whereas training provided to workers by their employer must not negatively affect worker’s remuneration and should include a more general and broad set of skills and competences, combined with specific needs;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the digital and green transitions can only become a success if workers are provided with the necessary skills and competences;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas equal access to skills, as well asVET, including upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, are workers and jobseekers, is crucial;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2207(INI)
D. whereas in 2021, 9.745 % of 18-24 year-olds in the EU had only completed upper secondary education and were not participating in further eduworkers reported having received training paid for by the employer over the past 12 months; whereas this share was lower among young workers, women, and workers on fixed-term and temporary agency contracts, pointing to inequalities in access to training;1a _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publicat ion or training; s/report/2022/working-conditions-in- the-time-of-covid-19-implications-for-the- future
Amendment 35 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas one of the reasons for the mismatch between supply and demand in the EU labour market is the inadequate vocational training of workers; the poor quality of jobs, bad working conditions and a lack of investments in VET at company level are some of the reasons for the lack of skilled workers;1a _________________ 1a https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3092_ en.pdf https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3075_ en.pdf
Amendment 39 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas one objective of the European Skills Agenda sets objectives to be achieved by 2025, stressing that the objective foris to have a participation rate in learning of 50 % among 25-64 year- olds is 50 %, by 2025 (compared to 38 % in 2016); whereas the objective for participation among 16-74 year-olds with at least basic digital skills is 70 %, (compared to 56 % in 2019); whereas, the EU has set an objective of increasing theUnion wants to increase the share of the population with at least basic digital skills indicator to 80 % by 2030;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas VET and lifelong learning can contribute to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights; whereas the objective set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan is to achieve a share of 60 % in adult learning by 2030;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas inequalities in access to adult learning and VET still persist;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas only 45 % of workers in the Union can use their current knowledge and skills to a great extent in their main job, while for the other 55 %, part of their knowledge and skills are underutilised; whereas apart from short supply and skill mismatches, difficulties to recruit skilled workers to a considerable extent also reflect poor job quality, a lack of people-oriented HR policy and untapped job design opportunities;1awhereas one in three companies that do not organise training cite heavy workloads and lack of time as reasons; whereas both time and cost are major barriers to adult learning from an individual perspective; _________________ 1a https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3092_ en.pdf
Amendment 54 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which encompasses the full digitalisation of service provision and production processes, together with the rapid development of big data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, platforms and increasing computing power, is shaping today’s labour and education marketsmarkets and societies, including through the disappearance of some tasks and occupations and the creation of others, potential deskilling and a further fragmentation of work;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas customer servicepeople skills, multilingualism, team working, problem- solving, management, including time management, and critical thinking and digital/IT skills are also considered important transferable skills; whereas transferablere important crosscutting soft skills; whereas crosscutting soft skills are increasingly valued by employers as crucial for employment;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
Amendment 76 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the systematic implementation of education and training policies; whereas the crisis caused by the pandemicrelated crisis has changed the way weof work and has reinforced the need to update the skills repertoire of the European workforce, especially in terms of digital skills;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas between 2020 and 2021, the workplaces of 44 % of EU+ adult workers adopted new digital technologiesnew digital technologies were introduced in 44 % of the workplaces between 2020 and 2021;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas between 37 % and 69 % of tasks in the EUtasks can be automated in many sectors and to a different extent, resulting in significant changes in employment, labour productivity; whereas 35 %, skills requirements and size of workersforce in the EU+ believe that new digital technologies in their workplaces can or will partially or fully perform their workUnion with strong regional differences; whereas 35 % of workers fear that new digital technologies can or will perform their job in a whole or in part in the future; whereas some 45 % are also concerned about technological skills becoming obsolete and the need to acquire new knowledge and skills;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas aligning curricula with the competences and skills expected by the market is the main, people’s aspirations, as well as the expectations of society and companies is a challenge facing education systems;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas, over the years, the nature, perception and societal evaluation of vocational trainingVET have evolved thanks, among other things, to digital solutions in education; whereas, despite improvements in the status of vocational training, it is stills, to campaigns and policies on quality apprenticeship and digitalisation; whereas, despite efforts to improve the status and image of apprenticeships, they are often not athe first choice and is seen as a second option after general educationof young people;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas demographic changes are ongoingin the Member States have been accelerating and are expected to continue doing so in the coming decade, reinforcing the need to make use of the full potential of all working-age adults through continuous investments in their skills, knowledge and qualifications as well as activating more people, in particular women, people with a migration background, low-skilled and low-qualified adults and young people, especially those not in education, employment or training (NEETs); whereas companies may experience problems related to the loss of knowledge of olderskilled workers once they retire;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S a (new)
Recital S a (new)
Sa. whereas decent working conditions and access to social security systems, quality social services and an attractive living environment will play a prominent role in retaining and attracting skilled workers; whereas strengthening personal development and learning guidance from an early age and supporting equal access to information can help people to choose suitable learning pathways to quality employment opportunities;
Amendment 101 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas 28 occupationsectors were classified as having shortages of skilled workers, including the healthcare, hospitality, construction, IT services and security, and there are shortages of workers; whereas there is a general shortages of workers, in particular women with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas employers’ increasing demand for specific skills is giving rise to new professions on the labour market which can be taught in the vocational training systemmake the case for a stronger engagement of companies in VET;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital V
Recital V
V. whereas, as part of the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, the Commission has committed to providing better opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in training and acquire new skills, which is a prerequisite for employment and independence;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points to the need for the smooth functioning of continuing vocational trainHighlights the importance of life- long learning and VET, including upskilling and reskilling, for adultsthe sustainable development of the Union;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. FeelStresses that all adults need opportunitieseffective support to access quality and inclusive VET, to develop, update and upgrade their skills in order to keep up with the rapidly changing realities of work andin the world of work and society, and to succeed inwith their personal and professionalcareers and their private lives; stresses that this requires a systemic approach to lifelong learning and skills development, supported by well- functioning and modern continuing vocational education and training (Caccessible and inclusive quality VET) systems;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that the three main factors hampering vocational training for adults in companies are:Highlights that some of the factors hampering VET at company level are the employers’ belief that the available skills and qualifications of their staff are sufficient and appropriate to, the needs of businesses, the practice ofpreference of companies to recruiting new staff instead of retraining the current ones, and obstacles to the provision of trainingskilling and upskilling their existing workforce, as well as attempts to shift the training responsibility from the employer to the workers;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that skills and labour shortages are, in some cases, the result of unattractive jobs and poor working conditions; emphasises therefore that tackling those issues, by means of decent working conditions and retention policies, is important for a well-functioning future labour market; stresses that improving job quality in sectors and companies with poor working conditions is an important element for addressing the issue of brain drain which results in growing inequalities between regions, unequal development as well as unequal capacity to drive innovation and create jobs;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 136 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. StresseHighlights that CVET policyies remains fragmented in many EU Member States; points out that the development of well- functioning Cat national and Union level; points out that efficient VET systems requires the development of systematic strategies to empower people and ensure sustainable economic competitivenesocial and economic strategies, aligned with skills strategies, developed through social dialogue between trade unions and employers;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights the importance of best practices related to dual education systems, which combine quality apprenticeships in undertakings with vocational school education, thereby bringing together the world of work with the world of education and giving young people access to the labour market; stresses the importance of decent wages and good working conditions for apprentices to attract young people in this context;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points outHighlights the importance of vocational educationVET for individuals and grouppersons with special needs;disabilities and stresses the need to develop a strategy andies to provide vocational education and training opportunities for people in remote and rural areas in order to ensure the effectiveness of matching mechanismsmore and better VET opportunities for them and facilitate their integration in the EU labour market;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Draws attention to the need to focus onprovide VET for adults at an individual level as well, including for low-qualified and low- skilled people and those who arhave the least involved in education and trainingaccess to training in basic skills and competences;
Amendment 152 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates its call on employers to invest in the development of their workers’ skills and competences, especially with regard to skills and competences needed for the digital and green transitions as well as crosscutting soft skills;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that workplaceundertakings, and SMEs in particular, must be extensively involved, encouraged and supported to provide learning and training opportunities not only for those in employment, but also for the unemployed and those outside the labour market; notes the key role of the social partners in this area;; (Last sentence moved to 9 a (new))
Amendment 164 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need to improve the validation and recognition of skills and competences, in particular those acquired through non- formal and informal education, while developing a common framework in the Member States, in particularincluding skills and competences acquired in third countries, by providing validation systems in cooperation with social partners; calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop a common framework for the common recognition of soft transferablecrosscutting soft skills;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Highlights the key role of social partners with regard to VET; stresses the importance of a well-functioning social dialogue and the role of collective agreements in ensuring VET provision to all workers;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on companies to pay more attention to the role of education in the workplace; stresses that companies need to dedicate a substantial part of their resouremployers to dedicate a substantial part of their resources to ensure their employees have the necessary skills and competences to work with the latest technologies and in new organisational environments, as well as to prevent digital exclusion and to foster intergenerational learning; calls on companies to allow for high levels of task discretion and organisational participation of workers, as these forms of work organisation are associated with better access to ensuring that their employees are able to work with the latest technologies and in new organisational environments, as well as to prevent digital exclusiontraining and skills development; calls on the Member States to reinforce the Youth Guarantee through coherent actions; calls on the Member States to invest in the health of pupils and students, to prevent early school leaving and to support study and career counselling;
Amendment 177 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States as well as regional and local authorities concerned to strengthen measures to fight unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, including through the strengthening of public employment services, the promotion of lifelong learning and dedicated measures focused on professional development;
Amendment 179 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Highlights that education and training as well as the integration into the labour market is an important instrument to combat poverty and inequalities; urges the Commission and the Member States to support measures aimed at disadvantaged and low-skilled groups, with emphasis on education and training that allow for the development of social, scientific and professional skills, in particular basic digital skills; calls on the Member States as well as the regional and local authorities concerned to ensure the diversification of the education and training offers;
Amendment 200 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to increase the importance of vocational education and the acquisition of new skills and competences, especially those offered byneeded for the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 208 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need to promote vocational education, highlighting the attractiveness of and opportunities for development within the sector; calls on the Commission and the Member StatesCalls on the Commission and the Member States, in cooperation with tripartite advisory bodies and the European Alliance for Apprenticeship, to carry out educational campaigns and activities to promote vocational education, including, including during the European Year of Skills and through events such as EuroSskills, in order to promote the attractiveness and opportunities offered by quality VET and adult learning;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to simplify administrative procedures related to VET where possible and to provide SMEs with assistance, such as consultancy services, to identify training needs and to apply for financial support from the training fund for companies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase investments in measures aimed at integrating disadvantaged youth and those not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) into the labour market; underlines the important role the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can play in this context;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages the Member States, in cooperation with social partners, to set up a transparent mechanism for certifying companies that offer vocational training for workersVET in line with the quality standards of the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeship, so that those offering high- quality apprenticeships, traineeships and training can be identified;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the International Labour Organization ‘Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all’ adopted in 2015,
Amendment 8 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed,
Amendment 9 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European parliament and of the council of 10 May 2023 establishing a Social Climate Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060,
Amendment 11 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
– having regard to the opinion of the European Committee of the Regions of 25 May 2023 entitled ‘Zero long-term unemployment: the local and regional perspective’ (CDR 5490/2022),
Amendment 13 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 c (new)
Citation 13 c (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2013 on Information and consultation of workers, anticipation and management of restructuring (2012/2061(INL)),
Amendment 15 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 d (new)
Citation 13 d (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2022 on the EU action plan for the social economy (2021/2179(INI)),
Amendment 16 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 e (new)
Citation 13 e (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 24 May 2023 on strengthening social dialogue (2023/2536(RSP)),
Amendment 17 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 f (new)
Citation 13 f (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2020 on a Strong Social Europe for just transitions (2020/2084(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 g (new)
Citation 13 g (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 March 2023 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and social priorities for 2023 (2022/2151(INI)),
Amendment 19 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 h (new)
Citation 13 h (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and integrity of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating activities, (COM(2023)314),
Amendment 20 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 i (new)
Citation 13 i (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions (2023/0179(NLE)),
Amendment 29 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the green transition will greatly expand economic activities related to renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy, while transforming other economic activities which can be negatively impacted if the socio-economic dimension is not adequately addressed and necessary investments are not sufficiently and properly designed; whereas the consequences of the ecological transition will be unevenly distributed in the European Union and among its territories;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a just transition should be socially just and inclusive, involve seizing the opportunity to create quality jobs, tackle discrimination at work, protect workers’ rights and raise labour standards; whereas just transition policies should focus first on the most affected communities and the most vulnerable groups;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas innovative direct employment initiatives have emerged at local level in different Member States, such as “Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée” in France and Belgium, « Territori a disoccupazione zero » in Italy, “Job Guarantee” in Austria, "Basisbaan"in the Netherlands and “Solidarity Basic Income” in Germany; whereas the local jobs created under these initiatives are often part of the social economy sector and implement projects addressing the unmet social and environmental needs of society by prioritising care and green services;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will require the anticipation of change and suitable framework conditions to support job-to-job transitions, including the necessary skilling, reskilling and upskilling of the current workforceprocesses that offer access to well-paid decent jobs;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the investment gap for climate action has been estimated at EUR 520 billion a year until 2030; whereas this gap does not include considerations like social and climate justice policies;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the participation of workers and trade unions, accompanied by new rights, in the governance of the transition and the anticipation and social management of change is a prerequisite for a fairto secure a just, inclusive and successful transition for all workers in every region in Europe;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the enhancement of workplace democracy has virtuous consequences for the workers, the companies and the whole economy, and is key to a successful just transition;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas it is essential to complement companies' financial performance and to reflect their extra- financial practices towards more sustainable activities and investments;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas the concept of just transition should be mainstreamed across all policies of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that a transition towards renewable and circular societies and economies generates the potential both to create new jobs and to transform existing employment into green and sustainable jobs in virtually all sectors; notes also the possible risks and social consequences if the transition is not well anticipated, led and massively funded; warns that the environmental, social, and economic consequences of climate change and the lack of climate and social justice in green policies are creating winners and losers, thereby exacerbating existing social inequalities; highlights that a Green Deal focused on investments to make the transition to a decarbonised, climate-neutral economy, will be a good deal if, at the same time, it invests in the people who cannot afford the change;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NUnderlines the importance of a just transition which aims at maintaining and creating quality jobs and employment in Europe; notes that the transition has significant potential to create local jobs which cannot be offshored, which would contribute to strengthening European sovereignty and resilience;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that Union policies should ensure territorial and social cohesion in view of overcoming structural differences and unequal development between regions as well as social and territorial inequalities; calls for ambitious measures to support the re-industrialisation and prevent the de-industrialisation of European regions through strategic investment projects and through development plans for vulnerable regions, especially in rural and remote areas; stresses the need to ensure fair redistribution of the projects, benefiting disadvantaged communities which are disproportionately impacted by underinvestment in critical infrastructure, pollution and climate change; points out that small and medium scaled local development projects can play an important role toward a just transition for all;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines that the ecological transition is the opportunity to build a powerful European industrial policy; calls for the EU industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow will be green, decent, well-paid, stable and based on good working conditions, including on health and safety at work, a robust social protection, a good work-life balance and gender equality;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. CHighlights that for the EU to achieve its European Green Deal and social justice objectives, a more holistic understanding of sustainability, sustainable jobs and the just transition is needed; calls on the Commission to work on conceptual guidelines on what constitutes a green and high-quality job, based on its potential for greening the economy, its contribution to people’s health and wellbeing and decent work;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the green transition of the job market should go hand in hand with upward convergence towards better working conditions and, protections and safety at work, stability of employment, higher wages, attractive career paths and meaningful jobs;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its call that EU funding, including State aid, should be conditional on public policy objectives, in particular social requirements; underlines that public authorities should lead by example and set social criteria in public procurement; calls to revise the Public Procurement Directive to ensure that benefiting companies support collective bargaining, high-quality jobs, high-quality apprenticeships, decent and equal pay and training, to ensure that companies respect workers’ rights; calls also for conditions on a fair share of the profits with workers and a ban on dividends and bonuses;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that public authorities should lead by example and set social criteria and strong conditionalities in public procurement; calls to revise the Public Procurement Directive to further strengthen the social clause and ensure that benefiting companies and subcontractors fully respect and support collective bargaining, high-quality jobs, high-quality apprenticeships, decent and equal pay and training; calls on the Member States to use their purchasing power to promote Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) in order to ensure a good balance between the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - when procuring goods, services or works;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RCalls on the Commission to safeguard the right to health and to a healthy environment at EU level, as this right is essential to ensuring the fulfilment of most other fundamental rights such as food, shelter and work as well as to achieving an inclusive transition; recalls that the EU health and safety strategy should take into account specific risks in new sectors and incorporatetackle the unequal vulnerability and exposure to risks deriving from climate change and environmental degradation in society and at work;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of involving young people in transition planning, especially NEETs; calls on the Member States to facilitate access for young people to paid, quality and inclusive traineeships and apprenticeships;
Amendment 194 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that gender equality should become an integral part of green economy strategies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all measures to ensure that pre-existing gender inequalities are not transferred to the emerging green economy to strengthen the fairness of our societies; believes it is essential to guarantee equal economic opportunities for women with inter- sectional approach, paying attention to the most vulnerable, such as women with disabilities, single mothers, women belonging to minorities, migrant women, etc; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all measures to ensure that pre-existing gender inequalities are not transferred to the emerging green economy and to increase women’s participation in male-dominated sectors, as well as to encourage men to enter the sectors with predominantly female labour force, such as care;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the creation of decent jobs needed to implement a just transition could be done through the implementation of demand-driven direct employment initiatives already experimented in different Member States at local and regional level; recalls that these initiatives, implementing the right to employment, often address unemployment and climate change simultaneously and therefore offer the double benefit of creating employment while endowing people with competencies needed to reorient EU economy towards a greener and more sustainable model;
Amendment 209 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Skills for a just transition, anticipating changes
Amendment 210 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Calls on the Commission to present a governance framework to anticipate and manage changes related to the green and just transition in order: to preserve jobs with social safeguards to avoid redundancies and deterioration of working conditions and to strongly involve trade unions in each step of the decision-making process, with mandatory rules on timely and quality information, consultation and participation, including by promoting collective bargaining on the anticipation and social management of change;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to invest massively in people and to offer education and training in areas linked to skills needs that are identified in labour markets and future-oriented sectors to make sure that the labour market is ready for the green transition;and digital transition; calls more specifically on the Commission to invest adequately and effectively in education and training according to the local and regional particularities and needs.
Amendment 261 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training should be of a good enough quality, assessed by the workers themselves, and lead to a qualification that is validated through transparent and clear recognition and certification systems which allow for comparability; calls also to ensure that the qualifications and certified competences are adequately remunerated;
Amendment 266 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls that if training and skills are crucial in a just transition, the first priority must remain the creation of high quality, well paid jobs that increase the quality of life;
Amendment 278 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to include for all environmental legislation a socio- economic impact assessment taking into consideration jobs, skills and working conditions in different countries, regions, sectors and companies in order to provide the necessary knowledge to develop adequate social policies and measures as well as territorial and sectoral just transition pathway adapted to regional realities; calls on the Commission to systematically map at regional level, and with a sufficient level of granularity, the employment situation, the development of quality jobs and the collective bargaining coverage rate;
Amendment 298 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Emphasises the importance to closely involve and associate local and regional authorities, trade unions and civil society in change, as addressing the issue of the green and social transition requires actions at all levels - European, national and local - with a good degree of policy coordination; calls in this regard for the creation of a just transition observatory at EU level;
Amendment 302 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for mandatory just transition plans to be adopted by all companies affected by the green transition, negotiated with trade unions and worker representatives which must be involved at all stages of the process;
Amendment 308 #
2022/2170(INI)
20a. considers essential to integrate in the Semester multilateral surveillance the assessment of the distributional effects of climate policies financial burden on households as well as the distribution of the environmental benefits from such policies across different income groups, in order to identify policy measures needed to address these impacts;
Amendment 311 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Regrets that the Commission proposal on the economic governance review does not create enough fiscal space for Member States to make the green and social investment at the scale neededInsists that social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones; in this sense, is convinced that the Stability and Growth Pact is outdated and does not offer neither the flexibility nor the architecture necessary to put in place a new Sustainable Development and Social Progress governance in the EU; regrets that the Commission proposal on the economic governance review does not create enough fiscal space for Member States to make the green and social investment at the scale needed and is not sufficiently aligned with the achievement of the rights included in the EU Pillar of Social Rights; believes also that the European Union's monetary policy should focus on full employment; stresses that such green and social investments are needed in public services, and the Union's economic governance should be sensitive in this respect, taking into account the need for resources and personnel in the education sectors, public employment services and other local, regional and national public administrations that are key players in a just and social green transition;
Amendment 319 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for a major shift in the EU from taxing labour to taxing capital, notably by shifting taxes on wages to taxinges on wealth, in order to incentivise job creation and reduce inequalities; calls also on the Commission to assess the feasibility and economic impact of a minimum tax on capital gains at European level;
Amendment 335 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Amendment 337 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Notes that these aids require substantial expenditure on public social security systems, and that governments will need to invest massively; stresses that the question of aids to affected workers will need to be regularly monitored in the context of national reports and country- specific recommendations under the European Semester and the exercises to implement the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed;
Amendment 344 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission to work on a clear and harmonized definition of impact finance, based on the principle of compatibility of financial performance with ecological and social performances, so that financial products considered as finance impact products meet the necessary and ambitious enough criteria;
Amendment 346 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Stresses the need for quality assessments of the environmental risks and impacts of corporate practices, as well as the way in which companies manage their social responsibilities and the quality and ethics of corporate governance moving towards more responsible and ethical practices based on transparent and reliable information; welcomes in this regard the recent Commission proposal for a regulation on the transparency and integrity of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating activities; points out the necessity for high quality ESG assessments that are clear and detailed for clients, transparent and supervised by ESMA, with a score for each aspect assessed, calculated on the basis of a harmonized method and weightings, aligned with the European taxonomy, and reflecting extra-financial practices and the impact of the company's activities on the entire supply chain;
Amendment 365 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for the swift creation of a European sovereignty fund with newly allocated EU money to mobilise large-scale investments in green technology; regrets the lack of ambition of the Commission's recent proposal in this respect, which falls far short of the resources needed to achieve this goal;
Amendment 368 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Recalls the crucial need for EU funding initiatives that support industry and sovereignty to ensure long term, sustainable growth as well as shared prosperity;considers also essential that the relevant aspects are integrated in any future funding instrument: - Social and environmental justice as guiding principles in order to make the EU more resilient to growing threats to health and well-being - Strong focus on workers:any investment should create good-paying jobs to lift up the low and middle classes and bring tangible benefits to communities that are often overlooked and left behind - Environmental Justice: ensure fair distribution of the benefits and profits of the investments and redistribution of the projects, benefiting notably vulnerable communities and regions which are disproportionately impacted by underinvestment in critical infrastructure, pollution and climate change;
Amendment 369 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Notes that the main instruments to support just transition are the Just Transition Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Social Climate Fund, as well as the Council Recommendation on Ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality; warns that the current instruments and proposals by the European Commission are too narrow and fall short of providing the holistic and legal just transition framework that society needs;
Amendment 376 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls for an expansion in size andof thematic scope of the Just Transition Fund in order to provide for support to more regions and sectors that will be affected such as transport, tourism, agriculture and other industries;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
Amendment 41 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 29 November 2018 on the situation of women with disabilities,
Amendment 43 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 d (new)
Citation 14 d (new)
— having regard to the EP Report on the implementation of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation in light of the UNCRPD,
Amendment 54 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the EU live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; whereas the EU activity rate of persons with disabilities is only 61.0 % compared to 82.3 % of people without disabilities; _________________ 7 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/et udes/BRIE/2020/651932/EPRS_BRI(2020) 651932_EN.pdf 8 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Disability_statist ics_-_poverty_and_income_inequalities
Amendment 59 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas women with disabilities are at higher risk of unemployment and poverty or social exclusion comparing to men with disabilities and women without disabilities, with only 20% of women with disabilities in full-time employment, comparing to 29% of men with disabilities and 48% of women without disabilities;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas between 2011 and 2016 the gap in tertiary attainment between persons with and without disabilities widened – from 7% to 9%;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the employment rate of persons with disabilities remains significantly lower than that of persons without disabilities;. whereas the latest data from the EU-SILC, shows that the disability employment gap was 24.5 % in 2020;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the key obstacles to the employment of persons with disabilities include disability-related stereotypes, bureaucratic difficulties in accessing the available services, lack of strategic vision in governance, insufficient monitoring of policy implementation, limited training resources for employers and lack of specialist support;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas entrepreneurship and self-employment support in the form of guidance, training and financial aid can provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to be active in the open labour market, disincentivising their reliance on disability benefits and pensions, but such support needs to be well targeted and adequately resourced;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas the disadvantage experienced by persons with disabilities extends far beyond the realm of employment;. whereas the social and financial situation of persons with disabilities in the EU is significantly worse than that of persons without disabilities;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas during the pandemic on average, 71% of persons with disabilities were at risk of depression;
Amendment 98 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B h (new)
Recital B h (new)
Bh. whereas lockdowns and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic particularly affected young people;. whereas 57% of persons with disabilities aged 18 to 29 reported feeling lonely - 23% more than young people without disabilities;
Amendment 99 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B i (new)
Recital B i (new)
Bi. whereas having a disability is synonymous with structural or educational disadvantage and discrimination; .whereas support measures focusing on aspects other than employment – for instance, poverty reduction, access to housing and childcare, accessible public transport, and personal assistance – also play a key role in providing opportunities for people with disabilities to access and remain in the workforce;
Amendment 101 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B j (new)
Recital B j (new)
Bj. whereas political participation does not affect all persons with disabilities equally; whereas those with more severe impairments, as well as persons with particular types of impairment – for example, persons with intellectual disabilities –disproportionately face barriers to their participation in the political life; whereas these individuals are often some of the most isolated and excluded;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the importance of a holistic definition and application of accessibility and its value as an indispensable basis for persons with disabilities to have equal opportunities as recognised in the UNCRPD and in line with the UN CRPD General Comment No 2, taking into account the diversity of the needs of persons with disabilities and promoting universal design as a principle of the EU;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges therefore the Commission to put forward a proposal for a common definition of disability at EU level, as well as mutual recognition of disability status and the associated benefits and social protection rights between the Member States in line with the concluding observations of the UNCPRD Committee on the initial report of the European Union adopted in 2015 with the aim of removing the fundamental obstacle for intra-EU mobility of persons with disabilities and enabling their access to health, care and other services that facilitate independent living, as well as equal education and employment opportunities; calls for the implementation and expansion of the European Disability Card to all Member States, supporting mutual recognition of disability across the EU and paving the way to a European definition of disabilities;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the Commission and Member states to adopt a holistic life cycle policy approach to support prevention of discrimination and to ensure effective retention and inclusion of PwD in the labour market;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls on all Member States that have not yet ratified the Optional Protocol to the CRPD to do so without further delay, and for the EU to fully ratify it; calls on the Council to take the necessary steps to ensure the accession of the EU to the Optional Protocol;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Calls on the Member States to take active measures to safeguard non- discrimination for all , and to ensure that PwD can exercise their labour and trade union rights on equal terms with others; urges the EU to ratify the Istanbul Convention that is supposed to have a transversal impact on all EU legislation with a specific focus on women with disabilities who face multiple and intersectional discrimination and are more vulnerable to harassment at the workplace;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that income- and disability- related assistance are complementary in promoting the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market; calls, therefore, on Member States to unbundle income- and disability-related assistance10 ; _________________ 10 UN Special Rapporteur, as salaries are not a substitution for the coverage onf the rights of persons with disabilities, ‘Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities’, presented to the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, August 2015.costs related to disabilities; calls therefore on Member States to unbundle income and disability- related assistance;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to assess the effectiveness of existing sheltered workshops in providing PwD with skills to gain employment in the open labour market, to ensure that they are bound by legal frameworks covering social security, minimum wages and non- discrimination and to phase them out; calls on the Commission to monitor this process; further insists that workers with disabilities in sheltered workshops should at least be ensured the legal statute equivalent to labour rights of people working in open working environments based on the application of the respective collective agreement for the economic sector;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls sheltered workshops should be a step, a temporary period for workers with disabilities in their working life cycle; in that respect, calls the Member States to develop inclusive models of sheltered and supported employment, respecting the rights of persons with disabilities, that serve as measures for effective inclusion and later transition to the open labour market;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Is concerned that in some Member States, persons with disabilities working in sheltered workshops are not formally recognised as workers under the law, are paid less than the minimum wage and are not entitled to the same social protection as regular workers; urges the Commission to ensure that Member States respect the principle of equal treatment and equal pay for work of equal value for all workers;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls that future telework policies should be developed from a disability rights perspective and involve people with disabilities in their design and when new collective agreements are negotiated on telework, or when companies revise their telework policies to ensure they are disability-friendly;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Member States to monitoring the respect of Principles No 2 and 3 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, providing for equality of treatment and opportunities regarding participation in the labour market, terms and conditions of employment and career progression between men and women, regardless of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation recalls on monitoring the adoption of the measures established by the UNCRPD;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages public employment services to roll out personalised measures to improve the employability and retention of persons with disabilities in the labour market; calls on Member States to provide guidance, training and financial aid to support job creation, recruitment, entrepreneurship and self- employment for persons with disabilities.;
Amendment 194 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that while supporting and promoting the labour market participation of people with disabilities is crucial, adequate and inclusive social protection mechanisms also need to be put in place to ensure support is available for all people with disabilities, irrespective of their employment status;
Amendment 201 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Believes that labour market support measures must take into account disability and tailor-made policy responses to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment; highlights that people with disabilities, their family , and their representative organisations governments, trade unions and NGOs representing the voices of people with disabilities – play an important role in the provision of support; notes that the active involvement of persons with disabilities, including through their representative organisations, in policy development and law making has not yet been formalised as a requirement or put in practice in all EU Member States. Calls on the Members States to use intersectional disaggregated data in order to monitor the inclusion of pwd in the labour market;
Amendment 211 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes that persons with disabilities are as among the most marginalized and at-risk population in any crisis-affected community; stresses further that as a consequences of war people with disabilities in situations of armed conflict face violent attacks, forced displacement, and ongoing neglect in the humanitarian response to civilians caught up in the fighting, are abandoned in their homes or in deserted villages for days or weeks, with little access to food or water;
Amendment 220 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on Member States to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process in 2024 and in the law making process; Calls on Member States to eliminate barriers that can exclude persons with disabilities from the opportunity to influence the development and implementation of the laws and policies which shape their daily lives;
Amendment 229 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Encourages National public authorities to ensure that the requirement to register to vote or for reasonable accommodation does not result in persons with disabilities being excluded from elections;. calls on Member States to include measures ensuring that the registration process is accessible by redesigning relevant websites in line with EU standards;
Amendment 232 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Notes that complaints mechanisms, both judicial and non- judicial, should be made more accessible for persons with disabilities; . calls on Member States to lift restrictions on the right of persons deprived of legal capacity to bring complaints independently of their guardian and take effective measures to make sure that information about how and where to complain is accessible to all persons with disabilities through the production of information materials in different and accessible formats distributed through support and advocacy organisations for persons with disabilities, including disabled persons organisations (DPOs);
Amendment 237 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Amendment 243 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 h (new)
Paragraph 4 h (new)
4h. Calls on the Commission to revise the Cross-border health care Directive to bring it in line with the UN CRPD in order to guarantee access to affordable and quality cross-border healthcare for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 244 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 i (new)
Paragraph 4 i (new)
4i. Is of the opinion that the European Funds must adhere to the UNCRPD and Structural Funds should continue to foster transition from institutional to community and family- based care, finance support services to realise the right to live independently , and that the ex ante conditionalities must be concrete and quality-assessed; calls on the EU to ensure all funding programmes are accessible and include a dedicated budget for accessibility; furthermore, the Commission shall make sure that all funds are actively invested in research to develop better and more affordable assistive technology for persons with disabilities and towards increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in all EU funded programmes;
Amendment 246 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 j (new)
Paragraph 4 j (new)
4j. Highlights that harassment at work, including sexual harassment and retaliation for speaking up, hinders access to work and employment, job retention and equal career paths, in particular for women with disabilities, and that specific actions are needed in Member States to prevent, combat and sanction harassment against persons with disabilities;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 k (new)
Paragraph 4 k (new)
4k. Stresses that the low activity rate of persons with disabilities is, as well, a huge obstacle hindering socioeconomic inclusion which must be improved by European and national programmes aiming at the activation and training of persons left outside the labour market;
Amendment 250 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 l (new)
Paragraph 4 l (new)
4l. Reminds that reasonable accommodation is a right for workers with disabilities which is not always covered or understood by employers, who, sometimes, either have stigma about capabilities and necessities of persons with disabilities, or do not have enough support in terms of information and resources regarding its application in the workplace; calls on the Commission to revise Directive 2000/78/EC and propose, among others, the EU harmonised minimum standards for reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities;
Amendment 251 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 m (new)
Paragraph 4 m (new)
4m. Underlines the need to offer specialised protection and care to persons with disabilities coming from Ukraine; recalls the importance of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, the Child Guarantee, the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, as well as all existing EU legal instruments, including the Temporary Protection Directive in supporting the Member States to help them address the specific needs of persons with disabilities fleeing the war in Ukraine;
Amendment 252 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 n (new)
Paragraph 4 n (new)
4n. Repeats Its call on the Member States to implement the reinforced Youth Guarantee to ensure offers of high quality, including providing fair remuneration and access to social protection, prohibiting the abuse of atypical contracts, and ensuring working environments that are adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 253 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 o (new)
Paragraph 4 o (new)
4o. Calls on the Commission to evaluate the challenges and rights violations experienced by persons with disabilities during the COVID- 19pandemic, and to adopt targeted measures for paths of psychological support and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 p (new)
Paragraph 4 p (new)
4p. Recalls the Commission to develop those measures in coordination and communication with persons with disability and all the organisations involved, starting from the European Parliament’s CRPD network;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 q (new)
Paragraph 4 q (new)
4q. Calls on the Member States to create an independent entity responsible for monitoring all accessibility-related legislation, including the European Accessibility Act, the Audio visual Media Services Directive, the Telecoms Package and the Web Accessibility Directive;
Amendment 256 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 r (new)
Paragraph 4 r (new)
4r. Calls on the Members State to implement the Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers that introduces a carers’ leave of five working days per year; insists that special arrangements in terms of carers’ leave, paternity leave, parental leave and flexible working hours should be considered for parents in particularly disadvantaged situations, such as those with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities or long-term illnesses ,without any repercussions from the employer;
Amendment 257 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 s (new)
Paragraph 4 s (new)
4s. Calls on the Members States to ensure better working and living conditions, including through adequate minimum wages and pay transparency measures, to reduce the disability pay gap and achieving inclusive and sustainable growth of the labour market; stresses the importance of a swift adoption of the directive on minimum wages and the Pay Transparency fully applying to persons with disabilities;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 t (new)
Paragraph 4 t (new)
4t. Highlights the importance to consider and treat with equal attention also the persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, adopting measures for their future after the carers’ death;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 u (new)
Paragraph 4 u (new)
4u. Calls on the Commission to develop and promote a European legal framework for inclusive enterprises, with the aim to create permanent employment of people with disabilities;
Amendment 128 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Independent media services play a unique role in the internal market. They represent a fast-changing and economically important sector and at the same time provide access to a plurality of views and reliable sources of information to citizens and businesses alike, thereby. Ensuring their access to relevant information is an essential element when they are fulfilling their general interest function of ‘public watchdog’. Media services are increasingly available online and across borders while they are not subject to the same rules and the same level of protection in different Member States.
Amendment 433 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that public service media providers have adequate and stable financial resources for the fulfilment of their public service mission. Those resources shall be such that editorial independence is safeguarded. The funding criteria for public service media providers shall meet the standards laid down in the 'Communication from the Commission on the application of State aid rules to public service broadcasting'.1a _________________ 1a OJ C 257, 27.10.2009, p. 1–14
Amendment 444 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall designate one or more independent authorities or bodies in order to monitor compliance with paragraphs 1 to 3. In case such monitoring established non-compliance with the funding criteria and standards as laid down in the 'Communication from the Commission on the application of State aid rules to public service broadcasting, the designated independent authority or body shall launch an investigation according to the corresponding regulatory provisions in place in the Member State. In parallel, the designated independent authority or body shall inform the Board and the Commission about the non- compliance and the procedures. The Board and the Commission shall inform the Member State's designated independent authority or body in case further investigation or procedures are initiated. Member States shall designate one or more independent authorities or bodies in order to monitor compliance with paragraphs 1 to 3.
Amendment 526 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. The national regulatory authorities or bodies shall be subject to the requirements set out in Article 30 of Directive 2010/13/EU in relation to the exercise of the tasks assigned to them by this Regulation. The fulfillment of the requirements set out in Article 30 of Directive 2010/13/EU shall be subject of regular monitoring by the Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU. The annual monitoring reports of the Fundamental Rights Agency shall be submitted to the Board.
Amendment 570 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. The Board, in agreement with the Commission, may invite experts and observers, including the Fundamental Rights Agency to attend its meetings.
Amendment 578 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. The Board shall establish an advisory body to assist it by providing independent advice in sector specific matters. The advisory body shall consist of members of civil society, academia and the Fundamental Rights Agency.
Amendment 579 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 580 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 7 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. The suspension of the voting rights shall be terminated once the criteria as set in Article 10 (7a) of this Reguation are
Amendment 639 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – point ii
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – point ii
(ii) media market concentrations and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products which are likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services, in accordance with Article 22(1) of this Regulation;
Amendment 641 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) draw up opinions on draft national opinions or decisions assessing the impact on media pluralism and editorial independence of a notifiable media market concentration and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products where such a concentration may affect the functioning of the internal market, in accordance with Article 21(5) of this Regulation;
Amendment 645 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) assess the state of media freedom in each Member State and issue an annual report to the European Parliament about the ‘State of Media Freedom in Europe’ in accordance with Article 15(4a) of this Regulation in cooperation with the advisory committee of the Board;
Amendment 649 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
(ii) factors to be taken into account when applying the criteria for assessing the impact of media market concentrations and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products, in accordance with Article 21(3) of this Regulation;
Amendment 661 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) draw up and make available to national regulatory authorities and bodies established according to Directive 2010/13/EU a mandatory reporting template for reporting on the allocation of state resources according to Article 24 of this Regulation;
Amendment 663 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m b (new)
(mb) draw up an annual report based on the reports of the national regulatory authorities or bodies on the situation of state advertising in all Member State, including the calculation of ratio of state advertising allocated to media service providers in relation to their annual revenue and establish on European level benchmarks on allocation practices;
Amendment 669 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m c (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point m c (new)
(mc) establish and operate the European Repository of State Advertising allocated to media service providers.
Amendment 808 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall refrain from disapplying competition rules to media markets.
Amendment 824 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall provide, in their national legal systems, substantive and procedural rules which ensure an assessment of media market concentrations, and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products that could have a significant impact on media pluralism and editorial independence. These rules shall:
Amendment 826 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) require the parties to a media market concentration and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products that could have a significant impact on media pluralism and editorial independence to notify that concentration in advance to the relevant national authorities or bodies;
Amendment 828 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) set out in advance objective, non- discriminatory and proportionate criteria for notifying media market concentrations and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products that could have a significant impact on media pluralism and editorial independence and for assessing the impact of media market concentrations on media pluralism and editorial independence.
Amendment 840 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission, assisted by the Board, may issue guidelines on the factors to be taken into account when applying the criteria for assessing the impact of media market concentrations and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of productson media pluralism and editorial independence by the national regulatory authorities or bodies.
Amendment 842 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 4
Article 21 – paragraph 4
4. The national regulatory authority or body shall consult the Board in advance on any opinion or decision it aims to adopt assessing the impact on media pluralism and editorial independence of a notifiable media market concentration and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products where such concentrations may affect the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 848 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. In the absence of an assessment or a consultation pursuant to Article 21, the Board, upon request of the Commission, shall draw up an opinion on the impact of a media market concentration and asscociated services such as printing and dissemination of products on media pluralism and editorial independence, where a media market concentration is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. The Board shall base its opinion on the elements set out in Article 21(2). The Board may bring media market concentrations likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services to the attention of the Commission.
Amendment 889 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. Public funds or any other consideration or advantage granted by public authorities to media service providers for the purposes of advertising shall be awarded according to transparent, objective, proportionate and non- discriminatory criteria and through open, proportionate and non-discriminatory procedures. This Article shall not affect public procurement rulesPublic funds or any other consideration or advantage granted by public authorities to a media service provider for the purposes of advertising shall not exceed more than 10% the annual advertising revenue of the media service provider.
Amendment 894 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In June each year, the regulatory body shall publish the ratio of public advertising money allocated to media service providers in the previous financial year and shall determine if the limit referred to in paragraph 1 was exceeded by any media service provider. If a media service provider exceeds the limit referred to in paragraph 1, the regulatory body shall request the media service provider to repay the amount in excess of that limit increased by the base rate. If the media service provider fails to repay the excess within the time limit, the regulatory body shall impose a fine equivalent to 10% of the amount in excess of the limit. The regulatory body shall continue to impose such a fine each time the media service provider fails to repay the excess amount within the set time limits.
Amendment 913 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
3. National regulatory authorities or bodies shall monitor and draw up a report on the allocation of state advertising in media markets according to the reporting criteria set in Article 1 (m a) of this Regulations and submit this report to the Board. In order to assess the accuracy of the information on state advertising made available pursuant to paragraph 2, national regulatory authorities or bodies may request from the entities referred to in paragraph 2 further information, including information on the application of criteria referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 28 #
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, contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and stands in the way of the achievement of decent work for all. 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 Conventions16and issued recommendation to prevent, eliminate, and remedy forced labour17b. Forced labour covers a wide variety of coercive labour practices where work or service, mainly in productive sectors, such as processing, agriculture and fisheries, in particular in third countries involved in trading relations with the EU, and services, such as transportation, storage and logistics, is exacted from any persons under threat have not offered it themselvesof a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily. 17c _________________ 16 https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introd uction-to-international-labour- standards/conventions-and- recommendations/lang--en/index.htm. 17b ILO Forced Labour (Supplementary Measures) Recommendation, 2014. 17c The ILO definition of forced labour according to the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 19230 (No. 29), What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org).
Amendment 30 #
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 state imposed, forced labour is often a consequence of a lack of good governance of certain economic operators. Women and girls make up to 11.8 million of the total in forced labour. More than 3.3 million of all those in forced labour are children. Between 2016 and 2021 the estimated number of people in forced labour increased by 2.7 million18a.Vulnerable and marginalised groups in a society, such as women, children, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, lower casters, indigenous and tribal people, migrants, especially if they are undocumented, with a precarious status and in the informal economy, 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. Unfair purchasing practices by economic operators can lead to labour rights violation in the value chain, especially in the field of agriculture, fisheries, textile, road transport and logistics, mainly in third countries involved in trading relations with the EU. _________________ 18 The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733. pdf. 18a The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733 .pdf.
Amendment 40 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) 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 andexplicitly prohibits slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and trafficking in human beings. 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.19Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognizes the right of every worker to fair and just working conditions, which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. The right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial is laid down in Article 47 thereof. _________________ 19 For instance paras. 89 and 102 in Siliadin v. France or para. 105 in Chowdury and Others v. Greece.
Amendment 44 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) All Member States have ratified the original fundamental ILO Conventions on forced labour and child labour.20They are therefore legally obliged to prevent and eliminate the use of forced labour and to report regularly to the ILO, while some Member States have not yet ratified the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29, which guarantees victims protection and access to appropriate and effective remedies, such as compensation. According to the ILO, remediation remains one of the key policy priorities for addressing forced labour21a. _________________ 20 https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---europe/---ro-geneva/---ilo- brussels/documents/publication/wcms_195 135.pdf. 21a ILO Global Estimates of modern slavery: forced labour and forced marriage, 2022.
Amendment 47 #
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. It is inherently linked to the promotion of decent working conditions, such as the right to organise and take collective action, social dialogue, freedom of association, collective bargaining, sustainable business conduct and social protection. 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 neither in the value chains of undertakings established in the Un, nor in goods and services that are to be made available on the Union market or to be exported. Any due diligence of the economic operator in the value chain shall only be relevant insofar as it relates to evidence of remediation.
Amendment 53 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The prohibition of products and services for which forced labour has been used should contribute to the international efforts to abolish forced labour. The definition of ‘forced labour’ should therefore be aligned with the definition laid down in ILO Convention No. 29. The definition of ‘forced labour applied by state authorities’ should be aligned with ILO Convention No. 105, which prohibits specifically the use of forced labour as punishment for the expression of political views, for the purposes of economic development, as a means of labour discipline, as a punishment for participation in strikes, or as a means of racial, religious or other discrimination.31It should be the responsibility of the economic operator concerned to demonstrate that its product or service was manufactured or provided without using forced labour and that any use of forced labour was remediated. _________________ 31 What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org) and the ILO Conventions No. 29 and No. 105 referred therein.
Amendment 59 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘forced labour’ means forced or compulsory labour as defined inall work or service exacted from any person under threat of a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention on Forced Labour, 1930 (No. 29) of the International Labour Organization, including forced child labour;
Amendment 60 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ‘forced labour imposed by state authorities’ means the use of forced labour: - as described ina means of political coercion or education or as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system; - as a method of mobilising and using labour for purposes of economic development; - as a means of labour discipline; - as a punishment for having participated in strikes; or - as a means of racial, social, national or religious discrimination, in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention on the Abolition of Forced Labour, 1957 (No. 105) of the International Labour Organization;
Amendment 65 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the efforts by an economic operator to implement mandatory requidentify, premvents, voluntary guidelines, recommendations or practices to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labourbring to an end and remediate forced labour in its operations and value chain, with respect to its products and services that are to be made available on the Union market or to be exported, whereby brining to an end forced labour does not mean disengagement as first resort;
Amendment 70 #
Amendment 72 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Before initiating an investigation in accordance with Article 5(1), the competent authority shall request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end risks ofand remediate forced labour in their operations and value chains with respect to the products and services under assessment, including on the basis of any of the following:
Amendment 93 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative, non-exhaustive, verifiable and, regularly updated and publically accessible database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas, production sites, sectors or with respect to specific products and 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. This database shall be easily accessible. The Commission, after consultation with competent authorities, trade unions and other stakeholders, may presume that products or services originating from countries or regions with systematic and wide spread forced labour practices, as identified by the Commission, or from countries and regions listed in the database, were manufactured or provided using forced labour. It shall be the responsibility of the economic operator concerned to demonstrate that its product or service was manufactured or provided without using forced labour and that any use of forced labour was remediated. The database shall include an archive of previous decisions.
Amendment 103 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – title
Article 24 – title
Union Network Against Forced Labour Products
Amendment 106 #
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 and led by the Commission. The Network 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 107 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The Network shall be composed of one representatives from each Member States’ competent authority, representatives from the Commission and, where appropriate, experts from the customs authoritie and representatives from the Commission as well as one independent expert appointed by the European Parliament and four representatives of European social partners as observers. Each Member State shall nominate a representative and an alternate representative from its competent authority. Cross-industry social partner organisations at Union level may designate four representatives as observers to the Network with an equal representation of trade union and employer organisations.
Amendment 109 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall chair the Network and ensure its secretariat. The Network shall invite a representative of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), a representative of the European Labour Authority (ELA) and representatives of EFTA States that are contracting parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area as observers to its meetings. It may also invite representatives of Union delegations and other Union bodies, representatives of third country authorities, stakeholder organisations and other relevant experts to attend the meetings of the Network.
Amendment 111 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) set up a contact point for persons, economic operators and other stakeholders, who wish to report suspected violations of Article 3 of this Regulation, and establish follow-up procedures;
Amendment 113 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) improve the knowledge of wide- spread and systematic forced labour and its root causes, including poverty, inequalities, systemic discrimination, lack of social protection and education, disrespect of collective rights and a lack of efficient labour inspections, through studies and research, also in view of expanding the data base referred to in Article 11 of this Regulation;
Amendment 114 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) contribute to the development of guidancedevelop guidelines to ensure the effective and uniform application of this Regulation and monitor its enforcement in the Member States;
Amendment 115 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) to promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities and customs authorities;
Amendment 116 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(fa) promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices with the competent authorities of third countries, international organisations and other relevant actors and bodies;
Amendment 118 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
(fb) monitor remediation of forced labour;
Amendment 119 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f c (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f c (new)
(fc) monitor the redirection of products, which were refused for release for free circulation or export, to be used in the interest of the public;
Amendment 120 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f d (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f d (new)
(fd) provide information and make recommendations regarding forced labour to the Commission and other relevant Union bodies.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall support and encourage cooperation between enforcement authorities through the Network and participate in the meetings of the Network.
Amendment 76 #
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; whereas expanding the care workforce will be a prerequisite for the implementation of these initiatives, including those pertaining to the principle 18 in the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 98 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas care encompasses all services to addresssupport autonomy and independence of persons in need for care, and by supporting their physical, psychological and, social needs of dependents, as well as support to, personal and household needs guarantees the equal exercise of the rights, dignity, autonomy, inclusion and well-being ofor all members of society;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the austerity measures, applied in times of previous crises, have undermined development of quality public services accessible to everyone;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Amendment 120 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas the Commission defines personal and household services as "a broad range of activities that contribute to wellbeing at home of families and individuals: child care, long-term care for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, cleaning, remedial classes, home repairs, gardening, ICT support, etc."; whereas in personal and household services the activities of care and non- care are highly intertwined with a vast proportion of workers performing both;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas at global level, personal and household services are usually described under the term domestic work; whereas the inclusion of domestic workers in the care workforce therefore recognises that care provision includes not only personal care, but also non-relational indirect care, which provides the necessary preconditions for the provision of personal care; whereas a large proportion of personal and household workers thus belongs to the care workforce;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas the COVID-19 crisis highlighted the key role played by workers in personal and household services within our societies, demonstrating the urgent need to ensure full recognition for these workers in all Member States together with collective bargaining rights, social security and social protection; whereas due to the persisting lack of proper recognition of these workers in several Member States, many of them have lost their job during the COVID-19 pandemic without being able to benefit from state wage compensation and job retention schemes; whereas the pandemic resulted in the loss of accommodation for many workers in personal and household services, as well as exposed them to violence and harassment at work;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the stigma surrounding dependence and the need for care and support intersects with other grounds of discrimination, above all gender and sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, ethnicity, as well as economic, social, migrant and other disadvantaged backgrounds;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the drastic shift from standard work in the place of employment to telework during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need to better enforce, review and update the legislation related to working conditions in the digital environment and the use of artificial intelligence in the world of work;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Amendment 215 #
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 andthrough social dialogue and collective bargaining, fair wages, as well as integrated services, and adequate funding;
Amendment 249 #
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;
Amendment 267 #
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 the care sector, as well as the fact that homecare and other personal and household services are provided behind closed doors;
Amendment 298 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in all the Member States, pay in the care sector is well below the average pay and is connected with lower collective bargaining coverage in the care sector; whereas those employees working in the for-profit and non-profit sectors do not have access to a union representation and collective bargaining;
Amendment 313 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas 80 % of all long-term care in Europe is provided by informal carers, which makes care an extremely gendered issue; whereas informal care provision is associated with reduction of employment rates, increase of poverty and social exclusion rates, reduced mental health and increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the high numbers of care recipients who are dependent on informal care are directly linked to the inaccessibility and unaffordability of quality professional services; as well as the choice of many Member States to rely on unpaid informal care as the major source of care provision;
Amendment 368 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M h (new)
Recital M h (new)
Mh. whereas care remains one of the main fields of reproduction of gender archetypes, which are further reinforced by the lack of investment in quality services and gender bias in other policies that disproportionally affect women’s self- determination in social and professional life, such as tax benefit system;
Amendment 377 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas in 2019, 22.2 % of children in the EU – almost 18 million – were at risk of poverty or social exclusion; whereas children from low-income families, homeless children, children with a disability, children with a migrant background, children with a minority ethnic background, particularly Roma children, children in institutional care, children in precarious family situations, single-parent families, LGBTIQ+ families, and families where parents are away to work abroad face serious difficulties, such as severe housing deprivation or overcrowding, barriers in accessing fundamental and basic services, such as access to quality care, adequate nutrition and decent housing; whereas children with disabilities in the EU are disproportionately more likely to be placed in institutional care than children without disabilities, and appear far less likely to benefit from efforts to enable a transition from institutional to family-based care1a; whereas the European Child Guarantee is an EU instrument whose objective is to prevent and combat poverty and social exclusion by guaranteeing free and effective access for children in need to key services; essential care services, such as early childhood education and care, educational and school-based activities, healthcare and at least one healthy meal per school day, and effective access for all children in need to healthy nutrition and adequate housing1b; _________________ 1a European parliament Resolution of 29 April 2021 on European Child Guarantee 1b Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 establishing a European Child Guarantee.
Amendment 380 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas access to quality care services, especially long-term care, is increasingly preconditioned on individual and family income; whereas households with low incomes, lower educational levels, and migrant households experience the greatest difficulties in accessing formal home-based long-term care services; whereas across the EU, one third, and in five Member States even more than half of the households, report that they are in need of professional long- term care services but cannot access them due to financial reasons1a; _________________ 1a Social Protection Committee and the European Commission (2021) Long-term care report
Amendment 419 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P h (new)
Recital P h (new)
Ph. whereas the data on quality of care services is almost exclusively based on non-standard client satisfaction surveys;
Amendment 420 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P i (new)
Recital P i (new)
Pi. whereas difficulties associated with the provision of adequate, decent and affordable housing, especially for older people, single persons, persons with disability, persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion, families with young children and single parents, significantly hinder access to quality care services;
Amendment 421 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P j (new)
Recital P j (new)
Amendment 422 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P k (new)
Recital P k (new)
Pk. whereas unions play an important role in representing employees’ interests, as well as raising and maintaining standards across the care sector in non- profit, for-profit and public care;
Amendment 423 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P l (new)
Recital P l (new)
Amendment 424 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P m (new)
Recital P m (new)
Pm. whereas more than half of care workers say they do not earn enough to cover basic needs such as housing and food, and 31% do not have adequate access to personal protective equipment1a; _________________ 1a https://www.finanzwende- recherche.de/wp- content/uploads/2021/10/Finanzwende_B ourgeronMetzWolf_2021_Private-Equity- Investoren-in-der-Pflege_20211013.pdf
Amendment 425 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P n (new)
Recital P n (new)
Pn. whereas despite the substantial resourcing needs in the Member States care systems, as well as the EU citizens’ expectations for a more social Europe after the pandemic, social targets, including investment in quality care services, have been left out of the EU recovery mechanisms;
Amendment 426 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P o (new)
Recital P o (new)
Po. whereas in 2018, the estimated annual investment gap in social infrastructure stood at 100-150 billion euro1a; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files /economy-finance/dp074_en.pdf
Amendment 441 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights that the genuine choice should extend to the family and community of a care recipient and should entail the decision on whether or not to provide informal care, and with what intensity;
Amendment 452 #
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, personal and household needs;
Amendment 465 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the need to increase funding for both formal and informal care across the EU to guarantee equal access for dependants to affordable quality care services, as well as an active professional life for carers, and therefore calls on the Member States to make the best use of the European structural and investment funds, including the ESF+, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, for investing in care; and thereby accelerate its recovery from the negative effects of the austerity measures, privatisation of care and the pandemic, measuring up to and creating synergies with the standards set for investment in digital and green transformation, with gender equality and inclusion of persons from vulnerable groups as the guiding principles; calls on the Commission to develop guidelines and recommendations for Member States in this sense;
Amendment 471 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the need to increase funding for both formal and informal care across the EU to guarantee equal access for dependants to affordable quality care services, as well as an active professional life for carerscarer’s opportunity to earn fair wages and develop a career in the sector through skills certification and validation, and therefore calls on the Member States to make the best use of the European structural and investment funds, including the ESF+, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, for investing in care;
Amendment 498 #
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 ands that care recipientsey put the needs of care providers, rather than the rights of persons in need for care in focus and that persons in need for care should be placed at the centre of care plans;
Amendment 517 #
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 Statestake leadership in the realm of care by setting ambitious targets regarding access, quality and sustainability of care services in consultation with the Member States and social partners; stresses that the EU should make use of the ILO’s 5R framework for decent care work: recognise, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work, reward paid care work and guarantee care workers’ representation, social dialogue and collective bargaining;
Amendment 560 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Calls on the Commission to address in the European care strategy the challenging working and employment conditions of all workers in personal and household services, including care and not care work; stresses the importance of adopting measures that facilitate the recognition of these workers;
Amendment 561 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Calls on the Commission to explicitly include the fight against all forms of abuse of older persons in the European care Strategy in order to combat the worrying phenomena such as non-assistance, neglect and the undue use of physical or chemical restraints, particularly in the field of long-term care and support; calls on the Member States to develop trainings for informal and formal carers to avoid such abuse as well as establish independent and effective mechanisms for reporting and redressing it;
Amendment 570 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to design childcare, education 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, sensitive to the needs of children in vulnerable situation, in or at the risk of poverty and social deprivation, and one that upholds the swift and efficient implementation of the European Child Guarantee; highlights that the COVID-19 crisis and the arrival of refugees following the war in Ukraine will further exacerbate the situation of children at risk of poverty and social inclusion or need access to quality care; therefore calls on the Member States and the Commission to urgently increase the funding of the Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion, to combat poverty affecting children and their families and to contribute to the goal of reducing poverty by at least half in all Member States by 2030; furthermore, calls on the Member States to neutralise all national expenditures dedicated to the eradication of child poverty within the implementation of fiscal rules;
Amendment 588 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to provide continuous holistic support to parents, including parental entitlements and measures that encourage a more substantial role for men in the sharing of care responsibilities, including for very young children; underlines the importance of adequate, accessible and affordable public care structures and services to single parents, the vast majority of whom are women, and to families with low and unsteady incomes, at risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 594 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to provide continuous holistic support to parents, including parental entitlements and measures that encourage a more substantial role for men in the sharing of care responsibilities, including for very young children, as well as children with disabilities;
Amendment 598 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines that provision of quality childcare is largely determined by investments and improvements in the employment and working conditions of the workers in the childcare sector; reminds of the role that social dialogue plays in developing practical tools for improved access to, availability and affordability of childcare;
Amendment 699 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on the Member States to guarantee immediate and full access of persons enjoying temporary protection to quality care services, without discrimination on any ground and with special attention to their physical and psychological needs generated by the circumstances of war and their displacement, and to secure, at the same time, equal and decent working and employment conditions and fair pay for the persons enjoying temporary protection who will seek employment in the care sector; underlines that additional capacities and investment in the care sector are essential to this end;
Amendment 739 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18d. Stresses that the sets of targets for quality long-term care should inevitably include the reduction of inequality in the access to long-term care;
Amendment 740 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18e. Calls for quality indicators for long-term care that are based on the rights of the persons in need of care, the maintenance of their independence and autonomy as well as social inclusion, and focusing on the expected outcomes such as the improvement of well-being of persons in need for long-term care and support, the evolution of healthy life years;
Amendment 842 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Member States to ensure decent working conditions and the right for all workers to join a representative trade union 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;
Amendment 848 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Member States 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, paying special attention to the specific challenges of work in the care sector, which often includes exposure of workers to hazardous substances or medicinal products, work in the potentially infectious environments, as well as mental and psychosocial risks related to emotionally demanding work and encountering adverse social behaviour;
Amendment 858 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Repeats its call on the Commission to raise the level of ambition and to propose a broader and more comprehensive legislation that would allow better prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases, as well as mitigate psychosocial risks and negative effects of care work on well-being of workers;
Amendment 861 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23 c. Is concerned about the high share of minimum wage and sub-minimum earners among the care professionals, persistent gender pay gap and discrepancies in the pay levels of specific care professions; welcomes therefore the Commission proposals for a directive on adequate minimum wages, that would ensure a more decent pay to the lowest paid workers in the care sector, and for a pay transparency directive, tackling persistently inadequate enforcement of the fundamental right to equal pay for equal work of equal value in the EU;
Amendment 864 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Strongly encourages the Member States to provide, with the support of EU funds, training to care staff on the rights of care recipients, particularly the rights enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 866 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 e (new)
Paragraph 23 e (new)
23e. Calls on Member States to recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease in the care sector;
Amendment 869 #
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-profit, 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; calls on the Member States to remove all obstacles to the creation of unions in this industry and to facilitate the process of union access to workers in order to ensure the right and freedom of association;
Amendment 890 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that mobile and migrant workers play a significant role in the provision of both residential care and home care in the EUresidential, community- and home-based care in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure fair mobility and recruitment of workers from the EU and from the third countries by improving the reciprocal recognition of their qualifications and by closing the gaps in transnational social protection; repeats its call for proper monitoring and enforcement of rules pertaining to mobility and better informing workers of their rights;
Amendment 951 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Calls on the Member States to present an adequate framework for declaration of personal and household services, and to invest in flexible quality professional services to halt precarisation of care and discourage consumption of care services that involve undeclared work;
Amendment 953 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 e (new)
Paragraph 27 e (new)
27e. Urges the Member States that have not yet done so to ratify and implement ILO conventions no. 189 concerning decent work for domestic workers, no. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work and no. 149 on nursing personnel;
Amendment 955 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 f (new)
Paragraph 27 f (new)
27f. Calls on targeted revision of Directive 89/391/EEC to ensure the inclusion of domestic workers within its scope;
Amendment 959 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the utmost importance of mainstreaming care and measures for the empowerment of women, dependent persons andpersons in need for care and support as well as vulnerable individuals in all relevant national and EU policies, together with encouraging increased public investment in accessible, affordable and high quality care services; calls for these priorities to be reflected in the external dimensions of the EU policies, as well as pre-accession and official development assistance; emphasises that a rights-based approach to care would enable such a mainstreaming across often disconnected policy fields, such as health, employment, pensions and social affairs, spatial planning, education, culture, mobility, digital policies, etc.;
Amendment 975 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
Paragraph 28 c (new)
28 c. Firmly believes that the implementation of national recovery and resilience plans must include targeted actions for the improvement of gender equality in all spheres of life, including measures for reduction and redistribution of unpaid care and household work;
Amendment 985 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Calls on the Commission to carefully consider the calls for a Care deal for Europe and to provide the ground for transition to care economy with relevant investment and legislation at the Union level;
Amendment 987 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Member States to depart from the narrow focus on market processes and monetised economy and to adopt approaches to measuring and valuing the contribution and outputs of care, in particular unpaid care and houseworkdomestic work; calls on the Commission and the Member States to include alternative measures of economic and social well-being in the policy-making process;
Amendment 1000 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30 c. Points to the clear benefits of minimum income and minimum pension schemes for timely and effective access to care and support services, as well as for ensuring decent living standard to carers, especially those providing informal unpaid care;
Amendment 1001 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Calls on the Commission to link the upcoming care strategy to the European action plan for the social economy, raising the awareness of the potential of social economy in improving the working conditions in the care sector as well as creating opportunities for better access of women to quality jobs;
Amendment 1009 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Member States to formulate and revise their care policies in permanent dialogue with social partners, experts, civil society and representative organisations of care recipients ands well as formal and informal carers;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. Welcomes the Commission proposal for a Social Climate Fund to address the social consequences of the transformation of our societies towards climate neutrality; warns that the instrument proposed is clearly insufficient both in its aims and in its funding; is convinced that the social impact of green policies has to be tackled in a wider manner, and highlights the urgency of adopting instruments that enable all parts of society to enjoy the benefits of a climate-neutral society and protect “people and households”, in particular the most vulnerable ones from both the impact of climate change and pollution, and that prevent them from suffering any negative social consequence that might arise from the implementation of the European Green Deal climate actions; insists that in order to design these new generation game-changer policies, social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones; in this sense, is convinced that the Stability and Growth Pact is outdated and does not offer neither the flexibility nor the architecture necessary to put in place a new Sustainable Development and Social Progress governance in the EU;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3 g. Believes that future financial instruments focused exclusively on financing the fight against climate change would be too narrow and would not fulfil the wider Treaty objectives of social justice, decent work and sustainable development to improve the lives of all Europeans; stresses that the Social Climate Fund should be considered as the right tool to enable future investment capacity of the EU, it could be financed in a similar fashion than the RRF, and the access to this Fund would depend on compliance with the economic, social and environmental targets set for each Member State, and respect of the no environmental or social harm principle; points out that investments approved through the Social Climate Fund should be excluded from the deficit and debt calculation;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the social economy represents 2.8 million entities in Europe, employs around 13.6 million workers and significantly contributes to the European GDP; whereas the number of social economy entities and employment in the EU varies depending on the definition, estimates and national statistics; whereas it is important to acknowledge the diversity among social economy actors in different Member States and improving the recognition and visibility of the social economy and its added value to our society;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas social economy entities still face significant obstacles that constrain their economic and overall social impact;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the social economy plays an important role in the transformation and evolution of our societies, welfare systems and economies thus substantially contributing to economic, social and human development in and beyond the EU and are supplementary to existing welfare regimes in many member states;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas social partners, at all levels, can play an important role in promoting the social economy and making it fit for responding to current and future challenges;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas a significant feature of the social economy is the large number of female workers, who account for over 70% of the labour force in many entities;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Amendment 30 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
A h. whereas public authorities rarely use the existing possibilities available to facilitate the access of social economy entities to public procurement or funding, nor the flexibility offered by current EU state aid rules; whereas most public tenders are still awarded based only on the price criterion and socially responsible public procurement is still far less known and developed than green public procurement;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
Ai. whereas voluntary work plays a fundamental role in the social economy, being important both for the younger generation and for older people, for whom in some cases it represents an important opportunity to play an active role in society that helps to improve their quality of life, gain qualifications and increase their employment prospects;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the EU’s social market, society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to the long- term orientation of the European Pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economyeconomic and social sustainability of its business model12 ; _________________ 12 OECD (2020), Social economy and the COVID-19 crisis: current and future roles.
Amendment 44 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas social economy entities demonstrated great resilience and innovation in the face of adversity but faced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as drops in activity, limited cash reserves, or the need to take their business activity online;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas social economy entities are drivers for new employment initiatives and social innovation, including in the context of the green economy and the promotion of sustainable development;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas governments and public authorities at large have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring equal and universal access of citizens to a high standard of welfare;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas there are numerous challenges and barriers preventing social economy organisations who want to internationalise or operate cross-border from doing so, including different rules and definitions and the lack of financing;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the best tool to fight poverty and social exclusion is to create decent jobs with decent pay; whereas a way to contribute to such an objective could be through the implementation of direct employment initiatives in the social economy;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s Action Plan for the Social Economy (SEAP), the guiding principles defining the social economy set therein, the political impetus it provides to its development, and the wealth of measures announced therein; ; stresses that during times when the European Union is facing enormous challenges in terms of unemployment and social exclusion as well as demographic change, social economy entities have an important role to play, both in society and the labour market;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes, however, that concrete measurstrategies and follow-up measures for achieving each objective need to be laid out and the interlinkages between measures 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 100 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that EU and national actions to promote the development of the social economy are particularly relevant in the current context in which, due to the economic and social crisis caused by COVID-19, it is essential to harness the full potential of the social economy to ensure economic recovery, to promote social entrepreneurship and to create quality jobs; stresses that social economy entities play an essential role in improving the resilience of the economy and society following the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urgesnderlines that despite being a considerable source of economic growth and job creation, more needs to be done to promote the social economy; urges therefore the Commission and the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to mainstream the social economy dimension in relevant policies, programmes and practices;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call13 forStresses the need to keep the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in tin mind when drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies, so as to make the Union’s ecosystem more competitive andpolicies, without weakening environmental and consumer protection, workers’ rights as well as health and safety provisions, and to better supportive of micro, small and medium-sized organisationenterprises both within and outside the social economy; _________________ 13 In, inter alia, its resolution of 16 December 2020 on a new strategy for European SMEs and that of 24 June 2021 on European regulatory fitness and subsidiarity principle. in applying existing rules and regulations;
Amendment 127 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of social economy entities as strategic partners in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and in building a European Union where the main function of the economy is to serve the people; calls in this respect on the Member States to raise their ambitions in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that ensuring quality jobs requires, amongst other things, good management practices, governance and internal decision-making structures and processes as well as good management skills; underlines that the range of management skills needed in the social economy sector is wider and more complex than in mainstream businesses; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support the development of management skills within the social economy through relevant education and training institutions;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Stresses the need to support training and life-long learning of workers in areas such as digitalisation, including media literacy, participatory leadership, resilience and the green transition, in order to support them to enter or remain in the labour market of the social economy; welcomes the commitment of the Commission in the SEAP to skills partnerships for the social economy, in the context of the Skills Agenda and the updated European Industrial Strategy;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Highlights that acting in the general interest, social economy entities create jobs, provide socially innovative services and goods, facilitate social inclusions and promote a more sustainable and locally anchored economy; underlines that when the role of the social economy in creating and maintaining employment involves disadvantaged workers and disadvantaged regions, appropriate support is needed to give proper recognition to these entities;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Acknowledges the important role played by social economy entities in providing social services, ensuring continuity of employment and offering job opportunities with high democratic values and the inclusion of disadvantaged groups in society and the world of work; underlines in this context their valuable contribution to achieving upward social convergence as well as social and economic inclusion;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Stresses the fundamental and important role of public services in supplying and supporting the social economy; calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in staff, digitalisation and social dialogue; emphasises that an approach focusing on promoting the social economy without also enhancing the enabling of public services would be incorrect and ineffective;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Regrets the lack of references in the SEAP to the importance of workers’ rights and collective bargaining; stresses that all workers in the social economy deserve decent working and employment conditions, ideally based on collective agreements; highlights in this context that social economy entities, however organised, must ensure the respect of trade union rights, social dialogue and collective bargaining; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that no public funding should go to employers, including in the social economy, that do not recognise trade unions and engage in collective bargaining;
Amendment 139 #
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; invitescalls on public authorities to consider socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives; socio-economic investment which combines social and economic objectives; calls on the Commission to further promote socially responsible public procurement as a key tool to achieve employment and to promote socially responsible business practices; stresses that all public funding, including through public procurement contracts, should be subject to social and environmental conditionality;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Member States to systematically adopt strategies aimed at developing socially responsible public procurement, thus establishing a link across policy areas between the delivery of services and products and the contribution to social objectives; considers that the transposition of the Public Procurement Directive must be coupled with initiatives to increase knowledge about the relationship between public spending and its contribution to achieving the SDGs, and to build capacity among public procurement officers and social economy organisations; encourages public procurement officers to carry out pre- market consultations before drawing up tender documents, with a view to better understanding the existing needs and howwhat social economy organisations could meet themhave to offer;
Amendment 163 #
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 structuresbusiness support structures, including legal counselling, financial support and help to create business plans; underlines the important role of trade unions and collaboration between trade unions and social economy organisations in order to enhance the chances of successful workers’ buyouts, which preserves jobs, and contributes to innovation and the democratisation of the economy; encourages Member States to include this topicworkers’ buyouts in the 2023 Council recommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regnational and natregional level;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the announced report on the possible extension of the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance to social objectives; considers that the EU taxonomy needs to cover social factors, without creating an excessively disproportionate burden on businesses, as it can be a driver for investment in the field of the social economy;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission, in collaboration with Member States, to examine transfers of enterprises to employees and to set up an EU platform for exchange of best practice between Member States, local and regional authorities and social economy networks;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2179(INI)
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 allow exchange of experience and 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;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the key role that new technologies can play in developing and scaling up social economy projects and; stresses the importance of giving social entrepreneurs priority 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 regardUnion and national level;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to involve social economy entities in all relevant policies regarding the transition to a sustainable economy; stresses that the social economy can play an active role in ensuring a just transition and facilitate workers finding new jobs away from fossil fuel-based industries;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Stresses the importance of promoting the social economy also at international level, as a way to address common global challenges and reach common objectives linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers it regrettableRegrets that social economy organisations do not feature to the same extent as more conventional businesses in the curricula of mainstream school education and higher education enterprise and business education14 ; in light of this, invites sector-representative bodies and relevant public authorities, in partnership with the relevant stakeholders, to review and evaluate the curricula and put forward policy recommendations for academic institutions; as well as vocational education and training14; suggests to review school and university curricula in this regard; _________________ 14 Eurofound (2019), Labour market change. Cooperatives and social enterprises: work and employment in selected countries.
Amendment 224 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to raise awareness and increase the visibility of the social economy among young people and young entrepreneurs as an opportunity for business start-ups; expects that the new Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy will make a contribution in this regard;
Amendment 228 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Stresses that volunteering and paid traineeships in the social economy are an opportunity for increasing skills and qualifications of young people, with a positive effect on their employment chances; calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place policies to facilitate the transition from paid traineeships to regular employment;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support initiatives and the role of local and regional authorities in promoting the social economy, social entrepreneurship and social innovation;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Underlines that the social economy plays an important role in providing employment opportunities for women, in particular in vulnerable situations, and can be an entry point to transition from informal to formal employment; stresses that gender mainstreaming should be a priority, also in the social economy; calls on the Commission and the Member States to remove all barriers for women in order to achieve gender equality;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the proposal to launch a new single EU Social Economy Gateway in 2023; agrees that this initiative has the potential to support social economy entities in providing important information on relevant EU funding, policies, networks and platforms, as well as related initiatives;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls for the gender perspective to be taken into account as regards policies and access to funding for social economy entities, given the greater difficulties experienced by women in accessing credit and financial resources compared to men;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Invites the Commission, on the occasion of the next revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), to adequately take into account the specific needs of social economy organisations in terms of access to finance and market development, to strengthen the role of State aid inbetter include social considerations such as promoting the recruitment of disadvantaged workers in State Aid decisions, especially in the context of the post-COVID-19 recovery, and to explore different evidence-based options, after consulting relevant stakeholders, to support the development of social economy organisations;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Invites the Commission to provide clarity and guidance to national authorities on the right choice of the legal basis regarding state aid to support social economy entities, thereby trying to avoid legal uncertainty, facilitating sufficient funding for social economy entities and lowering the risks for recoveries; calls on the Member States and national authorities to make full use of the options provided under state aid rules and the existing Union rules in relation to services of general economic interest in order to maximise the potential of the social economy; welcomes the indicated measures from the Commission in the Action Plan in facilitating this process;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls on the Commission to assess the suitability of the SME definition when applying it to social economy entities;
Amendment 274 #
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 and calls for the full involvement of the European Parliament in this regard to make it joint recommendation of both institutions; stresses that the 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, state aid, employment and social policies, taxation, education, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers it regrettableRegrets that Parliament’s past calls on the Commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies, associations and foundations to act on a European and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes, thus undermining the European social model and hindering the completion of the single market; reiterates the Parliament’s call to introduce common minimum standards for non- profit organisations throughout the EU and establish a statute for a European association; 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;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that the full potential of the social economy sector for addressing socio-economic challenges requires a clear identification of social priorities by public authorities; highlights that social economy projects do generallyoften require a close partnership with public entities, and calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to develop, within the macro- economic governance framework provided at EU level, a social investment strategy where social priorities are clearly identified and which can provide a framework for cooperation between public authorities and social economy organisations;
Amendment 300 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Shares the view that labels and certification systems, which have been developed in some countries, could serve as inspiration to other Member States; welcomes the commitment in the SEAP to launch a study on national social economy labels and certification systems with a view to a common European approach;
Amendment 303 #
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; calls in this respect on the Commission and the Member States to work with Eurostat with a view to promote the development of standardised data, allowing robust analysis and trends in the social economy;
Amendment 318 #
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 support and funding, including EU funding;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the valuable role played by Union agencies in helping Union institutions to implement policies, especially by carrying out specific technical, scientific and managerial tasks; appreciateswelcomes the importance and the high quality work performed by CEDEFOP, Eurofound, EU-OSHA, ETF and ELA, the agencies working in the area of employment, social affairs and inclusion; reiterates in this regard the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing them to continue implementing their work programmes with a very high activity completion rate; welcomes the European Union Agencies Network (EUAN) endorsement of its second multiannual strategy (2021-2027) in 2020; stresses the importance and added value of each agency in their field of expertise and their autonomy;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the yearly exchange of views in the EMPL committees regarding the annual work programmes and the multiannual strategies of the agencies is instrumental in ensuring that the programmes and strategies are aligned to the actual political priorities, especially in the context of the implementation of the principles enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights and contribute to the success of the Action Plan on the Implementation of the EPSR;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that shortcomings in public procurement procedures remain the main source of irregular payments; encourages the agencies to further improve their public procurement procedures, ensuring full compliance with the applicable rules, the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non- discrimination and best value for money procurements;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes that internal controls are the most error prone area; encourages the agencies to conduct effective and efficient internal controls, including ex-ante/ex- post controls, market research prior to any order form and the adoption of internal rules to provide a sound contribution to the management control systems, to transparency and accountability;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls that the European Labour Authority (ELA) was created in March 2018 and started its operation in October 2019; welcomes that ELA premises were inaugurated last 9 November 2021; recalls that ELA was not audited in 2020 because, according to ECA, it did not reach their financial autonomy; highlights the importance of making the ELA fully operational without undue delay in order to improve the application and enforcement of Union law relating to labour mobility and social security coordination so as to ensure fair mobility and effective cross-border enforcement of workers’ rights; stresses the need of ensuring sufficient financial resources in this regard;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Points out that the ELA will help ensure that EU rules on labour mobility and social security coordination are enforced effectively and fairly, will assist national authorities in cooperating to enforce these rules, and make it easier for citizens and businesses to benefit from the internal market; believes that, although the four agencies (EUROFOUND, CEDEFOP, ETF and EU-OSHA) are predominantly research-centred, they could usefully support and contribute to the work of the ELA;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2157(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Recalls that gender balance must be ensured within the Agencies in accordance with the basic regulations establishing them; regrets the fact that gender equality is absent in the multiannual strategy 2021-2027 for the EUAN; calls on the agencies and the EUAN to integrate gender equality in their strategies, to align the ambition of agencies with the aim of the Commission to reach a gender balance of 50 % at all levels of its management by the end of 2024 and to pursue gender mainstreaming in all fields;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2142(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates the Foundation’s high quality work to enhanceing and disseminateing knowledge, and provideing evidence-based support and expertise to support policiesfor European policy development concerning the improvement of living and working conditions in Europe, labour market and industrial relations in Europe; stresses its importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise; highlights the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Foundation to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate, including in the light of the significant challenges regarding the changing world of work, the upcoming EU action plan on care, etc.;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2142(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 15 #
2021/2142(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. TObserves the fact that ECA has reported internal controls weaknesses related to sensitive posts policy; takes note that Eurofound implementfinalised a new policy on sensitive posts on 23 June 2021 afterstill during the Court’s audit who could, therefore, already close off on the remarked that Eurofound’s inventory of sensitive posts had not been updated since 2012;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2142(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Appreciates the Foundation’s close cooperation with other Union Agencies, under and beyond the remit of DG EMPL, e.g. with Cedefop, EIGE, ETF, FRA, EU- OSHA, EEA, which aims at strengthening the synergies between these agencies; welcomes the Foundation’s active participation in the EU Agencies Network (EUAN);
Amendment 18 #
2021/2142(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the fact that the Foundation is in the process of implementing actions in response to the two ECA’s observations of 2019; notes with concern the changes in the shares of the budget titles due mainly to the increasing prices in the host country and calls on the Commission and the budgetary authority to take adequate measures in order to preserve the share of the operating expenditures of the budget of Eurofound;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2141(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. AppreciatWelcomes the Agency’s activities to develop, gather and provide reliable and relevant information, analysis and tools on occupational safety and health, which contribute to the Union policy aiming to promote healthy and safe work places across the Union; stresses its importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise; highlights the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Agency to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate, in particular in the light of the implementation of the new EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work (2021-2027);
Amendment 5 #
2021/2141(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes the prominent role that the Agency has been given when implementing the principles enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights; welcomes the Agency’s strong commitment to ensuring that all workers enjoy the same occupational health and safety rights regardless of the size of the company, the type of contract or the employment relationship;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2141(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes notes that two corrective actions on the previous years’ Court’s observationreported by ECA linked to the high level of committed appropriations carried over from previous years are ongoing;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2139(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. AppreciatWelcomes the Foundation activities in helping transition and developing Union neighbouring countries, enlargement countries and Central Asian countries harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education, training, and labour market systems, in the context of the Union ’s external relations policies; highlights the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Foundation to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2139(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recognises that the Foundation’s objectives and actions are closely aligned with Union policies and activities in the field of vocational education and training, human development, skills and migration; welcomes the Foundation’s continued cooperation and sharing of resources with other agencies, in particular with CEDEFOP and Eurofound, which enables significant knowledge sharing; stresses the Foundation’s importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2139(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. RecallsTakes note that the transparency and the effectiveness of the Foundation ’s internal control systems have been undermined by the Foundation not fully complying with internal control principle n. 12 of its own internal control framework and urges the Foundation to fully comply with it and to record deviations from the rules and procedures in its register of exceptions;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2119(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates the Centre’s activitiesexpertise and high-quality work , providing research, analyses and technical advice in vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies, with the aim of promoting high-quality training tailored to the needs of individuals and of the labour market; highlights the need of ensuring adequate human and financial resources allowing the Centre to continue implementing its work programme with a very high activity completion rate; stresses the Centre’s importance, autonomy and added value in its field of expertise;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2119(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets, in particular, that the Centre signed a contract exceeding the estimated budget by 98% without being able to justify it; notes thatacknowledges that to address the irregularity observed by ECA the Centre cancelled that contract after the audit with effect from 26 February 2021;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2119(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds that, similarly to 2019, the method for calculating contributions set out in the Statement on Cedefop-EFTA cooperation was not applied correctly in the 2020 financial year; welcomes, however, the Centre’s aim to establish a transparent and easy-to-apply methodology and prompt action to address it following the recommendation of DG BUDG through DG EMPL;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note that by the end of 2020, outstanding commitments continued to rise, reaching EUR 303.2 billion; highlights that this increase was smaller than in previous years, partly due to the additional payment appropriations being made available for combating the COVID- 19 pandemic; notes that according to the Commission’s long-term forecasting, which does not include the Next Generation EU (NGEU) instrument, the amount of outstanding commitments should remain fairly stable at this high level until 2027; notes that despite the fact that the absorption of European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds has accelerated at the end of 2020 (55%), it is still slower than at the same time under the previous MFF (2000-2006: 68 %; 2007-2013: 62 %); calls, therefore, on the Commission to analyse the reasons for the low absorption level and to simplify the new rules for the post-2020 period in order to avoid unnecessarily complex and/or burdensome rules with no added value;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses satisfaction that the biggest part of the Union budget went to boost sustainable growth and enhance competitiveness by reducing the economic gaps between regions, stimulate the creation of quality jobs, fight climate change, and address the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU, as well as provide assistance to third countries; welcomes in this regard the increased flexibility and the simplification of administrative requirements for the use of existing ESI funds to help Member States in their efforts to deal with the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. ENotes that in 2020, EUR 173.3 billion was allocated under subheading 1a; expresses satisfaction that EUR 3.1 billion (12.8%) of the spending under the MFF subheading 1a is dedicated to Education, training, youth and sport;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the importance of the ESF and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) to encourage high level of employment, the creation of quality jobs and fight against poverty and social exclusion; expresses the need to provide them with the continued financial and political support of the EU, national and regional institutions in the delivery of their targets in the years to come;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Notes 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; recalls the EU commitment to the support for the most deprived through FEAD, alleviating the worst forms of poverty in the Union, such as food deprivation, homelessness, and child poverty; notes that about 13 million people, including approximately 4 million children under the age of 15 are supported by FEAD annually;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern that the estimated overall level of error in subheading 1b ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ stood at 3.5 % in 2020 (2019:4.4 %, 2018: 5 %); underlines that despite the slight decrease in comparison with the previous years, 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 %); stresses that the new control and assurance framework was designed to ensure that annual residual error rates are below 2 %; agrees with the Court's conclusions that further improvements are necessary in terms of the implementation of the framework by the Member States’ programme authorities and by the Commission in order to reduce the high level of error;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses satisfaction that SURE reached a total volume of EUR 94.3 billion and a total level of disbursements of EUR 89.6 billion (as of May 2021) on a budget of EUR 100 billion; welcomes that SURE have supported approximately 31 million people and 2.5 million firms in 2020; calls in this context on the Commission to put forward a permanent European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme without farther delay taking into account the fact that job layoffs will most probably increase;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to physical and mental health is a fundamental humahealth is a fundamental human right indispensable for the exercise of other human rights and every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health conducive to living a life in rdightnity; 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 24 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas according to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, everyone has the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by national laws and practices, and a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all the Union's policies and activities;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the pandemic has changed the working conditions for many workers in Europe, highlighting new and current issues related to well-being in the workplace; whereas the COVID-19 crisis has placed extraordinary demands on healthcare and essential workers; whereas a demanding work environment, lack of protection and fears for safety, have led to a negative psychological impact of these frontline workers;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas according to Eurofound, 20 % of jobs in Europe were of ‘poor quality’ in 2017 and put the physical or mental health of workers at increased risk; whereas psychosocial risks can arise from bad organisation and management as well as unfair working conditions; whereas according to the OECD, financial uncertainty and job insecurity are risk factors associated with poor mental health; whereas strengthening public employment services and investing in long-term and quality jobs are key to combat poor mental health among workers;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas according to EU-OSHA, psychosocial risks may result in negative psychological, physical and social outcomes such as work-related anxiety, burnout or depression; whereas working conditions leading to psychosocial risks may include excessive workloads, conflicting demands and lack of role clarity, lack of involvement in making decisions that affect the worker and lack of influence over the way the job is done, poorly managed organisational change, job insecurity, ineffective communication, lack of support from management or colleagues, psychological and sexual harassment, and third party violence;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B j (new)
Recital B j (new)
Bj. whereas workers experience stress when the demands of their job are excessive and greater than their capacity to cope with them; whereas in addition to mental health problems, workers suffering from prolonged stress can go on to develop serious physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal problems;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B k (new)
Recital B k (new)
Bk. whereas for work-organisation, the negative effects of psychosocial risks include poor overall business performance, increased absenteeism and presentism (workers turning up for work when sick and unable to function effectively) and increased accident and injury rates; whereas, absences tend to be longer than those arising from other causes, and work-related stress may contribute to increased rates of early retirement; whereas the cost to businesses and society are significant;
Amendment 45 #
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 populationgroups, including ethnic minorities, women, the LGBTI+ community, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young people; whereas the mental health of young people has worsened significantly during the pandemic, with problems related to mental health doubling in several Member States compared to the pre-crisis level;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 55 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas self-employed workers are excluded from the scope of application of the strategic framework for health and safety at work; whereas all workers should be equally and fully protected against psychosocial risks by the European occupational health and safety framework; whereas the new OSH framework 2021-2027 lacks efficient measures to prevent psychosocial risks at the workplace; whereas evidence shows that non-legislative measures are insufficient for psychosocial risks prevention; whereas approaches to and legislation on psychosocial risks vary significantly indifferent Member States;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas workplace issues that affect mental health include job burnout, harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination; whereas last year, the WHO revealed that worldwide more than 300 million people suffer from work- related mental disorders such as burnout, anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress; whereas one in four European workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ; __________________ 12 Eurofound, 6th European Working Condition Survey, 2017.
Amendment 73 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the costs of mental ill health are estimated at more than 4 % of GDP across all EU Member States in 2015; whereas the cost of work-related depression has been estimated at EUR 620 billion a year, resulting in EUR 240 billion lost economic output13 ; __________________ 13 Opinion of the Expert Panel on Effective Ways of Investing in Health (EXPH): ‘Supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers‘, 2021.
Amendment 74 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Amendment 80 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F g (new)
Recital F g (new)
Fg. whereas there are multiple occupational risk factors resulting from having AI systems managing work such as algorithms; whereas workers are concerned about the amount of personal data companies collect about them; whereas the feeling of being permanently observed is a risk factor in itself; whereas invasive technological control and lack of privacy can cause various psychosocial risks such as techno-stress, techno- anxiety, techno-fatigue or burnout; whereas Directive89/391/EEC states that ‘The employer shall have the duty to ensure the safety and health of the workers in every aspect related to the work’ and companies are obliged to perform assessments of occupational risks, i.e., the risks to workers’ safety and health from workplace hazards; whereas such assessments involve a systematic examination of all aspects of work, looking at what could cause injury or harm, whether the hazards can be eliminated and, if not, what preventive or protective measures are, or should be in place, to control the risks;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F i (new)
Recital F i (new)
Fi. whereas high rates of workers are moving to platform work, non-traditional work or atypical employment; whereas those workers may be subjected to increased psychosocial risks at work because of unpredictable working hours, job instability, lack of clarity in working relations, abusive control and surveillance as well as isolation;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F k (new)
Recital F k (new)
Fk. whereas according to the 13a OECD , around 39% of workers suddenly shifted to telework at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number increased afterwards; whereas people who regularly work from home are more than twice as likely to work in excess of the requisite maximum 48 hours per week; whereas almost 30 % of teleworkers report working in their free time every day or several times a week; whereas the risk of suffering work-related mental illnesses is directly associated with an increased workload and pressure, excessive working hours and unhealthy work-life balance; whereas there are gender differences in the use of telework and women are at higher risk of suffering the negative consequences of working remotely; __________________ 13a https://read.oecd- ilibrary.org/view/?ref=1094_1094455- bukuf1f0cm&title=Tackling-the-mental- health-impact-of-the-COVID-19-crisis- An-%20integrated-whole-of-society- response.%20
Amendment 85 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F l (new)
Recital F l (new)
Fl. whereas telework can blur existing lines between work and private life, implying higher work intensity and control; whereas the increase in working hours and blurring professional and personal boundaries may exacerbate online harassment even further; whereas harassment and bullying have a severe impact on workers mental health;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F m (new)
Recital F m (new)
Amendment 87 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that during the COVID-19 pandemic, worker’s mental health has been affected by many factors including education, health, economic, employment and social inclusion policies and poverty; calls for mental health to urgently be tackled by cross-sectional policiand stressors such as financial insecurity, fear to unemployment, insufficient health and safety protections, technostress, isolation, high work intensity and control, lack of conciliation and the increase of working hours; calls on the Commission for the protection of worker’s mental health that should be an integral part of OSH preparedness plans to prevent for future health crises;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have caused a huge strain on the well-being of EU citizens, with higher rates of stress, anxi, together with the use of new digital technologies have caused a huge strain on the well-being of EU workers, with an increasing prevalence of work-related psychosocial risks; highlights that supporting the mental health of workers and reversing the causes of work related stress is fundamental for the workers long term health perspective, their integration in the labour markety and depressions well as for the well-functioning of the public services and the economy;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU institutions and Member States to recognise the high levels ofincreasing number of work-related mental health dissueorders across the EU, and commit to actions regulating and implementing a world of work whichwith regulatory actions that protects workers’ mental health andin a digital world-of-work, prevent risks and ensures full social protection rights;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the TEU allows for more EU action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and thaturges the Commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this, including the urgent creation of an EU Mental Health Strategyto take action and tackle all potential risks through binding legislation and the urgent creation of an EU Mental Health Strategy; insists that poor mental health affects workers’ wellbeing and implies costs for welfare systems, triggering health care and social security expenditure;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the pandemic has demonstrated the need forto coordinated at the EU-level action to respond to health emergencies, revealing shortcomings in foresight, including in preparedness and response tools; stresses in this sense that it is essential to adopt mental health risks prevention plans in all companies;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Applauds the frontline staffand essential workers who sacrificed their own well-being to perform life-saving work during the pandemic; calls for Member States to ensure that theyduring the pandemic; calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit the necessary resources in order to ensure that such a sacrifice is not demanded again, ensuring that workers have immediate access to adequate mental health resources and protection;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that quality employment can provide individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health and work productivity;14is necessary to provide workers with decent living standards; emphasises the positive relationship between good working conditions, high salaries, mental health, productivity14, wellbeing and quality of life; stresses that collective agreements, decent wages, active labour market programmes for quality employment and investing in public employment services can help to combat psychosocial risks by providing opportunities for a stable quality job and adequate social protection; __________________ 14 OSHWiki, Mental Health at Work
Amendment 138 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation, such as flexible work houdigitalisation must be strictly regulated to help to mitigate work- related anxiety and other mental disorders; notes that artificial intelligence systems as well as the use of digital tools for control and management at the workplace, and remote work practices, are negatively impacting working conditions, the health and safety of workers, and establishing employee assistance programmes, can help to mitigate work-related stress; notes that artificial intelligence systems may provide further options for this; increasing the cases of harassment, bullying and cyberbullying; stresses that if psychosocial risk factors are not addressed adequately at the workplace, workers might suffer from tensions at work that can turn into bullying and related violent practices that have a negative impact on their mental health; notes that online harassment tends to disproportionately impact the most vulnerable groups who are younger, female and LGBTQ workers; stresses that only 60% of Member States have specific legislation to address workplace bullying and violence at work, and thus calls on the Commission and Member States to propose adapted mandatory measures to reverse and tackle this increasing problematic at work and protect the victims with all necessary resources;
Amendment 150 #
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; ; stresses however, that women continue to be disproportionately affected by job instability and the negative effects of new mechanisms such as telework, that requires greater flexibility associated with permanent availability and an increase of work intensity, what makes it difficult to combine with caring responsibilities; calls on the Member States to encourage an equal share of caring responsibilities between women and men through non- transferable paid leave periods between the parents which would allow women to increasingly engage in full-time employment; highlights that women are in higher risk of suffering of stress, exhaustion, burn-out, and psychological violence due to new telework arrangements and the lack of regulation to control abusive labour practices;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the swift shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the consequent flexibility it provided to employees could improve work-life balance; encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangementprovided to workers better work-life balance but also led to risks on workers mental health due to an increase of working hours, isolation, high job intensity, massive control and surveillance, and blurred boundaries between private and professional life among many other factors; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to establishing minimum requirements for telework across the Union; notes that this framework should be developed in consultation with social partners and should clarify the working conditions, including regarding the provision and use of and liability for equipment, covering existing and new digital tools, at a time that ensures that such work is carried out on a voluntary basis and that the rights, work-life balance, health and safety, workloads and performance standards of teleworkers are equivalent and comparable to on-site workers without unfair repercussions; stresses that this legislative initiative should be based on a comprehensive assessment, including of the psychosocial risks associated with digital and remote working practises;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers the right to disconnect essential to ensuring theworkers mental well- being of employees; reiterates its calls on the Commission to propose legislation requiring line managers to set minimum requirements for remote working, and as a preventive approach against work-related psychosocial risks; reiterates its calls on the Commission to propose a directive on the right to disconnect without further delay;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that the Ddirectives on the minimum safety and health requirements in the workplace and fors well as the work display screen equipment may open up opportunities for improvingdirective, if revised and updated, can contribute to the protection of all workers using digital devices, including platform workers and self-employed;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that AI solutions in the workplace must be ethical and human- centric, transparent, fair and avoid any negative implications for workers’ mental health; recalls that the pandemic has only highlighted the risks of a new digital economy, that is transforming the nature and organisation of work, and have dire consequences on the working conditions by increasing control, surveillance and pressure, work-loads and working hours, creating work-complexity, eradicating transparency and social interaction, and deeply affecting the health and safety of workers, including mental health; is concerned about the lack of knowledge of internal functioning of algorithms which can make the health risks they entail, go unnoticed, causing insufficient preventive measures to be taken; considers that by addressing issues such as privacy, vigilance and tracking, non- discrimination and ethical aspects, the EU must protect workers against surveillance at the workplace; highlights that tracking apps to monitor workers as well as recruitment discrimination due to the use of algorithms or employment screenings services in breach of data protection, represent dangerous trends and have to be urgently tackled; calls in this regard on the Commission, to urgently present a Directive to regulate the use of AI technologies at the workplace in views of protecting workers from health and safety risks, including mental health risks derived from discrimination, health and safety concerns of machine decisions, hyper-connectivity and macro surveillance; calls, in particular, for the introduction of safeguards against the adverse impacts of algorithmic management on the health and safety of workers; stresses that algorithms deployed in the areas of work must be transparent, non-discriminatory and ethical, and that algorithmic decisions must be accountable, contestable and, where relevant, reversible, and consequently must be subject to human oversight; calls for this directive to include a specific mandatory risk assessment that should be established as part of the occupational risk prevention plan and carried out by an expert in occupational risks;
Amendment 188 #
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 poorly accommodated; calls for workplaceon Member States and the Commission to ensure that employers fulfil their obligations to provide support and clear information about their in- house mental health support services;15 __________________ 15 WTW, 2021 Employee Experience Surveyto all affected workers, and to ensure a fair reintegration into the workplace;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that the current measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers are not effective for the assessment and management of psychosocial riskimprove the mental health and safety of workers are insufficient and non-effective, especially the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; highlights the importance of ensuring proper compensation claim options for workers in cases of mental occupational diseases; calls thus on the Commission to recognise anxiety, depression and burnout as occupational diseases, to establish mechanisms for their prevention and theview the Commission recommendation concerning the European Schedule of Occupational Diseases of 2003, for the inclusion of work-related mental-health disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and burnout as occupational diseases, and to include it into a directive that sets out minimum requirements for their recognition, ensuring adequate compensation for affected workers; stresses the need as well to establish mechanisms for prevention and to ensure the adequate and fair reintegration into the workplace of those affected workers, and to move from individual-level actions to a work organisation approach16 ; __________________ 16 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2021), Telework and health risks in the context of the covidovid-19 pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications, 2021.;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Acknowledges that when tackling psychosocial risks, the national labour inspectorates can have an important role by enforcing preventive and/or corrective interventions in the context of work; calls on the ELA to work on a common strategy for the national labour inspectorates to tackling psychosocial risks, including the design of a common framework with regard to psychosocial risks evaluation and management, and the different labour inspectors' training needs;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. CallsBelieves that Council Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, may not prove effective enough for the digital world of work in the 21st century and the latest developments in labour markets, including the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; points out that the new EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027, rightly notes that changes in the work environment are required to tackle psychosocial wellbeing hazards but only focuses on individual level interventions, what is a limited aspect of psychosocial risks mitigation; stresses that a common basis for safeguarding the mental health of all workers is urgently needed, as they are not protected to the same extension across EU Member States, either by current EU legislation; calls in this regard on the Commission to propose, in consultation with the social partners, a directive on psychosocial risks and well- being at work aiming to effectively prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace; considers that occupational safety and health prevention policies should also involve employees in the identification and prevention of psychosocial risks; of, inter alia, anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress, and including mechanisms for the effective prevention of such risks, and for the reintegration into the workplace of affected employees, shifting from individual-level actions to a work organisation approach, in line with the general principles of hierarchy of prevention included in Directive 89/391/EEC;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that it is essential for managworkers to be provided with the psychosocial training required to adapt to work organisation practices and foster a deep understanding of negative mmandatory and free training on the prevention of work-related psychosocial risks with managerial staff receiving also specialised training to ensure better work organisation practices and foster a deep understanding of work-related risks causing mental health disorders; believes that trade unions must play a central health and the workplacerole in the design and implementation of these trainings together with employers; highlights the need to provide means for labour inspectorates, including further funding and training to ensure they can adequately protect workers, and apply sanctions when needed;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
A modern world of work for healthy and resilient labourthe wellbeing of workers
Amendment 234 #
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 relyadequate support and mechanisms to prevent psychosocial risks at work, and to help affected employees suffering from work-related mental health disorders, they often have to rely on private and non- affordable services or on services provided by non- governmental organisations (NGOs); calls for workplaces to ensure employees have access to in-house mental health support and remedion the Commission and the Member States to coordinate health and safety services in order to provide access to in-house mental health support and for full protection and information; highlights that when in-house services are unavailable, it should be mandatory to establish dedicated bodies at the workplace assisted by mental health professional and with the involvement of trade unions or workers representatives;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises that the lack of statistics on the prevalence of mental health illnessues withinat the workplace undermines the need for urgena fast intervention; calls for Eurostat to gather statistics which includeon public institutions, experts and the research community, to collaborate and gather up- to-date data of work-related mental ill health and its negative impactrisks and impact among other factors, to support the creation of accurate and effective binding mechanisms;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Is concerned that entrepreneurs and SMEs in particularSMEs are in need of support 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 259 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. 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 and financial stability; 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 dissues17 ; __________________ 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’.orders;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Regrets that the Commission committed1a not to propose any measures under the regulation until it develops guidelines, whose finalisation is subject to the delivery of the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the action for annulment brought by Hungary and Poland; reminds that actions brought before the CJEU shall not have suspensory effect in accordance with the Treaties. _________________ 1aEuropean Council conclusions of 11 December 2020, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4 7296/1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
Amendment 4 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that the application ofcalls that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation , as adopted by the co-legislators, does not foresee the development of any guidelines therefore its application cannot be subject to their adoption of guidelines, and urges the Commission to avoid any further delay in its application; reminds that guidelines cannot alter, expand or narrow a regulation and that they must respect the intention of the co-legislators;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Commission has begun toTakes note of the draft guidelines of the Commission on the application of the Regulation; requests that, if the Commission deems such guidelines necessary, Parliament be consulted prior to their adopis of the opinion that the guidelines simply repeat the provisions of the regulation, have little or no added value and merely delay the application of the regulation;.
Amendment 15 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recallminds that any guidelines must not undermine the adopted regulationin accordance with the regulation, the Commission shall take into account relevant information when assessing the possibly breaches of the rule of law by a Member State from available sources and recognised institutions, including judgments orf the intention of the co-legislators; asks the Commission to avoid Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, the Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report and EU Justrict or exhaustive definitions of the concepts, as this would be in contradiction with the Regulation; considers that interprete Scoreboard, reports of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the EuropeanPublic Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as relevant, and conclusions and recommendations of abstract concepts is a dynamic process which cannot be predefined in one document; believes that the guidelines should fully respect the interpretation of relevant concepts by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Venice Commission.relevant international organisations and networks, including Council of Europe bodies such as the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and the Venice Commission, in particular its rule- of-law checklist, and the European networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that any guidelines must not undermine the adopted regulation or the intention of the co-legislators; asks the Commission to avoid strict or exhaustive definitions of the concepts, as this would be in contradiction with the Regulation; considers that interpretation of abstract concepts is a dynamic process which cannot be predefined in one document; believes that the guidelines should fully respect the interpretation of relevant concepts by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Venice Commission; points to the obligation of ensuring the availability of EU funding to final recipients, in line with the Regulation.
Amendment 24 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is of the view that the Commission already has reasonable grounds to consider the triggering of the procedure in accordance with Article 6(1) of the regulation; and urges the Commission to act promptly and to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. asks the Commission to include in its annual Rule of Law Report a dedicated section with an analysis of cases where breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a particular Member State could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget in a sufficiently direct way;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard the Long Term Care Report 2021 prepared by the Commission and Social Protection Committee1a, _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId =738⟨Id=en&pubId=8396
Amendment 10 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 b (new)
Citation 21 b (new)
— having regard to the European court of Auditors (ECA) report on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)1a, _________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/News Item.aspx?nid=9700
Amendment 11 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 c (new)
Citation 21 c (new)
— having regard to the report from the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter1a, _________________ 1a https://undocs.org/A/HRC/47/36/Add.1
Amendment 13 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the crisis has had an uneven impact on social groups, sectors and regions; whereas the most vulnerable have been hit hardest; whereas women compared to men, young people, low- skilled workers, migrants, persons with disabilities, those with temporary contracts or in other non-standard forms of employment, but also the self- employed, have been disproportionately affected;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas according to the Commission’s European Economic Forecast Spring 20211a, the EU economy will expand by 4.2% in 2021 and by 4.4% in 2022; whereas the unemployment rate in the EU is forecast at 7.6% in 2021 and 7% in 2022; whereas these rates remain higher than pre-crisis levels; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/eur opean-economic-forecast-spring-2021_en
Amendment 22 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the coronavirus pandemic represented a shock of historic proportions for Europe's economies, with an economy contraction by 6.1% in 2020: whereas businesses and consumers have adapted to cope better with containment measures, some sectors - such as tourism and in-person services - continue to suffer;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas unequal societies create a climate of competition, stress and disillusionment that leads to all members of society, not just the deprived, suffering from reduced levels of wellbeing; whereas, the reduction of inequalities is a crucial prerequisite for achieving sustainable wellbeing for all, due to their detrimental impact on the overall performance of societies across key wellbeing indicators such as mental and physical health, trust in democratic institutions, as well as on social peace and security;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas young people have experienced the sharpest decline in employment15 ; whereas workers with precarious employment conditions have been particularly exposed to job losses because of the pandemic; whereas one of the main priorities is to avoid another ‘lost generation’ of young people; whereas policies that increase inequalities between generations affect the sustainability of our welfare system as well as our democratic health; _________________ 15 https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/nb/publi cations/report/2021/covid-19-implications- for-employment-and-working-life
Amendment 39 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas permanent short-time working systems that can be activated in a crisis and that allow for the structural adjustment of economies and human resources will be critical; whereas the strong involvement of social partners and other stakeholders would prevent unforeseen exclusion in relation to eligibility; whereas, these job retention schemes continued to cushion developments in the labour market, covering an estimated 5.6% of the labour force in February, up from around 5% in October in response to the latest lockdown measures1a; _________________ 1a https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/economic- bulletin/html/eb202103.en.html
Amendment 44 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the European Court of Auditors (ECA) have pointed out that the EU’s budget cycle did not adequately take gender equality into account; whereas ECA has recommended to the European Commission to assess and report whether Member States’ recovery and resilience plans address gender equality; whereas Next Generation EU is addressed to Green and Digital Transitions, affecting primarily sectors and professions which are male dominated;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the specific objective of the Facility is to provide Member States with financial support with a view to achieving the milestones and targets of reforms and investments as set out in their NRRPs; whereas this means that any action in the plans (including digital and green investments) and agreed reforms have to contribute to the principles of the EPSR, quality job creation and upward social convergence; whereas actions that do not contribute to these social objectives are not in line with the requirements of the Regulation;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas according to article 17.3 of the RRF regulation, national plans shall be consistent with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, as well as those identified in the most recent Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for Member States whose currency is the euro;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas the pandemic significantly demonstrated the importance of integrated care with the focus on delivery of quality services across the life- course cycle, and special attention to child, disabled, vulnerable and elderly care;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Amendment 67 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that economic policy cannot be analysed from a purely macroeconomic perspective focused on traditional indicators of growth, debt, deficit and employment rate; insists that the Sustainable Semester must be based on an integrated approach combining economic, social and environmental policies that together address structural change for social progress, sustainable development and well-being and that not having in mind the social effects of such economic policies is not only harmful for many disadvantaged people and social groups but also for the functioning of the economy, social cohesion and therefore for our democracies and the European project;
Amendment 73 #
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 insufficient as the headline indicators do not cover all social risks that stem from the pandemic crisis on economy, employment and health and that green and digital transformation will induce on people and workers; notes that SDGs monitoring and the new social scoreboard provide a more comprehensive monitoring of these risks but without providing clear targets to measure impact of the EU action; supports an ambitious agenda of strong, sustainable and inclusive economic and social recovery and modernisation that goes hand in hand with strengthening the European Social Model, so that all people benefit from the green and digital transitions and live in dignity;
Amendment 88 #
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 different sustainable governance architecture in the EU; warns against taking the decision to deactivate the general escape clause based only on 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 reflect underlying inequalities and social risks to which groups of the population in different segments of the labour market or specific economic sectors are over exposed;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. RNotes that COVID-19 pandemic has affected the well-being of all Europeans, and vulnerable population groups in particular1a; 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; believes that this is essential to ensure that Europe remains the home of the world's most advanced welfare systems, becomes the first climate-neutral continent and is a vibrant hub of innovation and competitive entrepreneurship; deplores the fact that this is not reflected in the Commission’s analysis; calls on the Commission to integrate social and environmental imbalances into its analysis in the framework of the Semester; _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publicat ions/report/2021/living-working-and- covid-19-update-april-2021-mental- health-and-trust-decline-across-eu-as- pandemic
Amendment 121 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that the Commission is still proposing measures that might put at risk the adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in Member States by continuing to promote reforms aiming to shift 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 sources; stresses that the EU should first consolidate the minimum corporate tax of 15 % to avoid tax dumping and ensure fairness for the middle class, low income households and working people in the EU;
Amendment 132 #
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 systems should focus on taxing high- income, with strongly progressive tax rates 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 and to significantly increase the revenue; 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 133 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of integrating sustainable well-being in the EU budgetary planning ensuring coherence of public expenditures, investments and revenues with social and environmental goals and identifying potential wellbeing impacts of budgeting choices; calls on the Commission to integrate sustainable wellbeing budgeting in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy (ASGS) and in the CSRs;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed gaps in access to social protection, highlighting the importance of fostering greater resilience, through, for example improving adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes and pensions, and easing eligibility conditions;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Reminds that housing is a human right and that, in order to implement principle 19 of the EPSR, access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality shall be provided for those in need; warns about the signs indicating a housing bubble in the EU, with an increase of 5.8% in the housing prices in the last year in a context of economic and social crisis; highlights that the European Commission has an important number of competences related to housing market, among which: banking supervision, monetary policy, loans, mortgages, debt settlement procedures, intervention capacity in case of financial bubbles, public cost of social financing of housing and non-performing loans (NPLs); Reminds the Commission and Member States that failing to regulate the real estate market and the financial actors operating on that market so as to ensure access to affordable and adequate housing for all, would mean non- compliance with their obligations with respect to the right to housing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make sure that they regulate the real- estate market in a way that it produces sufficient affordable housing, that housing is not left vacant and that some of the profits from housing or other economic activities are redirected to ensure the availability of adequate housing for low-income and middle- income households, and that these measures include preventing any privatization of public or social housing that would reduce the capacity of the State to ensure the right to adequate housing, maintaining a rental regulatory framework that preserves security of tenure and affordable housing for tenants, including through rent caps, controls or rent freezes where needed, requiring full and public disclosure of all investments in residential housing to help prevent corruption, money-laundering, tax evasion and tax avoidance, imposing taxes on residential real estate and land speculation to curb the short-term resale of properties and on residential real estate left vacant and removing preferential tax breaks on real estate investment trusts;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Stresses that the investment gap for affordable housing amounts to EUR 57 billion per year; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the provision of sufficient adequate and affordable social housing to cover the housing needs of the three bottom quintiles of society and reduce by half the overburden housing costs of these groups by 2030; calls on the Commission to include this objective in the Country Specific Recommendations; calls in this regard for a reform of the economic governance framework allowing Member States to make the green and social public investments needed, including those related to the development and improvement of social, public, affordable and energy-efficient housing;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about over- indebtedness arising from the pandemic and its economic and social consequences, and stresses that people and SMEs have to be protected from being trapped into over- indebtedness and calls for further improvement of debt advisory and debt protection services; believes, that regarding non- performing loans, it is not credit purchasers and credit servicers who should be supported, but rather it is European SMEs, workers and civil society; stresses the importance of adopting policy tools to address how consumers struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet can survive the pandemic’s effects and avoid sliding into a poverty trap;
Amendment 155 #
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 progress pact making social and sustainable targets mandatory in order to achieve the UN SDGs has become more relevant than ever; in this regard SDG 8 on sustainable growth, employment and decent work proved to be a driving factor for the entire UN2030 agenda;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. States that this Pact could stipulate the sustainable wellbeing-related policy objectives to be proposed by the European Commission and iterate an improved fiscal policy framework that ensures that EU economic and fiscal governance works to achieve these objectives, it could contain legally binding provisions under a comprehensive surveillance procedure inside a new Sustainable Wellbeing Governance System; considers that, in terms of its fiscal components, the pact should comprise a set of provisions which clearly acknowledge qualitative aspects and social impact of fiscal policies and reward sustainable wellbeing-oriented investments and reforms and thus contain incentives for related action at the national level; points out that the formulation of the sustainable wellbeing pact should consider the use of fiscal standards instead of fiscal rules, committing government spending to the pursuit of sustainability and wellbeing- related policy objectives, and set out an effective methodology to assess and ensure the sustainability of public finances over time;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. States that a future system of European Sustainable Wellbeing Governance must employ updated sustainable policy objectives from the European Sustainable Wellbeing Pact; considers that Sustainable wellbeing for all implies a long-term perspective and would therefore be needed to change the European Semester’s current focus, aiming to guide national (fiscal and macroeconomic) policy from one year to the next with a multi-annual sustainable wellbeing strategy that works to achieve progress through coherent, long-term- oriented policies that reach into all relevant fields of economic, social, and environmental governance;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Amendment 171 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Agrees with the Council that the implementation of the EPSR will strengthen the Union's drive towards a digital, green and fair transition and contribute to achieving upward social and economic convergence and addressing the demographic challenges and that the social dimension, social dialogue and the active involvement of social partners have always been at the core of a highly competitive social market economy; believes that, for progress on these matters to be tracked, the Social Scoreboard has to be revised, as part of the policy coordination framework of the European Semester;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the European social partners’ joint proposal for an alternative set of indicators to measure economic, social and environmental progress, supplementing GDP as welfare measurement for inclusive and sustainable growth; believes that the social scoreboard must integrate new indicators fully reflecting inequality trends and causes, including the evolution of financial and non-financial profits compared to the evolution of wages and private debt and the evolution of compensation of CEOs and top executives;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Warns about the need to measure the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; calls for the protection at EU level of the right to health and to a healthy environment, as this right is essential to ensure the realisation of most other fundamental rights (like food, shelter and work) and for achieving an inclusive transition;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Agrees with the European leaders that, with unemployment and inequalities increasing due to the pandemic, it is important to channel resources where they are most needed to strengthen our economies and to focus our policy efforts on, equal access to quality services in order to improve equal opportunities, on quality job improvement and creation, entrepreneurship, up- and reskilling and reducing poverty and exclusion; stresses that the extraordinary resources made available to support Europe’s recovery are a chance that cannot be missed;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 205 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Highlights that addressing the socio-economic dimension of environmental policy and climate action not only constitutes basic fairness, but also creates opportunities to realise broader wellbeing gains for all and create virtuous circles rather than negative feedback loops; believes that, if well designed, green and digital investments have a great potential for quality job creation and reduction of inequalities; demands that, in order to achieve this potential, social conditionalities are attached to companies accessing RRF funds for green and digital investments, in the form of quality job creation targets and collective agreement coverage; demands the Commission and Member States to ensure a fair distribution of the benefits and profits of the green and digital investments, and that this aspect is also monitored in the scoreboard, in order to ensure that they and benefit the most vulnerable communities and regions and the most affected by climate change as well as the gender impact; stresses that the expected social return of green and digital investments should be defined ex ante in the NRRPs in order to ensure the maximum impact;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Highlights that greater investment in public health and social care including workers’ wages and training is essential to improve recruitment and retention, and to ensure adequate and needs-oriented staffing levels; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that significant amount of investment from the National Recovery and Resilience Plans is dedicated to improve public healthcare, including improving working conditions and staffing levels, training needs and increasing key services, reconstructing provision of basic care and supporting long term care and other public social services; insists on the weaknesses identified in the stress tests of the health and social sector to be addressed through the NRRPs, the next EU programme for health (EU4Health) as well as through ‘positive’ CSRs on financing these sectors;
Amendment 220 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Commission and Member States, as stated in the report on Long Term Care (LTC) which was prepared by the European Commission (DG Employment) and the Social Protection Committee1a, to implement reforms that “address the common objectives of ensuring good-quality long- term care, accessible and affordable to all, delivered in a financially sustainable way”; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId =738⟨Id=en&pubId=8396
Amendment 224 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Reminds that principle 15 of the EPSR establishes that workers and the self-employed in retirement have the right to a pension ensuring an adequate income and that everyone in old age has the right to resources that ensure living in dignity; warns that any pension reform undertaken in NRRPs has to contribute to the achievement of this principle and must include the non-contributory pensions of which women are the majority recipients;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Stresses that one of the objectives of the RRF Regulation is to foster high quality employment creation; stresses that labour reforms included in the NRRPs have to contribute to improving quality employment; calls on the Commission to analyse labour reforms in the NRRPs on this specific aspect and to reject those that might be counterproductive and increase precariousness in the labour market; Reminds that article 152 of the TFEU establishes that the Union recognises and promotes the role of the social partners at its level and must respect their autonomy; warns that the Commission should not interfere in any way with social dialogue process at national level undertaken in the framework of NRRPs reforms;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2062(INI)
18 c. Regrets that the RRF Regulation does not establish a social investment threshold and does not introduce requirements to prevent social washing; in this regards, highlights the importance of agreeing on a social tracking methodology to evaluate the NRRPs ex ante, in order to make sure that the actions in the plans contribute to the social objectives as established in the RRF Regulation; believes that the social tracking methodology must follow the structure of the EPSR and analyse the contribution of the actions to the implementation of each of the 20 principles of the Pillar; states that the scoreboard and common indicators needed to evaluate the progress of the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans in each of the six pillars towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives needs to be efficient; insists that the best evaluation mechanism to follow the progress towards upward social convergence is the Semester Social Scoreboard and therefore, suggests that this Scoreboard is integrated in the Common indicators as the tool to monitor the social progress;
Amendment 237 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18 d. Calls on the Commission to include the social indicators from the Social Scoreboard of the European Semester, in particular those related to decent work, social justice and equal opportunities, robust social welfare systems and fair mobility, in the common indicators to be used in the RRF for reporting on progress and monitoring and evaluating the plans, as well as in the methodology for social tracking, including for the Child Guarantee and Youth Guarantee; stresses that the European Parliament will closely analyse the delegated act that the Commission will present on this matter, in order to establish if the social indicators, scoreboard and social methodology comply with the objectives, and to verify that there are no objections to be made;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18 e. Insists that the role of social dialogue is key to ensure efficient reforms and investments notably in sectors that the transitions will modify deeply; Underlines that adequate involvement of stakeholders, such as the national parliaments, local and regional authorities, social partners, NGOs and civil society, in the preparation and implementation of the plans is decisive for their success;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Highlights that the digital and green transformations and investments should also be assessed from a social perspective in order to avoid risks for job destruction or labour market disruption, risks of employment polarization due to the destruction of middle skilled jobs and ensure that digitalisation and green transition processes of companies are not used as an excuse for labour saving cost reduction strategies;
Amendment 246 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. 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; stresses that in several countries governments did not consult or did not properly consult social partners when drafting their NRRPs;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Stresses that the private sector has to contribute to green and digital transitions, endure a just transition and achieving social objectives of the EU. In this regard it is important to encourage sustainable investments providing a social taxonomy that builds on the EPSR and seek greater alignment of impact of private investments and public investments under the RRF;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Demands that the supervision of the Semester includes the monitoring of workers' mobility and that their rights are fulfilled, especially for seasonal workers;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and especially Articles 11, 20, 47 and 48 thereof,
Amendment 17 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 a (new)
Citation 35 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors CM/Rec(2016)4[1]
Amendment 33 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas independent journalism and access to pluralistic information are key pillars of democracy; whereas civil society is essential for any democracy to thrive and for the rule of law to be upheld;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are lawsuits or other legal actions (e.g. injunctions, asset-freezing) based on civil and criminal law, as well as the threats of such actions, with the purpose of preventing public participation including investigating and reporting on breaches of Union and national law, corruption or other fraudulent practices or of blocking public participation and activism including by violating civil liberties such as freedom of association, assembly and freedom of expression and of information thus resulting in lessening societal resilience against authoritarian pushback against democracy and rule of law;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas SLAPPs have become an increasingly widespread practice used against journalists, academicmedia organisations, academics, watchdogs, human rights defenders, whistle blowers, civil society and NGOs, as demonstrated by many cases throughout the Union, such as the chilling case of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was reportedly facing 47 civil and criminal defamation lawsuits, (resulting in the freezing of her assets) on the day of her strongly condemned assassination on 16 October 2017, and the lawsuits her heirs continue to face; whereas other illustrative and alarming cases include Realtid Media, which was repeatedly threatened with a lawsuit in a different jurisdiction from where the reporting in question took place, and Gazeta Wyborcza, which continues to be sued by a number of public entities and officials on a regular basis, the Slovenian investigative news outlet Necenzurirano recently hit by a barrage of 39 lawsuits and continuous lawsuits against defenders of women's rights in Poland;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas SLAPPs within the Union are often cross-border in nature, which results in reporting delays as illustrated in many cases, often relating to cases of environmental protection, financial fraud and/or corruption, where they constitute a clear attempt to delay publication of information by halting or discrediting the work of individual journalists and publishing entities, hence depriving citizens of their right to information; whereas SLAPPs and SLAPP threats may be brought within the Union also by actors in third countries and before courts in third countries;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the murders of David Beriain and Roberto Fraile in Burkina Faso on the 26 April 2021 are the last of an increasing list of despicable assassinations of European journalists in Europe and abroad; whereas the OSCE reports that impunity prevails as, for example, fewer than 15 % of murders of journalists in the OSCE region are solved;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas SLAPP suits can be issued by private entities and public actors including state-owned companies thus becoming a tool of exerting political power; whereas in the case of public authorship of SLAPPs the damage borne by SLAPP victims can be even greater;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that SLAPPs are a direct attack on the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms; underlines that fundamental rights and democracy are linked to upholding the rule of law, and that undermining freedom of expression, media freedom and public democratic participation threatens– including freedom of expression, media freedom and rights to peaceful assembly and association and on Union values as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU; welcomes the fact that the 2020 rule of law report includes SLAPP lawsuits in its assessment of media freedom and pluralism across the Union, and points to best practices in countering them; calls for the 2021 annual and subsequent reports to include a thorough assessment of the legal environment for the media, and investigative journalism in particular, and to look more thoroughly at challenges affecting civil society, including as regards SLAPPs targeting NGOs, activists and rights defenders;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that SLAPPs undermine the rule of law and constitute a misuse of Member States’ justice systems and legal frameworks, especially for successfully addressing ongoing common challenges outlined in the Justice Scoreboard, such as caseload administration and case backlogs; recalls that a properly functioning justice system delivers judgements without undue delay, and manages judicial resources so as to maximise efficiency, and that this is only possible where judges and judicial bodies are not burdened with the handling of claims that are later on dismissed as abusive and lacking in legal merit;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that in recent years online hate speech has become increasingly widespread against journalists, media organisations, NGOs, academics and civil society, including those defending fundamental rights and freedoms, such as, inter alia, women's rights and LGBTQI rights, thus threatening media freedom, freedom of expression and public safety given that online hate speech can incite real-world violence;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that SLAPPs are often meritless, frivolous or based on exaggerated claims, and that they are not initiated for the purposes of obtaining a favourable judicial outcome but rather only to intimidate, harass, tire out, put psychological pressure on or consume the financial resources of journalists, media organisations, academics, civil society and NGOs, with the ultimate objective of blackmailing and forcing them into silence through the judicial procedure itself; points out that this chilling effect can lead to self- censorship, suppressing participation in democratic life, and also discourages others from similar actions, from entering into these professions or from proceeding with relevant associated activities;
Amendment 225 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses, with regard to this problem, that all Member States lack harmonised minimum standards to protect journalists, media organisations, academics, civil society and NGOs and to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld in the Member States;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. 2. Condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of David Beriain and Roberto Fraile; calls on all European institutions and the Government of Burkina Faso to take all possible actions to end impunity and bring those responsible for their deaths to justice, recalls that accountability is a key element in preventing future attacks;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Agrees with the numerous academics, legal practitioners and victims who point to the need for legislative action against the growing problem of SLAPPs; urgently calls, therefore, for the Brussels I and Rome II Regulations to be amendmentsproperly amended in order to prevent ‘libel tourism’ or ‘forum shopping’; urgently calls for theurgent introduction of a uniform choice of law rule for defamation, as well as for proposals for binding Union legislation on harmonised and effective safeguards for victims of SLAPPs across the Union, including through a directive; argues that without such legislative action, SLAPPs will continue to threaten the rule of law and the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association and information in the Union; is concerned that if measures only address lawsuits regarding information, actions based on other civil matters or criminal procedures may still be used;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that it is essential to adopt a legislative measure protecting the role of journalists, media organisations, academics, civil society and NGOs in preventing breaches of Union law and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market; urges the Commission to present a proposal for legislation that sets out safeguards for persons investigating and reporting on these matters of public interest;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Commission to present a proposal for measures to ensure that defamation, libel and slander, which constitute criminal offences in most Member States, cannot be used for SLAPPs, including through through public or private prosecution; underljoines the calls of the Council of Europe and OSCE for the decriminalisation of defamation; invites the Commission to address the question of the seriousness of threats of SLAPPs in a legislative proposal; notes that defendants often face criminal charges while at the same time being sued for civil liability allegedly arising from the same conduct;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underlines the urgent need for a robust fund for supporting victims of SLAPPs; stress the importance for victims and potential victims of SLAPPs to have easy and accessible information about these type of cases, legal aid and support, including psychological support for victims and their family members;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to propose a recommendation on the safety of journalists; is however concerned of its limited geographical scope; point out that many European media organisations operate in an international environment; is concerned that media organisations are increasingly relinquishing their duty of care within and beyond the EU towards journalists employed by them or those producing the media content they acquire; notes the increasing use of freelancers, particularly young journalists and media workers at the start of their career, to cover high-risk areas and conflict zones; is concerned by the precarious working and decreasing safety conditions under which freelancers operate from high-risk areas and conflict zones;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on the Member States to fully implement the Council of Europe recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors, calls to the Commission to include in the forthcoming Recommendation on the safety of journalists a Beriain-Fraile Protocol, in line with the Council of Europe Recommendation, stablishing common European guidelines and procedures for the deployment of journalists and other media workers on difficult or dangerous assignments, such as in conflict zones; believes that the Beriain-Fraile Protocol. should detail the institutional responsibilities of media companies, including among others, providing journalists and other media workers with adequate information, including on the risks involved, and requisite training in all matters of safety, digital security and privacy, as well as arranging for life assurance and health and travel insurance as part of a comprehensive and equitable package of work conditions the provision of legal support, when relevant, and representation and trauma counselling on return from assignments, stresses that such deployment should be voluntary and informed; stresses that the Beriain-Fraile Protocol, should apply indistinctively to all journalists and other media actors working for European media companies – in salaried, freelance and all other capacities;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin,
Amendment 4 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 9 June2021 on no green deal without a social deal10new, __________________ 10newINT/903-EESC-2020, adopted on 09/06/2021
Amendment 7 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 29 October 2020 on social dialogue as an important pillar of economic sustainability and the resilience of economies taking into account the influence of lively public debate in the Member States11new, __________________ 11new OJ C 10, 11.1.2021, p. 14
Amendment 9 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
— having regard to the opinionstudy of the European Economic and Social Committee of 31 August 2020 on an EU legal framework on safeguarding and strengthening workers’ information, consultation and participation,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the position of the European Trade Union Confederation of 9-10 December 2020 on a new EU framework on information, consultation and board-level representation for European company forms and for companies making use of EU company law instruments enabling company mobility,
Amendment 33 #
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 would be an effective way of addressing the inequalities at work and in society; whereas workers in democratically organised workplaces would have a greater trust in democratic values and motivate them to engage actively in political activities that could lead to a more robust democratic culture; acknowledges that democracy must be lived by citizens, also at work;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas social justice and in particular democracy at work are firmly embedded in international and European human rights instruments and standards; whereas democracy at work has enlightened social progress in Europe and in the world for more than a century, whereas the ILO was precisely founded in 1919 in the belief that social justice was essential to reach universal and long- lasting peace22a; whereas social dialogue, collective bargaining and workers’ representation form core ILO values and rights and are provided for in numerous ILO Conventions and Recommendations23a, whereas also the Council of Europe counts democracy at work amongst its core values as expressed by the European Convention of Human Rights24a and the European Social Charter25a; __________________ 22a ILO Constitution (1919), ILO Declaration of Philadelphia (1944). 23aReferences to ILO Conventions No. 87, 98, 135, 141, 151 and 154 and related Recommendations. 24aArticle 11 Freedom of assembly and association. 25a Articles 5 (Right to organise), 6 (right to collective bargaining), 21 (right to information and consultation), 22 right to take part in the determination and improvement of the working conditions and working environment), 28 (right of workers' representatives to protection in the undertaking and facilities to be accorded to them) and 29 (right to information and consultation in collective redundancy procedures).
Amendment 54 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas workers’ participation and collective bargaining are essential to address the complex impact of restructuring in the challenging recovery that lies ahead; whereas a significant number of restructuring processes are currently ongoing because of the Covid- 19 crisis; whereas the disruptive impact of the pandemic has accelerated the pace and enlarged the scope of company restructuring; whereas restructuring has become a permanent feature of company life;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas companies with a higher- level of worker participation have survived the last economic and financial crisis better than others in regards to operating profits, capital market valuation, employment development and investment in plant and machinery and research and innovation;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas research shows that participation at the workplace contributes to company performance, job quality and well-being; whereas according to Eurofound21a, fewer than one-third (31%) of companies in the EU27facilitated the regular direct participation of employees in organisational decision-making and that the strength of worker participation in the EU has declined over the past decade22a; whereas over half of establishments in Sweden (56%) and Denmark (55%) were characterised by regular, high influence direct engagement with employees, but only around a fifth in Poland (20%) and the Netherlands (21%); __________________ 21a European Company Survey 2019. 22a ETUI contributors. "Benchmarking Working Europe 2020" ETUI, The European Trade Union Institute. ETUI, The European Trade Union Institute, 01 Feb. 2021. Web. 08 Jul. 2021.
Amendment 59 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the COVID-19 crisis, like no other previous global threat, has laid bare the structural nature of gender-based inequality and discrimination along with its consequences, with a large number of women working on the frontline as health professionals, care workers, cleaning and maintenance workers, domestic workers, and in other jobs, fighting the virus while often having to balance family responsibilities during lockdowns;
Amendment 72 #
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, decision-making and alternatives to crisis-induced employment reduction22 ; __________________ 22FitzRoy, 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; Jirjahn U. (2016), ‘Works Councils and Employer Attitudes toward the Incentive Effects of HRM Practices’, Research Papers in Economics n°7; Wheeler J. (2002), ‘Employee Involvement in Action: Reviewing Swedish Codetermination’, Labor Studies Journal, Vol 26, Issue 4, pp. 71-97; Gregorič A, Rapp M. S. (2018), ‘Board-Level Employee Representation and Firms' Responses to Crisis’, available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=3012999 (Scandinavia).
Amendment 92 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges the different legal frameworks for board-level worker participation in 18 EU Member States and Norway; highlights that the scope and intensity of worker participation in company boardrooms varies greatly; highlights that digital and green transitions are greatly affecting the world of work and that the more resilient and sustainable companies are those with well-established systems of workers participation in company matters;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that divergence persists between EU countries regarding the quality, timing and effectiveness of information and consultation before corporate decisions are made. Restructuring processes are not carried out equally across Europe. Dialogue about alternatives to redundancies and plant closures could range to none up to genuine exchange of views depending on the EU country where it takes place;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Regrets that the 2002/14/EC establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees, and the 2009/38/EC European Works Council Directive(Recast) did not help to close the gaps as the impact of information and consultation on company decisions remain limited;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish the necessary conditions and requirements in order to have at least 80 % of corporations covered by sustainable corporate governance agreements by 2030, establishing strategies agreed with workers in order to positively influence environmental, social and economic development through governance practices and market presence, improve directors’ accountability as regards integrating sustainability into corporate decision- making, and promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability, with reference inter alia to corporate reporting, board remuneration, maximum wage ratio difference, board composition and stakeholder involvement;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that workers representatives must have the right to be informed about the use of posted workers in subcontracting chains and be able to contact these workers, in line with the obligation established on article 8 of the Temporary Agency work Directive, which obliges the user undertaking to provide information on the use of temporary agency workers to bodies representing workers;
Amendment 123 #
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 on supervisory boards; including the need to adapt to new thresholds;
Amendment 137 #
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 due diligence and responsible business conduct, including workers’ rights such as the right to organise and collectively bargain and worker's participation rights, health and safety, social protection and working conditions; stresses that this directive should establish mandatory due diligence covering companies’ activities and their business relationships, including supply and subcontracting chains, and should ensure the full involvement of trade unions and workers’ representatives throughout the whole due diligence process; underlines that both national labour inspectorates and the ELA must be able to conduct inspections throughout the chain, are open to file complaints, and can offer mediation, on all EU companies and companies wanting to access the internal market;
Amendment 147 #
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 withof 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; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology; stresses that social dialogue structures, collective bargaining, information, consultation and participation of trade unions and workers’ representatives are key to provide the necessary support for workers to better build and be part of the uptake and monitoring of sustainable digital technology at the workplace;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Believes that a consistent EU strategy is required to equip companies and workers to cope with a fair green and digital transition. The European Parliament already proposed in 2013 a legal framework for the anticipation and management of change that must secure that meaningful workers’ information and consultation take place with a view to shape sustainable and socially acceptable restructuring and leaves no worker behind33a; __________________ 33aEuropean Parliament resolution of 15 January 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on information and consultation of workers, anticipation and management of restructuring.
Amendment 155 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, together with social partners, to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of 90 % by 2030 in those national systems that combine statutory and social partners’ regulation of employment and working conditions; stresses that collective bargaining contributes to the social market economy, as aimed for in the Lisbon Treaty; reiterates that the European treaties, which explicitly protect the autonomy of social partners, and the self-regulatory systems in place in some Member States, must be protected in order for social partners to regulate autonomously, ensuring strong legitimacy and collective agreement coverage progress; calls on the Member States to remove any national legislation that hampers collective bargaining, including by ensuring trade unions’ access to workplaces for the purpose of organising;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Workers’ rights to organise, to union representation, to freedom of assembly and to collectively call for reforms within their workplaces are fundamental aspects of the European project and core principles of the social model that are affirmed and legally upheld by the European institutions; calls on the Commission to complement the activities of Member States to protect workers in the exercise of these rights and to prevent and sanction union busting practices, including by proposing minimum requirements for gradual implementation according to the procedures provided for in the Treaties.
Amendment 157 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Underlines that reforms in Member States should not negatively affect collective bargaining and that it needs to be promoted at sectoral level, including by supporting the capacity- building of social partners; urges the Commission and the Member States to fully involve social partners in European policymaking, including in the European Semester process; stresses that labour reforms at national level have to contribute to the implementation of the EPSR, including principle 8 on social dialogue and involvement of workers, collective bargaining and respect of the social partners autonomy, the right to collective action and to be informed and consulted in good time on the transfer, restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; calls on the Commission to analyse labour reforms in the NRRPs on these specific aspects and to reject those that might be counterproductive to this principle;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need to strengthen, enforce and consolidate all the relevant EU laws to ensure that information and consultation is an integral part of company decision-making at all levels within companies, from each local workplace to the transnational level in companies that are active on a European scale;
Amendment 165 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to undertake urgent and decisive actions towards Member States and European companies to make sure that workers’ information, consultation and participation rights are respected and that companies comply with legal requirements;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the importance of ensuring timely and meaningful information and consultation across the EU before any decisions are made about policies or measures, including those with cross- border implications; emphasises that trade unions and workers’ representatives must have access to the requisite expertise to assess the implications of these cross- border policies and processes for the workforce and to develop alternatives; stresses that a genuine dialogue must take place on those alternatives between trade unions and workers’ representatives on the one hand, and company decision-makers on the other hand;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission to systemically include workers’ participation as relevant aspect in European company law initiatives and establish a "participation- mainstreaming" in order to introduce information, consultation and participation elements into European law;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers that companies should make progress in guaranteeing diversity and gender equality including equal pay at the workplace; urges the Council to make progress on the so-called women on boards Directive34a; calls for application of the 40% quota to both non-executive and executive boards (independently considered), both in private and public- owned companies, with progressive adaptation of the national legislation; __________________ 34a Commission proposal of 14 November 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 212 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Platform work can provide opportunities for accessing the labour market more easily, gaining additional income through a secondary activity or enjoying some flexibility in the organisation of working time. At the same time, platform work brings challenges, as it can blur the boundaries between 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 labour exploitation, unfair competition, social dumping and 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 253 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) A body of legal instruments provides for minimum standards in working conditions and labour rights across the Union. This includes in particular Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council55 on transparent and predictable working conditions, Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council56 on working time, Directive 2008/104/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council57 on temporary agency work, and other specific instruments on aspects such as health and safety at work, pregnant workers, work-life balance, fixed-term work, part-time work, posting of workers, information and consultation of workers, among others. Those legal instruments are complemented by particularly relevant case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union finding that ‘stand-by’ time, during which the worker's opportunities to carry out other activities are significantly restricted and which is a systematic feature of platform work, is to be regarded as working time57a. While those instruments provide a level of protection to workers, they do not apply to the genuine self- employed. __________________ 55 Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 105). 56 Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time (OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9). 57 Directive 2008/104/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on temporary agency work (OJ L 327, 5.12.2008, p. 9). 57a Judgment of the Court of 21 February 2018 in Ville de Nivelles v Rudy Matzak, C-518/15, ECLI: EU:C:2018:82; confirmed and elaborated in the judgments of 9 March 2021 in RJ v Stadt Offenbach am Main, C-580/19, ECLI:EU:C:2021:183; and 9 March 2021 in -D.J. v Radiotelevizija Slovenija, C- 344/19, ECLI:EU:C:2021:182.
Amendment 264 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) While existing or proposed Union legal acts provide for certain general safeguards, challenges in platform work require some further specific measures. In order to adequately frame the development of platform work in a sustainable manner, it is necessary for the Union to set new minimum standards in working conditions to address the challenges arising from platform work and to protect workers’ fundamental rights. Persons performing platform work in the Union should be provided with a number of minimum rights aiming at ensuring correct determination of their employment status as well as fair and just working conditions, at promoting transparency, fairness and, accountability, and preventing health and safety risks in algorithmic management, and at improving transparency in platform work, including in cross-border situations and at ensuring the right to bargain collectively. This should be done with a view to improving legal certainty, creating a level playing field between digital labour platforms and offline providers of services and supporting the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the Union.
Amendment 294 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Digital labour platforms differ from other online platforms in that they organise and trade labour, or intermediate in the organisation of work performed by individuals at the request, one-off or repeated, of the recipient of a service provided by the platforminvolving computer programs and procedures. 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. 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 312 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Where the existence of an employment relationship is established based on facts, the party acting as employer should be clearly identified and that party should fulfil all the obligations resulting from its role as employer. and comply with national law and relevant national or sectorial collective agreements in line with the sector of activity which is to be determined by Member States in cooperation with the most representative social partners, identified in line with national law and practice.
Amendment 316 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) It is necessary to introduce enforcement provisions which ensure the use of favourable presumptions in cases of misclassification of workers when reclassifying them, including a presumption that the worker has an open- ended employment relationship, that there is no probationary period and that the worker has a full-time position in the undertaking when relevant.
Amendment 325 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Ensuring correct determination of the employment status should not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides – 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 should not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationshipMember States should take particular care in their national policies to ensure effective protection to workers especially affected by the uncertainty as to the existence of an employment relationship, including female workers, as well as the most vulnerable workers, young workers, older workers, workers in the informal economy, migrant workers, including undocumented migrant workers, and workers with disabilities.
Amendment 337 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) CriteriaThe authorities and competent institutions applying the legal presumption should be guided by factual elements indicating that athe digital labour platform supervises or exert some controls over the performance of work should be included in the Directive in order to make the legal presumption operational andin order to facilitate the enforcement of workers’ rights. Those criteria should belements are inspired by Union and national case law and take into account national concepts of the employment relationship. The criteria should include concrete elementss well as by the ILO Employment Relationship Recommendation, 2006 (No 198) and take into account national concepts of the employment relationship, and are therefore in constant evolution, also following the evolution of automated or semi-automated monitoring and decision- making systems. Among the concrete elements that can indicate that the digital labour platform supervises or exert some control over the performance of work, there are those showing that the digital labour platform, for instance,: determines in practice and not merely recommends the working conditions or the remuneration or both, or issues periodic payment of remuneration to the worker; gives 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 criteria should be always fulfilled to trigger the applic; supervises the performance of work or verifies the quality of the work, including by electronic means, that leads to the final result; tracks or monitor the person performing platform work; enforces the performance through penalties, including restricting access to work, or uses customer rating systems as a tool of control and basis for penalties; relies on measures of performance and (mis)conduct as a basis for determining remuneration levels, working conditions and penalties; determines access to jobs through internal rankings; restricts the freedom, including through penalties, 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 or to use subcontractors or substitutes; controls and organises the business activity linked to the platform work performed by individuals or detains the responsibility for related investment and management; provides the worker performing platform work with tools, digital means, materials or machinery that are necessary for the performance of the work; provides the worker with any kind of support for social protection, accident insurance, pension scheme or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits. That list is not exhaustive and any other relevant concrete element can indicate that digital labour platform supervises or exert some control over the performance of work. When assessing on the rebuttal of the presumption, competent authorities should be guided, inter alia, by the concrete elements provided above, as any of them should lead to confirmation of the presumption,. At the same time, the criteriapresumption 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, while not proving it per se. Therefore, de facto restricting such discretions by a number of conditions or through a system of sanctionpenalties, should also be surely considered as an element of controlling the performance of work. Closely supervissupervising or controlling the performance of work or thoroughly v. 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. Mthat measures or rules which are required by law or which are necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service should not be understood as controllsupervising the performance of work.
Amendment 359 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) In order to ensure that labour inspections are carried out effectively, Member States should have sufficient labour inspectors, in accordance with ILO Convention 81 on Labour Inspection and ILO Report III on the 95th International Labour Conference in 2006, which recommends that there should be one labour inspector per 10 000 workers.
Amendment 398 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Digital labour platforms and any other undertaking should not be required to disclose the detailed functioning of their automated or semi-automated monitoring and decision-making systems, including algorithms, or other detailed data that contains commercial secretwhich have implications for is protected by intellectual property rights. However, the result of those considerations should not be a refusal to provide all the information required by this Directivefundamental rights and freedoms of the workers or affecting working conditions or work organisation.
Amendment 405 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In that context, persons performing platform work and any other worker subject to automated or semi-automated systems should have the right to obtain an 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 platformor semi-automated systems that affect their working conditions at the earliest opportunity and at the latest on the day on which such decisions take effect. For that purpose the digital labour platform and any other undertaking using automated or semi-automated monitoring and decision- making systems 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 and any other undertaking using those systems should provide the person performing platform work and any other worker subject to automated or semi-automated systems with a written statement of reasons for any decision to restrict, suspend or terminate that person’s account, to reject work and to refuse the remuneration for work performed by that person, or affecting his or her contractual status, as such decisions at the earliest opportunity and at the latest on the day on which such decisions take effect, as they are likely to have significant negative effects on persons performing platform work, in particular their potential earnings. Such decisions should be taken in line with applicable provisions in national legislation and collective agreements and those affecting the existence of the contractual relationship should never be taken by automated or semi-automated systems. Where the explanation or reasons obtained are not satisfactory or where persons performing platform work or subject to these systems when performing their work consider their rights infringed, they should also have the right to request the digital labour platform or the undertaking 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 fundamental rights and freedoms, labour rights or the right to non- discrimination, the digital labour platform or the undertaking should rectify such decisions without delay or, where that is not possible, provide adequate compensation.
Amendment 417 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39 a (new)
Recital 39 a (new)
(39a) The European Commission in its 2021 Action Plan for the Social Economy has acknowledged the significant economic and social role of social economy entities and has specifically mentioned platform cooperatives as “an example of participatory-governed businesses which use digital platforms to facilitate citizen engagement and the selling of locally produced goods and services, aiming to achieve better working conditions for their members.” The contribution of platform cooperatives to ensuring quality working conditions in platform work has also been recognized in the European Economic and Social Committee’s opinion on “Non-standard employment and platform cooperatives in the digital transformation of industry” (December 2021) and European Parliament’s report “Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers – New forms of employment linked to digital development” (September 2021).
Amendment 426 #
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 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 workers’ representatives of persons performing platform work in the exercise of their representative functions and should therefore be made accessible to them. Those authorities and workers’ 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. Eurofound and the European Labour Authority should support the collection and sharing of those data for the purpose of developing appropriate risk assessment tools.
Amendment 482 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part
(1) ‘digital labour platform’ means any natural or legal person providing a commercial service which meets all of the following requirements:using automated or semi-automated processes and algorithms for intermediating, supervising or organising in any way the work performed by individuals, irrespective of whether that work is performed online or in a certain location;
Amendment 522 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
(5a) ‘automated or semi-automated monitoring and decision-making systems’ means any system, software, or process that involves the use of data, machines and algorithms to make decisions or uses computations to aid or replace management decisions or policy that impact work organisation, working conditions, opportunities, access, freedoms, rights and safety of workers;
Amendment 534 #
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 assets. 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 543 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall have appropriate and effective 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 the Member States with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, and ensuring that they enjoy the rights deriving from Union law applicable to workersimplement the presumption of employment relationship in line with article 4.1.
Amendment 557 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Digital labour platforms exerting the prerogatives of employers are undertakings and shall comply with the corresponding employers’ obligations under national law and collective agreements applicable in the sector of activity, which is to be determined by Member States in cooperation with the most representative social partners, identified in line with national law and practice. Platform workers shall fully enjoy the status of worker in line with national law and sectorial collective agreements, including the right to join a trade union, to organise, and bargain collectively.
Amendment 576 #
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 workA person performing platform work is either a worker or a genuine self- employed. The relationship between a digital labour platform and a person performing platform work through that platform shall be legally presumed to be an employment relationship and therefore digital labour platforms shall be presumed to be employers. To that effect, Member States shall establish a framework of measures, in accordance with their national legal and judicial systems.
Amendment 592 #
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 procedures and administrative and legal proceedings. Competent authorities and bodies responsible for registering administrative procedures, verifying compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation shall be able to rely oneffectively apply that presumption.
Amendment 671 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States shall take supportingall necessary measures to ensure the effective implementation of the legal presumption referred to in paragraph 1 while taking into account the impact on start-ups, avoiding captur, in order to ensure the effective protection for workers performing work ing the genuine self-employed and supporting the sustainable growth of digital labour platformscontext of an employment relationship. In particular they shall:
Amendment 688 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) develop guidance forand establish procedures for national competent and enforcement authorities to proactively identify, target and pursue digital labour platforms in order to ensure effective compliance with the provisions established in this directive, including by imposing dissuasive sanctions against non-compliant digital labour platforms;
Amendment 695 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) develop guidance and establish procedures for competent administrative authorities and institutions to proactively apply the legal presumption in the administrative procedures and to share data with other relevant authorities in order to apply the legal presumption in the processing and registration of contractual relations and social security related data;
Amendment 708 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(da) provide for an automatic and immediate inspection by labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of labour law every time a detected case of miss-classification or reclassification, in order to verify the status of all the other persons performing platform work for the same digital labour platform;
Amendment 710 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d b (new)
(db) provide for sufficient resources and trainings for labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of labour law in order to strengthen their capacities, especially in the technological field, in order to enable them to effectively comply with points(ca) and (da), also by carrying out routine and announced visits;
Amendment 712 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d c (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d c (new)
(dc) ensuring that duly qualified technical experts and specialists, particularly with respect to algorithmic management, assist the labour inspectorates in their work when necessary.
Amendment 759 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Member States shall ensure that the legal presumption shall not be rebuttable unless the party seeking the rebuttal of the legal presumption demonstrates that all the following criteria are satisfied: (a) the person performing platform work is free from any control and direction of the digital labour platform in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact; (b) the person performing platform work performs work that falls outside the activities usually performed by the digital labour platform (c) the person performing platform work is usually engaged in an independently established trade, profession or business of the same nature as that with which the work performed is related.
Amendment 762 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 765 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Member States shall regularly review assess and, where necessary, complement these conditions, in consultation with the social partners. Such proceedings shall not have suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption.
Amendment 823 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
(ca) access, collect or process any personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, migration status, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, disability or state of health, gender or trade union membership and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, or data concerning a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation, chronic diseases or HIV status;
Amendment 864 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Digital labour platforms shall consult platform workers and workers’ representatives and allow them to take part in discussions on all questions relating to working conditions, including safety and health at work.
Amendment 927 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to Regulations (EC) No 883/200469 and 987/200970 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Member States shall requirekeep an update a list of digital labour platforms which are employers to declare work performed by platform workeroperating on their territory and shall require digital labour platforms to declare work performed by persons performing platform work and their employment status to the competent labour, tax and social protection authorities of the Member State in which the work is performed and to share relevant data with those authorities, in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in the law of the Member States concerned, also in order to comply with their fiscal and social protection obligations in accordance with national law or practice. __________________ 69 Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1). 70 Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p. 1).
Amendment 949 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) information contained in the algorithms or automated or semi- automated processes, their functioning and the elements that have an impact on the workers and on the organization of work, in particular the criteria for assigning work, disconnection and selection used for evaluation, statistics and profiling purposes and to show which data is collected.
Amendment 976 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. Representatives of persons performing platform work shall also have the right to act on behalf or in support of several persons performing platform work, with those persons’ approvalin accordance with national law or practice.
Amendment 988 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Amendment 42 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society. Digitally empowered and capable citizens will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade. Moreover, digital training and education should support a workforce in which people can acquire specialised digital skills to get quality jobs and rewarding careers in much greater numbers than today, with convergence between women and men. It is necessary to have a strong gender perspective for the digital transition in order to ensure the equal participation of women in digital matters, amongst others by equipping them with the necessary skills, improving their digital literacy and skills and making the digital environment female friendly. In addition, an essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for Europe’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process vast data. Excellent and secure connectivity for everybody and everywhere in Europe including in rural and remote areas40 is needed. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available at accessiffordable conditions for all those who need or wish to have such capacity. Moreover, microprocessors which are already today at the start of most of the key, strategic value chains are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative ones. Climate neutral highly secure edge node guaranteeing access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers. _________________ 40 Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. COM(2021) 345 final.
Amendment 75 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Digital Economy and Society Index (‘DESI’)41 and the Women in Digital ('WiD') Scoreboard should become a part of the report on the state of the Digital Decade and should be used to monitor the progress towards the digital targets, including the ones to close the digital gender gap by 2030. This monitoring should include an analysis of the indicators measuring progress at Member States’ level, national policies and initiatives aimed at reaching the objectives of this Decision and the targets as well as horizontal and thematic analyses tracking the digital transformation of European economies and a ranking of Member States progress therein. In particular, DESI’s dimensions and indicators should be aligned with digital targets set out in this Decision. For each digital target, key performance indicators (‘KPIs) should be set out in implementing acts to be adopted by the Commission. The KPIs should be updated when necessary for continued effective monitoring and to take account of technological developments. The data collection mechanism within Member States should be reinforced to present a thorough state of play on the progress towards the digital targets, as well as information on the relevant policies, programmes, and initiatives at national level. Based on the reviews and where needed, the Commission should prepare, in consultation with the Member States, a roadmap to set out future data collection needs. . In defining the DESI, the Commission should rely largely on official statistics collected in different Union surveys on the information society42 . The Commission should use specific studies to collect data for those relevant indicators that are not measured in the Union surveys. _________________ 41 DESI is an annual set of analyses and measurement indicators, which since 2014 have been used to monitor Europe’s overall progress and to benchmark individual Member States’ progress in digital, feeding into the European Semester process and the country specific recommendations. 42 Regulation (EC) No 1006/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 808/2004 concerning Community statistics on the information society (OJ L 286, 31.10.2009, p. 31–35).
Amendment 91 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In order to ensure transparency and public participation, the Commission should engage with all interested stakeholders. To that end, the Commission should closely cooperate with social partners and other stakeholders including private and public actors, such as bodies governed by public laws of the educational or health care sector, and consult them on measures to accelerate the digital transformation at Union level. The involvement of stakeholders would be important at the level of Member States as well, in particular when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments.
Amendment 96 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29 a) If it is to be successful, the digital transition should go hand-in-hand with improvements as regards democracy at work, good governance, social inclusion and good-quality public services.
Amendment 100 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 b (new)
Recital 29 b (new)
(29 b) Trade Unions access to the workplace and the workers themselves, including where work is carried out digitally has to be ensured. All workers, including those in the digital economy, have the right to collective bargaining and to take collective action.
Amendment 102 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 c (new)
Recital 29 c (new)
(29 c) The cooperation between governments, social partners, academics and other stakeholders, regarding the digital transition, including research and innovation in digital technologies, is important so that all social and human aspects are taken into account. Gender balance is needed in order to ensure the full participation of women in the design of the digital economy and a just digital transition.
Amendment 104 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 d (new)
Recital 29 d (new)
(29 d) Corporate investment in formal and informal training and life-long learning is of crucial importance in order to support the just transition towards the digital economy. Companies have the responsibility of providing adequate re- skilling and up-skilling for all their employees concerned in order for them to learn how to use digital tools and to work with co-bots and other new technologies, thereby adapting to changing needs of the labour market and staying in employment.
Amendment 105 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 e (new)
Recital 29 e (new)
(29 e) A common European approach with regard to the ethical aspects of the digital transition is needed. Any regulatory framework in this regard must be adequate and based on a comprehensive impact assessment in order to avoid hampering future innovation and job creation. Special attention should be paid to new forms of work, such as gig platform work, resulting from the application of new technologies, in order to ensure decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy and the digitalisation of different economic sectors and professions.
Amendment 106 #
2021/0293(COD)
(29 f) The new Skills Agenda for Europe must address the challenges of adapting and acquiring qualifications and knowledge, in view of the ecological and digital transition, including ethical aspects. Developers, programmers, decision-makers and companies should be aware of their ethical responsibility. It is important to ensure that end users and consumers are provided with comprehensive information, that there are regular exchanges between all relevant stakeholders in this regard and also that a human review can be requested in all human resource decisions in order to have an automated decision reversed.
Amendment 107 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 g (new)
Recital 29 g (new)
(29 g) Education and continuous learning are important to develop the qualifications necessary in the digital age and to tackle digital exclusion. It is necessary to discuss potential opportunities and risks of digitalisation in this context. Member States should invest in high quality, responsive and inclusive education, vocational training and life- long learning systems as well as re- skilling and up-skilling policies for workers in sectors that are potentially severely affected by the digital transition. It is important to provide the current and future workforce with the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital skills as well as competences in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and cross-cutting soft skills, such as critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship, with special attention to the inclusion of disadvantaged groups in this regard.
Amendment 108 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 h (new)
Recital 29 h (new)
(29 h) The digital transition should not reinforce gender inequalities and stereotypes by transforming analogue biases and prejudices into digital ones through algorithms. People from diverse backgrounds, including women, young people, people of colour and people with disabilities have to be included in the development and use of the digital services. These services should be accessible for all, based on the design for all principle, and the digital development should be an essential tool for inclusion.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 i (new)
Recital 29 i (new)
(29 i) Science, innovation and R&D will be indispensable to attain the objectives of an inclusive digital transformation and European digital sovereignty. Therefore, more investment in research, innovation, science and the scientific community is needed, as they are the driving force of the technological and digital revolution. At the same time, it should be ensured that neither people nor regions are left behind.
Amendment 110 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 j (new)
Recital 29 j (new)
(29 j) Promoting the creation and expansion of digital knowledge and support the research programmes and networks created among European universities in order to help European businesses and entrepreneurs to attract the best talent and become the vanguard of digital innovation worldwide. Skills shortages and mismatches can be prevented by establishing better links between the education and training systems and companies, by improving working and employment conditions as well as by investments of undertakings in skills and qualifications of their staff. The public sector should ensure a fair digital transformation and promote social innovation.
Amendment 111 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 k (new)
Recital 29 k (new)
(29 k) The DESI index shows that 90% of jobs require basic digital skills while 42% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills.[1] In addition, the Women in Digital Scoreboard, part of the DESI index, shows that only 19% of ICT specialists and about one third of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates are female, therefor there is still a substantial gender gap in specialist digital skills [2] Participation of girls and women in the field of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) must be actively promoted through concrete policy action to foster their full participation and inclusion in the digital economy, as they only represent 36% of STEM graduates [3], despite the fact that girls outperform boys in digital literacy [4] [1] https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single- market/en/digital-economy-and-society- index-desi [2] https://digital- strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/women- digital-scoreboard-2021 [3] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/9540ffa1-4478-11e9- a8ed-01aa75ed71a1/language-en [4] 2018 InternationalComputer and InformationLiteracy Study (ICILS)
Amendment 141 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by promoting basic and specialised digital skills for all, with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups and gender equality, and fostering the development of high-performing digital education and training systems through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning;
Amendment 146 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by ensuring decent working and employment conditions to attract skilled workers and by reminding companies of the responsibility to invest in up-skilling and reskilling to ensure their employees are fit for the digital transition;
Amendment 267 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) improving the cooperation of the Union and of, Member States and social partners in the achievement of the objectives of the Digital Decade;
Amendment 268 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) promoting digital skills for citizens and workers through high-quality education, training and life-long learning, including employer funded reskilling and upskilling of their workforce;
Amendment 93 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan30a highlights that social rights and the European social dimension need to be strengthened across all policies of the Union as enshrined in the Treaties, in particular Article 3 TEU and Article 9 TFEU. _________________ 30a Endorsed by the European Council on 24 and 25 June 2021.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Those amendments have differing economic and social impacts on the different sectors of the economy, on the citizens, and the Member States. In particular, the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and the Council31 should provide an additional economic incentive to invest into the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and thereby accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with other measures, this should, in the medium to long term, reduce the costs for buildings and road transport, and provide new opportunities for job creation and investment. _________________ 31 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32)The Commission will collect data on the social impact of the accompanying measures and how they affect different Member States, regions and vulnerable groups. The aspects of preventive approach, reduction of inequalities and social compensation are critical in order to avoid the worst effects on the most vulnerable households and self-employed persons while maintaining a high level of investment to ensure the success of the ecological transition.
Amendment 111 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 125 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The increase in the price for fossil fuels maytransition towards climate neutrality will disproportionaltely affect vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterpriseself- employed persons and vulnerable transport users who already spend a larger part of their incomes on energy and transport, who, in certain regions, 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 consumptionfurther deepening the existing inequalities.
Amendment 139 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Therefore, a part of the revenues generated by the inclusion of building and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/ECPreventive measures and compensation should be usprovided to address the social impacts arising from that inclusion, for thee transition towards climate neutrality to achieve a transition to behat is just and inclusive, and leavinges no one behind.
Amendment 148 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) This is even more relevant in view of the existing levels of energy poverty. Energy poverty is a situation in which households are unable to access essential energy services suchthe inability of a household to support an adequate level of energy supply so as to guarantee basic levels of comfort and health, due to as cooling, as temperatures rise, and heatingmbination of low income, high-energy prices and low quality, poor performing housing stock. About 34 million Europeans reported an inability to keep their homes adequately warm in 2018, and 6.9% of the Union population have said that they cannot afford to heat their home sufficiently in a 2019 EU-wide survey32 . Overall, the Energy Poverty Observatory estimates that more than 50 million households in the European Union experience energy poverty. Energy poverty is therefore a major challenge for the Union. While social tariffs or direct income support can provide immediate relief to households facing energy poverty, only targeted structural measures, in particular energy renovations, can provide lasting solutions. _________________ 32 Data from 2018. Eurostat, SILC [ilc_mdes01]).
Amendment 173 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) A Social Climate (‘the Fund’) should therefore be established to provide funds to the Member States to support their policies to address the social impacts of the emisstransitions trading for buildings and road transporto climate neutrality on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself- employed persons and vulnerable transport users. This should be achieved notably through temporary income support and measures and investments intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through increased energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improved access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport to the benefit of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself- employed persons and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 201 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) For that purpose, each Member State should submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’). Those Plans should pursue two objectives. Firstly, they should provide vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself-employed persons and vulnerable transport users the necessary resources, including in the form of financial support without an up-front or minimum contribution requirement, 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 temporarycomplemented with direct income support to mitigate adverse income effects in the shorter term.
Amendment 216 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) Particular attention needs to be paid to vulnerable tenants in the private rental and social housing markets. These tenants also include households in energy poverty or households, including lower middle income ones, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of increased heating costs or by higher rental prices following renovation, but are not in a position to renovate the building they occupy. As part of their Social Climate Plans, Member States should therefore develop energy efficient, green social housing projects and specific measures and investments to support vulnerable tenants on the private rental and social housing markets. Renovation projects that benefit from support from this fund should not result in an increase of the agreed rental price.
Amendment 223 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The Plans should also include social services agents who will support vulnerable persons and households in the access to support measures. This social service agent will also have a positive impact in the participation and progress of women in the creation of employment linked to the green transition and to the achievement of climate neutrality.
Amendment 226 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Member States, in consultation with regional level authoritieswith a meaningful involvement of local and regional level authorities, social partners and civil society organisations working with vulnerable people, 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 239 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Ensuring that the measures and investments are particularly targeted towards energy poor or vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself-employed persons and vulnerable transport users is key for a just transition towards climate neutrality. Support measures to promote reductions in greenhouse gas emissions should help Member States to address the social impacts arising from the emissions trading for the sectors of buildings and road transport.
Amendment 253 #
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 sreduce the existing social challenges associated with the energy transition, disproportionately affecting households suffering from energy poverty, vulnerable househould only concern direct ims spending larger pacrts of their 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 for such direct income support should be limited in timeome on energy and transport, low- income families living in the worst performing buildings and in most deprived areas.
Amendment 266 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Direct income support when combined with investment measures, including in the form of financial support without an up-front or minimum contribution requirement, targeting the same beneficiaries may lead to better results in reaching the objectives of the Fund.
Amendment 275 #
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, 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 thesocial, 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 285 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Women are particularly affected by carbon pricing as they represent 85% of single parent families. Single parent families have a particularly high risk of child poverty. Gender equality and equal opportunities for all, and the mainstreaming of those objectives, as well as questions of accessibility forrights of persons with disabilities should be taken into accountupheld and promoted throughout the preparation and implementation of Plans to ensure no one is left behind.
Amendment 298 #
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 and the European Code of Conduct on Partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds35a. 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). 35a Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014
Amendment 304 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) The Fund should only support such activities that respect applicable collective agreements, social and labour law, regarding inter alia wages, working conditions, health and safety of workers, collective bargaining rights and trade union participation.
Amendment 328 #
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 total revenues from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC in the period 2026-2032allowances auctioned in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC not allocated to the Modernisation or the Innovation Fund. 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 540% of the total costs of their Plans 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 purposeThe contribution of Member States whose gross national income (GNI) per capita is below 90 % of the EU average, should be limited to a maximum of 20 % of the total estimated costs of their Plans. Furthermore, Member States should contribute to 10% of the total estimated costs of the measures contributing to the eradication of energy poverty of, and to ensuring access to sustainable transport for the most deprived persons. _________________ 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 375 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
Amendment 391 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
The measures and investments supportenvisaged by the Fund shall support a socially fair transition to climate neutrality, especially benefit households, micro-enterpriseself-employed persons 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)distributional impact of the transition to climate neutrality, including by carbon pricing, especially households in energy poverty and without access to affordable and environmentally sustainable modes of transport.
Amendment 406 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
The general objective of the Fund is to contribute to the transition towards climate neutrality by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC. The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerat transition, and to ensure the ability of vulnerable households, self-employed and transport users to participate in and adapt to the transition, to reduce energy poverty and enlarge the access to affordable and sustainable green transport and mobility means. The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable self- employed and vulnerable transport users, especially those in energy poverty, and/or those in the lowest income deciles, or with low capacity to invest in, or limited access to, alternative and energy efficient heating, cooling and sustainable and affordable transport usersmodes, 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 transportaffordable and sustainable zero emission mobility and transport, as well as to mitigate the negative impacts of the transition to climate neutrality on vulnerable households and tackle their social exclusion.
Amendment 426 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
The measures and investments supported by the Fund shall not provide any support which prolongs the use of fossil fuels.
Amendment 442 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘energy poverty’ means energy poverty 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]the in ability of a household to support an adequate level of energy supply so as to guarantee basic levels of comfort and health, due to a combination of low income, high-energy prices and low quality, poor performing housing stock;
Amendment 454 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) ‘micro-enterprise’ means an enterprise that employs fewer than 10 persons and whose annual turnover or annual balance sheet does not exceed EUR 2 million, calculated in accordance with Articles 3 to 6 of Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/201453 ; _________________ 53 Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declself-employed persons’ mean those who work in their own business, professional practice or farm for the purpose of earning certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty Text with EEA relevance (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1).a profit, and who employ no other persons;
Amendment 459 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘transport users’ means households or micro-enterpriseself-employed persons that use various transport and mobility options;
Amendment 470 #
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 with lack of access to affordable sustainable transport or households, including lower middle- income ones, that are significantly affected by the pricesocial impacts of the inclusion of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC and lack the means to renovate the building they occuptransition to climate neutrality;
Amendment 477 #
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-enterpriself-employed persons’ means thoses that are significantly affected by the pricesocial impacts of the inclusion of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC and lack the means to renovate the building they occuptransition to climate neutrality;
Amendment 494 #
2021/0206(COD)
(13) ‘vulnerable transport users’ means transport users, including from lower middle-income households, that are significantly affected by the pricesocial impacts of the inclusion of road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/ECtransition to climate neutrality 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.
Amendment 502 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
(13a) ‘most deprived persons’ means natural persons, whether individuals, families, households or groups of persons, including children in vulnerable situations and homeless people, whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria which are set by the national competent authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders while avoiding conflicts of interest, and which may include elements that allow for the targeting of the most deprived persons in certain geographical areas.
Amendment 503 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13 b (new)
(13b) ‘direct income support’ means non-repayable financial support to households, either in the form of lump- sum payments, including ‘climate dividend’ payments, as a reduction of energy bills and levies or as a top-up of existing social support payments;
Amendment 509 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall 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 and following a meaningful consultation of local and regional level authorities, social partners and relevant civil society organisations. The Plan shall contain a coherent set of measures and investments to address the social impact of carbon pricingthe transition to climate neutrality on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself- employed persons and vulnerable transport users in order to ensure affordable and energy efficient heating, and cooling and affordable and zero-emission mobility while accompanying and accelerating necessary measures to meet the climate targets of the Union.
Amendment 527 #
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 fumeasures taken at Union and national levels, resulting from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/ECpectively, to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in article 1, paragraph 1 of Regulation(EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law).
Amendment 551 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) finance measures and investments to increase energy efficiency of buildings, using a cost-effectiveness approach, such as life-cycle costing, to implement energy efficiency improvement measures, to carry out building renovation, and to decarbonise heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy production from renewable energy sources;
Amendment 563 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) finance measures and investments to increase the uptake of zero- and low- emission mobility and transport.
Amendment 569 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) finance measures and investments to mitigate the negative impacts of the transition to climate neutrality on vulnerable households and tackle their social exclusion.
Amendment 588 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) the coherence and mutual reinforcement of the accompanying measures to reduce the effects referred to in point (c)
Amendment 591 #
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 pricese transition to climate neutrality on households, and in particular on incidence of energy poverty, on micro-enterpriseself-employed persons and on transport users, comprising in particular an estimate and the identification of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterpriseself-employed persons 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 groups and areas mostly affected, particularly territories which are remote and rural and those where the at risk of poverty rate is above the EU average;
Amendment 605 #
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 transport poverty and the vulnerability of households, micro-enterprises and transport users to an increase of road transport and heating fuel priceself-employed persons and transport users;
Amendment 619 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) the sustainability of the measures and investments, and their long-term impact on vulnerable households, vulnerable self-employed persons and vulnerable transport users beyond 2032;
Amendment 620 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Amendment 622 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) an explanation of how the Plan contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights principles, in particular principle 20;
Amendment 625 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) an explanation of how the Plan ensures that social and labour rights are respected and promoted, and relevant social indicators are improved;
Amendment 640 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) for the preparation and, where available, for the implementation, the implementation and the monitoring of the Plan, a summary of the consultation process, conducted in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the national legal frameworkEuropean Code of Conduct on Partnership, of local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders, and how the input of the stakeholders is reflected in the Plan;
Amendment 653 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Payment of support shall be conditional upon achieving the milestones and targets for measures and investments set out in the Plans. Those milestones and targets shall be compatible with the Union’s climate, labour and social targets and cover in particular:
Amendment 661 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) zero- and low-emission mobility and transport;
Amendment 673 #
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, of vulnerable micro-enterpriseself-employed persons and of vulnerable transport users, including in rural and remote areas.
Amendment 679 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) creation of sustainable quality jobs by public and private entities receiving support as referred to in article 6(2) (c) and (f).
Amendment 684 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)
(eb) reduction of poverty.
Amendment 694 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Any activities financed by the Fund shall respect applicable collective agreements, social and labour law, regarding inter alia wages, working conditions, health and safety of workers, collective bargaining rights and trade union participation.
Amendment 706 #
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, affected by the climate neutral transportition. Eligibility for such direct income support shall cease within the time limits identified under Article 4(1) point (d).
Amendment 716 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States may include the costs of the following measures and investments in the estimated total costs of the Plans, provided they principally benefit vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterpriseself- employed persons or vulnerable transport users and intend to:
Amendment 721 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)
(-a) ensure access to affordable energy efficient housing, including by providing sufficient energy efficient housing stock in the social housing sector, building new green social housing and supporting moving into more efficient housing stock;
Amendment 728 #
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 and in the social housing sector, including in the form of financial support, without an up-front or minimum contribution requirement, or fiscal incentives such as deductibility of renovation costs from taxation or the rent, independently of the ownership of the buildings concerned;
Amendment 740 #
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, by ensuring access to affordable and energy efficient systems, and the integration of energy from renewable sources that contribute to the achievements of energy savings;
Amendment 760 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) provide access to zero- and low- emission vehicles and bikes, including financial support or fiscal incentives for their purchase as well as for appropriate public and private infrastructure, including for recharging and refuelling, without an up-front or minimum contribution requirement, or fiscal incentives for their purchase; for support concerning low-emission vehicles, a timetable for gradually reducing the support shall be provided;
Amendment 778 #
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 or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri- urban areas.
Amendment 785 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) combating discrimination of certain vulnerable groups in accessing measures and support linked to the transition, including through capacity building and including social services agents, who will support vulnerable persons and households in the access to support measures.
Amendment 791 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) combat discrimination of certain vulnerable groups in accessing measures and support linked to the transition, including through capacity building;
Amendment 794 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
(fb) facilitate access to sustainable consumption and promote cost-saving opportunities linked to the circular economy;
Amendment 795 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f c (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f c (new)
(fc) support cooperatives for the access and provision of clean energy and zero emission transport;
Amendment 796 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f d (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f d (new)
(fd) provide targeted and accessible information and awareness on risk reduction and cost-effective measures related to the transition to climate neutrality, as well as on the available support measures financed by the Fund.
Amendment 797 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6a Promotion of equality between men and women The Member States and the Commission shall promote equality between men and women through mainstreaming throughout the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the plans. Through the Social Climate Fund, the Member States and the Commission shall also support specific targeted actions within any of the measured financed referred to in Article 6, with the aim of increasing the sustainable participation and progress of women in the creation of employment linked to the green transition and to the achievement of climate neutrality, thus combating the feminisation of poverty and reducing gender-based segregation.
Amendment 800 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 815 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Pass-on of benefits to households, micro- enterpriseself- employed persons and transport users
Amendment 818 #
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 other than vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterpriseself-employed persons and vulnerable transport uses, if those entities carry out measures and investments ultimately benefitting vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterpriseself-employed persons and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 823 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Member States shall provide for the necessary statutory and contractual safeguards to ensure that the entire benefit is passed on to the households, micro- enterpriseself- employed persons and transport users.
Amendment 832 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period 20253-2027 shall be at least EUR 23 700 000 000 in current prices.
Amendment 849 #
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 at least 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 852 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Fund shall be endowed by: (a) 25 % from the total revenue from the allowances auctioned in accordance with Directive2003/87/EC [(COD)2021/0211] not allocated to the Modernisation or the Innovation Fund; (b) additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act.
Amendment 855 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. In the event that endowments to the Fund referred to in paragraph 2a of this Article are above the target amount of the financial envelope in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2, the surplus shall remain in the Fund.
Amendment 859 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The amounts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Fund and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, consultation of stakeholders, information and communication actions, including inclusive outreach actions, and corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, insofar as they are related to the objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, corporate information technology tools, and all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Fund. Expenses may also cover the costs of other supporting activities such as quality control and monitoring of projects on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of the eligible actions. These costs shall not exceed 4 % of the financial total allocation for the Plan.
Amendment 906 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall contribute at least to 540 percent of the total estimated costs of their Plans.
Amendment 914 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. By way of derogation from the paragraph 1, the contribution of Member States whose gross national income (GNI) per capita is below 90% of the EU average, shall be limited to a maximum of 20% of the total estimated costs of their Plans.
Amendment 917 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States shall contribute to 10% of the total estimated costs of the measures contributing to the eradication of energy poverty of and to ensuring access to sustainable transport for the most deprived persons.
Amendment 921 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall inter alia use revenues from the auctioning of their allowances in accordance with Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC for their national contribution to the total estimated costs of their Plans.
Amendment 926 #
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-enterpriseself-employed persons and vulnerable transport users in the Member State concerned from establishing the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/ECthe transition to climate neutrality, especially households in energy 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 938 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) whether the Plan is expected to ensure that no measure ors and investments included in the Plan do not causes significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, respect applicable social and labour law, and contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 955 #
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 challenges addressed by that Plan and in particular on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterpriseself- employed persons and vulnerable transport users, especially households in energy poverty, in the Member State concerned;
Amendment 956 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i a (new)
(ia) whether a meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities, social partners and relevant civil society organisations has been ensured during preparation, and whether such involvement is foreseen during the implementation and monitoring;
Amendment 963 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) whether the Plan contributes to the creation of sustainable quality jobs.
Amendment 985 #
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 maythe Member State concerned may, following a meaningful consultation with regional and local authorities, social partners and relevant civil society organisations, 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 998 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. By 15 March 2027 each Member State concerned shall assess the appropriateness of its Plans in view of the actual direct effects of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/087/ECtransition to climate neutrality. Those assessments shall be submitted to the Commission as part of the biennial progress reporting pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.
Amendment 1002 #
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 20253-2027. 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 1025 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Where it is established that breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a Member State affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Fund or the protection of the financial interests of the Union, the Commission shall take the appropriate measures in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council which may include, among others, a suspension of payments to the affected national authorities. In such cases, the Commission shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the intended final beneficiaries of the Fund continue to have access to EU assistance, with the Commission ensuring disbursement via regional and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, or other entities with a proven capacity to ensure the sound financial management of the Fund.
Amendment 1041 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure complementarity, synergy, coherence and consistency among different instruments at Union, national and, where appropriate, regional and local levels, both in the planning phase and during implementation;
Amendment 1045 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation and control at Union, national and, where appropriate, regional and local levels to achieve the objectives of the Fund.
Amendment 1055 #
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 following a meaningful consultation with regional and local authorities, social partners and relevant civil society organisations, 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 1061 #
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 objective to reduce the number of households in energy poverty, the access to affordable and zero- emission transport and mobility means, on progress regarding other relevant social indicators, and, where applicable, on the number of sustainable quality jobs created;
Amendment 1067 #
2021/0206(COD)
(f) in 2027, an assessment of the Plan referred to in Article 17(5) in view of the actual direct effects of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/087/ECtransition to climate neutrality;
Amendment 1078 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 4
Article 23 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 25 to supplement this Regulation in order to set out the common indicators to be used for reporting on the progress and for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of the Fund towards the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 1 are stated in Annex XX of this Regulation.
Amendment 1081 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a Transparency 1. The Commission shall transmit the Plans officially submitted by the Member States, and the decisions, as made public by the Commission, simultaneously and on equal terms to the European Parliament and the Council without undue delay. 2. Information transmitted by the Commission to the Council or any of its preparatory bodies in the context of this Regulation or its implementation shall simultaneously be made available to the European Parliament, subject to confidentiality arrangements if necessary. 3. The Commission shall provide the competent committee of the European Parliament with an overview of its preliminary findings concerning the satisfactory fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets included in the plans of the Member States. 4. The competent committees of the European Parliament may invite the Commission to provide information on the state of play of the assessment of the plans.
Amendment 1082 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 b (new)
Article 23 b (new)
Article 23 b Social Climate Dialogue 1. In order to enhance the dialogue between the Union institutions, in particular the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, and to ensure greater transparency and accountability, the competent committee of the European Parliament may invite the Commission twice a year to discuss the following matters: (a) the plans of the Member States; (b) the assessment of the plans of the Member States; (c) the status of fulfilment of the milestones and targets of the plans of the Member States; (d) payment, suspension and termination procedures, including any observation presented and remedial measures taken by the Member States to ensure a satisfactory fulfilment of the milestones and targets; (e) any other relevant information and documentation provided by the Commission to the competent committee of the European Parliament in relation to the implementation of the SCF. 2. The European Parliament may express its views in resolutions as regards the matters referred to in paragraph 1. 3. The Commission shall take into account any elements arising from the views expressed through the social climate dialogue, including the resolutions from the European Parliament if provided.
Amendment 1085 #
2021/0206(COD)
1. By 1 July 2028No later than two years after the entry into force of the present regulation, 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 1096 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
3. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent the objectives of the Fund laid down in Article 1 have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the Union added value. It shall consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions set out in Article 6 in light of the impact on greenhouse gas emissions from the emission trading system for buildings and road transport pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/ECf the transition to climate neutrality and from the national measures taken to meet the binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council63 . It shall also consider the continued relevance of the financial envelope of the Fund in relation to possible developments concerning the auctioning of allowances under the emission trading system for buildings and road transport pursuant to Chapter IVa ofestablished by Directive 2003/87/EC and other relevant considerations. _________________ 63 Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26-42).
Amendment 1100 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25
Article 25
Amendment 1105 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1109 #
Amendment 1 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 a (new)
Citation 37 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2020 on a strong social Europe for Just Transitions1a, _________________ 1a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0371
Amendment 5 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 b (new)
Citation 37 b (new)
- having regard to the European Commission and OECD’s report Health at a Glance: Europe 2020. State of Health in the EU cycle1a, _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/fil es/state/docs/2020_healthatglance_rep_en .pdf
Amendment 6 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 c (new)
Citation 37 c (new)
- having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document Investing in Health, SWD(2013) 43 final1a, _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/fil es/policies/docs/swd_investing_in_health. pdf
Amendment 8 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 e (new)
Citation 37 e (new)
- having regard to the opinion by the European Commission’s Expert Panel on Effective Ways of Investing in Health (EXPH) of November 2020 on the organisation of resilient health and social care following the COVID-19 pandemic1a, _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/fil es/expert_panel/docs/026_health_socialca re_covid19_en.pdf
Amendment 9 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 f (new)
Citation 37 f (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions of 17 October 2019 on the Economy of Wellbeing1a, _________________ 1a https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/docu ment/ST-13171-2019-INIT/en/pdf
Amendment 10 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas according to the Commission’s autumn 2020 European economic forecast, EU GDP is forecast to contract by approximately 7.5 % in 2020 before rebounding by 4 % in 2021, and by a further 3 % in 2022, with the output in the European economy barely returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2022; whereas, according to this forecast, financial markets have held up well over the last few months, globally and in the EU, thanks mainly to central banks' massive liquidity provision around the world and this shows a ‘decoupling’ of the financial sphere from the real economy; whereas private consumption growth is, however, forecast to moderate in 2022, largely due to lingering uncertainty about job and income prospects which are likely to keep precautionary savings elevated; whereas, however, on the other hand, capital spending is set to benefit from highly accommodative monetary policies, increased public investment and targeted government support schemes for firms;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 14 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas Eurofound shows that of particular concern is that the decline in employment headcount in the EU 27 in the first wave of the pandemic was associated with a greater outflow to inactivity than to unemployment and a resulting weakening of labour market attachment1a; _________________ 1aEurofound (2021, forthcoming) COVID-19: Some implications for employment and working life
Amendment 19 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has reversed the positive trend of the employment rate of the last six years in the EU-27, resulting in a reduction of the number of persons in work of about 6.1 million in the second quarter of 2020 and a predicted decrease of 4.5 % over the year 202014 ; whereas workers who remain in the labour market have faced a considerable reduction in hours worked and, consequently, loss of income; affecting to different axis of inequalities, especially the gender ones; _________________ 14Commission proposal of 18 November 2020 for a joint employment report of the Commission and the Council for 2021 (JER 2021).
Amendment 20 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas hours worked are set to increase faster than headcount employment and employment may also fall further when short-time work schemes are discontinued; whereas the reallocation of workers is usually a lengthy process and employment is therefore expected to decline slightly in 2021; whereas, despite the expected economic rebound next year, the EU unemployment rate is set to rise further from 7.7% this year to 8.6% next year and it is expected to decline in 2022 to 8.0%, with divergences between Members States will persist;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas before COVID-19, economic trends were generally described as positive in the European Semester annual reviews; whereas evidence shows that persistent and increasing inequalities remain among persons and between and within states and regions; ; while some regions facing more decarbonising challenges are targeted with just transition fund, others, that were too dependent on tourism and related services are not subject to specific transition funds and some of them are coincident with the territories with highest unemployment rates;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the COVID-19 crisis led to a worsening of wage inequality around the world, only partly offset by state subsidies and minimum wage policies; whereas lower paid workers, disproportionately women and the new precarious youth, are the most affected by the rise in inequalities; and the immediate pandemic burden of job loss has fallen disproportionately on low-paid women according to Eurofound;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the ongoing twin transitions, green and digital will have important and unequal impact on employment by sector, region and type of worker; whereas the Covid crisis have accelerated those impacts especially in labour markets trends and should also affect education, skilling and upskilling demands;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the gender employment gap (11.4 %) , gender pay gap (14 %) and gender pension gap (30 %) remain unacceptably high; whereas closing the gender employment gap is a social and economic imperative, due to the implications for women’s lives, including their financial security and quality of life, and its persisting costs amounting to around €320 billion in 2018 (2.4% of EU GDP)1a; whereas improving employment opportunities for women, ensuring equal pay and facilitating a good work-life balance, including for men, are vital to sustainable economic growth and development, productivity, and long-term fiscal sustainability in the EU; _________________ 1aEurofound (2020), Women and labour market equality: Has COVID-19 rolled back recent gains? Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg
Amendment 58 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas unemployment among temporary workers has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas one in five workers in the EU holds a poor quality job; whereas it is expected that in the next decade, job polarisation and non-standard forms of employment will increase further and there will be more jobs at the higher and lower ends of the skills spectrum16 ; whereas technological change and the use of artificial intelligence might alter the labour market significantly; whereas this leads to further disparities in earnings; whereas labour demand has consistently been weakest in the middle of the job- wage distribution, most noticeably during the periods of recession and employment contraction between 2008 and 2013; whereas this trend is likely to be further reinforced by the pandemic; whereas low- skilled jobs will always be essential for societies and must offer decent pay and conditions; whereas digitalisation can create chances and opportunities for upskilling, but does not necessarily improve working conditions or create new quality jobs for all; _________________ 16 Eurofound (2018), Upward convergence in the EU: Concepts, measurements and indicators, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 61 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas sustainable development is a fundamental objective of the European Union and social sustainability is a fundamental prerequisite for fair and inclusive green, digital and demographic transitions; whereas the social market economy is based on two complementary pillars, namely the enforcement of competition and robust social policy measures, which should lead to the achievement of full employment and social progress; whereas the three pillars of sustainable development are the economic, the social and the environmental; whereas sustainable development is based, among other things, on full employment and social progress; whereas this is a fundamental objective of the European Union laid down in Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU); whereas up till now priority has been given to economic and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas inequalities in health by socio-economic status already before the COVID-19 crisis have been substantial; whereas gains in increasing life expectancy in the EU have slowed down and faltered; whereas the COVID-19 crisis has worsened physical and mental health outcomes, especially of the most vulnerable groups;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas COVID-19 impact has been aggravated by the existence of pre- existing inequalities that have been increasing over the past decade; whereas the disinvestment in public services following the global financial crisis contributed to the widening of inequalities in health needs;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the pandemic has exacerbated health and social inequalities17 and whereas the poverty and child poverty rate is predicted to increase as one of the effects of the COVID-19: whereas Eurofound suggests complementing the Social Scoreboard accompanying the EPSR with additional indicators covering job quality, social justice and equal opportunities, robust social welfare systems and fair mobility; _________________ 17EuroHealthNet (2020), Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring health equity. The role of the European Semester.
Amendment 79 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas social dialogue is crucial in the European social model for finding tailor-made solutions for the labour market; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has fallen across Europe as a result of a decentralisation process that followed the 2008 crisis and labour market reforms induced in some Member States, as pointed out in the European Semester country reports; whereas Eurofound shows that the involvement of social partners in devising labour market policy responses to COVID-19 has been more limited than would be the case in non- crisis situations in many Member States1a; _________________ 1aForthcoming reports; Eurofound (2021) COVID-19: Some implications for employment and working life and Eurofound (2021) Involvement of social partner in policy making during COVID- 19)
Amendment 81 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
Amendment 83 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the demographic challenge requires a comprehensive approach based on a mix of policy solutions in the fields of pensions, protection and social security, care services, housing, early childhood schoolseducation, long- term care, health systems, including preventative care and psychosocial support, social inclusion, integration of migrants and work-life balance, gender equality, healthy and active ageing, high levels of employment and wages; ; whereas good working and living conditions along the life course are key in preventing care needs, and adequate housing and high-quality local areas, along their physical, social and service dimensions, are important to prevent care needs and facilitate independent living;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas Eurofound shows that the long-term care workforce has grown by one-third over the past decade and is a key sector to consider, not only to guarantee quality of life for an ageing population, but also in terms of gender equality in three regards: currently most long-term care is provided by informal carers, most of whom are women, most workers in the sector are female and this has hardly changed, and most care receivers are women, who on average have higher life expectancy than man in all Member States1a; _________________ 1aEurofound (2020), Long-term care workforce: employment and working conditions. Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg
Amendment 95 #
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 and in-work poverty conditions for blue collar and platform workers and growing polarisation in terms of income and wealth;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas, contrary to the crowding- out hypothesis that has prevailed in economic thinking for the last three decades, public investment and its crowding-in effects should play a central role in this new economic paradigm; whereas, it has been indicated that the recovery from the pandemic and the post- pandemic resilience plans must be coherent with the EU’s ambitions outlined in the European Green Deal;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis has shown that fighting homelessness is a public health matter; whereas on any given night in the European Union an estimated 700 000 homeless people have to sleep on the street or in shelters, which is an increase of 70 % in the past 10 years;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
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 and homelessness, have not been resolved but have worsened, demonstrating that public policies at the national level are insufficient for building a robust social protection systems and fairer European labour market, and that stronger and further-reaching policies at EU level are needed;
Amendment 126 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that the ASGS 2021 mentions delivering on the EU objective of competitive sustainability but that this is neither a concept defined as an objective in the EU Treaties nor does it feature in the UN SDGs; calls on the Commission, therefore, to deliver on the objectives defined in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), as well as to be more precise in the definition of resilience, understood beyond the ability not only to withstand and cope with challenges but also to undergo transitions in a sustainable, fair, and democratic manner1a; _________________ 1aCommission communication of 9 September 2020 entitled ‘2020 Strategic foresight report – Charting the course towards a more resilient Europe’ (COM(20200493).
Amendment 131 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to strengthen democratic accountability and the involvement of the European Parliament; stresses that the social progress objectives regarding social welfare systems and, care and health systems as well as quality employment must be shielded from the application of macroeconomic conditionality;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Believes that the Sustainable Semester Process has to equally focus on the sustainability of three dimensions: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability; reiterates that social sustainability can only be achieved through the reduction of inequalities, offering social opportunities and shared prosperity; stresses that social justice, decent work with living wages, equal opportunities, fair mobility and robust social welfare systems are essential elements in the just transition to a sustainable and social Europe; calls on the Commission to carefully assess the dimensions of the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey so that they are fully in line with article 3 of the TEU, which establishes sustainable development as the objective the EU has to work for, based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. SOCIAL DIMENSION WITHIN RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE FACILITY Welcomes the agreement for the establishment of a Recovery and Resilience Facility; highlights that the European Semester, including the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation; insists that reforms have to be based on solidarity, integration, social justice and a fair distribution of wealth, with the aim of creating quality employment and sustainable growth, ensuring equality of, and access to, opportunities and social protection, protecting vulnerable groups and improving the living standards of all citizens;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Stresses that creating quality employment is one of the objectives included in the Regulation and that this has to be done through ensuring stable contracts, decent wages, collective bargaining coverage and social protection floors, including decent pensions above the poverty threshold; calls on the Commission to include these indicators in the guidelines to assess social progress in the recovery and resilience plans; points out that labour market reforms undertaken in the national plans must go in line with the attainment of these objectives;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Recalls that the Commission outlined in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2020 and the European Semester Spring and Summer Package 2020, that the European Semester should help achieve the implementation of the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. Believes that robust welfare systems built on strong economic and social structures help Member States to respond more efficiently and in a fair and inclusive way to shocks and to recover more swiftly from them; highlights that Social Welfare Systems guarantee to European societies and citizens the integral services and economic benefits for a decent life, covering the following areas of intervention: Social Security, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Employment, Justice and Social Services for vulnerable groups, and that they play a key role in achieving social sustainable development, promoting equality and social justice; warns that during the COVID crisis, the Social Welfare Systems are under an unprecedented situation of stress and pressure, as they were not foreseen to cover the social demand in a context of healthcare and economic emergency; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the social welfare systems so that they can perform and assist the entire population, particularly in situations of crisis or systemic shocks, including by establishing targets for social investment, comparable to the digital and green investments;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. Acknowledges that the Recovery and Resilience Facility might have an impact in the European Semester process; underlines that the coordination between the two processes has to be transparent and support the overarching EU objectives such as the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the UN SDGs, the EU Gender Equality Strategy, the European Green Deal and the digital transition;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3 g. Recalls that the Commission estimates the investment needed in social infrastructure in 192bn, with health and long-term care accounting for 62% of the investment needed (affordable housing 57bn, health 70bn, long-term care 50bn, education and life-long learning 15bn); highlights that social investment is important not only to support aggregate demand, but to support fairness, equality and sustainability; regrets that the MFF agreement does not reflect the serious social consequences of the covid-19 pandemic and the need for a robust response to invest in avoiding even further increase in unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, a response that leaves no one behind; calls on the Commission to propose an ambitious anti- poverty strategy including the European Child Guarantee with an increased budget, as well as the European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme without delay;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3 h. Believes that sustainable and fairness enhancing reforms and investments in the national plan must address structural weaknesses of social services and social protection systems and strengthen their resilience; in this sense, points out that the reforms and investments in social and territorial cohesion should also contribute to fighting poverty and tackling unemployment and should lead to the creation of high-quality and stable jobs, the inclusion and integration of disadvantaged groups, enable the strengthening of the social dialogue, social infrastructure, as well as social protection and social welfare systems;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 i (new)
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3 i. Understands that social milestones and targets have not been defined in the Recovery and Resilience Facility; calls on the Commission to define them in accordance with those established by the European Parliament resolution on Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions;
Amendment 144 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 j (new)
Paragraph 3 j (new)
3 j. Is concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the time frame of the activation of the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact; insists that any future macroeconomic adjustment programmes must be coherent and not hamper reforms and investments on social progress towards the social milestones and targets identified by the Semester and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans; points out that financial support through the Facility will have to be ensured in order for Member States to achieve these social milestones and targets; stresses that fiscal consolidation programs must respect social investment and that they need to be done in a way that keeps ensuring progress towards the reduction of poverty and inequalities;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 k (new)
Paragraph 3 k (new)
3 k. Regrets the limited size of the EU budget, as this will limit its redistribution and stabilisation functions; calls on the Member States to take full advantage of all possibilities under the MFF, the NGEU and the own resources system to support social objectives and social justice in their national recovery, in order to compensate for the lack of social ambition in both the MFF and the Recovery and Resilience Facility;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 l (new)
Paragraph 3 l (new)
3 l. Believes that both the Next Generation EU as well as the MFF and the EU Budget must dedicate investments towards the social objectives, and in particular, social progress, as defined in article 3 TEU and 9 TFEU, comparable to those investments in the Green and digital areas, and that the reduction of poverty and inequalities should also be a transversal consideration across all expenditure;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 m (new)
Paragraph 3 m (new)
3 m. Warns that the recovery and resilience scoreboard provided under the regulation does not include social indicators linked to the social objectives outlined in it, in particular the implementation of the EPRS principles, quality employment, upward social convergence, equality of, and access to, opportunities and social protection, education and skills, and investing in access and opportunity for children and youth related to education, health, nutrition, jobs and housing, also in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and Youth Guarantee; calls on the Commission, in the context of the recovery and resilience dialogue, to identify the social indicators that will be used to assess the investments and reforms of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans, as well as, the proposed measures to protect progress towards these goals once the general escape clause is deactivated;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 o (new)
Paragraph 3 o (new)
3 o. Calls on the Member States to include in the recovery and resilience plan, a social progress section, including the social targets and milestones and estimated investments regarding the implementation of the EPSR, as well as the impact on quality job creation, upward social convergence, youth and children investments, gender equality and equal opportunities for all;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 p (new)
Paragraph 3 p (new)
3 p. Calls on the Commission to include in the common indicators related to the social objectives, to be used for reporting on progress and for monitoring and evaluation of the Facility, those included in the Social Scoreboard of the Semester, as well as the objectives adopted by the European Parliament Resolution on a Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions, as well as to include in the methodology for reporting on social investment, including the Child Guarantee and the Youth Guarantee; stresses that the European Parliament will closely analyse the delegated act that the Commission will present on this matter, in order to establish if the social indicators, scoreboard and social methodology comply with the objectives, and verify that there are no objections to be made;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 q (new)
Paragraph 3 q (new)
3 q. Warns that the EU and its Member States face the greatest challenges on goals related to the eradication of poverty, climate change, biodiversity, circular economy, as well as in strengthening the upward social convergence of wellbeing standards; reiterates the importance of putting the SDGs at the core of the European Semester and developing synergies also in the Recovery and Resilience investments and reforms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to engage, together with the European Parliament, on a transformational process that serves to generate policy responses to address these challenges through a European eco-social approach, combining economic shared prosperity, social progress and sustainable development;
Amendment 157 #
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 and mitigate the widening of inequalities, including in the health area; recalls that social progress plans must be included in national recovery and resilience plans, outlining the implementation of the EPSR and of social investment in order to reduce the investment gap in social infrastructures;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. SOCIAL DIMENSION Calls on the Commission and the Member States to actively tackle the digital divide in access to public services, many of which have been digitalised during COVID-19, by ensuring EU financial support for social innovation at local level for making public services more easily accessible, including capacity-building and the scaling up of innovative bottom- up initiatives for e-inclusion and data literacy, so as to ensure that all citizens have access to high-quality, accessible and user-friendly services of general interest;
Amendment 163 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Points out that Member States will design their own tailored National Recovery and Resilience Plans, based on the investment and reform priorities identified as part of the European Semester, in line with National Climate and Energy Plans, Just Transition Plans and Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes under EU funds; calls on the Commission and the Member States to add Social Progress Plans so that reforms and investments financed through the facility can also be aligned with the EPSR and CSR related to the social scoreboard;
Amendment 170 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. 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; notes that macroeconomic policies that guarantee high levels of employment, as well as fair taxation, are essential for the sustainability of our national pension systems in a demographic context of ageing European populations;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Is concerned about the large amounts of tax revenue foregone due to large-scale tax avoidance; calls on the Council to speed up the negotiations on legislation regarding public country-by- country reporting and a common consolidated corporate tax base, and to revise the criteria for both the Code of Conduct Group for business taxation and the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that the way data is presented in the joint employment report is not clear and that the data is often inconclusive or difficult to compare, regarding the evolution of wages, productivity, capital gains and profits, subsidies and tax breaks for corporations, or the tax wedge for labour and capital; stresses that to understand the new demands, behaviours and responses, better gathering, monitoring and use of existing and new forms of data and evidence is needed; warns that multifactor productivity is not being measured; calls on the Member States to include the Gender Equality Index as one of the European Semester’s tools and to analyse the structural reforms from a gender perspective;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to address needs of children and take measures to ensure equitable access for all children to early years support, to learning new technologies, skills and ethical and safe use of digital tools, and to opportunities for social, mental, cultural and physical wellbeing that are paramount in recovery measures; calls on the Member States to take appropriate measures to tackle child poverty via fully implementing the Child Guarantee;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to ensure equal access to high-quality healthcare and to refocus health systems on preventive care and health promoting, notably by implementing relevant country- specific recommendations; and providing dedicated investments in the field; Eurofound research shows that there are signs that access to healthcare has become more dependent on income and employment, with a particular important role for employer-provided supplementary insurances, therefore access to healthcare becomes less resilient to economic crises1a; calls on Member States to ensure adequate social protection floors for all workers (in particular those in vulnerable positions such as in non-standard forms of work, migrants and those with disabilities) and including the self- employed; _________________ 1aEurofound (2020), Access to care services: Early childhood education and care, healthcare and long-term care, https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publicat ions/report/2020/access-to-care-services- early-childhood-education-and-care- healthcare-and-long-term-care
Amendment 215 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Welcomes the inclusion of housing affordability in the European Semester; calls on the Commission to propose an EU framework for National Homelessness Strategies, and further calls on the Member States to adopt the principle of Housing First, which helps to substantially reduce the rate of homelessness by introducing determined action plans and innovative approaches; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure equal access for all to decent housing;
Amendment 219 #
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, which also applies to wider public health workforces as well as within health promoting health and care systems; warns, however, that a skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure high-quality skills training is developed through the obtention of qualifications and recognition and validation of competences, with tailored support and active outreach, especially for the most marginalised groups in society avoiding stereotyping;
Amendment 232 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for better coordination between economic, environmental and social policies and between the different recovery funds and structural funds, in order to improve synergies and boost social investment resources; calls for more integration across sectors in whole of government approaches and at all levels;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include all relevant national, regional and local authorities to contribute to design and implementation of the Semester-related actions, in particular in health and social fields which often fall out of the economic and fiscal considerations;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that the need to respond swiftly and effectively to a crisis often has a direct impact on the balance between the different powers of the state and recognises that governments and local authorities may be forced to adopt emergency measures with less public consultation than would generally be expected; calls attention to the great importance of upholding an effective system of checks and balances for all actions taken in response to an emergency;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses, however, that grave economic and social crisis have the potential of undermining democracy and rule of law; reminds, therefore that upholding the rule of law, especially an effective system of checks and balances for all actions taken in response to an emergency is essential; reminds that anti- crisis measures have to be necessary, proportionate and limited in time;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is of the opinion that the response to the current COVID-19 crisis may have increased the risk and instances of corruption; believes that the response to the COVID- 19 crisis is also a reminder that openness, transparency, accountability and law enforcement are essential components of rule of law based democratic governance;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to carefully review the policies they enacted during the COVID-19 crisis, to correct cases of executive overreach and to define new mechanisms and protocols for any future emergency spending; notes that the Commission can exercise ex-ante and ex-post control over EU funds; regrets, in this respect, that the Commission is reluctant to use the means at its disposal; deeply regrets that the Commission has not used the rule-of-law conditionality regulation since it entered into force on1 January 2021;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2222(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that corruption in general undermines the functioning of the state and public authorities at all levels and is one of the key enablers of organised crime; emphasises that and even more so in a crisis; emphasises that independent institutions, such as independent judiciary and prosecution, effective anti-corruption frameworks and transparency and integrity in the exercise of state power can strengthen legal systems and trust in public authorities and democratic processes;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the decisive contribution of SMEs to 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, highlights 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 ofthereby contributing to the principles and objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) as well as the European Green Deal and the related just transition;
Amendment 47 #
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 strengthen their rights and ensure decent working and employment conditions for all; considers the strengthening of EU rules on coordination of social security systems as essential for labour mobility and protecting workers, in particular those in precarious situations;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that trade union and employee representation as well as social dialogue and collective bargaining are not as widespread in SMEs as they are in larger companies, while there are considerable differences between Member States in this regard;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that workers have the right to information, consultation and participation and to include this principle also in the SME strategy; underlines the need for a meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives at company level, also with regard to decisions on decarbonisation and digitalisation; stresses the importance of an effective social dialogue and the need to strengthen social partners, to extend the collective bargaining coverage and to take measures to promote a high density of trade unions and employers’ associations in the context of the new SME strategy;
Amendment 63 #
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; calls on the Commission for a revision of the Directive on Health and Safety at Work in addition to a new framework strategy for health and safety at work that includes a zero-vision of work-related deaths;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Acknowledges the specific situation of SMEs with regard to implementing statutory health and safety measures at company level; underlines that awareness raising, exchange of good practices, consultation, user-friendly guides and online platforms are of utmost importance to help SMEs to comply with the regulatory requirements; welcomes EU-OSHA's online interactive risk assessment (OiRA) as well as other e-tools in the Member States that aim to promote compliance and a culture of prevention, in particular in micro and small enterprises;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls that all workers in the Single Market must have the right to enjoy the highest possible level of protection as regards health and safety at work regardless of the size of the company which employs them, the place of employment or the underlying contract;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the reduction of the regulatory burden and the simplification ofe regular assessment of administrative requirements and the rules on access to finance for SMEs and self-employed persons should constitute a cornerstone of the future strategy for European SMEs, and would make a crucial contribution to a speedy economic recoverynew European SME strategy in view of supporting a speedy economic recovery; highlights that the efficiency and stability of the regulatory environment is best achieved by an ongoing strong involvement of social partners in the decision making process;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that fair competition is a fundamental principle of the Single Market; warns that a race to the bottom as regards employment, social security and taxation standards, including through artificial arrangements, is in sharp contrast to fair competition based on quality and sustainable development; underlines that social dumping is first and foremost at the expense of workers, consumers and law-abiding SMEs;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Recalls that competition policy is enforced at Union level; highlights that unfair competition in the Single Market damages law-abiding companies, in particular SMEs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take decisive measures to tackle unfair competition that is based on for example avoidance of social, fiscal or labour law;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Stresses that policies targeting SMEs and start-ups must not provide opportunities for businesses to circumvent existing rules, lower the protection of workers and consumers, or increase the risk of corporate fraud, criminal activities and letter box companies; recalls that the Parliament rejected the controversial Commission proposal on a European Services e-card in this regard;
Amendment 93 #
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 reskilling and upskilling initiatives to foster digital literacy, the uptake of advanced digital skills and the new skills for newqualifications for future 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 well as qualifications, 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.; considers that the image of an SME as an attractive employer, based on good working and employment conditions, is an important competitive advantage for the recruitment of qualified staff; stresses the importance of in- company training and education;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that a new strategy for European SMEs can only succeed through integrated strategic planning, pooling the resources of European players, regional and local institutions, industrial clusters, social partners, universities and research groups; highlights in this context the importance of support structures such as SMEs networks, one-stop shops and regional development agencies, innovation clusters and start-up counselling for the creation of local and regional value chains;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy, including teleworking;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Stresses that the COVID 19 pandemic has underlined the importance of digital solutions, particularly teleworking, and the need to establish common minimum standards at European level in order to protect the health and safety of workers in this regard; notes that teleworking offers opportunities such as better work-life balance, reduced CO2 emissions related to the daily commute and enhanced employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while at the same time there are risks related to the mental well-being of workers as well as general problems related to the social, professional and digital divide;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls on the Commission to introduce a European Social Security Register as well as a European Social Security Number, to provide legal certainty for workers and facilitate the work of businesses, in particular SMEs, providing cross-border services, while effectively controlling subcontracting practices and combating social fraud; urges Member States in this context to ensure the proper implementation and enforcement of Union law to facilitate the free movement and social protection of workers as well as the cross-border provision of services, thereby ensuring a level playing field in the Single Market;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Welcomes the financial relief provided by the Commission in saving jobs via the SURE programme and believes that an European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme could be a further tool to accompany the just transition to a circular, climate-neutral and digital economy and contribute to the resilience of the European economy and European SMEs in particular; awaits the Commission proposal as announced by Commission President von der Leyen in this regard;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Calls for the elimination of any wage discrimination on the grounds of age or gender and to ensure, in line with national law and practice, that all workers are entitled to decent wages through either collective agreements or statutory minimum wages;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Stresses that SMEs must make their contribution to overcome the gender employment, pay and pension gap in the labour market, among others, by providing or supporting child care facilities, carers' leave, flexible working hours for carers, as well as by ensuring equal pay for equal work and pay transparency;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Stresses that SMEs play an important role in ensuring environmentally, socially and economically sustainable growth; calls therefore for binding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules, in line with the principles and objectives of the European Green Deal, the EPSR and the SDGs;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
6i. Calls on SMEs to live up to their environmental and social responsibility and also take proactive measures to identify and prevent any violation of human or environmental rights, corruption or tax evasion, including in their subsidiaries and supply chains; points out that the organisation of work, equal opportunities and social inclusion, anti-discrimination measures, adequate transparency standards, reliable accountability mechanisms and the development of life long education and training are crucial in this context;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Calls on the Commission to recognise, promote and protect inclusive SMEs to create permanent employment for people with disabilities in the labour market; stresses the potential of social economy enterprises and organisations to facilitate labour market inclusion for persons with disabilities; stresses the importance of providing targeted support from the European Social Fund for the social economy; recalls that SMEs run by vulnerable groups have a harder time accessing finance and need targeted support;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 k (new)
Paragraph 6 k (new)
6k. Highlights the importance of the social and solidarity-based economy, which provides employment for more than 14 million people, representing around 6.5 % of workers in the EU; points out that the 2 million social and solidarity- based economy enterprises in the EU, which represent 10 % of undertakings in the Union, have proven to be resilient during times of crises;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 l (new)
Paragraph 6 l (new)
6l. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to better coordinate the different funding instruments for SMEs;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 m (new)
Paragraph 6 m (new)
6m. Takes the view that tax policies for SMEs should favour sustainable development and the creation of quality jobs;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 n (new)
Paragraph 6 n (new)
6n. Calls on Member States to develop active labour market policies, foster research and innovation, and provide good quality public services and infrastructures, in order to also encourage private sector investment in SMEs;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the purpose of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; calls on the European Union and Member States to ratify the Optional Protocol to the CRPD;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses the need for a common definition of ‘disability’ at EU level in all areas of EU policy, including definitions of relevant key terminology;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt a holistic life cycle policy approach to support prevention against discrimination and to ensure effective retention and inclusion of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that the promotion of equality in the field of employment and occupation can be effective only if discrimination and social exclusion is comprehensively combated in all areas of life; emphasises the need to promote modern human-rights based approaches in education in all Member States at all level, including accommodating practices for students with disabilities with a view to establishing accepting, inclusive and tolerant education systems;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that Union law does not protect individuals from discrimination oin the ground of disability outside the workplaceall policies and areas of life and is only limited to employment;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Urges the Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention that is supposed to have a transversal impact on all EU legislation with a specific focus on women with disabilities who face multiple discrimination and are more vulnerable to harassment;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. EncouraUrges the Council to unblock the negotiations on the proposed horizontal equality directive;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the CRPD prohibits discrimination in a broad sense, including multiple and intersectional discrimination and the denial of reasonable accommodation; stresses the importance of comprehensive awareness-raising campaigns that involve directly persons with disabilities and their representative family members, and that are available in accessible formats to highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities in society in order to fight existing stigmas and exclusion;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a cross-cutting, comprehensive review of Union law to ensure full compliance withall relevant EU legislation and policy in order to be fully harmonised with the provisions of the CRPD;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the Commision’s public consultation on its 2021-2030 strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities; stresses that collaboration with authorities, organisations and civil society at European, national and local level is indispensable to ensure the implementation of the CRPD; stresses that the notion "nothing about persons with disabilities without persons with disabilities" should be applied in all decision making processes;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets that people with disabilities continue to experience discrimination in various domains, that this has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that all forms of discrimination are generally under-reported; notes with concern the lack of awareness of the victim’s rights and of the possibility of seeking redress; stresses the need for better coordination of support services between Member States and the need to better inform persons with disabilities about their rights and the support services they can receive;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the collection of robust, disaggregated, comparable disability-related data is necessary for evidence-based policy-making in accordance with the CRPD; insists that monitoring should be conducted by an independent entity that includes persons with disabilities; urges Member States to process equality data in full compliance with Union data protection and privacy law.
Amendment 25 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 69 a (new)
Citation 69 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission's Economic Forecast Summer 2020,
Amendment 26 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 69 b (new)
Citation 69 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document entitled ‘Identifying Europe’s recovery needs’ (SWD(2020) 98),
Amendment 29 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU entered the deepest economic recession in its history, economic activity in Europe dropping at an unusually fast speed; whereas according to the Summer 2020 Economic forecast, EU GDP is forecast to contract by about 8.3% and the euro area by 8.7% in 2020;
Amendment 40 #
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; whereas a stronger involvement of the European Parliament strengthens the democratic oversight of the Semester;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas according to the accompanying Staff Working Document Identifying Europe’s recovery needs, the most pressing social need is addressing unemployment; whereas, the Commission in this document estimates that the investment needed for social infrastructure will be 192bn;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Council decision of 23 March 2020 activated the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact allowing for the needed flexibility to take all necessary measures to support the economies and health systems; whereas social investments are essential to ensure sustainable development and inclusive societies;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas austerity policies resulted in less protective and underfunded social and healthcare systems, which were unable to adequately support people in need, reduce poverty and inequalities, and aggravated the effects of the pandemic in certain Member States;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas decisive measures and investment are needed for a speedy recovery that should focus on mitigating the economic and social effects of the pandemic, restart the economic activity, foster sustainable development, the green transition, the digital transformation and implement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) in order to achieve more effective and stronger welfare states;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas socially sustainable reforms are those based on solidarity, integration, social justice, a fair distribution of wealth, gender equality, a high-quality public education system, quality employment and sustainable growth - a model that ensures equality and social protection, empowers vulnerable groups, enhances participation and citizenship and improves living standards for all citizens;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas to benefit from the proposed Recovery and Resilience Facility Member States will prepare recovery and resilience plans annexed to their national reform programmes taking into account the findings of the European Semester, as well as national energy and climate plans and just transition plans, and report on their progress in implementing the plans in the context of the European Semester; whereas these plans should include specific social progress plans outlining how the principles of the EPSR are going to be implemented and where social investment is going to be targeted;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas social welfare systems guarantee a decent life; whereas these systems include social security, healthcare, education, housing, employment, justice and social services for vulnerable groups and play a key role in achieving social sustainable development, promoting equality and social justice and ensuring the right to social protection as it is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); whereas social protection policies are vital elements of national development strategies to reduce poverty and vulnerability across the life cycle and to support inclusive and sustainable growth;
Amendment 72 #
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 unemployment is set to rise unevenly across sectors and groups of population affecting youth and those in low-skilled or temporary work and in precarious working conditions;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas short-time work schemes, wage subsidies and support for businesses will limit job losses but significant effort will be needed to tackle unemployment;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas in the first half of 2020,the euro area labour market underwent a massive deterioration induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it; whereas the decline in employment of about 4% in 2020 hides a more substantial deterioration in the number of hours worked, as employees in short-time work schemes are de facto unemployed but remain statistically employed; whereas, to be counted as unemployed, a person has to be available to the labour market, which was not possible everywhere during strict lockdowns and many persons only loosely attached to the labour market were also discouraged from actively seeking a job and therefore did not count as unemployed;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas extended short-time work schemes have played an important role in keeping employees attached to their jobs and the number of persons notified for short-time work have reached unprecedented levels; whereas these schemes are not identical in all Member States, which contributes to marked differences; whereas, in the future, the European Unemployment Reinsurance scheme could limit such differences by assisting Member States to cover the costs directly related to the creation or extension of national short-time work schemes;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Fd. whereas the burden of the labour market deterioration is carried unevenly across labour market categories; whereas workers with precarious working conditions and contracts, including contract workers and workers employed through temporary agencies were the first to lose their jobs; whereas oftentimes they are unable to enforce their rights, have little or no job security and social insurance protection and face higher health and safety risks; whereas the youth unemployment rate has increased more than the overall rate and self-employed persons have also suffered massively from the shutdowns;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F e (new)
Recital F e (new)
Fe. whereas according to the Summer 2020 forecast, several factors are expected to slow the labour market’s return to its pre-pandemic situation, for instance limited time short-time work subsidy schemes; whereas in the case of a prolonged period of weak economic activity and with an increasing number of firms expected to downsize their activities or go out of business, schemes cannot fully prevent an eventual increase in unemployment; whereas the expected rise in unemployment rates across the EU may prove particularly hard to overcome in those Member States where unemployment was already relatively high before the start of the pandemic, where the economic rebound is expected to be slow, or labour markets and social safety nets lack efficiency and effectiveness;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F f (new)
Recital F f (new)
Ff. whereas according to Eurostat, in 2018, there were 8.3 million underemployed part-time workers in the EU-28, 7.6 million persons were available to work, but did not look for a job, and another 2.2 million persons were looking for jobs, without being able to start working within a short time period; whereas in total 18.1 million persons experienced some resemblance to unemployment in the EU-28 in 2018;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F g (new)
Recital F g (new)
Fg. whereas between 2002 and 2018, the EU share of middle-paying jobs declined by 13 percentage points;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F h (new)
Recital F h (new)
Fh. whereas the deterioration in the labour market situation is projected to limit increases in wages and salaries and weakened the bargaining power of workers; whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to establish fair wages and working conditions, and strong collective bargaining systems increase Member States’ resilience in times of economic crisis;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F i (new)
Recital F i (new)
Fi. whereas the right to establish collective bargaining is an issue that concerns all European workers with crucial implications for democracy and rule of law, including the respect of fundamental social rights and collective bargaining is a European fundamental right and European Institutions are bound by Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights to respect it; whereas, in this context, policies that respect, promote and strengthen collective bargaining and the workers’ position in wage-setting systems play a critical role in achieving high-level working conditions;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F j (new)
Recital F j (new)
Fj. whereas collective bargaining coverage deteriorated in 22 of 27 Member States since 2000; whereas the average level of union membership across the European Union is around 23%, with great differences among Member States, ranging from 74% to 8 %;
Amendment 91 #
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 groupwomen workers, elderly people and vulnerable groups, including workers on temporary contracts, persons with low qualifications, the involuntary part-time and self-employed, and migrant workers; whereas many workers in essential occupations in the frontline response to the COVID-19 pandemic belong to these vulnerable categories;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the crisis has shown that every worker is essential and that if our societies are functioning in confinement, it is not only thanks to healthcare workers, researchers and security forces but to a large extent also to cleaners, transport workers, supermarket cashiers, care workers, delivery workers, domestic workers, platform workers, workers in call centres, food and agricultural workers, fishermen and many others whose contributions are indispensable; whereas too often these workers have poor working conditions and low wages and in many sectors the majority of them are women;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the current crisis also entails a risk of widening regional and territorial disparities across and within Member States;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas in the next decade, job polarisation is expected to grow further, jobs in the higher and lower skills spectrum are expected to grow; whereas this trend is likely to be further reinforced by the pandemic; whereas progressive taxation is a necessary precondition to reduce overall inequality and finance well-functioning welfare states;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas fair living wages, strong collective bargaining systems, anddemocracy at work, wage transparency, predictable working hours, adequate social protection and tax benefits can reduce in-work poverty, decrease inequalities and generate demand; whereas, according to Eurofound definition, a living wage is the amount of income needed to provide an employee with a basic but socially acceptable standard of living; whereas minimum wages in the majority of countries remain below 60% or even below 50% of median wages;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas various forms of minimum income schemes exist in all Member States in order to provide a social protection floor and safety net for those in need;
Amendment 131 #
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 and progress remains uneven across policy areas; points out that since the start of the European Semester in 2011 progress has been particularly slow on broadening the tax base, as well as on health and long-term care with the healthcare systems being further challenged because of the COVID-19;
Amendment 139 #
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 groupswomen, elderly and vulnerable groups which further increases inequalities and social divergences and weakens social and employment standards in Europe; stresses that only a decisive and coordinated European response will offset the social consequences of the current crisis and will demonstrate that the EU is an indispensable project based on social justice, solidarity and integration;
Amendment 152 #
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, not allowing Member States the fiscal space they need to absorb imbalances and to prevent 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 stabilitywarns that this overly restrictive nature of the SGP is counterproductive in the path towards social and ecological justice, as long as the objectives of the EPSR and of the Sustainable Development Goals are not made mandatory; therefore, demands that social and ecological objectives be given the same legal enforceability as fiscal consolidation and financial stability; calls for the adoption of a permanent ‘silver rule’ on social investments to be applied when implementing the SGP, namely to consider public social investments having a clear positive impact on economic growth as being eligible for favourable treatment when assessing government deficits;
Amendment 166 #
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 public investment, especially in education, social and healthcare systems; stresses that the debt reduction focus in the Semester’s macroeconomic imbalance procedure (MIP) has regressive impact as it reduces the capacity of public services to address inequalities;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that, while focussing on social inclusion and poverty, the European Semester still lacks an agenda to monitor and address the increase of inequalities in Europe, urges therefore the Commission, to better assess the distributional impact of public policies and the imbalances in terms of income and wealth distribution, also through individual in-depth review (IDR) reports if these imbalances are detected, as a way to link economic coordination with employment and social performance; calls on the Commission to study which should be the most accurate indicators of economic inequality (from among the Gini index, Palma indexes, Theil index, wage share, ratio of minimum wage to GDP per capita or to average wage, etc.), and to monitor the evolution of inequalities;
Amendment 183 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Next Generation EU, the EU’s recovery plan; regrets however that significant imbalance exist between the green and digital transitions on one hand and education, social and healthcare infrastructure on the other; calls on the Member States to make use of the general escape clause and invest in people and social welfare systems; calls for specific social progress plans to ensure more effective and stronger welfare states;
Amendment 191 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR); stresses that in order to fuel the recovery, the EU’s investment effort through the Recovery Plan must have a strong social dimension; and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the context of the European Recovery Plan in order to ensure social fairness, social cohesion and prosperity for all; is concerned that in the current crisis welfare systems are experiencing unprecedented pressure and that related public expenditure will exponentially increase; stresses that in order to fuel the recovery, the EU’s investment effort through the Recovery Plan must have a strong social dimension strengthening welfare systems and investing in social security, healthcare, education, housing, employment, justice and social services for vulnerable groups in order to combat the social impact of the crisis;
Amendment 202 #
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; recalls however that SURE is of temporary nature and will terminate once the COVID-19 pandemic is over; invites therefore the Commission to propose a permanent special instrument outside the MFF ceilings, to be activated – upon request of Member States – in case of any unexpected crisis that led to a steady rise in expenditure for short-time work schemes and similar measures;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that financial assistance is only provided to undertakings not registered in tax havens; and that companies using public financial support will protect workers, ensure fair working conditions, pay their fair share of taxes, and refrain from paying out bonuses to management or dividends to shareholders; companies refusing to negotiate with the trade unions should not receive public resources or financial assistance;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CEmphasises the central role of the Social Scoreboard in the European Semester; calls on the Commission to improve the scoreboard by integrating further indicators and clear targets reflecting all 20 principles of the EPSR, and to develop mandatory social targets;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the increased rate of unemployment, which will especially affect youth and workers in low- skilled positions and precarious employment; calls on the Commission to propose a permanent EU unemployment reinsurance scheme and a more effective and inclusive Youth Guarantee with a special focus on quality job offers; calls on the Member States to adequately invest in effective active labour market policies to prevent long-term unemploymentand make full use of existing and new EU funding instruments in order to prevent long-term unemployment, create new employment opportunities through public investment and employment programs, and strengthen the role of public employment services;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the successful implementation of the EU Recovery Plan requires a proper social dialogue and effective involvement of the social partners; calls on the Commission and Member States to support capacity building of the social partners in order to strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining , the strengthening of workers’ and trade union rights, as well as collective bargaining and workers’ participation, as fundamental tools for democracy and inclusion; calls on the Commission and Member States to support capacity building of the social partners in order to strengthen social dialogue at all levels, collective bargaining and the involvement of workers in company matters, to promote collective bargaining as a precondition to public procurement as well as to ensure that social partners are fully involved in policymaking, including the European Semester;
Amendment 259 #
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 eliminate in-work poverty by ensuring decent living wages above the poverty threshold for all workers through collective agreements or through national law; calls for EU-level safeguards for decent old-age pensions for all workers in line with national traditions and with due respect for the autonomy of national social partners and well-functioning collective bargaining models; calls for a coordinated approach at EU level in order to avoid unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all;
Amendment 271 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Recalls that the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) recognises the need for workers to earn a living wage, as does the International Labour Organisation Constitution (1919), and that all human rights declarations agree that remuneration should be sufficient to support a family; stresses that wages should enable workers to meet their needs and those of their families and that every worker in the Union should receive a living wage, asks the Commission to study how to identify what a living wage could encompass and how it should be measured, which could serve as a reference tool for social partners;
Amendment 274 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls for the EU-level promotion of adequate old-age pensions for all workers; highlights that universal access to public, solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old-age pensions shall be granted to all; acknowledges the challenges faced by Member States to strengthen the sustainability of pension systems, but stresses the importance of safeguarding solidarity in pension systems; underlines the importance of public and occupational pension systems which provide an adequate retirement income well above the poverty threshold; believes that pension system reforms should focus among other aspects on the effective retirement age and reflect labour market trends, birth rates, the health and wealth situation, working conditions and the economic dependency ratio; considers that these reforms shall also take account of the situation of millions of workers in Europe, particularly women, young people and the self-employed, suffering insecure, atypical employment, periods of involuntary unemployment and reduced working time;
Amendment 279 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to present an assessment of the working and employment conditions of essential workers, identifying the sources of their precariousness and to propose legal instruments to ensure sufficient working hours and decent working conditions for all workers, strengthen collective bargaining coverage, ban zero- hour contracts, end bogus self- employment, set strict limits on subcontracting practices, and improve social protection standards; calls on the Commission to present a European directive on decent working conditions for platform workers and non- standard workers;
Amendment 300 #
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, work-life balance and the right to disconnect;
Amendment 312 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. AReiterates that the rights and decent working conditions of posted and cross-border workers should be guaranteed; asks the Commission to put forward a proposal for a digital EU Social Security Number;
Amendment 315 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is concerned about limited intergenerational social mobility and increasing income inequality; stresses that national tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way that reduces inequalities, promotes fairness and provides incentives for labour market participationpoints out that high levels of inequality reduce economic output and the potential for sustainable development; calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle inequalities and fight discrimination; stresses that national tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way that reduces inequalities, promotes fairness and provides incentives for labour market participation; stresses that investment in education and skills, as well as better designed tax and benefit systems are key policy tools for reducing inequality and promoting equal opportunities;
Amendment 327 #
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 with a designated poverty reduction target, an EU framework on national homelessness strategies, to conduct a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes in the Member States, which provide a social protection floor and safety net for those in need and to highlight best practice cases with a view to presenting a framework in this regard;
Amendment 336 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Highlights the importance of the automatic stabilisation dimension of welfare systems to absorb social shock waves caused by external effects such as recessions; calls therefore on the Member States to introduce policies to re-establish employment security by providing pro- active protection, including in the case of dismissals; calls also on the Member States, in view of ILO Recommendation No 202, which defines social protection floors, to ensure and increase investment in social protection systems in order to guarantee their performance in tackling and preventing poverty and inequalities while ensuring their sustainability;
Amendment 347 #
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 and discrimination in the labour market;
Amendment 350 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Recalls that in the EU, workplace discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, disability, ethnic or racial origin, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, is banned and that everyone is entitled to equal treatment in recruitment, working conditions, promotion, pay, access to training and occupational pensions; calls on the Commission to present a strategy to prevent labour market segregation of ethnic minorities as well as to present a Communication on guidelines and standards for discrimination-free recruitment policies for Member States and employers, including recommendations for the adoption of equality plans at company level and in sectoral collective agreements and the implementation of diversity task forces in the workplace, including tackling stereotypes, prejudice and negative attitudes, preventing discrimination in recruitment, promotion, pay and access to training; highlights that these equality action plans should be also used to promote ethnic and cultural diversity at the workplace, to develop internal regulations against racism, related discrimination and harassment in the workplace, to monitor and review recruitment, progression and retention of workforce by equality strand in order to identify direct or indirect discriminatory practices and to adopt corrective measures to reduce inequality in each of these areas and, to this effect, collect equality data in respect of privacy and fundamental rights standards;
Amendment 353 #
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 and social services, including for the elderly and people with disabilities to facilitate women’s participation in the labour market; calls for the development of an EU framework for care services to set minimum standards and quality guidelines;
Amendment 362 #
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 based on consultations of persons with disabilities and their representative family members or organisations and to take crisis- mitigation measures in line with the UN CRPD in order to protect them and to ensure their equal and non- discriminatory access to services;
Amendment 367 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to improve theIs concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers, especially amongst marginalised groups, and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; stresses that gaps in basic numeracy, literacy and digital skills are severe impediments to meaningful participation in society and the labour market; calls on the Member States to guarantee that high quality, accessibilityle and inclusiveness of their education systems, and to ensure high-quality basic skills education, training and life- long learning are a right for everyone, and to ensure high-quality basic qualifications and vocational education and training with tailored support, especially for the low-qualified and the most marginalised groups in society supported by substantial public investment; stresses that educational outcomes are negatively affected by social exclusion, discrimination, stereotyping, poverty and segregation, which must also be addressed; calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the driving factors behind early school leaving, including social aspects, and present a proposal to tackle the problem;
Amendment 380 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to update the Skills Agenda for Europe in order to meet the skills requirements of the EU labour market and of the ecological and digital transition and to address digitalisation, automatisation, skills shortages and mismatches and digital exclusion;
Amendment 383 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Highlights that qualifications and certified competences provide added value to the workers, improving their positions in the labour market and can be transferred in labour market transitions; calls for public policy on skills to be oriented to certification and validation of qualifications and competences; stresses that skills based compensation systems should be established in companies accessing public funds for upskilling workers and in agreement with workers representatives, as this system would ensure that there is a return in that public investment;
Amendment 392 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the creation of a European Health Union, calls on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that is affordable for allthe stress-testing of EU healthcare systems, minimum standards for quality healthcare, a European Health Response Mechanism, as well as strengthened EU health agencies and civil protection capacities, calls on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that is affordable for all; welcomes the shift from cost saving to performance orientation and health outcomes with regard to healthcare in the European Semester; calls for the development of common indicators and methodologies to assess health inequalities and the performance of healthcare systems;
Amendment 400 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reiterates the importance of the rule of law – including independent and efficient justice systems, quality public administrations and public procurement, and robust anti-corruption frameworks – as the basis for a sound business environment, functioning labour markets and the proper use of EU funds; stresses that the assessment of the rule of law and the effectiveness of the justice system should thus continue to be included in the European Semester; calls on the Member States to ratify the revised European Social Charter;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
- having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee Opinion of 19 June 2019 on "Further strengthening the Rule of Law within the Union. State of play and possible next steps" which proposed to create an annual Stakeholders' Forum on fundamental rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 b (new)
Citation 34 b (new)
- having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union and the Member States meeting within the Council on ensuring respect for the rule of law of 16 December 2014;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 c (new)
Citation 34 c (new)
- having regard to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 8 March 1999;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU); whereas those values are values which are common to the Member States and to which all Member States have freely subscribed; whereas democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are mutually reinforcing principles;
Amendment 77 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas breaches of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU do not concern solely the individual Member State where the breaches materialise, but also have an impact on other Member States, weaken the cohesion of the European project, the fundamental rights of all Union citizens and mutual trust among the Member States;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a regulation on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, once adopted, would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the Union, if the voting procedure is designed in such a way that this instrument can be used effectively and cannot be blocked by a minority in the Council;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, including civil society, Council of Europe and United Nations bodies, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, national human rights institutions, national parliaments and local authorities as well as national associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciaries in the independent delivery of justice;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society at all levels;
Amendment 126 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. warns that the Union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values, which threatens its long- term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies, further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession, as well as corruption and state capture, in several Member States; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the Union’s legal order, the protection of fundamental rights of all its citizens, the functioning of its single market, the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2072(INL)
3. recognises that the Union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and, rule of law and fundamental rights violations and backsliding in the Member States; regrets the inability of the Council to make meaningful progress in enforcing Union values in ongoing Article 7 TEU procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the Union’s toolkit in that field;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2072(INL)
4. welcomes the Commission’s work on the Annual Rule of Law Report; notes, however, that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding Parliament, the Council and the Commission to a transparent and regularised process, with clearly defined responsibilities, so that the protection and promotion of all Union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the Union agenda;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. underlines that the Annual Monitoring Cycle must contain country- specific recommendations, with timelines and targets for implementation, to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete Union enforcement measures, including financial measures;
Amendment 182 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. points out that the Mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments, in particular the Annual Rule of Law Report, the Commission’s Rule of Law Framework, the Council’s Rule of Law Dialogue and the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools, including infringement procedures under Article 258 TFEU, the procedure under Article 7 TEU, budgetary conditionality once in force, and the European Semester; is of the opinion that the Annual Monitoring Cycle can fulfil the objectives of the CVM for Bulgaria and Romania, thus contributing to equal treatment of all Member States; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the Annual Monitoring Cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering Article 7 TEU and Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States11 ; _________________ 11[instead of xxxx insert final number of 2018/136(COD) in the text and correct OJ reference in footnote] OJ C ..., ....., p. ....
Amendment 188 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciary in the independent delivery of justice and other relevant actors in all stages of the Annual Monitoring Cycle, from providing input to facilitating and contributing to monitor implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and theexistence, and, where they do exist, the formal and functional independence of national human rights institutions, as also reflected in their accreditation status, and the enabling space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. reaffirms the role of Parliament, in accordance with Article 7 TEU, in monitoring compliance with Union values; reiterates the call for Parliament to be present in Article 7 hearings when it is Parliament that initiated the procedurein accordance with the principle of mutual sincere cooperation as enshrined in Article 13(2) TEU; believes that the Mechanism, underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement, will provide the necessary framework for better coordination;
Amendment 214 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. strongly believes that addressing the crisibreaches of Union values, including through the proposed Mechanism, is a precondition for re-establishing mutual trust among Member States, thus enabling the Union as a whole to sustain and further all common policies;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. believes that it should be possible for candidate countries to be monitored by the Mechanism on a voluntary basis;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 5
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 5
(5) The three institutions agree that an Annual Monitoring Cycle on Union Values is necessary to reinforce the promotion and respect for Union values. The Annual Monitoring Cycle should be comprehensive, objective, impartial, evidence-based and applied equally and fairly to all Member States. The primary objective of the Annual Monitoring Cycle should be to prevent violations of and non- compliance with Union values and to identify positive actions by Member States and national actors including civil society and national human rights institutions to be promoted and supported by the Union, while providing a shared basis for other actions by the three institutions. The three institutions also agree to use this Interinstitutional Agreement to integrate existing instruments and initiatives relating to the promotion of and respect for Union values, in particular the Annual Rule of Law Report, the Council’s Annual Rule of Law Dialogue and the Commission’s Rule of Law Framework, in order to avoid duplication and strengthen overall effectiveness.
Amendment 234 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 6
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 6
(6) The Annual Monitoring Cycle should consist of a preparatory stage, the publication of an annual monitoring report on compliance with all Union values including country-specific recommendations, and a follow-up stage with an implementation and enforcement plan of the recommendations. The Annual Monitoring Cycle should be conducted in a spirit of transparency and openness.
Amendment 247 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 1 – point 1
Annex I – part 1 – point 1
1. The three institutions hereby agree to coordinate and cooperate with the aim of promoting and strengthening respect forpromote, strengthen and enforce respect for the founding Union values, in accordance with Article 2 TEU, by coordination and cooperation.
Amendment 250 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 2
Annex I – part 2 – point 2
2. The three institutions agree to organise in sincere and mutual cooperation an Annual Monitoring Cycle on Union Values, covering issues and best practices in all areas of Union values. The Monitoring Cycle shall consist of a preparatory stage, the publication of an annual monitoring report on Union values (‘Annual Report’) including country specific reports and recommendations, and a follow- up stage.
Amendment 255 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 – introductory part
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 – introductory part
3. The three institutions agree to establish a permanent Interinstitutional Working Group on Union Values (‘Working Group’). The Working Group shall facilitate coordination and cooperation among the three institutions in all stages of the Annual Monitoring Cycle. The Working Group shall invite the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights to participate in its meetings. The Working Group shall also directly consult independent experts on a regular basis, civil society organisations and human rights defenders on a regular basis. The Working Group shall regularly make the reports on its work publicly available.
Amendment 257 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 a (new)
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 a (new)
3a. The Working Group shall upon nomination of the European Parliament and the Council appoint a Panel of Independent Experts as an additional independent instrument in the context of the identification of breaches and best practices for implementation of the Union values enshrined in Art. 2 TUE. The Panel of Independent Experts shall submit its findings in a timely manner to both the Working Group and the Commission.
Amendment 259 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 4
Annex I – part 2 – point 4
4. On an annual basis, the Commission shall organise a targeted stakeholder consultation to collect information for the Annual Report. The stakeholder consultation shall take place in the first quarter of each year. The consultation shall be transparent and based on a clear and rigorous methodology agreed by the Working Group, following a comprehensive and transparent consultation with stakeholders and independent experts. The methodology shall, in any event, encompass in an appropriate form the benchmarks listed in the Annexes to Commission Decisions 2006/928/EC and 2006/929/EC.
Amendment 264 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 5
Annex I – part 2 – point 5
5. The stakeholder consultation shall give an opportunity to civil society organisations, professional associations and networks, Council of Europe bodies, Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and the Member States, including national parliaments and local authorities, civil society organisations, professional associations and networks, Council of Europe bodies and United Nations bodies to contribute to the Annual Report. The Commission shall incorporate the information provided by stakeholders in the Annual Report. The Commission shall publish relevant contributions to the consultation on its website prior to the publication of the Annual Report, subject to the contributors' consent.
Amendment 274 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 7
Annex I – part 2 – point 7
7. Designated representatives of any of the three institutions shall have the possibility to conduct a limited number of fact-finding visits to the Member States for the purpose of obtaining additional information and clarification about the state of Union values in the Member States concerned. The Commission shall incorporate the findings in the Annual Report.
Amendment 280 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 9
Annex I – part 2 – point 9
9. The Commission shall draft the Annual Report based on information gathered during the preparatory stage. The Commission shall issue a reasoned opinion if it decides not to fully incorporate the findings by the Panel of Experts into the Annual Report. The Annual Report should cover both positive and negative developments relating to Union values inenshrined in Article 2 TEU in each of the Member States. The Annual Report shall be impartial, based on objectively compiled evidence and respect equality of treatment between all Member States. The depth of reporting should reflect the gravity of the situation in question.
Amendment 290 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 10
Annex I – part 2 – point 10
10. The Annual Report shall contain recommendations specific to each of the Member States with the aim of strengthening the promotion and protection of Union values. The recommendations shall specify concrete targets and timeframes for implementation. The recommendations shall take account of the diversity of Member States’ political and legal systems. Implementation of the recommendations shall be assessed in subsequent Annual Reports or urgent reports, as appropriate.
Amendment 293 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 12
Annex I – part 2 – point 12
12. No later than two months from its publication date, the European Parliament and the Council shall discuss the content of the Annual Report. The discussions shall be made public. The Parliament and the Council shall adopt positions on the Annual Report by means of resolutions and conclusions. As part of the follow-up, the European Parliament and the Council shall assess and reflect on the extent to which previous recommendations have been implemented by the Member States. The three institutions shall make use of their respective powers under the Treaties with a view to contributing to an effective follow-up. The three institutions shall endeavour to promote debate on the Annual Report in the Member States, in particular in national parliaments.
Amendment 300 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 13
Annex I – part 2 – point 13
13. On the basis of the findings of the Annual Report, the Commission may, either on its own initiative or upon request by the European Parliament or the Council, enter into a dialogue with one or several Member States, including national parliaments and local authorities, with the aim of facilitating implementation of the recommendations. The Commission shall regularly report on the progress of the dialogue to the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission may, at any time, provide technical assistance to the Member States through different activities. The European Parliament shall organise, in cooperation with national parliaments, an interparliamentary debate on the findings of the Annual Report.
Amendment 302 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 13 a (new)
Annex I – part 2 – point 13 a (new)
13a. The three institutions should consider the findings of the Annual Report when establishing funding priorities. In particular, the Commission shall include targeted support for national actors contributing to the promotion and protection of Union values, such as civil society organisations, when establishing relevant annual work programmes for the disbursement of Union funds under both shared or direct management.
Amendment 305 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 14 – introductory part
Annex I – part 2 – point 14 – introductory part
14. Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission under Article 258 TFEU and the right of the European Parliament and the Commission and one third of the Member States to submit to the Council a reasoned proposal in accordance with Article 7(1) TEU, the three institutions agree that the Annual Reports should guide their actions concerning Union values.
Amendment 311 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 15
Annex I – part 2 – point 15
15. Where the situation in one or several Member States portends imminent and serious damage to Union values, the European Parliament or the Council may exceptionallyCommission shall either upon its own initiative or at the request of the Commission toEuropean Parliament or the Council draft an urgent report on the situation. The Commission shall prepare the report in consultation with the Working Group. The Commission shall make the urgent report public no later than two months following a request by the European Parliament or the Council. The findings of the urgent report should be incorporated in the next Annual Report. The urgent report may specify recommendations aimed at addressing the imminent threat to Union values.
Amendment 318 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 17
Annex I – part 3 – point 17
17. Where the Annual Report identifies systemic deficiencies with respect to one or several Union values, the three institutions commit to take appropriate action, without delay, within their respective powers as conferred on them by the Treaties. The three institutions mayshall consider, inter alia, whether Union policies requiring a high level of mutual trust can be sustained in light of systemic deficiencies identified in the Annual Report.
Amendment 320 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 19
Annex I – part 3 – point 19
19. The three institutions agree to use the findings of the Annual Report in their assessment of whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach or existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of Union values under Article 7 TEU. If the Annual Report identifies a risk of a serious breach or a serious breach of Union values in a Member State, the Commission shall activate the instruments at its disposal, including financial measures, to enforce respect for the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU. The European Parliament and Council shall hold a debate about the situation in the Member State and justify in a reasoned opinion, whether or not to activate the instruments at their disposal to enforce respect for the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU.
Amendment 326 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – introductory part
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – introductory part
20. In order to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of the procedure laid down in Article 7 TEU, the three institutions agree to ensure that theall institution initiating a proposal under Article 7(1) TEU iss are able to participate in the hearings under Article 7(1) TEU where that proposal is presented and isare consulted at all stages during the procedure. The three institutions agree to consult each other regularly in the Working Group regarding existing and potential procedures launched under Article 7 TEU.
Amendment 333 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 21
Annex I – part 3 – point 21
21. The three institutions agree to use the findings of the Annual Report in their assessment of whether there are generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx. If the Annual Report identifies a risk of a or a serious breach of Union values in a Member State, the Commission shall send a written notification to that Member State, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx.
Amendment 337 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 21 a (new)
Annex I – part 3 – point 21 a (new)
21a. The Parliament and the Council may request the Commission to develop and publish specific guidelines and indicators to address relevant horizontal issues that emerge from the Annual Monitoring Cycle.
Amendment 12 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that transparency in an algorithm used for digital products and services is a significant characteristic; upon request of the competent authorities, digital service providers should be obliged to make their proprietary algorithms available, explain the intended goal and compare this goal with the actual outcome; digital service providers should amend and adapt their algorithms immediately when the intended outcome is deemed unlawful or unethical; open- source algorithm libraries should be encouraged as an instrument that increases transparency and accelerates both the technology adoption and the quality of the architecture;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines that in cases of denial of access to a digital product or service, consumers should always be able to inquire about the logic of the decision and the decision-making process; further notes that consumers should always be explicitly informed whether their engagement is with a human or with a machine; emphasises that humans should always have the final responsibility; calls on the Commission to determine the significant role of human operators in the material execution of a decision made by an artificial intelligence (AI) system;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underscores the need for the Digital Single Market policies to identify general standards of acceptable digital infrastructure in the design of the « technological stack » of the digital services or the digital/smart products; asks the Commission to define and apply standards that make sure that hardware, software, code, connectivity systems and storage/data management architecture are set by default in a way that protect the privacy of the consumer, that the consumer’s data are exclusively used within the nodes of the connecting devices that improve the consumer’s experience and they are not transferred to third parties for other commercial uses without the explicit consent of the consumer ;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Believes that the EU should develop its own adequate capacity for cloud services as well as to facilitate the development of a decentralized, interoperable system of data governance that enables the efficient use of local infrastructures, including fog, mist and edge computing; asks on the Commission to enable the development of these local data infrastructures to support the expansion of IoT consumer products, IoT industrial products, and Smart Cities applications;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recommends that the Commission explores the expansion of the definition of abuse of a dominant market position to include therein the possession of significant volumes of data in order to mitigate the concentration of data by large digital service providers and online platforms which may result in self- preferencing activities, higher barriers to entry as well as diminished consumer choice;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission to continue its exploration of the commercial uses of Blockchain technology, especially in relation to smart contracts and their use in consumer products and services having in mind the consumer protection and privacy requirements;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reaffirms that all AI solutions for law enforcement and the judiciary also need to fully respect the principles of non- discrimination, freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence and right of defence, freedom of expression and information, freedom of assembly and of association, equality before the law, and the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial; any artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies, shall be developed, deployed or used in a manner that prevents the possible identification of individuals from data that were previously processed based on anonymity or pseudonymity, and the generation of new, inferred, potentially sensitive data and forms of categorisation through automated means;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Suggests that special attention should be paid to the technological advancement of drones used in police and military operations. Urges the Commission to create a code of conduct on their use considering the great damage they can cause in human capital if potentially weaponised in the future;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the potential for bias and discrimination arising from the use of machine learning and AI applications; notes that biases can be inherent in underlying datasets, especially when historical data is being used, introduced by the developers of the algorithms, or generated when the systems are implemented in real world settings; underlines that any software, algorithm or data used or produced by artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies developed, deployed or used in the Union shall protect the human rights of individuals against violations by AI actors throughout AI systems’ entire lifecycle. A description of the way in which the training data was collected should be maintained by the builders of the algorithms, accompanied by an exploration of the potential biases induced by the human or algorithmic data gathering process;
Amendment 126 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that the developer or deployer shall carry out ethical impact assessments of AI systems that have the potential to cause harm in the form of bias, discrimination and privacy. Τhese assessments shall envision possible moral risks related to the implementation of the AI/Machine learning (ML), consider all possible ethical risks that could result from the AI/ML application in question and shall be publicly released. It is also proposed that all public and government organizations using AI systems are required to conduct an ethical technology assessment prior to deployment of the AI system;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the importance, of ensuring that AI weaponised products that are produced in the EU, have advanced software security provisions in accordance with the "security by design approach" which would render them difficult to hack by third parties or terrorists and they will allow specific human oversight before they operate in case of being hacked and activated by unknown source;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 1
paragraph 1
1. Sees the great potential offered by the use and development of artificial intelligence as an opportunity for more rapid economic development in the EU; stresses however that in order to harness these opportunities the EU should adopt an appropriate legal framework to mitigate the risks, ensure its ethical use, and prevent its use for malicious purposes; such a framework should clearly determine appropriate liability, accountability, security and traceability regimes;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 2
paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the use, creation and management of artificial intelligence must respect the fundamental rights, values and freedoms expressed in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and in the ideaprinciples underpinning the creation of the European Union; welcomestakes note of the publication of the Commission's White Paper on Artificial Intelligence and encourages deeper research into the use of Artificial Intelligence by state authorities; stresses that the European Union must contribute tobe in the forefront of the creation of an international legal and ethical framework for the use of AI, especially in the context of building the strategic advantage that AI can offer rooted in the principles of human rights, especially in the context of military use; calls for confidence-building and risk- reduction measures with global actors regarding the development and use of military AI;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 2 a (new)
paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that a comprehensive AI regulatory and strategic framework is needed at EU level in the field of security and defence, that is based on responsibility, protecting our citizens, preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security which could be a basis for international norms and standards;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 3
paragraph 3
3. NotStresses that artificial intelligence has great potential in the fight against crime, online terrorist content and cybercrime; considers that, in each of these cathe design and operation of artificial intelligence should respect human dignity, rights, freedoms and cultural diversity, stresses, there must be certainty that its usat AI systems should be does not lead to the unjustified deletion or blocking of content and thus to the censorship of or discrimination against views expressed onliigned and operated in a non-biased and non-discriminatory manner;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 3 b (new)
paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Stresses that persons should have the right to access, manage and control their data in AI-enabled systems and information should be available to them on what type of information the system is allowed to record. for how long the data is stored and who can have access to that information;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 4
paragraph 4
4. Stresses that all operations undertaken by artificial intelligence must always remain under human supervision; stresses that artificial intelligence in the justice system sh throughout their entire life-cycle, and legal responsibility for any decision must be born by easily identifiable humans, in particular with regards to lethal automatic weapons; recalls in this respect its position on a ban on the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons systems to avoid any destabilising AI arms race; regrets that no explicit conventions exist on a global scale on the use of such weapons; stresses that artificial intelligence in civil justice could be used to improve the analysis and collection of data and the protection of victims, but that it is no substitute for human beings in terms of sentencing or decision-making;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 4 b (new)
paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Is deeply concerned about the deep fake technologies that allow increasingly realistic photo, audio and video forgeries that could be used for blackmailing, to generate false news reports, erode public trust and influence public discourse; underlines that AI also enables comprehensive behavioral profiling using digital footprint of a person which can also be used for targeted influence operations or blackmailing; both practices have the potential of destabilizing countries, spreading disinformation and influence elections; calls for adequate research in this regard to ensure that countering technologies keep pace with the malicious use of AI;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
paragraph 5
paragraph 5
5. Notes that the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means that governments are facing considerable pressure from their citizens to protect their health effectively; considers however that the use of artificial intelligence can greatly help in the fight against the global pandemic.ny tracing applications should remain voluntary and the data collected should be anonymous;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard the Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin(Race Equality Directive) and the Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the existing EU Framework (EUFW) for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 principally treats Roma in the EU as a homogenous group, shows little sensitivity to local contexts and has a limited capacity for addressing intra-Roma ethnic and socioeconomic diversity and multiple identity and multiple discrimination issues1a; _________________ 1aExpert reports building on forward- looking aspects of the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, Considering the Diversity of the Roma population in a post-2020 EU-initiative for Roma equality and inclusion, January 2020.
Amendment 12 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas gender equality and the situation of Roma children and youth are two key areas of intervention for integration and inclusion of Roma that are insufficiently addressed both at the European level and at the level of Member States2a; _________________ 2aExpert reports building on forward- looking aspects of the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, Considering the Diversity of the Roma population in a post-2020 EU-initiative for Roma equality and inclusion, January 2020, p. 16.
Amendment 13 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas persisting socioeconomic and health inequalities and multilayered forms of discrimination, including antigypsysm and ageism, put Roma elderly in a particularly vulnerable position;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas combatting structural discrimination of Roma, including the priority areas of education, employment, access to healthcare and housing, and making significant improvement in their socioeconomic status rests on the increase of social and cultural capital in the environments with Roma communities and on long-term, multi-stakeholder approach to Roma integration with active participation of Roma in all stages;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
A e. whereas equality data collection refers to all types of disaggregated data used to assess the comparative situation of specific groups at risk of discrimination, to design public policies that contribute to promoting equality and to assess their implementation, based on evidence and not mere assumptions; whereas the collection of such data (i.e. data revealing ethnic origin or religion) requires exclusive consent of the subjects of data collection and can often be controversial; whereas what is clearly forbidden is racial or ethnic profiling, where people are, without their consent, identified on the basis of third-party perceptions or generalisations based on race, ethnicity, religion or national origin;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
A f. whereas the available data and surveys show much higher rates of unemployment and significantly lower levels of income for the Roma than for the majority population or other disadvantaged ethnic minority groups; whereas the Roma face similar barriers as other ethnic minority groups but more intensively, due to a vicious circle of low education, low qualifications and labour market exclusion;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
A g. whereas individuals belonging to minority groups continue to be discriminated against when they are applying for jobs and even once they are in a job, continue to face unequal treatment; whereas lower wages, lack of career prospects, precarious and difficult working conditions, sticky floor and glass ceiling, harassment, and abusive dismissal, are just some of the manifestations; whereas ethnic minorities are more likely to have less access to employment rights and protection; whereas ethnic origin also seems to matter as regards harassment in the workplace, and to be a major obstacle for career advancement;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
A h. whereas EU-MIDIS II3a finds that only one in four Roma aged 16 years or older reports “employed” or “self- employed” as their main activity at the time of the survey and that Roma women report much lower employment rates than Roma men – 16 % compared with 34 %; whereas, overall, the survey shows paid work rates for Roma aged 20-64 years to be 43 %, which is well below the EU average of 70 % in 2015; whereas the situation of young people is substantially worse: on average, 63 % of Roma aged 16-24 were not employed, in education or training at the time of the survey, compared with the12 % EU average on the NEET rate for the same age group; whereas, for this age group, the results also show a considerable gender gap, with 72 % of young Roma women not employed, in education or training, compared with 55 % of young Roma men and in stark contrast with the rest of the population; _________________ 3aEuropean Commission, EU-MIDIS II: Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey, October 2018.
Amendment 22 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to the infringement proceedings titled Non-conformity with Directive 2000/43/EC on Racial Equality - Discrimination of Roma children in education (infringement numbers 20142174, 20152025 and 20152206);
Amendment 23 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas EU-MIDIS II4a shows that 80 % of Roma continue to live below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold of their country; that one in 10 people live in housing without electricity; and that every fourth Roma (27 %) and every third Roma child (30 %) live in a household that faced hunger at least once in the previous month; _________________ 4aEuropean Commission, EU-MIDIS II: Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey, October 2018.
Amendment 24 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to the General Policy Recommendation No. 13 of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI);
Amendment 25 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas spatial segregation remains one of the key challenges in the area of housing; whereas significant progress made in the field of social housing should be maintained by public support and necessary legislation5a; whereas 43 % of Roma are discriminated against when trying to buy or rent housing and are not sufficiently aware of their rights in terms of equality5 ; _________________ 5European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6. 5aEuropean Commission, 2019 Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies, pp. 8-9.
Amendment 25 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard to the Poznan Declaration of Western Balkans Partners on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Roma have been one of the most vulnerable groups in the Covid- 19 pandemic; whereas the economic and social consequences of the health crisis threaten to hit the Roma population the hardest and deepen the existing inequalities in all priority areas of Roma integration; whereas antigypsysm is present also in the form of scapegoating the Roma and ethnicisation of the Coronavirus crisis6a; _________________ 6aEuropean Commission, Overview of the impact of coronavirus measures on the marginalised Roma communities in the EU, May 2020, p. 1.
Amendment 37 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas institutional discrimination exists towards people of Romani background in all spheres of life including housing, education, healthcare and employment; whereas they often face challenges when accessing social, employment and healthcare services;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the fact that Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority and one of the minority groups in Europe that faces the highest rates of poverty and social exclusion, continuous discrimination and unequal access to various vital services, which not only accounts for high number of individual human rights violations but also undermines social cohesion, economic ands social potential of the EU; notes with regret that despite measures introduced in the last decade, progress in the areas of housing, employment, education and healthcare has been limited; calls on local authorities and governments to single out as a priority the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS);
Amendment 39 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas Roma face discrimination in employment initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, whereas Public Employment Services often lack capacity to reach Roma, or apply indirect discrimination practices;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas according to the EU- MIDIS II survey paid work rates for Roma aged 20-64 years with 43 % was well below the EU average of 70 % in 2015, whereas the situation of young people is substantially worse with 63 % of Roma aged 16-24 not in employment, education or training, compared with the 12 % EU average, whereas the results show a considerable gender gap, with 72 % of young Roma women not in employment, education or training, compared with 55 % of young Roma men;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Member States to adopt Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, COM/2008/0426final, 2 July 2008;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Calls on European Commission to prepare a post-2020 EUFW that will reflect the existing diversity and multiple identities among Roma, integrate the gender equality principle and emphasis on Roma children and youth as key factors of positive change, and uphold an intersectional and multi-stakeholder approach to national integration strategies, where Roma are actively engaged from the preparatory to implementation stages of integration measures;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas only 21 % of Roma women and 25 % of Roma men aged 16– 24 have completed secondary education (ISCED3) or higher; whereas almost 70% of Roma youth aged 18-24 were early leavers from education and training; whereas little or no progress have been achieved towards ending educational discrimination and systemic segregation with regards to the infringement proceedings against several Member States;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Highlights that employment is the main path to social inclusion and ethnic minorities must therefore have the possibility to fully participate in the labour market and the “equal status and equal pay for equal work” principle shall apply to all workers;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Calls on the Commission to present a Communication on guidelines and standards for discrimination-free recruitment policies for Member States and employers, including recommendations for the adoption of equality plans at company level and in sectoral collective agreements and the implementation of diversity taskforces in the workplace, including tackling stereotypes, prejudice and negative attitudes, preventing discrimination in recruitment, promotion, pay and access to training; highlights that these equality action plans should be also used to promote ethnic and cultural diversity at the workplace, to develop internal regulations against racism, related discrimination and harassment in the workplace, to monitor and review recruitment, progression and retention of workforce by equality strand in order to identify direct or indirect discriminatory practices and to adopt corrective measures to reduce inequality in each of these areas and, to this effect, collect equality data in respect of privacy and fundamental rights standards;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Calls on the Commission to adopt a common EU framework for the collection and analysis of reliable and comparable disaggregated equality data for the purpose of combating discrimination, including in employment; adds that this should comprise labour market indicators to measure equality, including the employment position of migrants and minority groups, with full respect of privacy and fundamental rights standards;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas no legal or political measures have been taken against Member States to end residential segregation, forced evictions and to ensure access to quality housing;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas Roma people suffer increased hate speech in public, in social media and by public figures and politicians, police violence, including collective punishment, racial profiling, residential and school segregation;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Member States to encourage stronger engagement of businesses, particularly at local level, and consider supporting the development of social enterprises to create sustainable workplaces for Roma, with a focus on Roma women;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a Directiven EU Strategic Framework for theRoma Equality and Inclusion of People with Romani Background, Social and Economic Justice and Combating Antigypsyism, developed on the basis of more realistic quantitative and qualitative data, a legislative act with a binding character on the European Union and its Member States, is needed and must be proposed by the Commission;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for an urgent and thorough commitment by the relevant state authorities to the desegregation of Roma pupils in schools, as Roma children are often educated in segregated environments, while the misdiagnosis of Roma children as having special educational needs is still a common discriminatory practice; calls for reinforced effort to increase participation of Roma children in the whole education lifecycle, from pre-school to the tertiary level;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop coordinated approaches for the integration of Roma children in society; in this sense, calls for the urgent adoption of the European Child Guarantee in the ESF+ with dedicated resources of 20 billion euros, to support lifting a generation out of poverty;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to ensure that the competent regional and local authorities implement Roma-focused employment and social policies and monitor their results; calls on them, furthermore, to make the empowerment of Roma job seekers a priority for public employment services and employers, and to provide parallel job placement support or internships with IT and language training; stresses the key role of public employment services in promoting Roma employment in the civil service and reaching out to disadvantaged Roma job seekers;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Amendment 123 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis threaten to hit the Roma population the hardest and deepen the existing inequalities in all priority areas of Roma integration;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas expert reports on the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies recognise that Roma LGBTI face a range of facets of discrimination: first as people with Romani background, secondly as LGBTI, thirdly as LGBTI persons in Roma communities; whereas some LGBTI people with Romani background may resort to suppressing aspects of their identity as a result;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States to promote spatial desegregation and engage Roma beneficiaries in the design and implementation of housing projects, to reduce and prevent forced evictions and to provide sufficient and appropriate halting sites for non-sedentary Roma; points out that geographical isolation and housing segregation keep members of ethnic minorities away from decent jobs, regardless of their qualifications;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the Commission must develop a proposal for a post-2020 directiveframework for equality and inclusion of people with Romani background in Europe putting the fight against poverty and, anti- gypsyism at the forefrontnd improving living and health conditions at the forefront and combining targeted and mainstream approach; stresses that the new proposal must include clear and binding objectives, measures and targets for the Member States, a clear timeline and clear and binding progress requirements, as well as success indicators and adequate funding for its implementation as well as explicit guidelines for Enlargement Countries; emphasises the need for a robust monitoring and oversight mechanism to ensure effective implementation and appropriate use of funds; notes that equal participation in all domains of public life, political participation, and the language, arts, culture, history and environment of people with Romani background should be explicitly mentioned in the proposal for post-2020 EU public policy for people with Romani background, as additional measures to the four main priority areas of education, employment, housing and healthcare;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Member States to increase their efforts in providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation and implementation of right to the adequate standard of living, as well as right to a healthy environment, with special attention paid to the most vulnerable groups of Roma, such as children, women and elderly;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges that specific funding priority for Roma was introduced in the Common Provisions Regulation7 and that country-specific recommendations related to Roma integration became a requirement for granting funds for its promotion; calls on the Member States and the Commission to guarantee that these changes will result in specific projects for the benefit of Roma on the ground8 , and to look into causes of low absorption rates in some Member States, also in line with recommendations of Court of Auditors to the Member States and tot he Commission in its special report no. 14/20167a. _________________ 7 Annex XI on ex ante conditionalities, Part I: Thematic ex ante conditionalities, Investment Priority 9.2 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320. 7aEuropean Court of Auditors, EU policy initiatives and financial support for Roma integration: significant progress made over the last decade, but additional efforts needed on the ground, 2016. 8Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, Revisiting the EU Roma Framework: Assessing the European Dimension for the Post-2020 Future, Open Society Institute, June 2017, p.17.
Amendment 151 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to develop a proposal for a post-2020 EU directive for the equality and inclusion of people with Romani background, giving priority to (i) achieving a positive impact; (ii) a rights-based approach, including a plan to eliminate social and economic inequalities; (iii) developing a vision for the future proposal, including specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time- bound objectives to protect and improve the inclusion of people with Romani background; and (iv) eliminating inequalities, especially for children from their earliest years; and those with Romani background facing multiple discrimination, such as women and girls, LGBTI persons and people with disabilities.
Amendment 155 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to develop a proposal for a post-2020 EU directiveframework for the equality and inclusion of people with Romani background, giving priority to (i) achieving a positive impact; (ii) a rights-based approach, including a plan to eliminate social and, economic and health inequalities; (iii) developing a vision for the future proposal, including specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time- bound objectives to protect and improve the inclusion of people with Romani background; and (iv) eliminating inequalities, especially for children from their earliest years;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to integrate an inclusive mechanism for participation and accountability in order to ensure the equal participation of Romani and pro- Romani civil society organisations, experts and community members, including those active at local and regional level, taking into account a gender perspective in both the policy debate and in decision-making;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to tacklrecognise anti-gypsyism across the key as a specific form of racism and demands effective European and national legislative and policy measureas of the proposal for the post-2020 directiveto tackle anti-gypsyism both in Member States and Enlargement Countries across all areas;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to consider adesign new funding tools or sub- programmes that should be linked to an existingcomplementary to the measures of the Member States and support the progress in all key areas set out in the new post-2020 framework, existing and future EU educational and social funding programmeinitiatives, such as Erasmus Plus, the Child Guarantee or the European Social Fund, for Plus, and should ensure targeted and tailored support for Roma in quality education for pupils with Romani background between the ages of 3 and 18as well as quality employment services for Roma youth not in employment, education and training who are contending with extreme poverty and do not have access to existing EU educational and social inclusiondequate access to these funding instruments;
Amendment 199 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to work with the Member States on a common methodology to collect and publish equality data disaggregated by ethnic origin as defined by the EU race directive that is voluntary, anonymous and ensures the protection of personal data, self- identification and consultation with relevant communities;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls upon the European Commission, Member States and Enlargement Countries to adjust the existing mainstream financial mechanisms and make them flexible for blended use of funds in Roma communities by enabling access to information, outreach, capacity building, delivery of technical assistance and guarantees during the funding application process as well as to combat anti-gypsyism;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Calls on the Commission to effectively respond to the concern about the increasingly shrinking space for independent civil society in some Member States; recalls the importance of ensuring adequate funding to support activities of Roma civil society;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to develop post-2020 National Strategies for the Inclusion of People with Romani Background accompanied by a comprehensive joint assessment framework and based on realistic quantitative and qualitative data with an adequate pre- defined budget, incorporated into the national, regional and local budgets and which reflects the scale of the social inclusion needs of people with Romani background;
Amendment 254 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to strengthen the participation of people with Romani background in policy-making, moving fr ensuring that Rom a paternalistic to a non- paternalistic approachand civil society organizations are fully involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of the framework, and making Roma participation a binding common quality standard for the future framework and national strategies;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to develop more efficient and strengthened monitoring mechanisms involving Roma representatives and NGOs to ensure that the funds allocated reach Roma and are properly spent and not misused;
Amendment 274 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on Member States to allocate sufficient funding for improving the general health condition of people with Romani background through health- and sexual education and educational campaigns, mobile health screening in segregated areas, prevention and through training health and social workers to tackle discriminatory practices;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Member States to include human rights and democratic citizenship training as well as Roma history in their school curricula, to design awareness-raising campaigns on anti- gypsyism and to ensure adequate representation of Roma in public media in order to structurally address respect for diversity and intercultural understanding, to fight stereotypes and the subconscious societal consensus to exclude Roma and to strengthen awareness of rights and exercising of such rights;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Member States to protect Roma from threats by far-right groups, investigate incidents of police abuse and ensure Roma participation in law enforcement and security forces;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls on the Member States to invest in digital literacy programmes that can support Roma children;
Amendment 279 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Paragraph 12 e (new)
12e. Calls on the Member States to specifically target mitigation of the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Romani people who experienced intensified scapegoating and hate speech including by politicians;
Amendment 280 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 f (new)
Paragraph 12 f (new)
12f. Calls on the Member States to respect Article 31 of the revised European Social Charter dealing with the right to housing and step up investing in social and affordable housing to eradicate the housing cost overburden, particularly among marginalised groups;
Amendment 281 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 g (new)
Paragraph 12 g (new)
12g. Welcomes the Council of Europe statements that the phenomenon of online hate speech requires further analysis and action with a view to regulating and finding new ways of combating rhetoric of this kind such as alternative narrative and fact checking technologies; supports the Code of Conduct with IT companies and urges the EU and its Member States to work closely with IT companies to prevent illegal content online such as incitement to hatred;
Amendment 282 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 h (new)
Paragraph 12 h (new)
12h. Calls on the Member States to ensure the effective enforcement of the Race Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) and the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia to combat persisting anti- gypsyism;
Amendment 283 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 i (new)
Paragraph 12 i (new)
12i. Calls on Member States’ to secure equal access to justice and equality before the law for Roma and effectively fight structural anti-gypsyism taking shape in over-policing and violations of rights committed by police officers, such as violent raids resulting in injuries and property damage, severe ill-treatment during detention and failure to bring perpetrators to justice in cases of crimes committed by police officers;
Amendment 284 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 j (new)
Paragraph 12 j (new)
12j. Condemns Roma women ethnic segregation in maternal health care facilities; calls on Member States to immediately prohibit all forms of ethnic segregation in health facilities, including maternal health care settings; calls on Member States to ensure effective and timely remedies to all survivors of forced and coercive sterilization, including through the establishment of effective compensation schemes;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 k (new)
Paragraph 12 k (new)
12k. Condemns the incidents of hate crime and hate speech motivated by anti- gypsyism; calls on all the Member States to address the lack of reporting of hate crimes by victims due to inadequate safeguards and failure of authorities to properly investigate and bring convictions for hate crimes in Member States;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas certain Member States limit freedom of media through economical means, such as distorted public advertising among media outlets altering competition, and controls directly public media in order to influence editorial decisions and thus ensuring pro- government loyalty;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas in Hungary the government has intrusively distorted the media landscape, in particular by favouring pro-government outlets with public advertising, whereas the creation of the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA) in 2018 that owns almost all free of charge newspapers, regional daily newspapers, national tabloids and a number of regional and national TV and radio channels with a centrally coordinated news coverage, resulted in an overwhelming share and control in the media market and its creation violated national and European competition and media ownership rules which was circumvented by a government order declaring it a matter of national strategic importance;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States, in particular in Hungary and Poland, public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludepresents opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violencein defamatory contexts; underlines that in such Member States, especially in rural areas access to information is seriously limited to public propaganda and language barriers exist with regards to access to international news; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of audiovisual media against undue state and commercial intervention is crucial;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Denounces the lack of balanced political debate in media outlets in certain Member States and that politically motivated restrictions of information exist in practice, such as rejecting data consultation of public interest, the ban of journalists from premises of public venues including parliaments, restricting journalists’ opportunities for questions from politicians and members of the government and avoiding interviews to media outlets not in the government friendly conglomerate even with significant national outreach;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on Member States to ensure that journalists and media outlets have meaningful access to parliamentary debates, to the members of parliaments and high ranking government officials, to data of public interest as well as to public events and press conferences, especially those of governments, as the lack of such access seriously restricts the notion of freedom of media;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Highlights the lack of obligatory content analysis of media outlets in certain Member States, such as in Hungary, which would provide comparable public data regarding the balanced appearances of pro-government and oppositional voices on TV and radio, especially in election campaigns;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Denounces the increase in legal threats and judicial harassment against journalists and media workers across Europe; condemns the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation actions to silence investigative journalists and outlets and exert pressure on media freedom; urges the Commission to propose legislation to stop lawsuits aimed at censoring and intimidating the critics;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Strongly condemns that certain governments, such as the Hungarian government, limit media pluralism and allow for a large concentration of government friendly media ownership by exempting certain acquisitions from competition review through government order declaring such transaction as a matter of national strategic importance; underlines that such media conglomerates receive substantial public funding, including from EU funding through public advertising in an unbalanced manner lacking full transparency;
Amendment 183 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Condemns governments' excessive interference on media pluralism through public advertising, in particular in Hungary; underlines that such practices have serious market distortion effects and thus are violating EU rules on competition; calls on the Commission to uphold EU state aid and competition regulations with regards to media financing and public advertising and monitor the effects of such malpractices on media freedom;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the use of EU funds allocated to support the free and independent media in order to channel the resources to those in need; emphasises in this respect that EU money cannot be spent on state controlled media and media that distribute political propaganda;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for an EU level and transparent mechanism to periodically monitor the independence of national media regulatory bodies; deplores that in certain Member States, in particular in Hungary, the media regulatory bodies have come under the influence of the government and operates in a biased manner towards media outlets that are critical of the government, especially in tendering and license-renewal processes;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis fully respecting EU competition rules; reiterates that support should be provided only for those public and commercial media outlets that are truly independent and free from government or any other political interference; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021- 2027), as redrafted following the COVID- 19 crisis, offering a non- project based, direct financial support for independent journalists and media outlets, freelancers and self-employed media workers, especially in countries where there is a serious risk of limitation of media freedom;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime and hate, hate- and defamatory speech that occur regularly within the EU, especially when it is used in political communication of governments and political parties;
Amendment 213 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate crime, so as to fight organisations that spread hate speech and violence in public spaces and online and to refrain from discriminatory and inciting rhetoric in governmental communication as it is detrimental to society;
Amendment 254 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Finds it outrageous that certain Member States, inter alia Hungary, launch publicly funded disinformation campaigns to discredit the European Union and to mislead the public about its aim and activities; calls on the European Commission to openly condemn and debunk the lies and disinformation spread by state authorities about the European Union and to publish and distribute a factual response to inform citizens;
Amendment 256 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Condemns that conspiracy theories and publicly funded disinformation campaigns exist as part of government communication in certain Member States, inter alia in Hungary;
Amendment 288 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission to propose European rules regarding online platforms in order to counter government practices that unnecessarily limit freedom of expression;
Amendment 1 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Whereas a Eurofound survey found that the financial measures implemented by governments and social partners during the pandemic have reduced financial hardship; whereas the survey also finds much higher levels of trust in both the national government and in the EU among respondents who received support; whereas the survey reveals that due to the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, more households are under financial strain than before the crisis began; whereas almost half of all respondents (47%) indicate that their household has difficulties making ends meet;
Amendment 2 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Whereas a Eurofound survey has found that 13% of self-employed respondents without personnel, and 8% of respondents who worked for an employer, became unemployed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas respondents in the youngest age group (18-34), and those with primary or secondary education, were more likely to have become unemployed during the pandemic;
Amendment 3 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Whereas a Eurofound research highlights that the COVID-19 crisis poses a serious risk of rolling back decades of gains achieved in gender equality in the labour market participation, particularly if activity is further hampered in sectors where women are overrepresented ; whereas taking actions is both a social and economic imperative; whereas it points to the importance of implementing policy responses which can support gender equality and female integration into the labour force;
Amendment 4 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1c. Whereas it can be expected that the health crisis triggers an economic and social crisis that deeply affects the labour markets; whereas previous Eurofound research shows that such situation can be tackled by public and social-partner based measures to maintain and create employment or income support for the unemployed and those outside the labour force, acknowledging the importance of co-financed measures by European funds such as the ESF and the EGF, in this respect;
Amendment 15 #
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, and their families, workers and businesses, and therefore requires an unprecedented response; highlights in this context 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; highlight; underlines in particular that the budget should help improvingprioritise improvement of the situation in the social and employment area, in time of unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 26 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth, the resilience of our societies and should be complemented by a strong social dimension, addressing social and economic inequalities and the needs of those hardest hit by the crisis, particularly potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, whose inclusion in the labour market must be supported and fosteredsuch as those in poverty, jobless, elderly, young people, persons with disabilities, mobile workers and migrants;
Amendment 38 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Commission proposal to allocates in 2021 EUR 1,5 billion to the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and highlights that the JTF must play a key role in supporting the reskilling of workersfocus on the needs of individuals and social well- being and lead to social sustainability by supporting the creation of decent and sustainable jobs, reskilling of workers, and creating social infrastructure so no one is left behind;
Amendment 44 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomAcknowledges the forthcoming rationalisation of the current ESF, the YEI, the FEAD and the EaSI under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which willshould allow to enhance synergies and reduce administrative burden; recalls that ESF + will be the main financial instrument to strengthen Europe’s social dimension, by putting the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights into practice; draws particular attention to the key role of ESF+ in the post-pandemic phase; warns that and for the post-COVID-19 recovery; rejects any decrease of the budget of ESF+ risksing not only to endanger its effective implementation and reaching its objectives but also ensuring effective recovery; is concerned,, in this respect, about the draft appropriations proposed by the Commission for ESF+ in the draft budget 2021 (EUR 12 655,1 million in commitment appropriations, EUR 15 374,8 in payment appropriations) and calls for its considerable increase, in particular, to tackle long-term unemployment and unemployment among young people and the elderly, child poverty, the risk of poverty and social exclusion, discrimination, to ensure a reinforced social dialogue, addressing long-term structural demographic change and guarantee access for all, and especially for ageing populations, to vital and key services such as healthcare, social protection, mobility, adequate nutrition and decent housing;
Amendment 47 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes, in this regard, the Commission proposal for a new REACT- EU instrument designed to increase the amount of funding dedicated to Cohesion Policy, additional to the existing 2014- 2020 envelopes and on top of the proposed envelopes for the 2021-2027 period; is however concerned about its temporary short-term nature and the fact that ESF+ alone does not have enough financial resources for the rest of the MFF period; calls on the Commission to provide the European Parliament and the Council with an evaluation report on REACT-EU by 31 March 2025, covering budgetary commitments for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 including information on the achievement of the objectives of REACT- EU, the efficiency of the use of its resources, the types of actions financed, the beneficiaries and final recipients of the financial allocations and its European added value in aiding the economic recovery;
Amendment 48 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Echoes the Commission prediction that, in the context of recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak, tackling child poverty will become even more important in the coming years; highlights in this regard the position of both the Parliament and the Commission that Member States should allocate at least 5 % of the ESF+ resources under shared management to support activities under the European Child Guarantee; consequently, and in line with the Parliament’ position on ESF+, insists that a separate budget line under ESF+ needs to be created for the European Child Guarantee with an allocation of 3 billion for the year 2021;
Amendment 49 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Highlights that the COVID-19 crisis has already left many people jobless, especially young people who find themselves more often in precarious employment; welcomes in this context the Commission’s plans to strengthen the European Youth Guarantee and highlights that it is necessary that Member States continue to invest sufficient ESF+ resources in measures to support youth employment and that they shall therefore allocate at least 15 % of their ESF+ resources under shared management to targeted actions and structural reforms to support quality youth employment;
Amendment 50 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Welcomes a number of new proposals by the Commission to tackle the social impacts of the current or future crises; notes in this context the introduction of temporary measures under the ESF+ in response to exceptional circumstances; warns about the possible risk of a weakening of the thematic concentration obligations that would put at risk key objectives and investments of ESF+, as well as the good use and effectiveness of the investments made by the ESF+, as, in the event of exceptional circumstances, the Commission may adopt implementing acts extending the scope of the ESF+ itself, as well as reducing the thematic concentration obligations;
Amendment 52 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Stresses the importance of the partnership principle, in order to ensure the involvement of social partners in all stages of the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects financed by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF); considers it necessary that the partnership principle is included in the ESIFs, as well as in other relevant EU funds, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF), REACT EU, also for the 2021-2027 period;
Amendment 65 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that, in the context of ongoing budgetary constraints and of the post-COVID-19 recovery, it will be critical to make the best use of the 2021 general budget, including where it is needed the most, to fight poverty, including child poverty and unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, including through future skills policies and measures to support labour market transition and better adjustment to demographic change, automatisation and digitalisation, particularly by improved integration of potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the labour market;
Amendment 72 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the important contribution of the agencies in dealing with a wide range of employment, and social issues and data collectionsuch as living and working conditions, mobility, health and safety, skills, etc. and data collection, particularly through surveys; stresses that their tasks are developconstantly evolving and hence they must be given the necessary resources to fulfil them; therefore calls for a thorough assessment of the new and existing tasks assigned to the agencies and of their overall performance, with a view to ensuring appropriate and efficient budgetary allocations only; insists, in particular, foron a proper staffing and financing of the new European Labour Authority;
Amendment 74 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Points out, in this regard, that the resources currently foreseen for the ELA in 2021 are lower than the ones defined in the updated financial statement for the agency, which foresaw 29 million for 2021 instead of 24 million; in the light of the challenges in ensuring fair labour mobility highlighted by the Covid-19 crisis, in particular for posted and seasonal workers, considers that the budget for the ELA should be strengthened to at least the amount originally foreseen;
Amendment 75 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls for the establishment of a cross-national forum for national policy makers to exchange on practices and experiences related to support for employers and workers affected by economic and labour market crises which could draw information on such interventions gathered in Eurofound’s European Restructuring Monitor (support instruments and legal databases), the expertise built up in similar previous exercises (such as Eurofound’s Regional Industrial Policy Seminars realised in the framework of the Pilot Project “Future of Manufacturing in Europe” or DG Employment’s national seminars on anticipating and managing restructuring (A.R.E.N.A.S.)), and implemented by a collaboration of various EU institutions (e.g. DG Employment, Eurofound, Cedefop);
Amendment 76 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Reminds of the Commission commitment to swiftly assess the revision of the Biological Agents Directive (BAD) and possibly other occupational health and safety legislation in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to accelerate their work on the new EU OSH strategic framework; calls in this regard for appropriate resources to be allocated to the responsible unit in DG Employment to meet this commitment;
Amendment 77 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Is concerned about the Commission proposal to merge different budget lines linked to social policy objectives, in particular the lines supporting Information and training measures for workers’ organisations, Information, consultation and participation of representatives of undertakings, Industrial relations and social dialogue into one single budget line“07 20 04 06 - Specific competences in the area of social policy, including social dialogue”; believes that separate budget lines as was the case in the past would guarantee the necessary transparency and resources for each of these key areas;
Amendment 183 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Minimum wage protection set out by collective agreements in low-paid occupations is adequate in most cases; statutory minimum wages are low compared to other wages in the economy in several Member States. In 2018, the statutory minimum wage did not provide sufficient income for a single minimum- wage earner to reach the at-risk-of-poverty threshold in nine Member States. In addition, the use of special categories with wages below the statutory level (such as public work schemes), reduced minimum wage rates (variations) and deductions from statutory minimum wages negatively affect their adequacy and increase the risk of poverty of such workers.
Amendment 190 #
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 somthere are workers, even though they are covered, who receive in practice a remuneration well below the statutory minimum wage due to special schemes allowing for a different category of workers, or due to the non- respect of 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 245 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) This Directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in each Member State, with consideration to the criteria established by the Court of Justice of the European Union for determining the status of a worker. Provided that they fulfil those criteria, public workers, domestic workers, on- demand workers, intermittent workers, voucher based- workers, bogus self- employed, platform workers, trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this Directive. Genuinely self-employed persons do 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. Bogus 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. The determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship.
Amendment 286 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Sound rules, procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to deliver adequate minimum wages, while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. They include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages, including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy, regular and timely updates, the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners. A timely and effective involvement of the lattsocial partners is another element of pre- requisite for good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision- making process.
Amendment 320 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To promotensure adequacy and fairness 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 their definition. 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 theit is necessary to apply the principle of equal treatment. The exclusion of any worker from the protection of a statutory minimum wage cannot be justified. Special work schemes paying below the statutory level, variations of statutory minimum wages as well as deductions resulting in levels of wages below the statutory minimum wage undermine the principle of equal treatment of workers and the objective of this Directive. Work- related expenses, such as equipment necessary to perform athe job, or deductions ofin-kind allowances in kind, such as accommodation, may be unjustified or disproportionateshould therefore not be deducted from statutory minimum wages. Extra payments, such as tips, overtime and end-of-year and holiday payments and bonuses, should not be included in the calculation of statutory minimum wages.
Amendment 448 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘minimum wage’ means the minimum remuneration that an employer (whether private or public) is required to pay to workers for the work performed during a given period, calculated on the basis of time or output;
Amendment 669 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. Member States shall keep these variations to a minimum, and ensure that any variation is non- discriminatory, proportionate, limited in time if relevant, and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aimwhere statutory minimum wage exists shall ensure that all workers receive at or above the statutory minimum wage level.
Amendment 689 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may allowshall not allow for special categories of workers or deductions by law that reduce the remuneration paid to workers to a level below that of the statutory minimum wage. Member States shall ensure that these deductions from statutory minimum wages are necessary, objectively justified and proportionate.
Amendment 713 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 724 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall ensure that all relevant trade unions are fully and regularly involved in setting and updating the minimum wage level.
Amendment 745 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) develop guidance for enforcement authorities to proactively target and pursue non-compliant businesseemployers;
Amendment 66 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination (‘European Semester’), including the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. As part of the goals of the European Semester, structural reforms based on solidarity, integration and social justice are also addressed, with the aim of creating quality employment and growth, ensuring equality of and access to opportunity and social protection, protecting vulnerable groups and improving the living standards of all. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reforms. Those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and/or Union funding.
Amendment 72 #
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. 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 and social welfare systems built on strong economic and social structures 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.
Amendment 74 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The Social Welfare Systems guarantee to European societies and citizens the integral services and economic benefits for a decent life, covering the following areas of intervention: Social Security, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Employment, Justice and Social Services for vulnerable groups. They play a key role in achieving social sustainable development, promoting equality and social justice. COVID-19 crisis, the Social Welfare Systems are under an unprecedented situation of stress and pressure, as they were not foreseen to cover the social demand in a context of healthcare and economic emergency. The social welfare systems will need to be strengthened in a way that they can perform and assist the entire population, particularly in situations of crisis or systemic shocks.
Amendment 78 #
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 and social progress, strengthening adjustment capacity and unlocking inclusive 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 even more necessary in the aftermath of the pandemic crisis to pave the way for a swift recovery. Social sustainability and inclusion must be a cornerstone of this process of building inclusive and resilient societies.
Amendment 79 #
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 deconomiestic econom and societies, 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 even more necessary in the aftermath of the pandemic crisis to pave the way for a swift recovery.
Amendment 93 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) Reflecting on the European Pillar of Social Rights as Europe’s social strategy to make sure that the transitions of climate-neutrality, digitalisation and demographic change, as well as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, are socially fair and just, the Facility established by this regulation will contribute to the implementation of its 20 principles and to the achievement of social progress targets and milestones.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) The scope of application of the Facility should refer to policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion, the green and digital transitions, health, competitiveness, entrepreneurship, resilience, productivity, stability of the financial systems, culture, education and skills, children and youth policies, research and innovation, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, public healthcare systems, policies in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights - such as social protection- high-quality jobs and investment, gender equality, the integration of people with disabilities, social dialogue and strengthening democratic systems, including efficient and independent judicial systems as well as media pluralism and media freedom.
Amendment 99 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objective should be the promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesiono contribute to addressing the challenges of the six policy areas identified under this Regulation through the promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesion and to contribute to the objectives of Union policies, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ,the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Paris Agreement and to the strengthening of the Single Market. For that purpose, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050, thereby, social progress, contributing to restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the crisis, fostering quality employment creation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and to promoting sustainable growth.
Amendment 106 #
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. In order for the reforms pursued to gather wide support, Member States wishing to benefit from the Facility should consult, as part of the process of drafting the recovery and resilience plans, regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and the civil society, in accordance with the Code of Conduct on Partnership. The recovery and resilience plan should be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, 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 plan should also contain specific inequality and social progress indicators to achieve. 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 108 #
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 inclusive recovery and resilience plan. The recovery and resilience plan should be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, with the national reform programmes, the national energy and climate plans, the social progress 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 EPSR, the Child Guarantee and the Youth Guarantee, the plan should also set out measures that are relevant founder the green and digital transisix policy areas identified in this Regulations. 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. At least 30% of the recovery and resilience plans should be dedicated to investments related to the implementation of the EPSR objectives.
Amendment 112 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Member States should ensure that social partners are consulted when drafting the National recovery and resilience plans. In order to improve consistency and relevance of national plans, social partners should be given the possibility to provide their inputs at early stage before the national recovery and resilience plans are submitted to the EU. If the national recovery and resilience plan is attached to the National Reform Programme, social partners are consulted preferably not later than month of February on a draft NRP. If the national recovery and resilience plan or their updates are not attached to the NRP, member states will ensure that social partners are consulted at least one month before the plan is submitted to the European Commission. Social partners are heard according to national rules and practices. National recovery and resilience plans will explain how the inputs of social partners were taken into account and, if at the request of the social partners, their opinion should be attached to the National Reform Programmes or, when appropriate, to the national recovery and resilience plans.
Amendment 116 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
Amendment 119 #
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, 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 of the proposed recovery and resilience plan with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester and how social partners and other relevant stakeholders have been consulted. Consultation with social partners should also be aimed at reinforcing ownership and consistency of national plans with targets and milestones measuring impact of the national plans. Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States should be sought and achieved throughout the process.
Amendment 120 #
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, job creation and economic and social resilience; it should also includeoutline the extent of the consultation carried out with regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including the social partners and civil society before submission of the plan, as well as include inequality and social progress indicators to achieve, and measures that are relevant for the green and the digital transitions; it should also include an explanation of the consistency of the proposed recovery and resilience plan with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester. Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States should be sought and achieved throughout the process.
Amendment 124 #
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; in this regard the European Commission will promote the involvement of social partners, as foreseen in this regulation and in full respect of national rules and practices, through country specific recommendations, multilateral surveillance, peer review exercises and exchange of good practices; whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the fair green and the digital transitions and to addressing the challenges resulting from them; 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, job creation and economic and social resilience of thethe implementation of the commitments of the Union and of its Member States, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis and contribute to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion;in particular the Paris Agreement, the UN SDGs, the European Pillar of Social Rights and gender mainstreaming 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 employmentsocial progress; 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 129 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to contribute to the preparation of high-quality plans and assist the Commission in the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans submitted by the Member States and in the assessment of the degree of their achievement, provision should be made for the use of expert advice and, at the Member State request, peer counselling. When such expertise concerns labour-related policies, social partners are informed and eventually involved. Technical assistance cannot be requested in areas that entirely or partially fall into the remit of the social partners unless social partners provide their consensus.
Amendment 130 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24a) The application of this Regulation should fully observe Article 152 TFEU, and the National recovery and resilience plans issued under this Regulation should respect national practices and institutions for wage formation. This Regulation takes into account Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and accordingly must not affect the right to negotiate, conclude or enforce collective agreements or to take collective action in accordance with national law and practices.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32a) Where the European Semester and in particular the country-specific recommendations, identifies challenges that require urgent reforms but the Member State in question makes inadequate use of the allocated funding or the Commission decided to suspend such funding because of unsatisfactory implementation of the recovery and resilience plans or in case of deficiency with regards to rule of law, regional and local level actions, including civil society initiatives that contribute to addressing those challenges should continue to benefit from the Facility, and funding should be made available for regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and civil society organisations.
Amendment 137 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34a) Member States should ensure that communication activities, in particular with regard to the obligation to make visibility of the support provided within the framework of the Facility, are properly disseminated at the appropriate regional and local level, on multiple outlets in a non-discriminatory manner.
Amendment 138 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The recovery and resilience plans to be implemented by the Member States and the corresponding financial contribution allocated to them should be established by the Commission by way of implementing act. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. The implementing powers relating to the adoption of the recovery and resilience plans and to the payment of the financial support upon fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets should be exercised by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, under the examination procedure thereof13 . After the adoption of an implementing act, it should be possible for the Member State concerned and the Commission to agree on certain operational arrangements of a technical nature, detailing aspects of the implementation with respect to timelines, indicators for the milestones and targets, and access to underlying data. To allow the continuous relevance of the operational arrangements in respect of the prevailing circumstances during the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, it should be possible that the elements of such technical arrangements may be modified by mutual consent. Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union apply to this Regulation. These rules are laid down in the Financial Regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an, democratic checks and balances, an independent judiciary, media pluralism and media freedom are essential preconditions for sound financial management and, effective EU funding and fighting corruption. __________________ 13 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 140 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The scope of application of the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by this Regulation shall refer to six main policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion,: - green transition, taking into account the objectives of the gGreen andDeal, - digital transitions, health, competitiveness, resilience, productivity, education and skills, research and innovation, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, and the stability of the financial systemsformation, taking into account the objectives of the Digital Agenda, - economic cohesion, productivity and competitiveness, taking into account the objectives of the Industrial and SME Strategies, - social cohesion, taking into account the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, - institutional resilience, in view of increasing crisis-reaction capacity; and - policies for the Next Generation, taking into account the objectives of the Youth Guarantee and Child Guarantee.
Amendment 141 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
The scope of application of the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by this Regulation shall refer to policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion, the green and digital transitions, health, competitiveness, resilience, productivity, culture, education and skills, research and innovation, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, and the stability of the financial systemssocial protection, high-quality jobs and investment, gender equality, and the inclusion of people with disabilities, stability of the financial systems, social dialogue and strengthening democratic systems, including efficient and independent judicial systems as well as media pluralism and media freedom.
Amendment 146 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a 1. The application of this Regulation shall fully observe Article 152 TFEU, and the National recovery and resilience plans issued under this Regulation shall respect national practices and institutions for wage formation. This Regulation takes into account Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and accordingly does not affect the right to negotiate, conclude or enforce collective agreements or to take collective action in accordance with national law and practices.
Amendment 154 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 159 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9
Article 9
Amendment 167 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Where the European Semester and in particular the country-specific recommendations, identifies challenges that require urgent reforms but the Member State in question makes inadequate use of the allocated funding or the Commission decided to suspend such funding because of unsatisfactory implementation of the recovery and resilience plans or in case of deficiency with regards to rule of law, regional and local level actions, including civil society initiatives that contribute to addressing those challenges shall continue to benefit from the Facility, and funding shall be made available for regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and civil society organisations.
Amendment 168 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
· A maximum financial contribution shall be calculated for each Member State for the allocation of the amount referred to in Article 5(1)(a), using the methodology set out in Annex I, based on the population, the inverse of the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the relative unemployment rate of each Member State, the unemployment rate of each Member State, the labour market slack, the at risk of poverty rate and the cumulative loss in real GDP observed over the period 2020- 2021 compared to 2019. · During years 2021-2022 the maximum financial contribution shall be calculated using the methodology set out in Annex I, based on the population, the inverse of the per capita GDP, the unemployment rate, the labour market slack and at risk of poverty rate of each Member State for years 2015-2019. · For years 2023-2024, the maximum financial contribution shall be calculated using the methodology set out in Annex I, based on the population, the inverse of the per capita GDP, the at risk of poverty rate and the cumulative loss in real GDP observed over the period 2020-2021 compared to 2019 and will be calculated by 30 June 2022.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. In pursuance of the objectives set out in Article 4, Member States shall prepare national recovery and resilience plans. These plans shall set out the reform and investment agenda of the Member State concerned for the subsequent four years. Recovery and resilience plans eligible for financing under this instrument shall comprise measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects through a coherent package. investment projects through a coherent package. For the preparation of the recovery and resilience plans, Member States can make use of the Technical Support Instrument in accordance with Regulation XX/YYYY [establishing Technical Support Instrument]. · Measures starting from 1 February 2020 related to the economic and social consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic onwards shall be eligible. · 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’ Sustainable Development Goals, at least 30 % of the amount of each Recovery and Resilience Plan shall contribute to mainstreaming climate and biodiversity actions and environmental sustainability objectives. By means of a delegated act, the Commission shall adopt the relevant methodology to help the Member States to fulfil that requirement. · Reflecting the European Pillar of Social Rights as Europe’s strategy for social progress, at least 30% of the amount of each Recovery and Resilience Plan shall contribute to the implementation of the EPRS objectives. By means of a delegated act, the Commission shall adopt the relevant methodology to help Member States to fulfil that requirement. · Reflecting the future-oriented character of the Next Generation EU recovery instrument and acknowledging the importance of the Digital Skills Agenda, the Child Guarantee and the Youth Guarantee for preventing the young people of today from becoming a “lockdown generation”, each recovery and resilience plan shall contribute to tackling the risk of long-lasting damage to young people’s labour market prospects and to their overall well-being through quality employment, education and qualifications solutions and responses targeting young people.
Amendment 174 #
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 transition and in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. 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. The recovery and resilience plans shall be drawn up following adequate consultation with regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and the civil society in accordance with the Code of Conduct on Partnership; __________________ 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 176 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The recovery and resilience plans, will include Social progress plans shall be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the latest European Semester, in particular those relevant for or resulting from the green and digital transitionthe policy areas set out in Article 3. 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, the social progress plans, including the Youth Guarantee and the Child Guarantee, and updates thereof under the Regulation (EU)2018/199921 , [1],in the territorial just transition plans under the Just Transition Fund22 , [2],and in the partnership agreements and operational programmes under the Union funds. [1] 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. [2] […] __________________ 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 180 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The recovery and resilience plan presented by the Member State concerned shall constitute an annex to its National Reform Programme and shall be officially submitted at the latest by 30 April. A draft plan may be submitted by Member State starting from 15 October of the preceding year, together with the draft budget of the subsequent year. Such draft plan shall include a social progress plan and be submitted to the attention of national social partners for consultation not later than the next February and social partners will have at least 30 days to react in writing.
Amendment 183 #
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, job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State concerned, mitigates the economic and social impact of the crisis, and its contribution to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergencecontributes to the scope and objectives set out in articles 3 and 4;
Amendment 184 #
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, job creation, social progress and economic and social resilience of the Member State concerned, contributes to the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, decreases inequality, mitigates the economic and social impact of the crisis, and its contribution to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence;
Amendment 189 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) the extent of the consultation carried out with regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including the social partners and civil society before submission of the plan;
Amendment 192 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) an explanation of how the measures in the plan are expected to contribute to the green and the digital transitions or to the challenges resulting from themsix pillars identified in Article 3;
Amendment 194 #
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 of how the measures in the plan are expected to contribute the implementation of the commitments of the Union and of its Members States, in particular the Paris Agreement, the UN SDGs, the European Pillar of Social Rights and gender mainstreaming.
Amendment 196 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) the specific inequality and social progress indicators to achieve;
Amendment 198 #
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 of the coherence of the plan with the relevant documents adopted in the context of the latest European Semester;
Amendment 201 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c c (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c c (new)
(cc) a detailed explanation of how the measures are expected to ensure that at least 30 % of the amount requested for the recovery and resilience plan contribute to mainstreaming climate and biodiversity actions and environmental sustainability objectives based on the methodology provided by the Commission in accordance with Article14(1);
Amendment 202 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c d (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c d (new)
(cd) a detailed explanation in the social progress plan of how the measures are expected to ensure that at least 30% of the amount requested for the recovery and resilience plan contribute to the implementation of the EPRS objectives based on the methodology provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 14(1)
Amendment 206 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point j
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point j
(j) the arrangements for the effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan and the social progress plans by the Member State concerned, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicators, including how the plan improve the country-based performance under the Social Scoreboard;
Amendment 208 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point k a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point k a (new)
(ka) Information on how the social partners have been consulted, how their opinion was taken into account, and at the social partners request, their written contribution shall be attached;
Amendment 209 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. In the preparation of proposals for their recovery and resilience plan, Member States may request the Commission to organise an exchange of good practices in order to allow the requesting Member States to benefit from the experience of other Member States. Member States may also request technical support under the Technical Support Instrument in accordance with the regulation thereof. . Technical support shall fully respect national rules and practices concerning collective bargaining. Technical support activities cannot undermine the role of social partners or threaten the autonomy of collective bargaining. Technical assistance cannot be requested in areas that entirely or partially fall into the remit of the social partners unless social partners provide their consensus.
Amendment 210 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. When assessing the recovery and resilience plan, the Commission shall act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned. The Commission may make observations or seek additional information. The Member State concerned shall provide the requested additional information and may revise the plan if needed, prior to its official submission. The Commission shall consult social partners of the concerned country, in cooperation with European social partners, to gather their views concerning ownership, consistency and effectiveness of the national recovery and resilience plan.
Amendment 212 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
Amendment 215 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 219 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Amendment 221 #
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, job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesionthe scope and objectives set out in Articles 3 and 4;
Amendment 223 #
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, job creation, social progress and economic and social resilience of the Member State, decrease inequalities, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 224 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) whether the justification provided by the Member State on the amount 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 employmentsocial cohesion;
Amendment 225 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point f
Amendment 226 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g
(g) whether the arrangements proposed by the Member States concerned are expected to ensure an effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets, and the related indicators, which shall include progress in the areas covered by the social scoreboard.
Amendment 228 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g a (new)
(ga) whether the recovery and resilience plan is compatible with the six pillars set out in Article 3
Amendment 229 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g b (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g b (new)
(gb) whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to the implementation of the commitments of the Union and of its Members States, in particular the Paris Agreement, the UN SDGs, the European Pillar of Social Rights and gender mainstreaming
Amendment 230 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g c (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point g c (new)
(gc) whether at least at least 30%of the amount requested for the recovery and resilience plan contribute to the implementation of the EPRS objectives based on the methodology provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 14(1)
Amendment 238 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Where the recovery and resilience plan including relevant milestones and targets, is no longer achievable, either partially or totally, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, the Member State concerned may make a reasoned request to the Commission to amend or replace the decisions referred to in Article 17(1) and 17(2). To that effect, the Member State may propose a modified or a new recovery and resilience plan, having consulted national social partners.
Amendment 239 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6
Article 19 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Member State concerned has not taken the necessary measures within a period of six months from the suspension, the Commission shall cancelmake the amount of the financial contribution pursuant to Article 14(1) of the Financial Regulatioavailable for regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and civil society organisations that contribute to addressing the challenges identified in the recovery and resilience plan after having given the Member State concerned the possibility to present its observations within two months from the communication of its conclusions.
Amendment 240 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. Where, within eighteen months of the date of the adoption the decision referred to in Article 17(1), no tangible progress has been made in respect of any relevant milestones and targets by the Member State concerned, the amount of the financial contribution shall be cancelled pursuant to Article 14(1) of the Financial Regulatiomade available for regional and local authorities and other stakeholders, including social partners and civil society organisations that contribute to addressing the challenges identified in the recovery and resilience plan.
Amendment 241 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall take a decision on the cancellation of the financial contribution after having given the Member State concerned shall have the possibility to present its observations within a period of two months of the communication of itsthe assessment of the Commission as to whether no tangible progress has been made.
Amendment 244 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall transmit the recovery and resilience plans as approved in the implementing act of the Commission in accordance with Article 17 to the European Parliament and the Council without undue delay. The Member State concerned may request the Commission to redact sensitive or confidential information, the disclosure of which would jeopardise public interests of the Member State.
Amendment 246 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a Recovery and resilience scoreboard 1. The Commission shall establish a recovery and resilience scoreboard (the ‘Scoreboard’) displaying the status of implementation of the agreed reforms and investments through the recovery and resilience plans of each Member State. 2. The Scoreboard shall include key indicators, such as social, economic and environmental indicators, that evaluate the progress registered by the recovery and resilience plans in each of the six areas that define the scope of this Regulation. 3. The Scoreboard shall indicate the degree of fulfilment of the relevant milestones of the recovery and resilience plans and the identified shortcomings in their implementation, as well as the recommendations of the Commission to address the respective shortcomings. 4. The Scoreboard shall also summarise the main recommendations addressed to the Member States as regards their recovery and resilience plans. For the social progress plans, the Scoreboard will be based and be complementary to the Social Scoreboard of the Semester process. 5. The Scoreboard shall serve as a basis for a permanent exchange of best practices between Member States which will materialise in the form of a structured dialogue organised on a regular basis. 6. The Scoreboard shall be constantly updated and shall be publicly available on the Commission’s website. It shall indicate the status of payment claims, payments, suspensions and cancellations of financial contributions. 7. The Commission shall present the Scoreboard at a hearing organised by the competent committees of the European Parliament.
Amendment 251 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding, in particular when promoting the actions and their results, by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the publicthe public, including through the media on a non- discriminatory basis.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the EU and in the world. In the Union, new priorities have emerged, linked with the crisis, specifically focussing on recovery and resilience and support to the most vulnerable affected by the crisis. They require an urgent and coordinated response from the Union in order to cope with the economic consequences for Member States as well to mitigate the social and economic fallouts. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and, financial and social welfare systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. Growth enhancing reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resiliSocially responsible, smart, sustainable and inclusive reforms, which enhance the potential to strengthen adjustment capacity and social protection systems, boost growth, create quality jobs, foster investment and support the process of upward economic and social convergence will therefore be essential to set the economies and societies back on a sustainable recovery path and overcome the economic, social and territorial divergences in the Union.
Amendment 50 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify challenges and national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Such reforms should be based on solidarity, integration, social justice and a fair distribution of wealth, so as to ensure equality and access to opportunities and social protection, to protect vulnerable groups, and to improve the living standards of all, which are key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. Those strategies areshould be designed based on a wide-ranging and well-documented public consultation process, in cooperation with social partners, and then presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or Union funding. They should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the Union under the structural and cohesion funds, and from other programmes.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s growth strategy and the translation of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the technical support instrument will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions should be identified during the instrument’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. This should alsoe instrument will also contribute to reforms that ensure the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and tackle broader environmental and social challenges within the Union, including thereducing inequalities, ensuring high quality public services, protection ofng natural capital and the support toing the circular economy and be in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Amendment 59 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The general objective of the technical support instrument should be to promote the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion by supporting Member States efforts to implement socially responsible reforms necessary to achieve economic and social recovery, resilience and upward convergence. To that effect, it should support the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the Member States to implement Union law, in relation to challenges faced by institutions, governance, public administration, and economiclocal authorities and social sectopartners.
Amendment 61 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The specific objectives of the technical support instrument should be to assist national and local authorities and social partners in their endeavours to design, develop and implement reformssocially responsible and sustainable reforms and strengthen social dialogue, including through exchange of good practices, appropriate processes and methodologies and a more effective and efficient human resources management.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) With a view to helping Member States address reform needs in all the key economic and societal areas, technical support should continue to be provided by the Commission, upon request from a Member State, in a broad range of policy domains, which include areas related to public financial and asset management, institutional and administrative reform, business environment, the financial sector, markets for products, services and labourquality jobs, education and training, sustainable development, public health and social welfare. Specific emphasis should be given to the actions that foster the green and digital transitions and social progress. The instrument should also support actions to stimulate convergence towards accession to the euro area of those Member States whose currency is not the euro.
Amendment 72 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Technical Support Instrument should be provided on request, in order to support the implementation of reforms undertaken at the initiative ofin the Member States, reforms in the context of economic governance processes or actions related to the implementation of Union law, and reforms in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. It should also provide technical support for the preparation and implementation of recovery plans to be undertaken under Regulation (EU) No YYY/XX.
Amendment 73 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) The instrument should also support reforms implemented through local authorities and other stakeholders. Where the European Semester, in particular the country-specific recommendations, identify challenges that require urgent reforms but the Member State concerned makes inadequate use of the allocated funding, or such funding has been suspended by the Commission, regional and local level actions that contribute to addressing those challenges should continue to benefit from the instrument.
Amendment 74 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In line with the rules and practice already existing under the previous programme, the SRSP, a light process for the submission of requests for technical support should be established. For this reason, requests by Member States should be submitted by 31 October of a calendar year following adequate consultation with relevant social partners. Respecting the overarching principle of equal treatment, sound financial management and transparency, appropriate criteria for the analysis of the requests submitted by Member States should be laid down. Those criteria should be based on the urgency, the severity and extent of the problems, as well as on the support needs identified in respect of the policy areas where technical support is envisaged.
Amendment 86 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
The general objective of the instrument shall be to promote the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion by supporting Member States efforts to implement reforms necessary to achieve economic and social recovery, resilience and upward economic and social convergence, and to support Member States’ efforts to strengthen their administrative capacity to implement Union law, including the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in relation to challenges faced by institutions, governance, public administration, and economiclocal authorities and social sectopartners.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
To achieve the general objective set out in Article 3, the instrument shall have the specific objectives of assisting national authoritiend local authorities and social partners in improving their capacity to design, develop and implement reforms and strengthen social dialogue, including through exchange of good practices, appropriate processes and methodologies and a more effective and efficient human resources management. Those specific objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with the Member States concerned.
Amendment 100 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The specific objectives set out in Article 4 shall refer to policy areas related to cohesion, competitiveness, educsocial welfare systems and quality public services, including health, education and training, labour market participation, productivity, digitalisation, research and innovation, smart, fair, sustainable, and inclusive growth, quality jobs and investment, with specific emphasis to actions that foster thefair green and digital transitions and actions that foster the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, and in particular to one or more of the following:
Amendment 103 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) institutional reform and efficient, non-discriminatory and service-oriented functioning of public administration and e- government, including, where appropriate, through the improvement of the accessibility and affordability of public services, simplification of rules, effective rule of law and checks and balances, reform of the justice systems and reinforcement of the fight against fraud, corruption and, money laundering and tax evasion;
Amendment 112 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) vocational education and training, inclusive labour market policies, includstrengthening social dialogue, for thecapacity building of social partners, creation of quality jobs, up- and re-skilling, in particular digital skills, media literacy, active citizenship, the fight against poverty and excessive income, reduction of income and wealth inequalityies, gender equality, the promotion of social inclusion, adequate and inclusive social securityprotection and social welfare systems, accessible and affordable public health and healthcare systems, as well as cohesion, asylum, migration and border policies;
Amendment 137 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. A Member State wishing to receive technical support under the instrument shall submit a request for technical support to the Commission following adequate public consultation with relevant social partners, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope as set out in Article 5. These requests shall be submitted by 31 October of a calendar year. The Commission may provide guidance on the main elements to be included in the request for support.
Amendment 139 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the implementation of reforms byin Member States, undertaken on their own initiative, in particular to support recovery [in line with Regulation (EU) No YYY/XX], achieve sustainable economic growth and, quality job creation, adequate social protection, social inclusion and enhance resilience;
Amendment 147 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall transmit, with the consent of the Member State concerned, the cooperation and support plan to the European Parliament and the Council without undue delay. The Member State concerned may refuse to give such consent in the case of sensitive or confidential information, the disclosure of which would jeopardise public interests of the Member State.
Amendment 151 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Amendment 154 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Grants may be awarded to the national and local authorities of Member States and social partners, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public or private bodies and entities legally established in:
Amendment 155 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Where the European Semester, in particular country-specific recommendations, identify challenges that require urgent reforms but the Member State concerned makes inadequate use of the allocated funding, or such funding has been suspended by the Commission, regional and local level actions that contribute to addressing those challenges shall continue to benefit from the Programme.
Amendment 163 #
2020/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding, in particular when promoting the actions and their results, by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the publicthe public, including through the media on a non- discriminatory basis.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Europe is facing an unprecedented crisis with unforeseen consequences on people's lives, on society and the economy. The Union and the Member States have to do their outmost to contain the economic and social shock of the crisis, prevent massive job losses, and a deep recession, and to develop a sustainable and fair recovery plan with robust investment to strengthen social security and healthcare systems and make society and the economy more resilient while respecting workers’ rights and decent working and employment conditions. The European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights should be the guidelines for the economic and social recovery strategy to be monitored by the European Semester.
Amendment 54 #
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, the inclusion of persons with disabilities and the protection of the rights of the child and other vulnerable groups. 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 employmentinclusive labour markets, full employment, collective bargaining and decent wages, the guarantee of 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 Funnd the protectioning of the European Unionhuman health.
Amendment 72 #
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, employment, social and environmental policies. The European Semester process should be the comprehensive governance tool to ensure a socially and economically balanced recovery. It needs to be revised together with the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy in order to fully reflect the new situation and ensure that social, environmental and economic objectives have equal priority. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester should further integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including stronger engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It and 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, socially inclusive and digital economy, 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 80 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change willare 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, draw lessons from past and the current crises and adapt existing systems to strengthen resilience and sustainability, 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 involving social partners at all levels, in accordance with the TFEU and requires a revision of the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable social and environmental investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve public services, social protection, social dialogue, productivity, economic growth, social and territorial cohesion, upward convergence, and resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibilitywhile exercising responsible fiscal flexibility as provided for through the ‘General escape clause’ activated by the Council decision of 23 March 2020. The duration of the validity of the ‘General escape clause’ has to reflect the extension, depth and symmetric origin of the sanitary and economic crisis as well as the duration of its effects, and should lead to a substantial revision of the Stability and Growth Pact, that has proven to be unfit to respond to both symmetric and asymmetric economic shocks. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
Amendment 91 #
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 making 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. The implementation of the Pillar principles will help to mitigate the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis and to emerge from the crisis with a more resilient and inclusive society and economy. __________________ 14 OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) RCrisis response and recovery measures, reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should followbe formulated following an adequate and meaningful social dialogue, respecting and enhancing national practices of social dialogueindustrial relations and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, job creation, lifelong learning and training policies, working conditions, education and skills, public health and inclusion and real incomes. Member States should therefore, respect and strengthen social partners and collective bargaining, and take measures to extend the collective bargaining coverage.
Amendment 103 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Member States and the Union should ensure that the crisis response and future transformations are fair and socially just, strengthening the drive towards an more 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 andeliminated. Everyone should be given the ability to contribute fully in society, equal opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (including that of children) should be reduceradicated, in particular by ensuring adequate social investment and establishing the European Child Guarantee, an effective functioning of labour markets and of social protection systems also through the establishment of a permanent European Reinsurance Unemployment Scheme (as foreseen in the Commission working programme) without any undue delay and by removing all barriers to education, training and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care and lifelong learning. Timely and equal access to affordable healthpublic health and social care 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 shoulAs the COVID-19 crisis also revealed, many low skilled workers are indispensable for the basic functioning of the economy. Too often they are low paid and work in precarious conditions. Member States should further strengthen Europe’s social model by ensuring that all workers have the same rights, decent working conditions, including health and safety at work and receive decent wages. Moreover, Member States should ban zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment, and ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model. do not put workers in precarious employment situations.
Amendment 120 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) In order to strengthen democratic decision-making, the European Parliament should be involved in defining the Integrated Guidelines on an equal footing with the Council.
Amendment 122 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
These employment guidelines shall be fully revised no later than one year after their adoption to better reflect the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 to support a swift economic and social recovery and to better respond to future crises.
Amendment 129 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1
Member States should actively promote a sustainable social market economy and facilitate and support investment in the creation of quality jobs. To this end, they should reduce the barriers that businesses face in hiring peopleinvest in support measures to preserve employment and to protect all types of workers, in particular those in precarious and non-standard work, cross-border workers and the self-employed, in the creation of sustainable quality jobs across all skill levels and economic sectors. To this end, they should promote full employment, foster responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self- employment and, in particular, support the creation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to finance. Member States should actively promote the development of the social economy, foster social innovation, social enterprises, and encourage those innovative forms of work, creating quality job opportunities and generating social benefits at local level.
Amendment 145 #
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 convergence. These mechanisms should take into account economic performance across regions and sectors. Member States should promote strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining with a view to wage setting. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners shoultake measures to extend collective bargaining coverage. Respecting national practices and industrial relation systems, Member States and social partners should eliminate wage discrimination on the ground of age or gender, or for specific categories of workers and ensure that all workers are entitled to adequate and fair wages through collective agreements or adequatecent statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work povertyincluding for those in precarious forms of employment as well as public employment.
Amendment 152 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, technological and environmental transitions, as well as demographic change, Member States should ensure proper and immediate adaptation strategies and adequate support for those worst affected, promote sustainability, productivity, employability and human capital, fostering relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to the current crisis and future labour market needs. In particular, Member States should implement strategies to foster and enhance the participation of women in the labour market and to ensure decent working conditions for people working remotely. 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, 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 165 #
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 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 validatingensure recognition, validation and accreditation of, knowledge, 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 invest in jobs and social protection schemes for those who are not capable to reskill, 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. The right to paid educational leave should be ensured.
Amendment 186 #
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, pension and employment gap should be tacklclosed. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay- transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable quality long-term care and early childhood education and care services. 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 191 #
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, health and safety at work, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and bogus self- employment and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for 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, protectensuring 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. There should be no abuse of atypical contracts in this regard. Access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 197 #
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. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market to find quality employment. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach, coverage and better linking them with decent 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 200 #
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 reasonablesufficient duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. Such benefits should not dis-incentivise a prompt return to employment and should be accompanied by active labour market policies
Amendment 204 #
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 fairthe rights and fair working conditions for all those pursuing a cross- border activity 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. It will be important for Member States to take mobile workers, including frontier workers, into account when implementing measures, such as closing borders, to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, for instance in terms of health and safety, taxes and social security and coordination. 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 209 #
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 achieve more effective 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 fosterstrengthen and promote social dialogue and collective bargaining and take measures to increase the collective bargaining coverage, including in the case of non-standard forms of employment. 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 213 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 6 a (new)
In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, a healthy and safe workplace is vital in order to combat the risk of getting infected and spreading virus and other diseases. Member States should ensure that employers take their responsibility of the health and safety of workers and provide them and their representatives with adequate information, make risk assessments and take prevention measures. To enhance the functioning of labour markets, Member States should invest in occupational health and safety, and ensure adequate means and provisions for labour inspectorates or trade union health and safety representatives.
Amendment 218 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote social rights and inclusive labour markets, open to all, by putting in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and promote equal opportunities for under-represented groups in the labour market, with due attention to the regional and territorial dimension. They should ensure equal pay and equal rights for equal work at the same place, as well as equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, health and long-term care, housing, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Amendment 224 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Member States should moderniseensure sufficient investment in social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient, and sustainable social protection throughout all stages of an individual's life, fighting poverty and fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivisconvergence, supporting 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 modernisationimprovement of social protection systems should lead to better access, quality, adequacy and sustainability.
Amendment 238 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 5
Member States should invest more in and ensure timely access to affordable preventive and curative public health care and long-term care of goodhigh quality, while safeguarding sustainability over the long run.
Amendment 242 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 6
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 6
In a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, Member States should secure the adequacy and sustainability of pension systems for workers and self-employed, providing equal opportunities for women and men to acquire pension rights, including through supplementary schemes to ensure an adequate incom the public or occupational schemes to ensure a decent retirement income above the poverty line. Pension reforms should be supported by measures that extendnsure healthy working lives, such as by raisingand close the gap between the effective and statutory retirement age, and be framed withinccompanied by active ageing strategies. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners and other relevant stakeholders, and allow an appropriate phasing in of the reforms.
Amendment 81 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic, labour, economic and cultural impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries and other energy intensive sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, glass and transport, that will require significant support in order to adapt and modernize. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 95 #
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 allsocially sustainable and acceptable for all and to improve welfare and living conditions. 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 enhance the positive ones, such as the creation of new, decent and sustainable jobs. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 124 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) To cope with social imbalances and tensions between tradition and innovation caused by profound structural changes such as the current transition, and because environmental and ecological change requires social and behavioural change and thus must be balanced by an understanding of peoples’ needs and aspirations, the JTF should reflect social sustainability as a precondition to the sustainable development that underpins the European Green Deal. Given that society and nature are deeply interconnected, a successful paradigm shift to a climate-neutral economy that truly leaves no one behind and is socially just in the long term should rest in a dynamic correlation between social, economic and environmental sustainability. In order to contribute to sustainable social development as a way for long-term environmental and economic sustainability, while simultaneously advancing the European social model as a future-oriented asset, the JTF should be a promoter of equity and wellbeing, social cohesion and security, inter- and intra-generational solidarity and redistribution of wealth, equitable access to basic needs, social services and resources, decent livelihoods, quality jobs, socially sustainable businesses, civic engagement and participation in decision-making, as well as a sense of place and community belonging for the present and future generations. To this end, the JTF should rely on valid social sustainability indicators and multidimensional benchmarking for effective guidance and monitoring of its implementation.
Amendment 128 #
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 and should be conditional on the acceptance of the EU objective of climate neutrality by 2050 as well as the intermediate targets. 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.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement and be additional in relation to the resources available under cohesion policy, without in any way reducing the resources available under the latter and therefore undermining its current objectives.
Amendment 163 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and, to the corresponding reduction in the employment levelreation of quality jobs and social progress. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, 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 174 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The JTF should also be used to support investment in social, education, health and cultural projects, in particular in regions that depend on a carbon intensive economy and that are affected by the structural transition to a resource efficient and low-carbon economy. Inequality of opportunities present in the eligible regions affects in particular access to education, culture, community, health and social services. The development of a strong local community, bringing together different generations, as well as the integration of vulnerable groups in society without discrimination, can enhance economic opportunities and social progress and ensure a just transition for all. This would help to ensure that people living in regions subject to transition, including those active in the social economy which are crucial to local economic development and the social market economy, have access to high-quality public services and services of general interest, for the purpose of underpinning a socially just transition that leaves no-one behind.
Amendment 178 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizensgroups of people who are the most vulnerable tolikely to require support to achieve the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable people as defined in the [ESF+ Regulation], with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, and achieving gender balance across sectors, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour marketactive labour market and skills policies targeted towards future oriented sectors and employment, assistance to those affected by the transition, and personalised job-search assistance to all categories of jobseekers and ensuring equal access to all groups of people without discrimination and their active inclusion into the labour market together with promoting workers’ buyout projects.
Amendment 191 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The Member States and the Commission should ensure that the implementation of the priorities financed by the JTF contributes to the respect and the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with Article 8 TFEU. Evaluations have shown the importance of taking the gender equality objectives into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of operational programmes, in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value, the economic independence of women, education and skills upgrading and the reintegration of female victims of violence into the labour market and into society.
Amendment 192 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 b (new)
Recital 11 b (new)
(11b) The JTF has an important role to play in mitigating social consequences beyond the economy and should not be a mere business investment instrument. The transition can place demands on the affected regions and the people living there, in particular the most vulnerable. Risks include not only a loss of jobs, but also a loss of local tax income, as well as brain drain and the migration of the workers, leaving behind young and elderly people and possibly entailing the cessation of some services (in particular for coal miners). Investment in social and public infrastructure to ensure a high level of services for the people living in the affected areas and to counterbalance loss of services is therefore a key component to ensuring a socially just transition that leaves no-one behind. The JTF should in particular take measures to prevent recession and to ensure that the local population endorses change and that local community actors as well as the infrastructure with regard to health services, social services and local democracy is improved.
Amendment 198 #
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. 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 employmentto social sustainability. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate- neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and if they result in the protection of a significant number of decent and sustainable 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 207 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possiblerequired to prepare a self- standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources should be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+, which should be given additional resources for this purpose. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.
Amendment 217 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The JTF support should be conditional on the effective and measurable implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2050. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in cooperationtogether with the relevant stakeholders, including social partners, civil society and local actors, and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Planincluding job creation measures, upskilling and reskilling and investments in local social and public infrastructures, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Plans, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors.
Amendment 223 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to ensure the long-term effectiveness and positive impacts of the transition and the JTF, data gathering by the Commission will be required to better forecast 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 decarbonising scenarios, as well as monitoring through adequate social sustainability indicators.
Amendment 227 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the actors and 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, as well as a detailed plan on the social and public infrastructure investments, with the involvement of social partners at all stages of the process to input the specific needs to be targeted. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the European Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are national JTF programme which is to be approved by the Commission.
Amendment 245 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, while simultaneously contributing to advance Europe’s social model for present and future generations.
Amendment 252 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people to address the social, labour market, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate- neutral economy’ and society consistent with the goal of limiting global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees.
Amendment 256 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The JTF shall support the Investment for jobs and growth goal in all Member States, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal and access shall be conditional on the acceptance of the EU’s climate objectives.
Amendment 278 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 342 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall support the following investments for the economic transition: (a) investments in socially sustainable SMEs, including start-ups, energy community entities and workers buyout cooperatives, leading to decent and sustainable job creation, economic diversification and reconversion; (b) investments in the creation of socially sustainable businesses in future-oriented sustainable sectors, including through business incubators and consulting services; (d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable renewable energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy efficiency and renewable energy, if demand side measures are clearly shown to be insufficient and when those investments are socially sustainable and lead to the creation or maintenance of quality jobs ; (e) targeted energy efficiency retrofit measures to address energy poverty and poor housing conditions; (h) socially sustainable investments in fostering a non-toxic circular economy, including through prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling.
Amendment 344 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall support social investments, including those supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring the participation and accessibility of persons with disabilities, in particular through: (a) microfinance, social enterprise finance and social economy; (b) social and public infrastructure; (c) facilities for education and training, including early childhood education and care, educational facilities, student housing and digital equipment; (d) energy-efficient social housing that can also contribute to tackling energy poverty; (e) health and long-term care, including clinics, hospitals, primary care, home services and community-based care; (f) social innovation, including innovative social solutions and schemes aiming to promote social impacts and outcomes in the areas related thereto; (g) cultural and heritage activities with a social goal allowing for a balance between the respect for tradition and innovation and fostering a sense of community attachment and identity; (h) infrastructure for local communities such as community and volunteer centres, with an intergenerational perspective; (i) innovative health solutions, including health services and new care models.
Amendment 346 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall support the following investments geared towards workers and job seekers: (a) upskilling and reskilling not only of workers but also persons outside the labour market, particularly young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) and long-term unemployed and those with under-exploited or low educational levels, with the aim of overcoming workforce imbalances and bridging the skills gap necessary for the just transition to a green and resource- efficient society; (b) active labour market and skills policies targeted towards future-oriented sectors and sustainable employment as well as job-search assistance to jobseekers, including reskilling and upskilling and/or mediation towards other jobs or industries; (c) income support measures and social protection for workers in transition between work, training, self-employment or retirement with particular focus on in- work poverty and workers at risk of poverty; (d) active inclusion of job seekers; ensuring equal access and gender equality including equal pay for equal work.
Amendment 347 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 d (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. 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). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan and shall be socially and environmentally sustainable.
Amendment 363 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) investments in projects that do not respect occupational health and safety standards for workers.
Amendment 386 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, in full compliance with the partnership principle, together with the relevant authorities of the territories concerned and social partners, as well as local communities, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic, labour market and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. __________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 396 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a justification for identifying the territories and sectors as most negatively affected by the transition process referred to in point (a) and to be supported by the JTF, in accordance with paragraph 1;
Amendment 402 #
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 and sectors, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the development needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories and challenges in terms of energy poverty;
Amendment 412 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) a detailed list of the different partners and stakeholders consulted, including social partners, representing people living in the territory concerned, in particular workers;
Amendment 414 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) a description of the governance mechanisms consisting of the partnership arrangements, the monitoring and evaluation measures planned and the responsible bodies in conformity with the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds (CDR 240/2014);
Amendment 425 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) where support is provided to investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC, an exhaustive list of operations to be supported and a justification that they contribute to a transition to a climate neutral economy and lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions going substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC and provided that they are necessary for the protection of a significant number of jobs; and are committed to social sustainability;
Amendment 428 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
(ja) a clear description of the role expected from public administrations and public agencies to support the implementation of the plans.
Amendment 447 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State and conduct stakeholder’s consultation in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.
Amendment 483 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – introductory part
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – introductory part
2.1. Assessment of the economic, social and, territorial and sectoral impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy
Amendment 462 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 12 f (new)
12 f. Recommends the EU to structurally integrate the European Disability Strategy within the European Semester process;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the employment rate of people aged 20-64 reached 73.9 % in the EU in the second quarter of 2019, and 72.7 % in the euro area; whereas the employment rate may come close to the Europe 2020 target but is unlikely to reach it; whereas the total hours worked have reached the 2008 level;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the increase of the employment rate has been accompanied by an increase of atypical, precarious and non-formal forms of employment, including zero-hour contracts; whereas precarious workers are usually unable to enforce their rights, have little or no job security and social insurance protection, face higher health and safety risks and receive incomes which are insufficient for a decent living;
Amendment 30 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas unemployment fell to 6.3% in the third quarter of 2019 in the Union and to 7.5%in the euro area; whereas it remains high in some Member States and regions; whereas long-term unemployment remains high in half of the Member States;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the employment rate of women increased slightly faster than that of men; whereas parenthood and caring responsibilities, limited access to childcare, elderly care and other care services still result in lower employment rates for women; whereas the gender employment gap, the wage gap and the pension gap remain substantial;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas the youth employment rate has increased, but is still below the pre-crisis level; whereas there are substantial differences with regard to youth unemployment between and within Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas early school leaving and poor educational outcomes are obstacles to employment and economic growth and they are closely related to poverty, social exclusion and segregation; whereas education systems do not provide sufficient support for social mobility;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the proportion of part- time workers remains still above the 2008 level; whereas the share of involuntary part-time workers remains substantial; whereas the share of temporary employees is still high;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the European social model that requires strong and representative social partners; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across Europe, with huge disparities between Member States; whereas the share of employees in Member States covered by any form of collective wage agreement ranged from 98% to 7.1% in 2016;
Amendment 56 #
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 as 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; whereas the OECD estimates that even in the best performing countries it would take from 2 to 3 generations for those born in low-income families to approach the mean income in their society;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas more than one European in five is at risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the Europe 2020 headline target to reduce the number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) by 20 million remains out of reach; whereas children continue to face a high risk of poverty or social exclusion and their average AROPE rate in 2018 was at 24.3% with several Member States registering an alarming rate above 30%; whereas in-work poverty and the risk of having a household income below the poverty threshold while working remains high;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas one European out of ten is overburdened by housing costs, especially the lowest income households and people living in cities; whereas fighting climate change may have further implications on housing costs; whereas homelessness has increased over the last decade in most Member States;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas universal health coverage is fundamental for achieving the sustainable development goals related not only to health and well-being, but to health and safety at work, ensuring quality education for children, achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, providing decent work and economic growth and reducing inequalities.
Amendment 90 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas 80 million Europeans have disabilities; whereas the implementation of accessibility measures continues to be insufficient; whereas the employment rate of people with disabilities was 50.6% in 2017 versus a total employment rate of 74.8%; whereas persons with disabilities are more likely to face in-work poverty;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas health is an investment in human capital, social and economic development which contributes significantly to the protection of workers' rights to health and safety at work.
Amendment 120 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the inclusion of the EPSR in the ASGS 2020; calls for fairness and social rights to have equal importance in the new economic model as environmental sustainability and macro- economic stability; 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; calls on the Commission to come forward with a social action plan to turn the EPSR into binding rules that strengthen welfare systems, respect labour market models and improve living standards;
Amendment 137 #
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 with strong regional disparities; stresses therefore the need for individually tailored measures to integrate the unemployed into the labour market and fight poverty and social exclusion; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned about the limited intergenerational social mobility and increased income inequality compared to pre-crisis levels; calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle income inequalities including by promoting adequate minimum wages, a high collective bargaining coverage, equal opportunities in education and training, gender equality and universal access to quality services; stresses that tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way to reduce inequalities and promote fairness;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission consultation on a European framework for minimum wages; considers that wages in some Member States are being maintained at artificially low levels with a detrimental effect on the Union economy and the single market; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law, in line with national traditions and without undermining the autonomy of national social partners and well-functioning collective bargaining models; calls for a coordinated approach at EU level in order to achieve real wage growth, avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen social dialogue, collective bargaining rights and coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making, including for the European Semester;
Amendment 182 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that full-time wages should provide for a decent living; stresses that every worker in the Union should receive a living wage that provides not only for the mere necessities of basic food, shelter and clothing, but is also sufficient to cover healthcare, education, transportation, recreation and some savings for unforeseen events, such as illnesses and accidents;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in- work poverty; calls on the Commission to present a comprehensive European anti- poverty strategy and establish a European Child Guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services; to ensure that every child has the right to free quality healthcare, free quality education, free quality childcare as well as decent housing and adequate nutrition; points out that high levels of inequality diminish the output of the economy and the potential for sustainable growth;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to integrate specific measure guaranteeing the respect of social justice in the definition and implementation of the European Green Deal so as to ensure a just transition, assuring special protection to more vulnerable people and groups;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing, poor housing conditions, housing exclusion andenergy poverty and housing exclusion; calls on the Commission to propose an EU framework for national homelessness strategies, and calls on the Member States to prepare their homelessness strategies adopting the Housing First principle, prioritising the provision of permanent housing to homeless people, and stopping the criminalisation of homelessness;
Amendment 230 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to come up with specific proposals to ensure a just transition in relation to the energy efficiency-related upgrading of housing stock in the context of the Green Deal, without placing an excessive burden on vulnerable groups, especially those at the risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 235 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the Member States to improve their education systems; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion, poverty and segregation, which equally must be addressed; calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the driving factors behind early school leaving including social aspects, and present a proposal to tackle the problem;
Amendment 240 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to maximise their efforts in investing in affordable, accessible and high-quality education and training, including digital and transferable skills and to promote lifelong learning and skills development to prepare workers for future needs of the labour market affected by the green and digital transformations; calls on Member States to strengthen vocational education and training systems and increase their alignment with labour market needs; highlights the importance of apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning; takes the view that mutual recognition of qualifications will be beneficial for overcoming skills shortages and skills mismatches;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Notes the importance of skills and competences acquired in non-formal learning environments; stresses, therefore, the importance of creating a validation system for non-formal forms of knowledge, especially those acquired via voluntary activities;
Amendment 259 #
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; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as care services for those reliant on care, including the elderly to facilitate women’s participation in the labour market; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on pay transparency;
Amendment 271 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; stresses that people with atypical working arrangements, including involuntary part-time or temporary contracts, are especially vulnerable; is of the opinion that such practices can have negative consequences on innovation and productivity;
Amendment 278 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Considers the demographic decline a serious obstacle to economic growth; calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce measures designed to address this challenge; calls on the Commission and the Member States to pursue policies of active ageing, social inclusion of elderly people and solidarity between generations; calls on the Commission to take action and follow-up on its evaluation report regarding the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between generations;
Amendment 284 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Highlights that universal access to public, solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old age pension systems must be granted to all; underlines that public pension systems alone or in combination with occupational pension systems must provide an adequate retirement income well above the poverty threshold;
Amendment 285 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12 c. Believes that the best way to ensure sustainable, safe and adequate pensions is to increase the overall employment, pay and participation rate and to improve working and employment conditions;
Amendment 296 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. RIs of the opinion that cohesion policy, as the main investment policy of the Union, has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing inequalities; rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes, in this context, the proposal to reduce funding for the European Social Fund Plus despite its enlarged scope; calls on Member States to make full use of funding available; stresses the need for greater alignment of the European Semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the Union;
Amendment 303 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that EU cohesion policy programmes for the period 2021-2027 adequately address regional differences in employment, providing a meaningful response to the concentration of employment-related, social and demographic problems and ensuring that all European regions can participate in and benefit from the Union’s economic and social reform agenda in the context of the Green Deal;
Amendment 306 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the Commission to examine the possible revision of 89/391 EEC directive for a system of minimum healthcare requirements in the EU health and safety at work;
Amendment 307 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Highlights the importance of the automatic stabilisation dimension of welfare systems to absorb economic shocks; calls on the Member States to strengthen their investment in social protection systems in order to enhance their performance in tackling and preventing poverty and inequalities;
Amendment 320 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes that the Union continues to suffer from structural problems which austerity imposed; underlines the need to put an end to short-sighted austerity policies, to boost domestic demand by future-oriented public and private investment, and to promote socially and economically balanced structural reforms in order to reduce inequalities and generate quality jobs, sustainable growth and social investment; highlights that socially responsible reforms must be based on solidarity, integration, social justice and a fair wealth distribution to improve the living standards for all; asks for a social imbalance procedure through a revisited Social Scoreboard;
Amendment 328 #
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 health; calls for adaptation strategies and adequate support for those worst affected by the transition, especially vulnerable people;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the FRA Fundamental Rights Reports of 2018 and 2019,
Amendment 4 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
– having regard to the FRA paper "Civil society space: views of organisations" as well as the FRA report "Challenges facing civil society organisations working on human rights in the EU"
Amendment 32 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
– having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation,
Amendment 105 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 47
Citation 47
Amendment 112 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is not merely a monetary union, but also a social one, as enshrinvalue based one; whereas Article 2 of the TEU states that the EU is founded ion the Charter, the European Convention on Hvalues of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the primacy of law and human Rrights, the European Social Charter and the European Pillar of Social Rightsincluding the rights of persons belonging to minorities – values which are shared by all the Member States and which must be upheld and actively promoted by the EU and each Member State individually in all their policies, both internally and externally in a consistent way;
Amendment 115 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Article 17 of the TEU states that the Commission must ensure the application of the Treaties; whereas a refusal by a Member State to fully uphold EU law, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary and the predictability of state actions is undermining the credibility of the EU as a legal area;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the EU is also a social union, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, the European Social Charter and the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 374 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Expresses concern that six EU Member States, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, have not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention;
Amendment 465 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls that freedom of expression, information and media are fundamental for ensuring democracy and the rule of law; strongly condemns violence, pressure or threats against journalists and media, including in relation to the disclosure of information about breaches of fundamental rights;
Amendment 487 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is deeply concerned about the increasingly shrinking space for independent civil society in some Member States; recalls the importance of ensuring adequate funding to support civil society activitiesis also concerned about the general decrease of financial support at national level by some Member States for civil society organisations that are conducting advocacy work; recalls the importance of ensuring adequate funding to support civil society activities; stresses the importance of ensuring funding for advocacy work as-well as other types of work;
Amendment 593 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to resolutely fight systemic corruption and to devise effective instruments for preventing, combating and sanctioning corruption and fighting fraud, as well as regularly monitoring the use of public funds; highlights the negative impact of corruption on human rights; calls on the Commission to immediately resume its annual anti- corruption monitoring and reporting, with reference to the EU institutions and the Member States; calls on all the Member States to comply with the GRECO recommendations28 ; __________________ 28 Group of States against Corruption
Amendment 596 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Conveys worries about the on- going attacks on the independence of the judiciary in some EU Member States; expresses grave concern about the negative developments which took place in both Hungary and Poland; is concerned about the lack of progress in the Article 7 proceedings in the Council; calls on the Council to take into consideration the situation of fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law in its hearings on Article 7.1 procedure; reminds that the European Parliament cannot be set-aside from these ongoing hearings.;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas Article 4 of the revised European Social Charter stipulates that all workers have the right to a fair wage that ensures them and their families a decent standard of living;
Amendment 260 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Stresses the need to tackle unfair practices such as employer deductions from minimum wages as e.g. for persons with disabilities working in sheltered workshops are not formally recognised as workers under the law; urges the Commission to task Member States to ensure the respect of the principle of equal treatment and equal pay;
Amendment 306 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Is concerned that non-standard and precarious work may increase due to the Covid-19 crisis; stresses that statutory minimum wages should cover all workers, including currently excluded categories of workers such as non-standard workers;
Amendment 411 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses that in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, an increasing number of restructuring processes are taking place; is concerned that companies do not respect workers’ information, consultation and participation rights in those restructuring processes and do not comply with existing regulations at European and at national level in this area; calls on the European Commission to undertake urgent and decisive actions towards Member States and European companies to make sure that workers’ information, consultation and participation rights are respected and that companies comply with legal requirements in restructuring processes;
Amendment 415 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. As short-time work schemes are not identical in all Member States and as differences in the level of short-time work allowances vary greatly in Europe, is concerned that employees with low level of short-time work allowances are particularly threatened by in-work poverty;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
– having regard to the ECJ case law14a on the development of a European definition of “worker” (as employee), __________________ 14aCase C-66/85 Deborah Lawrie Blum v Land Baden-Württemberg(3 July 1986); Case 75/63 Hoekstra (née Unger) v. Bestuur derBedrijfsvereniging voor Detailhandel en Ambachten (19 March 1964); CaseC-428/09 Union Syndicale Solidaires Isère v Premier ministre and Others (14October 2010); Case C-229/14 Ender Balkaya v Kiesel Abbruch- und RecyclingTechnik GmbH (9 July 2015); Case C-413/13 FNV Kunsten Informatie en Media vStaat der Nederlanden (4 December 2014); Case C-216/15 Betriebsrat derRuhrlandklinik gGmbH v Ruhrlandklinik gGmbH (17 November 2016)
Amendment 4 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 b (new)
Citation 25 b (new)
– having regard to the ECJ ruling on case C-434/15, Asociación Profesional Elite Taxiv Uber Systems Spain SL (20 December 2017),
Amendment 5 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 c (new)
Citation 25 c (new)
– having regard to the mission letter of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and the 2021 Commission work programme,
Amendment 6 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 39 a (new)
Citation 39 a (new)
– having regard to Eurofound’s ‘web repository of the platform economy',15a __________________ 15a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/data/pla tform-economy
Amendment 8 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 41 a (new)
Citation 41 a (new)
– having regard to the ILO World Employment and Social Outlook 2021 - "The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work",
Amendment 20 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas platform work can create employment opportunities, increase choice, provide additional income, and lower barriers to entering the labour market; whereas platform work facilitates flexibility for bothcan provide opportunities for both people working in or through platform companies (hereafter referred to as “platform-based workers”) and clients, and the matching of demand for and supply of services, as well ; whereas innovation in digital tools, which is a useful vector for growth in times of crisis and recovery is a precondition for platform-based work and can contribute to growth in times of crisis and recovery; whereas platform jobs can offer advantages for students and those who want to combine study and work at the same time; whereas strong safeguards are necessary to avoid that platform work results in precarious working conditions and labour market segmentation;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas platform work has also raised concerns about precariousness orand poor working conditions, a lack of access to adequate social protection, fragmented and unstable income, andunpredictable and fragmented income, deskilling, such as a lack of career opportunities, as well as a lack of occupational health and safety measures, especially for lower-skilled on-location platform-based workers and workers performing micro-tasks, as highlighted once again during the COVID-19 crisis; whereas the misclassification of platform- based workers as self-employed workers contributes to this situation; whereas platform-based work shall not lead to precariousness, insecurity or health and safety risks;
Amendment 47 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the benefits of digitalisation must be shared broadly and equitably between platforms, platform- based workers, clients and society at large;
Amendment 63 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas people working in the platform economylatform-based workers 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; regardless of their actual employment situation; whereas many platform-based workers do therefore not benefit from the equivalent social protection, labour rights, or health and safety provisions offered by an employment contract in their respective Member State; whereas recent court rulings and administrative decisions regarding on-location platform work, amongst others in Spain15b, France15c, Germany15d, the Netherlands15e and Italy15f, confirmed the existence of an employment relationship between platforms and workers, granting the latter rights and entitlements; __________________ 15b Sentencia Nº 259/2020 - Juzgado de lo Social nº 24 de Barcelona - ECLI: ES:JSO:2020:5102 15cArrêt n°374 du 4 mars 2020 (19- 13.316) - Cour de cassation - Chambre sociale -ECLI:FR:CCAS:2020:SO00374 15d Bundesarbeitsgericht, Urteil vom 1. Dezember 2020 - 9 AZR 102/20 15eGerechtshof Amsterdam, 200.261.051/01, arrest van de meervoudige burgerlijke kamer van 16 februari 2021, ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2021:392 15f Sentenza n. 3570 del 24.11.2020 del Tribunale di Palermo
Amendment 74 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the blurred distinction betweenarbitrary classification of platform-based workers and thes self- employed often seen in platform work causes uncertainty as regardsdeprives workers of their rights, entitlements, and applicable rules:; whereas more and more sectors are likely to be impacted by thisplatform work and digitalisation in the future;
Amendment 92 #
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 legislative action at European level action to overcome the resulting legal uncertainty and improvesafeguard the rights of platform-based workers’ rights and end the unfair competitive advantages of the platform-based companies over traditional companies, often based on social dumping as well as tax avoidance and evasion;
Amendment 100 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the introduction of a special status for platform-based workers would undermine their rights and further distort competition between platform companies and companies in the traditional economy, especially SMEs; whereas platform-based workers should either be classified as workers or genuinely self-employed depending on their actual situation; whereas a rebuttable presumption of an employment relationship would include the possibility for platform companies to prove that their platform-based workers are not workers in accordance with the national legislation of the respective Member State;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas there is no European definition of "worker"; whereas a special status for platform-based workers would not be compatible with the national classifications of workers and genuinely self-employed in the Member States, with unpredictable legal, administrative and juridical consequences as well as a high risk of further labour market segmentation;
Amendment 108 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas platforms acting like employers have to observe all their obligations as employers and abide to their sectoral responsibilities;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Fd. whereas the issue of non-paid work is particularly sensitive in the platform-based work environment;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F e (new)
Recital F e (new)
Fe. whereas the creation of cooperatives can constitute an important instrument of bottom up organisation of platform-based work and could encourage competition between platforms;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the current European framework is unsatisfactory, with EU legal instruments which doare not coverapplied to all platform-based workers in their personal scope and which do not address the new realities of the world of work; regretsis concerned that this fragmentation places somemany platform-based workers in a legally precarious situation, resulting in some platform workers enjoying fewer or more limited rights than should be guaranteed to all platform workers regardless of their employment statuwhich prevents them from enjoying their rights as workers;
Amendment 125 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls for the introduction of a rebuttable presumption of an employment relationship for all platform-based workers, which would include the possibility for platform companies to prove that their platform-based workers are not workers in accordance with the national legislation of the respective Member State;
Amendment 127 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for the recognition of platforms as companies linked to their sector of activity;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the meaningre is no EU definition of the terms ‘worker’ and ‘self- employed’ are not uniformly defined in all Member States; notes that the boundary between these two terms is less clear for new forms of work, and that some workers are at risk of being misclassified, resulting in different interpretations at the level of the Member States; notes that platform-based workers are often at risk of being misclassified as self-employed; stresses that platform- based workers, who are not self-employed, have the same rights as any other worker;
Amendment 161 #
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-based workers; 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 newproposal for a directive on platform-based workers in order to guarantee them a minimum set of rights regardlessrights, based ofn their employment status, and to address the specificities of platform workhe rebuttable presumption of an employment relationship;
Amendment 177 #
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-based 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 opinionstresses that special attention should be givenpaid to digital labour platforms that strongly organise conditions and remuneration of online and on-location platform workconclude collective agreements, which could be used as guidance for determining the degree of responsibility of platforms towards platform-based workers;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 214 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 224 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that some platform-based workers may be subject to increased health and safety risks; is of the opinion for both on-location platform work (such as road accidents or physical injury caused by machinery or chemicals) and online platform work (for example related to ergonomics of computer workplaces), which are not limited to the physical health but also affect the mental/psychosocial health; underlines that the Commission proposal must address the occupational health and safety of platform-based workers as well as establish minimum requirements tond enable them to exercise athe right to disconnect without any adverse consequences;
Amendment 233 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that platform-based workers should be entitled to receive compensation in case of work accidents and occupational diseases, and be offered sickness and invalidity insurance coverageprovided with social protection; welcomes, in this respect, the initiatives of some platforms to provide, as a first step, insurance as well as occupational health and safety measures; for platform-based workers until a legislative framework has been established and stresses the important role collective agreements can play in this context;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls in particular the importance of extending social protection rights to self-employed platform-based workers, including people transitioning from one status to another or who have both statuses, for schemes covering maternity and equivalent parental benefits, and unemployment, sickness, healthcare and old-age benefits;
Amendment 258 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recognisealls that freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are fundamental rights for all workers, and believes a directive on platform workers should ensure that these rights are effective and enforced; notes the potential for imbalanced; is concerned about the imbalanced and asymmetrical relationships between digital labour platforms and workers, who may lack the individual bargaining power to negotiate thefair terms and conditions; notes further that there are also practical issues for platform- based workers such as a lack of common means of communication and opportunities to meet online or in person, which can prevent collective representation in practice; calls on the Commission to address such impediments in its proposal; stresses the need for platform-based workers and platforms to be properly organised and represented in order to facilitate social dialogue and collective bargaining;
Amendment 270 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that the cooperative legal form could be an important tool for bottom-up organization of platform-based workers, which may also have a positive impact on internal democracy and workers’ empowerment;
Amendment 274 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls that all workers have the fundamental right to exercise the freedom of association and collective bargaining; regrets the legal difficulties in collective representation faced by platform-based workers, and is aware that the solo self- employed are falsely considered ‘undertakings’, and as such are subject to the prohibition on agreements that restrict competition; welcomacknowledges in this regard the inception impact assessment published by the Commission16 , and the planned initiative to address this obstacle without undermining collective bargaining systems; is convinced that EU competition law must not hinder the improvement of the working conditions (including the setting of remuneration) and social protection of genuinely solo self-employed platform- based workers through collective bargaining by trade unions; urges therefore the Commission to clarify that collective agreements fall outside the scope of competition law in order to ensure that also genuinely solo self- employed workers can unionize and negotiate collectively, and to guarantee a better balance in bargaining power and a fairer internal market; __________________ 16https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/ALL/?uri=PI_COM%3AAres %282021%29102652
Amendment 284 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. BelievUnderlines that basic training must be provided to platform-based workers by the platform at least on the use of their website or the application; believes further; points out that platform- based workers, in particular less qualified workerones, 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-based workers who have participated in such training, which could be uploaded on individual learning accounts;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 310 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Is concerned about the weak respect of intellectual property rights for creative works of self-employed platform- based workers and call on the Commission and the Member States to tackle this problem and ensure proper enforcement of applicable legislation;
Amendment 314 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that waiting time and being available on the platform is working time for platform-based workers in an employment relationship;
Amendment 317 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that all online platforms must ensure full compliance with EU legislation, including non- discrimination and data protection law; believes furtherstresses that platform-based workers and trade unions should have access to all data concerning their own activities, understand how their personal information is processed, and have the right to export their ratings; believes that the possibility of a portable rating certificate, recognised between similar platforms, should be explored; highlights that algorithms must have human oversight and that their decisions must be accountable, contestable and where relevant reversible; recalls that incentive practices, including bonuses, should not lead to risky behaviours; points out that algorithms must not reinforce inequalities and stereotypes based on gender and other social criteria; stresses that safety and security standards for algorithms must be respected and highlights the importance of regular checks and controls in this regard to prevent erroneous AI output; recalls that liability with regard to the use of algorithms must be clearly defined, both in the event of occupational accidents and damages caused to third parties; reiterates that any use of algorithms at work must respect and adequately safeguard the right not to be subject to a decision which is based solely on automated processing enshrined in article 22(1) of the GDPR;
Amendment 325 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Stresses that competition between unregulated global crowdworking platforms leads to a race to the bottom as regards working and employment conditions for platform-based workers, inside and outside the Union; urges the Commission to bring up this issue when discussing labour clauses in international trade agreements and to initiate a debate on the topic in international fora;
Amendment 330 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve statistical information related to working and employment conditions related to platform-based work;
Amendment 336 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to consider establishing a European quality label which would be granted to platforms implementing good practices for platform workers in order for users, workers and consumers to make informed decisions, and which would highlight platforms withbased on collective agreements, quality working conditions and high transparent systemscy;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas under Article 2 TEU, equality is a founding value of the Union and it is common to the Member States in a society in which equality, including equality between women and men, prevails and whereas under Article 3(3) TEU, the Union is to promote equality between women and men;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas, according to latest figures from an ETUI survey, the vast majority of EWC members are men and women constitute only 15,4% of EWC representatives; whereas, when compared the gender of EWC members and their function, women are less likely to be found in more senior positions;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the European Pillar of Social Rights, jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission in 2017, incorporates among its principles equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men, including regarding participation in the labour market, terms and conditions of employment and career progression;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Amendment 39 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas EWCs play a crucial role in the Europeanisation of industrial relations, therefore representing an indispensable tool to rebalance social rights with economic freedoms and practices within the single market towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth model;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
Recital I d (new)
Id. whereas Parliament in its resolution of 9 June 2022 on "The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties1a has submitted to Council under the ordinary revision procedure laid down in Article 48 TEU a number of proposals for the amendment of the Treaties which include the request to incorporate social progress in Article 9 TFEU linked to a Social Progress Protocol to be added in the framework of the Treaties; __________________ 1a Text adopted, P9_TA(2022)0244.
Amendment 41 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I e (new)
Recital I e (new)
Ie. whereas the disruptive impact on the economy and the labour market brought about by ongoing transformations such as technological development, digitalisation, the transition to a low-carbon economy, COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures and the economic and social recovery from the pandemic, as well as new forms of employment such as platform and remote work, should be accompanied by an extensive update and revision of the Union's legislative instruments and practices to address the existing challenges while also harnessing the potential of such transformations;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I f (new)
Recital I f (new)
If. whereas the use of digital tools such as videoconferencing systems should be used only as a means to reinforce the rights of the EWC Directive and its practical application, but should never substitute the procedural obligations for consultation and information, such as holding regular meetings in presence between the EWCs and the central management;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I g (new)
Recital I g (new)
Ig. 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, such as working from home;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I h (new)
Recital I h (new)
Ih. whereas a significant number of restructuring processes are currently underway as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; whereas the disruptive impact of the pandemic has temporarily accelerated the pace of company restructuring and enlarged the scope thereof, especially in certain sectors; whereas the consultation of workers and their participation and collective bargaining are essential to address the positive and negative impacts of restructuring;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I i (new)
Recital I i (new)
Ii. whereas, according to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 October 2018 on the package on European company law1a, the role of EWCs should be enhanced in the event of large company transformations, in accordance with Directive 2009/38/EC; _____________________ 1a https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:5201 8AE1917&rid=3
Amendment 46 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I j (new)
Recital I j (new)
Ij. whereas more structured and proactive methods of information and consultation of employees' representatives should be foreseen also in the preparation of new corporate strategies, economic policies and business plans, with due regard of confidentiality clauses, and not just for their implementation;
Amendment 47 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I k (new)
Recital I k (new)
Ik. whereas the Recovery Plan offers to both employers and workers an unprecedented opportunity for innovation to finance sustainable and digital investments and projects; whereas the timely and effective employees' involvement in the programming and in the carrying out of these projects is essential in order to adequately identify, anticipate and manage their potential transformative effects on the workplace and on the relations between social partners;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I l (new)
Recital I l (new)
Il. whereas, according to Article 151 TFEU, the Union and the Member States have as their objectives the promotion of employment, improved living and working conditions, so as to make possible their harmonisation while the improvement is being maintained; whereas, to this end the Union and the Member States shall implement measures which take account of the diverse forms of national practices, in particular in the field of contractual relations; whereas the Treaty states that such a development will ensue not only from the functioning of the internal market, but also from the approximation of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I m (new)
Recital I m (new)
Im. whereas recent research by Eurofound has demonstrated the impact of COVID on the functioning and establishment of EWC. In a number of cases the mobility restrictions imposed by public health measures have halted progress in discussion in the establishment around new EWCs. In the case of existing EWC, it has largely moved meetings online. Whilst in some context and the relatively greater ease of organising online meetings has contributed to a more active exchange, there is clear concern among worker representatives that the COVID experience should not lead to pressure for a greater move of meetings online in future;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a(new)
Paragraph -1 a(new)
-1a. Calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for revision of Directive 2009/38/EC, with the aim of clarifying its objectives, definitions, procedures and provisions and of strengthening the involvement of workers in the companies' decisions, in particular by reinforcing the ability of employee representatives to enforce their rights to information and consultation, notably during restructuring processes;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that participation rights play a crucial role in athe functioning of the social market economy; stresses that EWCs enhance democracy at the workpla and are increasingly important in the context of the transformations of the labour market arising from the green and digital transitions; stresses that EWCs enhance democracy at the workplace, employee engagement and wellbeing and mutual trust between management and employees, increase labour productivity, contribute to fostering innovation policies and practices within the undertaking and facilitate internal flexibility of the workforce;
Amendment 65 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that Directive 2009/38/EC has led to improvements regarding the establishment and functioning of EWCs; regrets, however, that EWCs still face major difficulties to enforce their rights, especially on timely information and consultation; calls on the Commission to include joint ventures, franchise systems and contract management in the scope of the revision of Directive 2009/38/EC, as well as to put an end to exemptions for old, so-called ‘voluntary’ pre-directive agreements after more than 20 years, to prevent the abuse of confidentiality rules and to strengthen the subsidiary requirements, which provide a blueprint for negotiated agreements;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that employees’ right to information and consultation should always be ensured in a timely and effective manner, and should also address the potential quantitative and qualitative effects on jobs, working time and work organisation, including the changes deriving from the ongoing transformations of the world of work such as the development of digital innovation processes and products and their effects on employment, for example smart or remote working and digital surveillance;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Highlights that achieving gender equality in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach, which also includes fostering gender balanced decision-making within companies as well as gender balanced workers representation at all levels in information and consultation processes and bodies, including in the EWCs; calls on the Commission to include provisions in the upcoming revision of Directive 2009/38/EC in order to ensure that at least 40% of the workers representatives in each EWC are women.
Amendment 72 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the definition and consequent interpretation of what matters are to be regarded as ‘transnational issues’ remains vague and results in a fragmented implementation by the Member States; stresses therefore highlights the importance of consolidating this regard thatdefinition and of considering the scope of possible effects is a missing element which needs to be considered whileof the specific issue, as well as the level of management and representation it involves, when determining the transnational character of a matter;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the timely manner of consultation remains an issue where the employees’ representatives opinion may be requested or delivered at a point in time where no meaningful consideration can be taken or when the management decision on the proposed measure has already been taken; regrets that the lack of management obligation to take an opinion into account often results in the input being disregarded or failing to have an actual impact on the proposed measure at hand; calls for a modification of the definition of ‘consultation’ in Directive 2009/38/EC to include the obligation of a reasoned response by the employer before the decision is taken, in line with Directive 2002/14/EC;
Amendment 79 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that trade union and workers’ representatives in the EWCs must have timely access to meaningful and up-to-date information about any envisaged decisions having potential impact on the company’s strategy and economic performance and on jobs and working conditions; stresses the importance of allowing enough time and resources to run an in-depth assessment of the information provided with the support of experts, especially to explore alternatives to measures which may have a significant negative impact on workers, such as redundancies or closures, as well as to ensure the genuine opportunity to discuss those alternatives with relevant management who should provide a response to any proposed alternatives;
Amendment 83 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the three-year timing provision of situations governing the entry into force of subsidiary requirements in the event of a failure to conclude an agreement is excessive and to the disadvantage of workers; uUnderlines that the right of EWCs to have an annual meeting with the central management is insufficient and should be increased provide for at least biannual meetings in order to improve the practical functioning and running of EWCs;
Amendment 91 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that the Member State implementacalls for a clear definition of confidentiality provis informations is fragmented due to the lack of a clear definition and therefore calls for a clear definition of confidential information in line with the definitions provided for in Directive 2016/943n line with the definitions provided for in Directive 2016/943, in order to prevent abuse of confidentiality, which hinders the flow of information both to employees and external experts such as trade union experts; stresses in this context that further efforts by Member State are needed in order to specify and clarify the conditions under which the central management is not required to pass on information which could be harmfulmay withhold information and on what grounds EWC members’ right to share information with stakeholders can be restricted;
Amendment 98 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 102 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is concerned about the fragmented and insufficient compliance with Directive 2009/38/EC and stresses the need to ensure proper, effective and timely compliance, implementation and enforcement of the Directive; calls in this regard for reinforced rules and procedures and other measures to ensure proper, effective and time, such as the temporary suspension of the implementation of management decisions until the procedure for informing and consulting the EWC has been properly complianceeted, including the temporary suspension of the implementation of management decisioninterim injunctions lodged pursuant national judicial procedures, in case of a breach of the obligations for informing or consulting the EWCs;
Amendment 108 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Regrets that in many Member States penalties for non-compliance are not effective, dissuasive or proportionate as required by Directive 2009/38/EC; stresses that the provisions governing Member State penalties needs to be strengthened in order to improve compliance with Directive 2009/38/EC; warns that in some Member States, the courts appointed to hear or instruct the cases related to EWC often are not competent on issues related to the application of the Directive, company law, restructuring processes or collective dismissals; calls on the Member States to appoint those competent courts that usually oversee matters related to working conditions, labour relations and collective bargaining;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Believes that the Commission should take charge of compiling a database of those companies falling under remit of Directive 2009/38/EC and make this information publicly available;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the provisions guiding the situations in which the obligations of Directive 2009/38/EC do not apply due to other agreementsPoints out that 28 years after the adoption of the first EWC Directive, many pre-Directive agreements are still in force and have not been adapted to the requirements of Directive 2009/38/EC; believes that it is essential that all EWC agreements are governed by the same rights and obligations, in force warrant further clarification in order to improve the funcder to ensure equal treatment of workers, access to the application of high Union standards, legal certainty, as well as the due harmonisation ing and implementa the legal frameworks governing the functioning of Directive 2009/38/ECdifferent EWCs;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on Member States to ensure access to justice for EWCs and Special Negotiating Bodies for the specification of the legal status of EWCs and Special Negotiating Bodies as legal actors; calls on Member States to ensure that effective administrative or judicial mechanisms are in place, to allow members of a EWC or a Special Negotiation Body to lodge complaints against the central management; calls on the Commission to introduce effective, dissuasive and proportionate sanctions;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Highlights the need to promote the EWCs' participation in the drawing up and implementation of the companies' new business plans with a transnational impact on workers, including any digital innovation processes, by establishing more structured and pro-active methods of information and consultation of employees representatives in these fields; stresses also that employees' representation should take part in the elaboration of social plans, which should be an integral part of such business plans, aimed at governing changes that may affect workers and generate redundancies;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Stresses that the right to bargain with employers with respect to conditions of work constitutes an essential element in freedom of association, and trade unions and workers representatives have the right, through collective bargaining or information and consultation, to seek to improve the living and working conditions of those whom they represent; the employers should refrain from any interference which would restrict this right or impede the lawful exercise thereof and workers representatives in EWCs should be protected in the exercise of their rights against any retaliation or union busting practices;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Believes that a revised Directive should discuss enlarging the scope of the application to a greater number of companies by lowering the minimum workforce threshold established for the establishment of EWC;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Amendment 152 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
“7a. In order to determine the transnational character of a matter, the scope of its possible effects mustshall be taken into account. This includes matters which, irrespective of the number of Member States involved, are of concern to European workers in terms of the scope of their potential impact, as well as matters which involve the transfer of activities between Member States.”;
Amendment 158 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point g
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point g
“(g) ‘consultation’ means the establishment of dialogue and exchange of views between employees’ representatives and central management or any more appropriate level of management, at such time, in such fashion and with such content as enables employees’ representatives to express a prior opinion on the basis of the information provided about the proposed measures to which the consultation is related, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the management, and within a reasonable time, which is toshall be taken into account within the Community- scale undertaking or Community-scale group of undertakings;”;, and to obtaining a reasoned response;"
Amendment 161 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
(2a) in Article 5, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. In order to achieve the objective set out in Article 1(1), the central management shall initiate negotiations for the establishment of a European Works Council or an information and consultation procedure on its own initiative or at either the joint or the separate written request of at least 100 employees or their representatives representing together at least two undertakings or establishments in at least two different Member States".
Amendment 168 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
(2b) in Article 5(6), the second subparagraph is replaced by the following: "In compliance with this principle, Member States may lay down budgetary rules regarding the operation of the special negotiating body. They may in particular limit the funding to cover one expert only in addition to the expert representing a competent recognised Community-level trade union organisation."
Amendment 172 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 c (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 c (new)
(2c) The following article is inserted after Article 5: Article 5a Objectives with regard to gender balance on European Works Councils and select committee 1. The central management and the Special Negotiating Body when setting up a new EWC, or the central management and the EWC when renegotiating the EWC agreement, shall negotiate in a spirit of cooperation the necessary arrangements in order to ensure that EWC are subject to the following objectives to be reached: (a) members of the underrepresented sex hold at least 40% of EWC representative; (b) members of the underrepresented sex hold at least 40% of select committee positions. The number of EWC representatives and select committee positions deemed necessary to attain the objective laid down in points a) and b) of paragraph 1 shall be a number closest to the proportion of 40%, but not exceeding 49%.
Amendment 175 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point -3 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point -3 a (new)
(-3a) in Article 7(1), the second indent is replaced by the following: "— where the first meeting of the Special negotiating body doesn’t take place within six months of the request referred to in Article 5(1),
Amendment 177 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Amendment 182 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
(3a) in Article 7(1), the following indent is added: "- where the Special negotiating body is not convened on a regular basis, and at least every quarter"
Amendment 189 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
This paragraph shall not apply to members ofthe communication between the European Works Council who pass on information to national or local work councils that may affect the situation of workers where such information has been provided toand the employees’ representatives and the competent recognised trade union organisation on information that may affect the situation of workers. The central management shall specify to members of the European Works Council the objective criteria used to decide on the confidential nature of them in confidence and is subject to national rules on confidentialityformation, as well as how long the confidentiality applies. Member States shall ensure that special negotiation bodies or European Works Councils may have the classification of a matter reviewed by a urgent administrative or judicial decision.
Amendment 199 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
(5) in Article 9, the following paragraph iss are added:
Amendment 201 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 – paragraph 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 – paragraph 1
"The central management shall initiate the information and consultation procedure within a timeframe and in such a manner that allows the European Works Council for meaningful consultation of all employees representatives concerned at local and national level with the aim to deliver its opinion before the consultation procedure is finished at the respective level." “If there is a dispute between the central management and the European Works Council or the employees' representatives as to whether an information and consultation procedure is to be carried out, the central management shall provide duly substantiated grounds in writing for the reasons why the information and consultation requirements under this Directive or under agreements concluded pursuant thereto do not apply, in particular because of the absence of transnational issues.”;cluding the reasons that justify the absence of transnational issues." "The European Works Council or the select committee may be assisted by experts of its choice, insofar as this is necessary for it to carry out its tasks. Such experts shall include representatives of competent recognised Community-level trade union organisations. At the request of the European Works Council, such experts and such trade union representatives shall be present at meetings of the European Works Council and meetings with the central management in an advisory capacity. "In compliance with these principles, the Member States may lay down budgetary rules regarding the operation of the European Works Council. They may in particular limit the funding to one expert coming in addition to the representative of a competent recognised Community-level trade union organisation."
Amendment 208 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
(5a) In article 10, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: "2. Without prejudice to Article 8, the members of the European Works Council shall have the right and necessary resources to inform the representatives of the employees of the establishments or of the undertakings of a Community-scale group of undertakings or, in the absence of representatives, the workforce as a whole, whenever it deems it necessary to perform its tasks deriving from this Directive, in particular before and after its meetings."
Amendment 211 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 5 b (new)
(5b) In Article 10, the following paragraph is added: "5) Members of Special Negotiating Bodies, members of European Works Councils and employees’ representatives exercising their functions under the procedure referred to in Article 6(3) shall, in the exercise of their functions, enjoy protection and guarantees against the following practices: all acts which undermine or obstruct the exercise of their rights and obligations under this Directive, or which discriminate against them or which imply any unfair treatment, retaliation or union busting. Member States shall implement measures, including sanctions, ensuring these protection and guarantees.
Amendment 213 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point a – paragraph 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point a – paragraph 1
“2. Member States shall enprovide for appropriate measure,s in the event of failure to comply with this Directive, that adequate administrative orincluding where the obligations for information and consultation of the European Works Council are breached; they shall also ensure that adequate administrative and judicial procedures, notably interim injunctions that may be lodged pursuant to national judicial procedures, are available and effectively accessible to enable the rights and obligations deriving from this Directive to be enforced in a timely and effective manner. The effects of the challenged decisions on employment contracts or employment relationships of the affected employees shall be suspended accordingly."
Amendment 232 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b – paragraph 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b – paragraph 1
“The central management shall bear the direct costs incurred in carrying All judicial costs including legal expenses, legal proceeding, court thefees, procedures, including the costs of legal representation and the subsistence and travel expenses for at least one workers' representatival costs shall be covered by the central management. Subsidiary costs, such as paid-time off, travel, gathering of evidence, shall also be borne by the central management, from the start of the procedure and payable in advance.”";
Amendment 235 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
(6a) After article 11, the following Article is added: Article 11a "Within the meaning of paragraph 2, breaches include, but are not limited to: a) Not convening a constitutive meeting of the European works council established in application of the subsidiary requirements within 6 months after the subsidiary requirements have become applicable; b) the absence or the incomplete or late provision of information and/or consultation of the employees' representatives prior to a decision being taken or the public announcement of that decision; c) the withholding of important information or provision of false information rendering ineffective the exercise of the right to information and consultation."
Amendment 238 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Amendment 240 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1
1. Member States shall lay down rules on penaltiesanctions applicable to infringements of the information and consultation requirements, gender balance and guarantees and protections of employees' representatives under this Directive or under agreements concluded pursuant thereto. The penaltiesanctions shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 243 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point a
(a) financial penaltiesanctions that are proportionate to the nature, gravity and duration of the undertaking’s infringement and which shall increase in amount according to the number of affected employees;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point b
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point b
(b) orders excluding the undertaking from an entitlement to some or all public benefits, aids or subsidies, including EU funds managed by the relevant Member States, for a period of up to threfive years;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point c
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point c
(c) orders excluding the undertaking from procurement within the meaning of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1a, for a period of up to threfive years.
Amendment 257 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 3
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 3
3. The financial penaltiesanctions referred to in paragraph 2, point (a), shall amount to a maximum of at least EUR 10 000 000 or 2 % of the undertaking’s total annual worldwide turnover in the preceding business year, whichever is higher.
Amendment 263 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 4
4. In the case of intentional infringements, Member States shall provide for a maximum financial penaltysanction of at least EUR 20 000 000 or 4 % of the undertaking’s total worldwide annual turnover in the preceding business year, whichever is higher.
Amendment 266 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
(7a) the following Article is inserted: "Article 11a Access to justice Member States shall ensure that there are effective administrative or judicial mechanisms through which employees’ representatives who are members of a European Works Council or a Special Negotiation Body may lodge complaints against the central management. Member States shall ensure that Trade Unions with representation in the Community scale Undertaking or Community Scale Group of undertakings may engage either on behalf of or in support of the employee representatives within the European Works Councils and/or the Special negotiating bodies in any proceedings provided for with the objective of implementing this Directive." The administrative or judicial mechanisms shall meet the following requirements: a) determination of the competent court to instruct EWC related legal cases; b) recognise both the EWCs and the Special Negotiating Bodies as legal persons and secure their timely access to administrative and judicial mechanisms; c) Provide the possibility of suspending decisions of the central management by interim injunction as foreseen in Article 11.(2); d) Special Negotiating Body or European Works Council have the possibility to petition the competent administrative or judicial authority to rule in a timely manner that the central management must comply with the requirements stipulated in or pursuant to this Directive;"
Amendment 269 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8
Amendment 283 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
(8a) Article 14 is replaced by the following: "1. Without prejudice to Article 13, the obligations arising from this Directive apply to all Community-scale undertakings or Community-scale groups of undertakings covered by this Directive. Member States shall ensure that appropriate administrative or judicial procedures are in place to verify that the obligations arising from this Directive are fully taken into account in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article. 2. Upon the entry into force of this Directive, all EWC agreements, included those concluded pursuant to Article 13(1) of Directive 94/45/EC or Article 3(1) of Directive 97/74/EC, have to be adjusted upon request of the EWC in a maximum period of three years in order to comply with all the rights and obligations contained in this Directive. After this period, if no agreement has been reached, the subsidiary requirements shall apply."
Amendment 285 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
(8b) the following Article is inserted: "Article 16a Monitoring committee 1. A Monitoring Committee shall be setup by the Commission. Its function shall be to facilitate the application of this Directive through regular consultation dealing in particular with practical problems arising from its implementation; 2. The Monitoring Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Member States, of Union-level social partners with an equal representation of trade union and employer organisations and of the Commission. The chair shall be a representative of the Commission, which shall also provide secretarial services. 3. The Monitoring Committee shall be convened by its chair either on his/her own initiative or at the request of one of its members."
Amendment 295 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
(9a) In Annex I, point 3 is replaced by the following: "Where there are exceptional circumstances or intended decisions which may affect the employees’ interests and urgency does not allow for information and/or consultation to take place at the next scheduled European Works Council meeting, particularly in the event of relocations, transfer of productions, the closure of establishments or undertakings or collective redundancies, the select committee or, where no such committee exists, the European Works Council shall have the right to be timely informed. It shall have the right to meet, at its request, the central management, or any other more appropriate level of management within the Community-scale undertaking or group of undertakings having its own powers of decision, so as to be informed and consulted. In addition to the select committee, the members of the European Works Council designated in the countries directly or potentially concerned by the exceptional circumstances shall have the right to participate in the extraordinary meetings."
Amendment 296 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
(9a) In Annex I, point 5 is replaced by the following: "The European Works Council or the select committee may be assisted by experts of its choice in so far as this is necessary for it to carry out its tasks. Such experts shall include representatives of competent recognised Community-level trade union organisations. Such experts and such trade union representatives shall be present at meetings of the European Works Council and meetings with the central management in an advisory capacity".
Amendment 298 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
(9b) in Annex I, point 6 is replaced by the following: "In compliance with these principles, the Member States may lay down budgetary rules regarding the operation of the European Works Council. They may in particular limit the funding to cover one expert in addition to the representative of a competent recognised Community-level trade union organisation."
Amendment 67 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 5
Article 5
Article 5 Article 5 Cooperation Cooperation The Network shall develop cooperation with relevant labour market stakeholders, including other providers of employment services and social partners, and where appropriate, relevant Public Employment Services from countries outside the EU/EEA, EU Agencies in the area of employment, social policy and education and training, social partners, organisations representing unemployed persons or vulnerable groups, NGOs working in the field of employment, and regional and local authorities, by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the Network and by exchanging information and data with them.
Amendment 93 #
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 regardless of their membership in the euro area to implement the recommendations; believes that strong reform implementation is crucial to strengthen the growth potential of EU economies;
Amendment 119 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Points out that certain measures such as public employment schemes without access to further training perpetuate the exclusion of unemployed from the labour market; takes the view that instead of helping them get re- employed, they reduce their ability to find new employment, and could ultimately trap them in the scheme; regrets that, in some cases, local politicians disposing about public employment opportunities exploit their situation to gain political support, or personal benefits;
Amendment 175 #
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 Member States outside the euro area could also benefit from the above recommendations; calls on the Commission and theall Member States to reinforce social rights by delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights and implementing the social aspects of the Country Specific Recommendations;
Amendment 195 #
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; 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; calls on the Commission to propose legislation on an EU-wide minimum wage and minimum social protection schemes;
Amendment 1 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and in particular Articles 2, 4(3) and 7(1) thereof,
Amendment 3 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses deep concern about the deliberate and systematic efforts of the Hungarian Government to undermine the founding values of the Union enshrined in Article 2 TEU, in particular through the removal of the constitutional checks and balances, by the limitation of the independence of the judiciary, by intentional alterations of the national electoral system and by hampering freedom of expression, academic freedoms, media pluralism and media Independence, and by challenging the right to equal treatment as well as rights of migrants and asylum seekers; highlights that these trends have substantially worsened since the triggering of Article 7(1) TEU and have been severely amplified by the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 8 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the rule of law does not mean rule by law, but is underlined by the principle of legality, implying a transparent, accountable, democratic and pluralistic process of enacting laws; Deplores the fact that the constitutional balance in Hungary has continued to be significantly altered by a deliberately broad and instrumental use of cardinal laws and constitutional amendments aiming to entrench the issues which are to be regulated by ordinary legislation, through amendments of constitutional level, with no or limited public consultation, in a very expedient manner, without any effective involvement of the opposition or civil society; highlights that such a trend of locking in issues at the constitutional level is problematic with regard to both the Constitution and ordinary laws, is contrary to the rule of law, to constitutional traditions and to principles common to Member States and has been a source of open and consistent criticism by the EU and by the Council of Europe institutions; denounces the excessive use of extraordinary powers with the declaration of the state of danger at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic without limitation and with full discretionary powers granted to the government to extend or terminate it and with including a capacity for the government to set aside any law by a simple executive decree and insists that any such measures should remain necessary and proportionate and with relevant constitutional guarantees for their legislative oversight;
Amendment 10 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and as reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and embedded in international human rights treaties, and whereas those values, which are common to the Member States and to which all Member States have freely subscribed, constitute the foundation of the rights enjoyed by those living in the Union;
Amendment 11 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 12 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas that premiss implies and justifies the existence of mutual trust between the Member States that those values will be recognised and, therefore, that the law of the EU that implements them will be respected 2a; _________________ 2a Opinion of the Court of 18 December 2014, Opinion pursuant to Article 218(11) TFEU, 2/13, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2454, paragraph 168
Amendment 13 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that several recently adopted provisions in fundamental law or in cardinal acts aimed to curb the operational functioning of civil law institutions such as universities or to introduce unnecessary hurdles for making changes needed for an effective administration election, in particular by increasing obstacles for the parties to be able to run in a national list of candidates; insist that also practice adopting such laws shortly before the election is contrary to established practice and the recommendations of Venice Commission in its Rule of Law checklist; insist that on the other hand, the Hungarian government has pushed for expedient amendments without any consultation to several ordinary laws which had far-reaching negative impact on fundamental rights and right of equal treatment to increase obstacles for political parties to be able to run a national list of candidates in the parliamentary elections; recalls that the OSCE decided to send a full-scale election observation mission to the 2022 Hungarian parliamentary elections because campaign finance legislation has remained largely unchanged and the latest amendments thereto have not addressed the recommendations of the ODIHR and GRECO;
Amendment 13 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas compliance by a Member State with the values contained in Article 2 TEU is a condition for the enjoyment of all the rights deriving from the application of the Treaties to that Member State; whereas any violation of EU fundamental values by a Member State governments inevitably implies an attack on citizens’ personal freedom, political and social rights, as well as their wealth and wellbeing;
Amendment 14 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the principle of sincere cooperation in Article 4(3) TEU places an obligation on the Union and the Member States to assist each other in carrying out obligations which arise from the Treaties in full mutual respect, and on Member States to take any appropriate measure, general or in particular, to ensure the fulfilment of the obligations arising from the Treaties or resulting from the acts of the institutions of the Union;
Amendment 15 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Ae. whereas Article 19 TEU gives concrete expression to the value of the rule of law affirmed in Article 2 TEU, entrusts the responsibility for ensuring the full application of EU law in all Member States and judicial protection of the rights of individuals under that law to national courts and tribunals and to the Court of Justice 3a; _________________ 3a Judgments of 27 February 2018, Associação Sindical dos Juízes Portugueses, C-64/16, EU:C:2018:117, paragraph 32
Amendment 16 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. Whereas the adoption of the Fourth Amendment of the Fundamental Law repealed the rulings of the Hungarian Constitutional Court (HCC) given prior to the entry into force of the Fundamental Law on 25 April 2011;
Amendment 17 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. Whereas the HCC increasingly relies on the vague concept of constitutional identity based on the historic constitution in its decisions; whereas the HCC does not deem that constitutional identity as list of closed and static values and will determine it on a case-by-case basis; whereas in the case- law of the HCC values the constitutional identity above the Fundamental Law; whereas the HCC may review the joint exercise of power within the European Union; whereas the Hungarian Government uses the HCC as a means of evading the enforcement of a binding CJEU judgment;
Amendment 18 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern about the steps the Hungarian Government has taken to further limit the independence of the judiciary, in particular by weakening the powers of the National Judicial Council, which damages by modifying appointment procedure, and increasing administrative powers of president of the Supreme Court which takes place entirely without judicial involvement; recalls that the integrity and independence of judicial system is essential source and lack of it will damage mutual trust in the EU, as national judges are judges of first instance of EU law and guarantee equality between EU citizens through its uniform application; highlights, furthermore, that the Hungarian Government increasingly relies on the Hungarian Constitutional Court to avoid compliance with the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), thereby undermining the primacy of EU law;
Amendment 18 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Amendment 23 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that the Council’s constitutional obligation to organise hearings, enshrined in Article 7(1) TEU, should be implemented in an open, regular and structured manner; insists that in all proceedings related to Article 7 TEU, Parliament and the Commission should be treated equally; points in that regard that the institutional responsibility of the Parliament in triggering Article 7 procedure and principle of mutual sincere cooperation between the EU institutions enshrined in Article 13(2) TEU which should ensure its participation rights in all aspects of the Article 7 procedures; calls on the Council to systematically provide the Member State concerned with recommendations, and to oversee the implementation thereof on a regular basis, following the hearings under Article 7 TEU; recalls that the Council has the obligation to regularly reassess the situation in the Member State concerned and may lift a determination if it finds that the grounds do not longer apply;
Amendment 32 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the judgment of the CJEU in cases C-156/21 and C-157/21 of 16 February 2022, which confirms the validity of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation, as it is based on an appropriate legal basis and is compatible with the procedure laid down in Article 7 TEU; insist that application of the conditionality Regulation is a tool complementary to Article 7 procedure, is directly applicable in all Member States and enforceable since January 2021 and calls on the Commission to undertake all the necessary actions for its effective enforcement; points with concern with regard to the protection of the EU budget to the recent amendments to laws narrowing the scope of application of public procurement rules in Hungary leading to reduced scrutiny and increased risk of corruption; points furthermore to a clear lack of cooperation with OLAF, as well as failures to recover of amounts due from economic operators which committed irregularity or fraud;
Amendment 69 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas on 10 June 2021, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) stated in its 2020 Activity Report that it had recommended that the Commission recover 2.2 % of the payments made under the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for the period 2016- 2020; whereas this is the highest percentage of payments to be recovered among all the Member States and is far above the average of 0.29 %; whereas fraud committed against EU development funds allocated to Hungary is a direct attack on the wealth and wellbeing of Hungarian citizens; whereas the Hungarian government, consistently and deliberately turns a blind eye on high level corruption committed by politicians, their family members and oligarchs close to the government.
Amendment 93 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. Whereas in the centuries-long history of Hungary the peaceful coexistence of different nationalities and ethnic groups has had positive effects on the cultural wealth and prosperity of the nation, Hungary is reminded to continue this tradition and to resolutely oppose all efforts that might discriminate against individual groups.
Amendment 95 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L b (new)
Recital L b (new)
Lb. Whereas Hungary itself has subscribed to the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and whereas the joy of joining the European Union in 2004 was great and full of hope, Hungary is reminded to consider itself a constructive member of the Union, to respect the Union's values of the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.
Amendment 100 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L c (new)
Recital L c (new)
Lc. Whereas Hungary’s government disregards systematically the European supremacy principle of the role of the EU Court of Justice, but itself employs the EU Court of Justice when it comes to bringing actions against existing European laws.
Amendment 117 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L i (new)
Recital L i (new)
Li. Whereas the systematic dismantling of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights has enormously restricted the space for opposition parties and civil society, leaving no social dialogue and consultation mechanism with civil society organisations, trade unions and interest groups
Amendment 119 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L j (new)
Recital L j (new)
Lj. Whereas the government's restrictions on civil society have destroyed the social dialogue and consultation mechanism with civil society organisations, trade unions and interest groups, calls on the Hungarian government to make every effort to strengthen the social dialogue and broad consultation mechanism and to guarantee the rights associated with it.
Amendment 121 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L k (new)
Recital L k (new)
Lk. Recalls the expulsion of the Central European University (CEU) from Budapest and condemns the constant attacks on academic freedom, such as the ban on gender studies in university curricula.
Amendment 123 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L l (new)
Recital L l (new)
Ll. Whereas in Hungary independent journalists, media owners and politicians had the Pegasus software downloaded onto their mobile phones without their knowledge, and the fact that pro- government media in Hungary hardly reported on Pegasus, illustrates the restriction of freedom of assembly and the right to privacy.
Amendment 125 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L m (new)
Recital L m (new)
Lm. Whereas non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter and that the referendum against LGBTQ people held in Hungary on 3 April 2022 has been discriminatory and violated this fundamental right. Recalls in addition that the results were deemed invalid as neither option ('yes' or 'no') gathered 50% of the votes.
Amendment 127 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L n (new)
Recital L n (new)
Ln. urges the Hungarian government to end discrimination against Roma, to intensify its activities to integrate Roma and to take appropriate measures to protect Roma population. Racist threats against the Roma population must be unequivocally and decisively countered.
Amendment 129 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L o (new)
Recital L o (new)
Lo. notes that the proportion of women in the Hungarian Parliament in 2019 was 12.6 per cent, the lowest in national parliaments in Europe, and that also the new two-thirds majority has only ten women
Amendment 131 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L p (new)
Recital L p (new)
Lp. Whereas on 5th of May 2020 the Hungarian Parliament has refused to ratify the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention on Violence against Women. Is deeply concerned about the increase of domestic violence against women during the Corona pandemic in Europe.
Amendment 133 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L q (new)
Recital L q (new)
Lq. Whereas the UNESCO World Heritage Advisory Council, ICOMOS International, has described the planned large-scale project at Lake Neusiedl in Fertörakos, Hungary, in an analysis as a threat to the World Heritage Site.
Amendment 135 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L r (new)
Recital L r (new)
Lr. Condemns that, together with a high level of corruption, there has been a massive increase in social inequality, insecurity and poverty, which not only leads to great insecurity among the population but also constitutes a violation of private property rights and undermines basic civil liberties
Amendment 137 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L s (new)
Recital L s (new)
Ls. Condemns the fact that, in the case of homelessness, the social security system focuses primarily on declaring it illegal for homeless people to stay in public areas and on punitive measures, and calls for social inclusion measures.
Amendment 179 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Whereas democratic elections organised on level playing field are utmost important in the democratic nature of our societies;
Amendment 221 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Suggests that addressing and ignoring the recommendations by the OSCE/ODIHR election reports is discussed and as a result concrete actions are taken including under the Article 7(1) TEU procedure;
Amendment 31 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. Those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes following a wide- ranging consultation with relevant stakeholders including social partners as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and/or Union funding. They should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the Union under the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion fund, the European Social Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and InvestEU, where relevant.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) As part of the goals of the European Semester, structural reforms should be based on solidarity, integration and social justice with a view to the creation of quality jobs and sustainable growth, thereby ensuring equality, inclusion and access to social protection for all in line with the key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 36 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The economic and financial crisis has shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The implementation of structural reforms is among the Union’s policy priorities because such reforms seek to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential, adapt to technological development, strengthen the adjustment capacity and social systems and support the process of upward convergence. Pursuing structural reforms can also contribute to strengthening economic and social cohesion, boosting productivity and investment and creating good conditions for sustainable growth and employment in the Union, and strengthening labour market resilience.
Amendment 42 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) There is a need for progressive reforms, which are socially responsible, smart, sustainable and inclusive, to meet the requirements laid down in Article 9 TFEU. The Union has identified the implementation of such structural reforms among its policy priorities to ensure sustainable growth, strengthen the adjustment capacity, create quality jobs, foster investment and support the process of upward economic and social convergence.
Amendment 45 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The Union institutions and bodies have extensive experience with providing specific support to national and subnational authorities of Member States and social partners as regards capacity building and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. That experience should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to Member States to help improve their growth potential and social cohesion through measures aiming to increase employment rates, combatting exclusion and poverty and increasing accessibility to services of general interest, including quality education and care and healthcare services.
Amendment 47 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Against that background, it is necessary to strengthen the current framework for the provision of support to Member States by offering direct financial support, alongside technical support. To that end, a new Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') should be established to provide effective incentives to step up the implementation of structural reforms in the Member States. The Programme should be comprehensive and should also benefit from the experience gained by the Commission and the Member States from the use of the other instruments and programmes. The Programme should also continue the actions and the mode of operation of the SRSP, since they have been proven very useful, and have been appreciated by Member States, for strengthening the administrative capacity of national authorities in various policy domains, and build upon the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights and the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Programme should also include targeted support for reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towardsbut have the obligation to adopting the single currency within a given time-frame.
Amendment 48 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Where steps to adopt the single currency are not pursued by the national authorities of the Member State, the Programme should provide part of the allocated funds available for the given Member State to other stakeholders in order to stimulate public debate on joining the euro area as well as to carry out preparatory studies and consultations.
Amendment 54 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Programme's overall objective is the enhancement of economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, growth, and employment. For that purpose, it should provide financial incentives for addressing challenges of a structural nature, and should help to strengthen the administrative capacity of the Member States insofar as their institutions and economic and social sectors are concerned.
Amendment 56 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Specific objectives should be set for each instrument of the Programme. With regard to the reform delivery tool, they should consist of fulfilling concrete milestones and targets set out in relation to the completion of reform commitments, which would trigger the release of the financial incentives. With regard to the technical support instrument, they should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design and implement reforms, by taking into account good practices and lessons learned from peers. Those objectives should be pursued in all Member States under those two instruments and, in the context of the convergence facility, by those Member States whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time-frameo are not subject to an opt-out.
Amendment 57 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) Where the European Semester, especially the Country Specific Recommendations, identify challenges that require urgent reforms but the Member State in question does not make use of the allocated funding and initiate reform, or such funding has been suspended by the Commission, part of the allocated fund should be available to local authorities and other stakeholders via a competitive mechanism operated by the Commission, in order to support regional and local level actions that contribute to addressing those challenges.
Amendment 60 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure that the reforms supported by the Programme address all the key economic and societal areas, both financial support and technical support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission, upon request from a Member State, in a broad range of policy domains, which include areas related to public financial and asset management, institutional and administrative reform, business environment, the financial sector, markets for products, services and labour, education and training, sustainable development, public health and social welfare.
Amendment 65 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) With regard to the reform delivery tool, it is necessary to identify the types of reforms that should be eligible for financial support. To ensure their contribution to the objectives of the Programme, the eligible reforms should be those addressing the challenges identified in the context of the European Semester of economic policy coordination, including those proposed to address the country-specific recommendations, taking into account the specific social situation in the Member States.
Amendment 69 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure a meaningful incentive for Member States to complete structural reforms, it is appropriate to establish a maximum financial contribution available for them under the instrument for each stage of allocation and under each call. That maximum contribution should be calculated on the basis of the population of Member States and their economic situation, such as on the basis of the GDP per capita indicator. To ensure that the financial incentives are spread throughout the whole period of application of the Programme, the allocation of funds to the Member States should be made in stages. In the first stage lasting twenty months, half (EUR 11 000 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the reform delivery tool should be made available to Member States, during which they could receive up to their maximum allocation by submitting proposals for reform commitments.
Amendment 73 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In the interest of transparency and efficiency, in the subsequent stage lasting until the end of the Programme, a system of periodic calls should be set out by the Commission to allocate the remaining half (EUR 11 000 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument, plus the amounts unused from the previous stage. Simple procedures should be organised to that effect. Under each call, all Member States should be invited to submit reform proposals concurrently, and could be awarded their maximum financial contribution on the basis of their reform proposals. Any proposal should be subject to a wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders prior to submission. In the interest of transparency, the first call organised by the Commission during the second stage should be for an amount corresponding to the remaining part (EUR 11 000 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument. Further calls should be organised by the Commission only where the overall financial envelope has not been fully used. The Commission should adopt and publish an indicative calendar of the further calls to be organised, and should indicate, at each call, the remaining amount of the overall envelope, which is available under that call.
Amendment 74 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) It is necessary to establish a process for the submission of proposals for reform commitments by the Member States, and the content thereof. With a view to ensuring the expediency ofAfter a wide-ranging and appropriately documented public consultation proceduress, a Member State should submit the proposal for reform commitments together with its national reform programme, but in the form of a separate annex, which may also be submitted at a different point in time. While participation in the Programme is voluntary, Member States experiencing excessive imbalances and those with urgent need for reforms as identified in the country specific recommendations should be particularly encouraged to come forward with reform proposals under the reform delivery tool, which address the problems that led to such excessive imbalancchallenges.
Amendment 90 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The technical support instrument under the Programme should continue to support, the implementation of reforms undertaken at the initiative of the Member States, reforms in the context of economic governance processes or actions related to the implementation of Union law, and reforms in that deal with boosting the Union's competitiveness, crelation to the implementation of economic adjue quality jobs, increase productivity, stimulate sustainable investment in the real economy, aim to guarantee high-quality care and healthcare services, education and training, tackle poverty and social exclusion, and stmrent programmes. It should also provide technical supportgthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union. It should also provide technical support for reforms in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes and for the preparation and implementation of reforms to be undertaken under the other Programme instruments.
Amendment 91 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The convergence facility should aim at providing both financial support and technical support to Member States (in addition to that already available under the two other instruments of the Programme), whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time-frame, with a view to helping them prepare for membership in the euro area. To that effect, "demonstrable steps" should consist of a formal letter from the government of the Member State concerned to the Commission stating its clear commitment to join the euro area within a reasonable and defined timeframe and presenting a credio are not subject to an opt-out, with a view to helping them prepare for membership in the euro area. Where such steps are not initiated by the Member State, part of the allocated fund should be made available, time-bound roadmap, after consultation with the Commission, for implementing concrete measures to prepare for successful participation in the euro area, including shrough open calls by the Commission to support relevant stakeholders carry out preparatory actions such as studies and dissemination of information, which contributeps to ensure full alignment of its national legislation with the requirements under Union law (including the Banking Una wide-ranging, open debate that would inform citizens about the single currency and its effects for the Member State in question).
Amendment 93 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union apply to this Regulation. These rules are laid down in the Financial Regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective EU funding. In the case of generalised deficiencies as regards to the rule of law, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders should be able to apply for part of the affected financing in order to carry out activities supporting the objectives of the Programme.
Amendment 94 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
6. ‘eligible Member State’, under the convergence facility, means a Member State, whose currency is not the euro and which has taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time-frame, in its preparation to join the euro area. Demonstrable steps shall consist of a formal letter from the government of the Member State concerned to the Commission stating its clear commitment to join the euro area within a reasonable and defined timeframe and presenting a credible time-bound roadmap, after consultation with the Commission, for implementing concrete measures to prepare for successful participation in the euro area, including steps to ensure full alignment of its national legislation with the requirements under Union law (including the Banking Union)ith a derogation within the meaning of Article 139(1) TFEU.
Amendment 96 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to contribute to addressing national reform challenges of a structural nature aimed at improving the performance of the national economies and at promoting resilient economic and social structures in the Member States, thereby contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, social inclusion, growth and employment, with an environmentally, socially sustainable and democratic Union based on the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights; and
Amendment 102 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The general and the specific objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5 shall refer to policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, research and innovation, smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, and in particular to one or more of the following:
Amendment 112 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) education and training, labour market policies, includstrengthening social dialogue, for the creation of jobs, digital skills, the fight against poverty, the promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, as well as cohesion, asylum, migration and border policies;
Amendment 113 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) policies for implementing climate action, mobility, combatting energy poverty, promoting energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy sources, achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security, and for the agricultural sector, fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas; and
Amendment 115 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Where, by the 31 December 2023, under the convergence facility, a non-euro-area Member State has not taken demonstrable steps to adopt the single currency within a given time-frame, the maximum amount available for that Member State under the financial support component of the convergence facility pursuant to Article 26 shall be reallocated to the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of the first subparagraph of this paragraphmade available via open calls to non-governmental organisations and local authorities in order to promote an open debate, as well as information campaigns, regarding the adoption of the single currency in that Member State. The Commission shall adopt a decision to that effect after having given the Member State concerned the possibility to present its observations within a period of two months of the communication of its conclusions.
Amendment 120 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Annex I lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall envelope of the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2). Such a maximum financial contribution is calculated for each Member State using the criteria and methodology set out in that Annex, based on the population of each Member State and on the basis of their GDP per capita indicator. Such a maximum financial contribution shall be available for allocation to each Member State, in part or in full, at each stage and call of the allocation process set out in Article 10.
Amendment 125 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. A Member State wishing to receive support under the reform delivery tool shall submit a proposal for reform commitments to the Commission after consulting the relevant stakeholders including social partners. That proposal shall set out a detailed set of measures for the implementation of structural reforms in response to challenges identified in the European Semester process and shall contain milestones, targets and a timetable for the implementation of the reforms over a maximum period of three years.
Amendment 127 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) the social indicators to be improved by the proposed reform reflecting the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 128 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
(ea) the extent of the consultation carried out prior to submission;
Amendment 129 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point a – point i – indent 1
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point a – point i – indent 1
— in the country-specific recommendations and in other relevant European Semester documents officially adopted by the Commission, including the Country Reports; or
Amendment 130 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) assess their social and environmental impact;
Amendment 133 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Where the reform commitments, including relevant milestones and targets, are no longer achievable, either partially or totally, or when social and economic indicators change to affect significantly the initial commitment made by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, the Member State concerned may make a reasoned request to the Commission to amend or replace the decision referred to in Article 12(1). To that effect, the Member State may propose a modified set or a new set of reform commitments.
Amendment 136 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. Where the Member State concerned has not taken the necessary measures within a period of six months from the suspension, the Commission shall cancel the amount of the financial contribution pursuant to Article 14(1) of the Financial Regulation after having given the Member State concerned the possibility to present its observations within a period of two months from the communication of its conclusions. Non-governmental organisations and local governments shall be able to apply for part of the suspended financial contribution in order to support actions that contribute to tackling the challenges identified.
Amendment 138 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken on their own initiative, in particular to achieve sustainable economic growth and, quality job creation and social convergence;
Amendment 140 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) the implementation of reforms, which are relevant for preparation for euro- area membership for Member States, whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time-frameith a derogation within the meaning of Article 139(1) TFEU.
Amendment 142 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) actions to implement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 144 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Annex X lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall financial envelope referred to in point (c)(i) of Article 7(2). Such maximum financial contribution is calculated for each eligible Member State using the criteria and methodology set out in that Annex, based on population of each Member State and on the basis of their GDP per capita indicator, and applies for each of the allocation stages and calls set out in Article 10.
Amendment 146 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. AFollowing a wide-ranging and well-documented public consultation process, an eligible Member State shall submit a proposal for reform commitments under the financial support component of this convergence facility, in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 147 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Where a Member State with a derogation within the meaning of Article 139(1) TFEU does not make use of the allocated funding, that funding shall be made available to non-governmental organisations and local authorities via an open call by the Commission to support actions to stimulate research, public debate and disseminate information regarding the single currency and the reforms necessary to join the euro area. Eligible expenditure shall include: (a) seminars, conferences and workshops; (b) the carrying out and publication of studies, research, analyses and surveys, evaluations and impact assessments, reports, educational materials; (c) the organisation of communication projects for learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination activities and exchange of good practices, awareness-raising and information campaigns, media campaigns and events, including corporate communication and communication, where appropriate, through social networks; and (d) the compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information and the results of the Programme, including through the development, operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies.
Amendment 148 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The rules for the selection and award criteria for grants via open calls managed by the Commission as referred to in Article 27, as well as the provisions regarding pre-financing, the financial management, control, audit and evaluation of such projects, and other elements required by the Financial Regulation, shall be laid down in a dedicated Commission decision. These rules shall guarantee a fair and transparent selection of proposals, minimize the administrative burden on beneficiaries, and guarantee a sound and efficient management of grants, based on existing best practices of Union instruments under centralized management.
Amendment 2 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the Explanatory Report to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence,
Amendment 4 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
— having regard to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services4 , which defines and condemns harassment and sexual harassment, _________________ 4 OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37.
Amendment 7 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, signed in Rome on 4 November 195030, and in particular to Articles 2, 3, 8, 14, and the Protocol No. 12 to the Convention,
Amendment 10 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
— having regard to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights,
Amendment 12 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
Amendment 15 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, and to the subsequent monitoring reports adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5(2000), Beijing + 10 (2005), Beijing + 15 (2010), Beijing + 20 (2015) and2020 UN Women Report ‘Gender equality: women’s rights in review 25 years after Beijing’,
Amendment 21 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the 1979 United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and its Optional Protocol,
Amendment 32 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
— having regard to the 1993 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women,
Amendment 34 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 c (new)
Citation 16 c (new)
— having regard to the CEDW Committee General Recommendations 12, 19 and 35 on violence against women,
Amendment 35 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
— having regard to the United Nations General Assembly 2020 Resolution entitled ‘Intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls,
Amendment 48 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 a (new)
Citation 30 a (new)
— having regard to the Gender Equality Index Reports of the European Institute for Gender Equality published since 2013,
Amendment 49 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 b (new)
Citation 30 b (new)
— having regard to the 2021 report of the European Institutefor Gender Equality entitled ‘The costs of gender- based violence in the European Union’,
Amendment 51 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 c (new)
Citation 30 c (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe report entitled ‘Overview of studies on the costs of violence against women and domestic violence’,
Amendment 52 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 d (new)
Citation 30 d (new)
30 d having regard to the European Commission proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on combating violence against women and domestic violence,
Amendment 66 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas gender-based violence against women and girls is a severe form of gender inequality and discrimination; is a violation of women’s human rights, and is a serious obstacle to the participation of women in social, public and political life and in the labour market and make them unable to fully enjoy their rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 70 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas gender-based violence against women and girls is a structural and widespread problem throughout Europe and the world, and is a phenomenon that involves victims and perpetrators irrespective of their age, education, income, social status, cultural backgrounds and is linked to the unequal and unfair distribution of power between women and men in our societies; and whereas anyone can be a victim of potential gender-based violence, women are disproportionately affected by all forms of such violence, including domestic violence, due to structural gender discrimination and unequal distribution of power and resources between women and men in public and private spheres;
Amendment 86 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas gender-based violence against women and girls can affect many fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter; which include the right to human dignity (Article 1), the right to life (Article 2), the right to the integrity of the person (Article 3), the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 4), the right to liberty and security (Article 6), the right to freedom from discrimination, including on the grounds of sex (Article 21), and the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial;
Amendment 102 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
E a. whereas gender-based violence, in particular sexual violence, directly and indirectly affects its victims and has long- lasting negative impact on their physical, emotional and mental well-being and whereas gender-based violence affects one third of women and girls in the EU and whereas a new survey by the Fundamental Rights Agency is being conducted to update this data;
Amendment 118 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas differences in Member States’ laws and policies create differences in protection against gender based violence;
Amendment 119 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas the 1993 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and the Beijing UN Platform for Action defined violence against as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life;
Amendment 123 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the Victims’ Rights Directive defines gender-based violence as violence that is directed against a person because of that person’s gender, gender identity or gender expression or that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately, and it may result in physical, sexual, emotional or psychological harm or economic loss to the victim;
Amendment 189 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Reaffirms its commitment to pursue a comprehensive approach to gender-based violence against women and girls and LGBTIQ+ persons at EU level and to ensure a follow-up of its recommendations which have been proposed in a number of resolutions;
Amendment 206 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Istanbul Convention benefits from 10 years of functioning and practice through its unique monitoring and implementation system through GREVIO; Stresses the importance of this interactive exchange and process between GREVIO and the participating members;
Amendment 209 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that, in order to ensure effective implementation of the Istanbul Convention, a two-pillar monitoring mechanism was established: GREVIO which conducts a country by country report and the Committee of the Parties;
Amendment 211 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Points out that also women with disabilities and mothers of children with disabilities encountered obstacles in reporting violence and gaining access to justice system, and as GREVIO reported it, including the inaccessibility of police premises, a lack of training and stereotypes of law enforcement officials as well as the lack of information in accessible formats about the assistance to victims of violence and available services;
Amendment 221 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a constructive dialogue with the Council and Member States in cooperation with the Council of Europe to address Member States’ reservations, objections and concerns and clarify misleading interpretations of the Istanbul Convention in order to make progress in this area; Urges Member States to speed up negotiations on the ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention and to strongly condemn all attempts to retract measures already taken in implementing the Istanbul Convention and in combating violence against women;
Amendment 235 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points out that while all Member States have already signed the Istanbul Convention, six have not ratified it yet; underlines that the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt Member States from national ratification and thus strongly encourages the remaining Member States Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia that have not already done so to ratify the Convention without delay;
Amendment 240 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Strongly condemns all initiatives that pursue to replace the Istanbul Convention with any alternative document which is not based on the same approach towards gender discrimination and gender power relations;
Amendment 246 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes with concern the growing opposition towards the Istanbul Convention in some Member States and the attempts to disparage the Convention and its positive impact on the eradication of gender-based violence; condemns all attempts to spread disinformation about the Istanbul Convention; and to evoke fears among societies about the allegedly destructive impact of the Convention on family and traditional gender roles;
Amendment 251 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
12. Calls on Member States to take into account the conclusions of the Mid-term Horizontal Review of GREVIO baseline evaluation reports24 ; and to improve their national frameworks for preventing and combating gender-based violence, including their national laws, in order to ensure proper implementation and enforcement of the Istanbul Convention; _________________ 24 https://rm.coe.int/prems-010522-gbr- grevio-mid-term-horizontal-review-rev- february-2022/1680a58499
Amendment 270 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Considering the extent and gravity of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace, calls on the Member States to ratify and implement ILO Violence and Harassment Convention No. 190;