Activities of Attila ARA-KOVÁCS
Plenary speeches (8)
The UK’s withdrawal from the EU (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
The Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences (debate)
The 30th Anniversary of the Velvet revolution: importance of the fight for freedom and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe for the historical unification of Europe (debate)
The Russian "Foreign Agents" Law
Annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy - Annual report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy (debate)
EU Association Agreement with Ukraine (continuation of debate)
The EU and the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific (debate)
Shadow reports (4)
REPORT on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report
REPORT on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the Eastern Partnership, in the run-up to the June 2020 Summit
REPORT on the EU and the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on the general principles for its participation in Union programmes
Opinions (2)
OPINION on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section III – Commission and executive agencies
OPINION on MFF 2021-2027: fight against oligarch structures, protection of EU funds from fraud and conflict of interest
Shadow opinions (4)
OPINION with recommendations to the Commission on an EU legal framework to halt and reverse EU-driven global deforestation
OPINION on cohesion policy and regional environment strategies in the fight against climate change
OPINION Conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the Union to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents
Institutional motions (1)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Romanian revolution of December 1989
Oral questions (3)
Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the adopted legal changes in the Hungarian Parliament
Call for a European strategy to counter hostage diplomacy
Restitution of plundered property to Holocaust victims and Jewish communities
Written explanations (3)
Fair taxation in a digitalised and globalised economy - BEPS 2.0 (B9-0238/2019)
A nemzetközi nagyvállalatok által elkövetett adóelkerülés Magyarországon és egész Európában súlyos gond. Nem hagyhatjuk, hogy mindenféle kiskapuk, a tagállamok együttműködésének hiánya, vagy éppen egyes tagállami kormányok cinkossága miatt multicégek sora kerülje el az adózást. A nemzetközi nagyvállalatok Magyarországon alig fizetnek társasági adót. Ebben súlyosan bűnös az Orbán kormány, mely adóparadicsomot teremt a multiknak, miközben szétzülleszti azokat a közszolgáltatásokat, az oktatást, az egészségügyet és a szociális rendszert, amelyeket az így elmaradó adókból kellene fedezni.Az Európai Parlament határozat-tervezete „A méltányos adózásról a digitalizált és globalizált gazdaságban” éppen azt a célt szolgálja, hogy az ilyen bűnös gyakorlatnak véget vessen. Hatékony uniós fellépést sürget, építve a világ vezető gazdaságai, és az OECD által már megkezdett együttműködésre. A Demokratikus Koalíció EP képviselőjeként elengedhetetlennek tartom, hogy a nemzetközi multicégek, a nagyvállalatok is ténylegesen fizessék meg a nyereségükkel arányos társasági adót. Különösen fontos, hogy az EP határozata a kisvállalkozások adóterheit nem növeli. Ezért a határozatot szavazatommal támogatom, és a jövőben is az igazságos, méltányos, a kis- és középvállalkozásokat támogató adóztatás érdekében fogok dolgozni.
Existence of a clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values on which the Union is founded (A9-0217/2022 - Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield)
Az Állampolgári Jogi, Bel- és Igazságügyi Bizottság jelentése a korábbi Sargentini-jelentést alapul véve 11 fő téma mentén értékeli a magyar jogállamiság helyzetét. A témák fő fókusza kitér az alkotmányos és a választási rendszer működésére, az igazságszolgáltatás függetlenségére, a korrupcióra, az adatvédelemre és a magánélet védelmére, a véleménynyilvánítás szabadságára és a médiapluralizmusra, az alapvető szabadságjogokra (tudomány, vallás, egyesülés, egyenlő bánásmód), a kisebbségek, az LMBTIQ-személyek, migránsok, menedékkérők és menekültek jogainak védelmére és a gazdasági-szociális jogokra.Bár a jelentés elsődleges célja, hogy előmozdítsa az eljárásról szóló tanácsi szavazást, a Szerződések őreként ismert Bizottságot is felszólítja többek között a jogállamisági feltételrendszerről szóló rendelet hatékony alkalmazására.Magyar európai parlamenti képviselőként a jelentés elfogadását támogattam, mert úgy vélem, hogy az Európai Unió ne adjon addig pénzügyi támogatást az Orbán-kormánynak, ameddig nincsen az garantálva, hogy az orbáni oligarchák helyett ténylegesen a magyar emberek részesülnek ezekből a támogatásokból. Éppen ezért módosítóindítványban az Európai Bizottságot arra kértük, hogy amennyiben az érintett kormány, jelen esetben a magyar kormány esetében fennáll a jogállamisággal kapcsolatos hiányosság ténye, akkor minden eszközzel járjon el annak érdekében, hogy az uniós források elosztása helyi önkormányzatokon és nem kormányzati szervezeteken keresztül legyen biztosítva a magyar emberek számára.
An EU strategy to boost industrial competitiveness, trade and quality jobs (B9-0085/2023, B9-0086/2023, B9-0087/2023, B9-0088/2023, B9-0089/2023, B9-0090/2023, B9-0091/2023, B9-0104/2023, B9-0105/2023, RC-B9-0107/2023, B9-0107/2023, B9-0108/2023, B9-0110/2023, B9-0111/2023, B9-0115/2023)
Az EP plenáris ülésén szavazatommal támogattam az európai ipar versenyképességét, a kereskedelemet és a minőségi munkahely-teremtést erősítő állásfoglalást.A stratégia célja az európai gazdaság fejlesztése és védelme annak érdekében, hogy a fenntartható gazdaságba való igazságos átmenettel, a digitalizációval, az európai gazdasági szuverenitás erősítésével kapcsolatos európai céljaink teljesülhessenek. További feladat, hogy felkészüljünk nemzetközi versenytársaink, Kína és az Egyesült Államok kereskedelempolitikájának változásaira. El kell érnünk, hogy az EU továbbra is vonzó terep legyen a magas technológiai iparágak, és a fenntartható jövő szempontjából fontos gazdasági ágazatok számára. Csak így biztosíthatjuk, hogy az európaiak, köztük a magyar emberek is versenyképes, fenntartható, magas minőségű munkahelyeken dolgozhassanak.Ugyanakkor elengedhetetlen, hogy az ipari beruházások során a legmesszebb menőkig érvényesítsük a természeti környezet, a biológiai sokféleség védelmét. A meglévő és az újonnan épülő gyárak számára egyaránt kötelező a helyi lakossággal és a helyi civil szervezetekkel való folyamatos, demokratikus egyeztetés, jogos érdekeik figyelembevétele. Ezt a helyi párbeszédet szerveznie és támogatnia kell a kormány és a helyi önkormányzatok képviselőinek, mert kiemelt felelősségük, hogy partikuláris gazdasági érdekek ne írhassák felül az egészséges élethez, életkörülményekhez való jogukat.
Written questions (38)
Hungarian Government misuse of EU funds for agricultural subsidies
New law on culture in Hungary
Emergency eurobonds
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ citizens in Hungary
Mass arrest of LGBTI activists in Poland
Azerbaijan’s hostile activities against Armenia
Undermining media freedom in Hungary
Undermining media freedom in Hungary
Recently proposed bills in Hungary infringing on the rights of LGBTI persons
The Commission’s most recent plans to strengthen European health and the European Health Union
State of play of the Commission’s response to ‘LGBT-free zones’ in Poland
Terrorist act in the Czech Republic by Russian secret service agents
Belarusian state-sponsored air piracy and terrorism
Frontal attack on the LGBTQI community in Hungary
Legal gender recognition ban in Hungary found to be in violation of EU law
Hungarian Media Authority Regulation’s censorship of LGBTI-friendly ad
Revision of the State aid guidelines for broadband
The possible violation of Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by a new Polish media bill
Politico’s revelations on Commissioner Várhelyi
Extension and amendment of the sanctions framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)
In recent years, Putin’s secret service has had full access to the Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s computers, but Orbán’s administration does not want to repel the attack
Restrictions of fundamental freedoms in Algeria
Further restriction of mass media in Hungary
The Kremlin’s investments in EU political parties
Russia’s military actions causing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure crisis
Designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation within the parameters of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP
Activation of the Temporary Protection Directive in response to the devastating earthquake in Turkey
Issuing visas to Iranian women and girls
The human rights situation in Uganda and the closure of the local UN human rights office
Increase of funds under the EU budgetary framework for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Opacity of purchase of Vodafone Hungary by Hungarian government and surveillance-related risks
Creation of a European civil peace corps
Rise of antisemitism and hate speech in Bulgaria
Blockade of Lachin Corridor (Nagorno-Karabakh) by Azerbaijan
Attack on Stepanakert by Azerbaijan
Sexualised violence in the context of Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023
The far-right and neo-Nazi gathering in Budapest known as the ‘Day of Honour’
Urgent need to take action for the liberation of Vladimir Kara-Murza
Amendments (1878)
Amendment 2 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament and the Council of 22 June 2016 entitled “Elements for a new EU strategy on China” (JOIN(2016)030),
Amendment 4 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
– having regard to the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific from 16 September 2021 and the EU Strategy on Central Asia from 17 June 2019,
Amendment 7 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
– having regard to the speeches by President Ursula von der Leyen on de- risking at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and at the European Parliament on 18 April 2023,
Amendment 15 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 19 December 2019 on the situation of the Uyghurs in China (China Cables), of 5 May 2022 on the reports of continued organ harvesting in China, of 7 June 2022 on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, of 15 December 2022 on the Chinese Government crackdown on the peaceful protests across the People’s Republic of China,
Amendment 21 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 18 July 2019 on the situation in Hong Kong, of 19 June 2020 on the PRC national security law for Hong Kong and the need for the EU to defend Kong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, of 21 January 2021 on the crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong, of 8 July 2021 on Hong Kong, notably the case of Apple Daily, of 20 January 2022 on violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, of 7 July 2022 on the arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund in Hong Kong, of 15 June 2023 on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai,
Amendment 25 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 21 October 2021 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation and to the European Parliament resolution of 15 September 2022 on the situation in the Strait of Taiwan,
Amendment 65 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, as a permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, China must assume its responsibilities and uphold a rules-based international order, an effective multilateralism and global governance;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law should remain at the centre of the relationship between the EU and China, in line with the EU’s commitment to upholding these fundamental principles in all areas of its external action;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas China is changing and moving into a new era of security and control characterised by an increasingly assertive economic and foreign policy, attempts to changehinder the international rules- based order and increasingly oppressive domestic policies;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU can only credibly defend its interests and values against an increasingly assertive China if it acts with a single, united and determined approach;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU must not accept any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by force, nor ongoing human rights violations within China, in particular in Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Macao, and must stand in solidarity with those facing human rights abuses;
Amendment 163 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) continue engaging with China to tackle global challenges such as climate change and protection of biodiversity, health and pandemic preparedness, food security, debt relief and humanitarian assistance, financial stability and increase dialogue with China on security issues in view of China’s increasingly critical role in global security;
Amendment 179 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) call on China to uphold the rules- based international order, especially the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the territorial integrity orand political independence of all states, and respect for intergovernmental organisations and international treaties;
Amendment 188 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) maintain diplomatic stabilityengagement while increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order to assume its responsibility as a member of the UN Security Council to pressure Russia into stopping its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and refraining from delivering any military aid and from facilitating the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia;
Amendment 195 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) actively engage with China in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace and stability, such as the normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and de-escalade tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the abandon of North Korea’s nuclear programme;
Amendment 198 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) reiterate that China, as the world’s largest carbon emitter, must commit to peak its CO2 emissions before 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement and to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 in line with its own promises;
Amendment 219 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) respond adequately to China’s efforts to build an alternative international organisationsglobal governance, including through the BRICS+ group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), by ensuring better coordination among the EU Member States, South Africa, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), by ensuring better coordination among the EU Member States, strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with third- countries, and intensifying partnerships with like-minded partners around the world, including with Global South countries;
Amendment 231 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) address the risks created by China’s acquisition of critical infrastructures in the Members States, in the Western Balkans and in the EU neighbourhood;
Amendment 232 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) urge China to make concessions to address the management and the restructuration of the debt of the countries of the Global South; as a response should reinforce Global Gateway with proper and appropriate funding, should better involve and take into account priorities of the partner countries when identifying projects and should ensure a proper oversight and parliamentary scrutiny mechanism;
Amendment 238 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) insist that China fulfils its international legal responsibilities as a global power by upholding human rights and the rule of law, and should be held accountable for human rights violations;
Amendment 259 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ensure a unified European approachresponse when China uses its economic leverage to silence opposition against its human rights abuses; intensify the Human Rights Dialogue in view of bringing genuine human rights improvements and include Members of the European Parliament in theis Human Rights Dialogue with China and work towards; deliver a united approach on cultural and academic cooperation with China while preventing undue influence from Chinese sources of finance;
Amendment 267 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) support anurge a proper implementation of the recommendations of the independent and impartial UN investigation into human rights violations in China, in particular in Xinjiang and Tibet, and urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; call on the EU to urge China allowing a similar investigation to take place in Tibet against repression, detention facilities, extrajudicial killings, assimilation of Tibetan children in residential schools and forced abortion and sterilisation; urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; more generally urge to terminate the systemic repression, to close all detention camps and to lift sanctions and release all political prisoners and Human Rights Defenders detained in China;
Amendment 282 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) welcome the European Commission proposal for a regulation to prohibit products made using forced labour, including child labour, on the internal market of European Union; urge the EU co-legislators to speed up the process to come to an agreement as a matter of urgency and before the end of the parliamentary term;
Amendment 309 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) show solidarity with the Chinese civil society in China and Hong Kong and speed up the implementation of the European hU Global Human rRights framework with Magnitsky-style sanctions Regime in close collaboration with international partners, including the freezing of foreign assets and visa restrictions against those involved in human rights abuses, including political decision makers in Hong Kong and Macao;
Amendment 316 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) identify and close down any avenues that currently facilitate transnational repression efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including in the European Union and in particular those targeting diaspora communities through the Chinese overseas police service stations, in cooperation and coordination with like- minded partners;
Amendment 317 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) actively work to counteract foreign interference and implement the recommendations and suggested initiatives referred to in the different resolutions and reports of the European Parliament related to foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation;
Amendment 321 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) reviewassess the autonomous status of Hong Kong and Macao in the light of the National Security Law which should be repealed and the PRC’s violation of its international commitments, its breaches of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, and the crackdown on Hong Kong’sthe special administrative regions’ autonomy and opposition figures, including members of civil society;
Amendment 326 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong, through the Chinese overseas police service stations in the EU which should unconditionally be closed down, and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong and to protect individuals who are harassed and persecuted in the EU and those at risk of extradition;
Amendment 335 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) urge the EU and the Member States to actively engage and offer assistance and support to human rights and democracy activists in China; denounce that China’s responses to protests and forms of political public demonstrations go against with international human rights standards and its obligations under international human rights law;
Amendment 362 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) work closely towards fostering unity among the Member States’ approach towards China and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy to ensure that Europe is able to defend its values and economic interests, as well as the globinternational rules-based order;
Amendment 382 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) strengthen the EU’s economopen strategic autonomy, ensure mutually beneficial economic relations and prevent sensitive technologies from being used for military purposes by de-risking trade flows and reducing critical dependencies on the PRC without aiming to decouple or turning inwards;
Amendment 385 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) swiftly implement, in this context, the European Economic Security Strategy to foster economic resilience and make better use of our existing trade instruments to minimise the detrimental effects of de- risking on the European economy, deter China’s unfair practices, and to ensure close alignment with like-minded partners around the world, such as our transatlantic partners and partners in Southeast Asia;
Amendment 400 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) work towards a more coordinated approach and response towards the protection of critical infrastructure at EU level and call on the EU Institutions to terminate any research funding to Chinese companies active in the areas of critical and strategic importance for the EU;
Amendment 402 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) urge the European Commission to come up before the end of the parliamentary term with a detailed analysis of the risks regarding the semiconductors, quantum computing, blockchain, space, AI or biotechnologies and the possible need of EU action in these fields; further urge the Commission to continuously monitor the risks concerning Chinese-state-subsidised investment in EU critical infrastructure, and step up cooperation with Member States to raise awareness hereof, and effectively mitigate these risks;
Amendment 425 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) highlight that the EU’s ‘One China policy’ remains the foundation of our engagement with both the PRC and Taiwan but alsoand underline the positive effect of deepening ties between the EU and Taiwan;
Amendment 439 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) ensure that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is not changed by means of force or coercionshould condemn China’s confrontational attitude towards Taiwan and strive for the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, denouncing any unilateral use of threat or force or any unilateral change to this status quo, which would have massive and global repercussions. A change of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait must only take place by peaceful means and with mutual consent, by supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful resolution, dialogue, cooperation and confidence- building between the two sides; prepare a scenario-based strategy for tackling potential security challenges in the Taiwan Strait; support any reinforced EU policy of deterrence vis-à-vis China in view of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Region, and more largely in the East and South China Seas;
Amendment 457 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) establish a ‘Far-East StratCom Task Force’ as part of the European External Action Service, to be tasked with identifying, monitoring and countering disinformation efforts and nation-specific actions by, information manipulation efforts, interference and nation-specific actions originating from various countries, including China;
Amendment 469 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y
Paragraph 1 – point y
(y) fully leverage the Global Gateway strategy as a tool to intensify the EU’s engagement in global development efforts and business relations with partners from developing countries andto provide an alternative to Chinese-driven foreign investment strategies;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the North Atlantic Treaty,
Amendment 27 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 of 22 March 2021 establishing a European Peace Facility (EPF),
Amendment 29 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
– having regard to the Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1968 of 17 October 2022 establishing the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine),
Amendment 30 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
– having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 January 2018 on the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises, and 24 January 2022 on the European security situation,
Amendment 32 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 d (new)
Citation 14 d (new)
– having regard to the Council conclusions of 21 February 2022 extending and enhancing the implementation of the Coordinated Maritime Presences Concept in the Gulf of Guinea,
Amendment 34 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 e (new)
Citation 14 e (new)
– having regard to the ‘Strategic Compass for Security and Defence – For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’, which was approved by the Council on 21 March 2022 and endorsed by the European Council on 25 March 2022,
Amendment 36 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 f (new)
Citation 14 f (new)
– having regard to the Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 18 May 2022 entitled ‘Defence Investment Gaps Analysis and Way Forward’ (JOIN(2022)0024),
Amendment 38 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 g (new)
Citation 14 g (new)
– having regard to the Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 10 November 2022 entitled ‘Action plan on military mobility 2.0’ (JOIN(2022)0048),
Amendment 41 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 h (new)
Citation 14 h (new)
– having regard to the three Joint Declarations on EU-NATO cooperation signed on 8 July 2016, 10 July 2018 and 10 January 2023,
Amendment 42 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 i (new)
Citation 14 i (new)
– having regard to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, its illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as the occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the Republic of Moldova’s region of Transnistria,
Amendment 43 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 j (new)
Citation 14 j (new)
– having regard to the Charter of the United Nations,
Amendment 44 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 k (new)
Citation 14 k (new)
– having regard to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its Article 2.4 prohibiting the use of force and Article 51 on the inherent right to individual and collective self-defence,
Amendment 45 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 l (new)
Citation 14 l (new)
– having regard to UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1889 (2013), 2122 (2013), 2242 (2015) and 2493 (2019) on Women, Peace and Security and Resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020) on Youth, Peace and Security,
Amendment 46 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 m (new)
Citation 14 m (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 18 January 2023 on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy – annual report 2022,
Amendment 47 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 n (new)
Citation 14 n (new)
– having regard to its recommendation of 8 June 2022 to the Council and the VP/HR on the EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine,
Amendment 48 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 o (new)
Citation 14 o (new)
– having regard to the joint communication to the European Parliament and the Council: European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence, published on 10 March 2023 (JOIN(2023)0009),
Amendment 49 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 p (new)
Citation 14 p (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the Union to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents (COM(2023/0209) – C9 0136/2023 – 2023/0109(COD)),
Amendment 75 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Union is facing the most diverse range of threats since its creation, accentuated by Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the rise of multipolarity and opposition to the established rules-based order, and the development of new kinds of threats and technologies across domains; whereas in response to these threats the EU urgently needs to enhance the effectiveness of its foreign, security and defence policy to defend its interests, values and citizens, both within and outside its borders, and first and foremost in its neighbourhood, to deliver peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy, and to support its partners;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the rise in use of hybrid attacks and threats, as demonstrated by Russia’s activities the EU, in Ukraine, in Africa and elsewhere necessitate the development of comprehensive instruments to detect, prevent and react to such incidents and protect the Union’s citizens and assets, through transforming traditional military capacities, improving the security of critical infrastructure, countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and further developing a common high level of cybersecurity; whereas China has also demonstrated increased use of hybrid tools aimed at undermining the stability of the EU;
Amendment 99 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas in 2023 the Parliament and the Council concluded agreements on the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA) and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) which aim to encourage the joint procurement of defence products, ramp up the European defence industry’s production capacity, replenish depleted stocks and reduce fragmentation in the defence-procurement sector; whereas further initiatives are needed to establish genuine European defence integration, including a European Defence Investment Program (EDIP);
Amendment 110 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas building capabilities and adapting them to military needs requires a common strategic culture, threat perception and solutions to be developed and combined in doctrine and concepts;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas maximising the EU’s and Member States’ defence capabilities requires smarter spending and greater joint procurement;
Amendment 119 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas the EU’s integrated approach to external conflicts and crises provides for a coherent use of the EU’s different capacities, within which its security and defence policy should complement and be complemented by other civilian tools to contribute to human security and sustainable peace in Europe and the wider world;
Amendment 127 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans face increasingly diverse threats to their security and stability and required increased cooperation with the EU in the field of security; whereas security in these regions is negatively affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B h (new)
Recital B h (new)
Bh. whereas the CSDP has 9 military missions and 13 civilian missions with over 4000 personnel; whereas CSDP missions and operations often lack rapid- decision making and suffer from excessive micro-management from the Council, as well as limited financial, logistical and human resources; whereas Member States are deploying less personnel to the missions and operations; whereas such obstacles limit the overall effectiveness of CSDP missions and operations; whereas one of the objectives of the Strategic Compass is to reinforce EU civilian and military CSDP missions and operations by providing them with more robust and flexible mandates, promoting rapid and more flexible decision-making processes and ensuring greater financial solidarity; whereas the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine has demonstrated the positive impact CSDP missions and operations have with the necessary resources and contributions from Member States; whereas EU CSDP missions and operations are often targeted by hybrid threats, including FIMI campaigns, putting at risk their effectiveness in stabilising the country in which they are deployed;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B i (new)
Recital B i (new)
Bi. whereas security and defence cooperation with partners and allies are crucial to the EU’s ambition to become an international security provider; whereas cooperation with UN, NATO, African Union, OSCE, ASEAN as well as numerous allies and like-minded partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ukraine, Moldova, Japan, South Korea, Australia amongst others are crucial to the successful implementation of the CSDP;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B j (new)
Recital B j (new)
Bj. whereas the Arctic region is becoming increasingly important for geopolitics, economic development and transport, while at the same time it is facing challenges linked to climate change, militarisation and migration;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B k (new)
Recital B k (new)
Bk. whereas the Russian Federation makes use of private military companies (PMCs), such as the Wagner Group as part of a hybrid warfare toolbox to maintain plausible deniability while exerting influence in various regions and gaining access to natural resources and critical infrastructures; whereas Wagner Group has reportedly committed atrocities in Ukraine, Mali, Libya, Syria and the CAR; whereas it has reinforced anti- European sentiments, especially in countries with strong European presence or hosting CSDP missions;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B l (new)
Recital B l (new)
Bl. whereas conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls and, among other things, intensify gender-based violence as also demonstrated by Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine; whereas the participation of women in peacekeeping and military operations should be encouraged and strengthened;
Amendment 167 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which has supported the Ukrainian armed forces by financing and delivering military equipment and training, while providing coordination for all stakeholders through the Clearing House Mechanism hosted by the EU Military Staff; calls for the financial sustainability and durability of the EPF to be ensured in order to provide Ukraine and other EU partners around the world with the support they request; welcomes in this regard VP/HR Borrell’s proposal, building on Parliament’s previous call, for the creation of a 20 billion euros assistance fund within the EPF, dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian armed forces with up to 5 billion euros per year between 2023-2027, and calls on Member States to rapidly approve it; strongly condemns efforts made by Hungary to block recent attempts to top-up the EPF as well as the VP/HR’s proposal on the special assistance fund for Ukraine; emphasises that all military assistance and weapons deliveries by the EPF must fully comply with the EU Common Position on arms exports, international human rights law and humanitarian law, as well as providing adequate transparency and accountability;
Amendment 179 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the setting up of the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) and its role in enhancing the military effectiveness of Ukraine’s armed forces so they can defend their territorial integrity within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and allow the country to effectively exercise its sovereignty and protection of civilians; congratulates the EEAS and Member States for the projected successful training of up to 30 000 troops before the end of 2023 and further calls on them to extend the number of trained troops beyond the original goal; stresses the importance of specific training modules aimed at developing the capacities of existing and future officers of the Ukrainian armed forces across all levels and in accordance with their needs; further welcomes the rapid conclusion of deliberations and strong participation by Member States in launching EUMAM Ukraine, which can be described as a template for future military training missions, and calls on them to demonstrate similar ambition and contributions to other current and future CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 194 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the EU’s concrete support to Ukraine through the ‘three ammunition tracks’; urges faster delivery of ammunition from Member States’ existing stocks through the EPF; calls for the joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine to be sped up and stresses the need to ramp up the third track and ensure themanufacturing capacities of the European industry by ensuring rapid and effective implementation of the Act in Support of Ammunition Production; further stresses that concrete steps should be taken towards Ukraine’s integration in EU defence policies and programmes during the EU membership process, building on the existing agreement with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and as a beneficiary ofthe possibility for Member States to procure on behalf of Ukraine as a recipient of additional quantities within the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA); calls on the European External Action Service to come forward with a plan for a sustainable and long-term package of security commitments for Ukraine;
Amendment 217 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the commitment of the EU’s heads of state and government, made in the Versailles Declaration, to provide all the necessary support needed by Ukraine and to take greater responsibility for European security by bolstering European defence capabilities; calls on the EU and its Member States to deliver on this commitment by accelerating the full implementation of the Strategic Compass in order to make the European Union a stronger and more capable security provider; stresses that the Strategic Compass’ ambitious aims and milestones can only be achieved with corresponding political willingness and action on behalf of Member States and the EU institutions, as well as the necessary financial contributions where necessary;
Amendment 241 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reminds the Member States of their commitment to strengthening the mMilitary pPlanning and cConduct cCapacity (MPCC) and achieving full operational capability, including through the provision of adequate premises, staff, and reorganisation of the EU Military Staff; demands that its Full Operational Capability should be reached by 2025, as stated in the Strategic Compass, and despite Council conclusions of 19 November 2018, which envisaged a 2020 deadline; further demands that the MPCC’s staffing level should be increased considerably up to 250 personnel; emphasises the urgent need to establish the MPCC as the preferred command and control structure for EU military operations, in particular with regard to the use of the future Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC);
Amendment 244 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Emphasises the importance of continuing to operationalise Article 42(7) TEU on mutual assistance and to clarify the coherence between this and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, considering that not all EU Member States are NATO members;
Amendment 248 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its full support for the rapid deployment capacity (EU RDC) with at least 5 000 troops available for crisis situations, such as rescue and evacuation tasks, initial entry and stabilisation operations or temporary reinforcement of missions; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to set Member States to take into account the practical modalities for implementing Article 44 TEU during the operationalisation of the EU RDC as well as in other CSDP operational engagements, as relevant, in order to allow a group of willing and able Member States to plan and conduct a mission or operation within the EU framework and, thereby, ensure the swift activation of the RDC; welcomes the first ever live exercise for the RDC, taking place in October 2023 in Spain and looks forward to further live exercises in the future aimed at improving its capabilities, increasing interoperability between Member States and effectively testing the utilisation of the RDC in various scenarios; calls on Member States and EEAS to ensure that such training and certification exercises are covered by the common costs mechanism to ensure adequate participation in the future;
Amendment 264 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 275 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Strongly condemns the rising number of coup d’états in Africa in the last 3 years, namely in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Sudan; strongly supports the decisions made by ECOWAS and the African Union in response to the coups and calls on Member States the EEAS to explore how to effectively assist them in their efforts where possible; deeply regrets the apparent failure of the overall EU strategy in the African continent as well as regional strategies, and especially the Sahel region, in upholding and promoting democratic principles, enhancing socio- economic development and ensuring security and stability; condemns the presence of private military companies and/or state sponsored proxies such as the Wagner Group which has played a destabilising role in the Sahel region and has supported various repressive regimes in an attempt to further the Russian Federation’s influence in Africa; considers that all coup d’états are the result of various, multi-dimensional causes which are not identical in each country and thus require careful considerations; is nevertheless appalled by expressions of strong anti-European sentiments in certain countries and calls on Member States and EEAS to consider increasing people to people through closer exchanges with the local populations and national authorities, more targeted strategic communications in local languages to counter-balance adverse effects and through honestly addressing their colonial past where necessary; call on the EEAS and the Member States to reconsider their overall policy towards Africa and to revise the EU’s strategy in the Sahel region, through an honest review of its approach in recent years, aimed at effectively counteracting post- colonial approaches to the region, introducing truly holistic approaches, addressing the long-term socio-economic development, security and climate needs of each country, and following close exchanges with the local population, civil society and democratically elected authorities and regional organisations where possible, adhering to the principle of “African solutions to African problems”; further calls on EEAS and the Member States to examine closely the mandate of all CSDP missions in Africa, including their potential termination if necessary, with the aim of providing achievable goals and milestones for each mission given the current political context, as well as exploring whether these missions could be amended in order to more effectively serve a new multi- dimensional and tailored EU strategy in the Sahel and Africa, as part of its integrated approach; deplores the continued lack of support from an important number of African countries in favour of a UN general assembly resolution condemning Russia, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, and calling for peace; takes note of the recent accession of Ethiopia to the BRICS;
Amendment 280 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Strongly condemns the recent pre- planned and unjustified attack of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh which further exacerbates the major humanitarian crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor, in violation of Azerbaijan’s commitments under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2022 and the corresponding ceasefire and of the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice; deplores the loss of life and forcible evacuation of citizens and calls on Azerbaijan to protect the lives and respect the rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh; criticizes the fact that Azerbaijan’s offensive seriously undermines the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and urges Azerbaijan to return to a constructive participation at the negotiating table; calls on the Council to reconsider the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan, and consider imposing sanctions against responsible Azerbaijani authorities; welcomes the efforts made by the European Union Mission to Armenia to provide real-time, on the ground information on the situation and effectively contribute to the peace negotiations through confidence building-measures and impartial observations and analysis of incidents along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border; calls on Azerbaijan to agree to have such a civilian mission on their side of the border, including allowing access to EUMA to the Lachin Corridor;
Amendment 283 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Commends and underlines the importance of the work of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Operation ALTHEA) in training and supporting the armed forces of BiH, contributing to a safe and secure environment and ensuring compliance with the Dayton Agreement; strongly condemns any divisive and/or secessionist rhetoric which further contribute to the vulnerability of the country and emphasizes that candidate country status is an opportunity and an obligation for BiH elected representatives to fulfil citizens’ expectations and concretely improve the daily life of ordinary people; calls for the further strengthening of EUFOR ALTHEA, particularly through the deployment of further troops and assets as well as the creation of a credible presence in the Brčko District;
Amendment 285 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Welcomes the Joint Communication of June 2023 on a New Outlook on the Climate and Security nexus, which outlines concrete actions to address the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on security and European defence, including CSDP; stresses the need to move forward with its comprehensive implementation with a view to enhance operational effectiveness, including to deploy environmental advisors to all CSDP missions and operations by 2025 and to support Member States in addressing any gaps, barriers and incentives to prepare their armed forces for climate change, as called for in the Strategic Compass;
Amendment 287 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Amendment 290 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the importance of adequate, flexible and sustainable funding for all security and defence programs and initiatives, including the CFSP budget and the EPF; calls for a substantive increase of funding for the CFSP budget, including a dedicated CFSP budget line establishing a civilian support facility to provide partner countries with equipment and services to enhance their civilian capabilities; calls on the Member States to increase the resources allocated to security and defence in the next multiannua l financial framework review, in view of the depletion of Heading 5 and in light of the growing security needs of the Union which will require further initiatives such as EDIP and further funding for the EDF as proposed in STEP; invites the Member States to bring forward the re-assessment of the scope and definition of common costs to enhance solidarity and stimulate participation in military missions and operations, as well as exercise-related costs in line with the Strategic Compass; further calls on Member States to amend the EPF financing process to ensure adequate and sustainable support for partners, allies and CSDP operations;
Amendment 305 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by EU Member States and institutions, and calls for their impact to be maximised in order to deliver the needed capabilities to Europe’s armed forces through increased joint procurement and joint investment in defence research and development; deplores the fact that in order to finance EDIRPA and ASAP, the Commission resorted to cannibalising existing resources dedicated to other security and defence initiatives or other programmes, thereby undermining other existing initiatives and emphasising the need to dedicate further resources to Heading 5 of the Multiannual Financial Framework; calls on the Member States and the Commission to dedicate further financial and human resources to EEAS to ensure it can effectively conduct its role as the EU’s diplomatic service in light of the highly contested geopolitical context and the increased demands on its limited capacities in recent years;
Amendment 315 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that the European Defence Fund, regrettably still underfinanced, shows the added-value of EU-level action in European defence and recommends the extension of Commission proposals in all defence-related fields of EU policy in coordination with Member States and the VP/HR; ; calls for a further 1 billion euro budget increase to the EDF, in addition to the Commission’s suggested 1.5 billion euros, as part of the proposal for Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP); urges maximum consistency and coordination between various initiatives in the field of security and defence, such as CARD, EDIRPA, ASAP, PESCO and Military Mobility amongst others, to prevent overlaps, guarantee efficient public investments and address the critical capabilities gap;
Amendment 322 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that EDIRPA and ASAP can only be a first step towards improving the European technological and industrial base’s capacities to supply Member States with the products and quantities needed and should be complemented with further initiatives, including the envisaged long- term European Defence Investment Program (EDIP) for which adequate funding needs to be ensured as well as an effective regulatory framework aimed at encouraging innovation, boosting production and ensuring smarter and more efficient public investments; regrets that EDIP has still not been proposed by the Commission; calls on the Commission to draw on the EUMC's expertise in the definition of defence industries' priorities and the formulation of defence initiatives in order to ensure military coherence at industrial level;
Amendment 329 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Underlines the need to better coordinate the defence policies of Member States, activities falling under the CSDP, and the Union’s cooperation with NATO; considers, in this regard, that the establishment of a permanent Council of Defence Ministers within the framework of the Council of the European Union could be envisaged;
Amendment 341 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the commitment by the EEAS and the Member States, in close consultation with Commission services, to set up a regular and structured civilian capability development process in 2024;
Amendment 342 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Highlights the importance of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in improving the EU’s defence capabilities and welcomes the progress achieved so far through the PESCO initiative projects, such as in areas such as cyber defence, unmanned systems, medical services, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) surveillance, as well as the further progress achieved across projects in all military domains, as recorded by the PESCO Secretariat’s Annual Projects Progress Report; regrets, however, the fact that Member States are still not making full use of the PESCO framework and that progress on implementation still falls far short of expectations; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to conduct continuous thorough review of the projects and their prospects, which should also include the possibility of merging, regrouping and even closing projects that lack sufficient progress and redirecting efforts towards a small number of priority projects intended to lead to concrete actions as stated in the Strategic Compass; strongly regrets that Parliament is not in a situation to exercise proper scrutiny of PESCO projects;
Amendment 347 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is part of a wider strategy to undermine the rules-based international order; calls for the EU to enhance its capacities for responding to hybrid warfare, including the detection and response to Russia, and other state and non-state actors carrying out foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) campaigns which challenge our interests, and values and security, including by spreading false-narratives about the EU or by targeting CSDP missions and operations in strategic areas;
Amendment 355 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Highlights that China has established a ‘no-limits friendship’ with Russia, that includes significant transfer of technology and military capabilities, and poses an increasing number of security challenges to the EU, especially in the fields of cyber and FIMI; stresses the need for the EU to strengthen the security and integrity of its critical infrastructures, supply chains and technology base, including through close monitoring of their ownership and control by actors linked to the Chinese governmentde- risking and promoting EU’s technological edge in critical sectors, including measures to restrict or exclude high-risk suppliers, especially actors linked to the Chinese government; expresses serious concerns about the danger artificial intelligence (AI) driven disinformation and information manipulation campaigns, including through the creation of fake websites and generation of fake images, poses to democratic processes, especially in the lead up to elections; calls on the Commission and EEAS to closely cooperate with the private sector, civil society as well as the academic and technical community in countering these malign influence campaigns and addressing the weaponisation of new technologies;
Amendment 360 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls that dependencies on high- risk suppliers of critical products with digital elements pose a strategic risk that should be addressed at Union level; stresses the need to further strengthen the FDI-screening procedures with due- diligence standards to identify leverage by governments of states which would contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States as established in the framework of the CFSP pursuant to Title V of the TEU over investors in EU critical infrastructure, such as European ports and in undersea cables in the Baltic, Mediterranean as well as in the Arctic seas; underlines that this approach should apply equally to candidate and potential candidate countries; believes additional legislation is needed to effectively protect the European ICT supply chain security from risky vendors and protect against cyber-enabled intellectual property theft; calls for the creation of European framework aiming to closely regulate and set minimum standards and conditions relating to the export of intellectual property and technologies which are critical to the security and defence of the Union, including amongst others dual-use goods;
Amendment 373 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for supplementary progress on further improving the EU Hybrid Toolbox, specifically addressing activities involving cyber-attacks and FIMI, and the revision of the implementing guidelines of the EU’s cyber diplomacy toolbox; welcomes the commitment set out in the Strategic Compass and new Civilian Compact to provide the necessary capabilities to enable civilian CSDP missions and operations to respond to hybrid attacks, including FIMI and cyber, by 2024, as well as develop a coherent and clear communication strategy; reiterates the need for ensuring the existence of the expertise and capacity for secure information and communications technologies for all CSDP missions and operations to communicate securely in theatre and with all EU institutions; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to increase its cooperation and coordination with other missions and operations from like-minded partners and organisations, including the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, in countering FIMI operations in the field;
Amendment 386 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the deployment of the EU CSDP Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova, the first ever CSDP civilian mission dedicated to strengthening the resilience of Moldova’s security sector in crisis management and countering hybrid threats; Underlines the importance of this innovative CSDP Mission and calls on the Member States to provide the expertise and capabilities necessary for the mission to support Moldova in the face of Russia’s use of hybrid warfare; calls on the EEAS to explore the creation of similar missions to other candidate and associate countries to the EU, aimed at increasing their resilience against hybrid threats, including cyber threats and FIMI;
Amendment 403 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Is concerned by the hybrid warfare activities of private military companies (PMCs) and state-sponsored proxies, such as the Wagner Group and other armed groups, militias and proxies to exert influence in several countries across the world; calls on the EEAS to create an initiative with like-minded partners to counter malign non-state and state- sponsored actor groups, such as Wagner; emphasises that the existing EU toolboxes should include responses, such as sanctions, to non-EU states financing or cooperating with private military companies in vulnerable regions;
Amendment 406 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Welcomes the findings and high level of ambition in the recommendations proposed in the EU space strategy in the area of security and defence; considers the safe, secure and autonomous access to space as a critical aspect of the EU’s security and defence, as demonstrated by its importance in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 407 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23c. Demands that the Union takes effective measures to protect European critical infrastructure, valuable supply chains and democratic institutions from hybrid threats; calls on the EU to put in place effective monitoring and surveillance systems for critical infrastructure such as pipelines and fibre optics cables to ensure the prevention and rapid detection of attacks; welcomes the update of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, announced on 10 March 2023, and stresses the importance of stepping up the EU’s activities at sea, cooperating with partners, leading in maritime domain awareness, and protecting critical infrastructure; stresses the importance of the Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMPs) concept, enhancing the role of the EU as a global maritime security provider and its visibility in key maritime regions and looks forward to its expansion to other key areas across the globe;
Amendment 408 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Further calls on the Member States and the EEAS to systematically include financial and human resources, tools and training aimed at countering FIMI-related threats in all CSDP missions and operations as part of their broader mandate in host countries and their resilience against hybrid threats;
Amendment 409 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 e (new)
Paragraph 23 e (new)
23e. Calls on Member States, the EEAS and the European Commission to consider the creation of a well-resourced and independent structure tasked with identifying, analysing and documenting FIMI threats against the EU as a whole to increase situational awareness and threat intelligence sharing, and develop attribution capabilities and countermeasures in relation to FIMI; considers that this structure would serve as a reference point and specialised knowledge hub to facilitate and foster operational exchange between Member States’ authorities, EU institutions and EU agencies, as well as enabling the exchange of best practices with like- minded partners across the globe; stresses that the structure should clarify and enhance the role of the EEAS StratCom division and its taskforces as the strategic body of the EU’s diplomatic service and prevent the overlap of activities;
Amendment 410 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and information exchange among Member States and EU institutions, including Parliament, to improve situational awareness, counter security threats and better inform policy making; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to reinforce the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC); reiterates the call for the deployment of intelligence capacities in all CSDP missions and operations which would provide information to the EU Intelligence and Analysis Centre (EU INTCEN), EUMS and Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC); underlines the importance of secure communications for reliable intelligence and welcomes efforts to streamline security rules and regulations in this respect to better protect information, infrastructure and communication systems from foreign interference and attacks; calls on Member States to utilise the EU INTCEN as an effective intelligence-sharing body to share intelligence safely, formulate a common strategic culture and provide strategic information to better anticipate and respond to crises within and outside the EU;
Amendment 416 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses the urgent need to significantly increase investment in regional and global arms control, non- proliferation and disarmament, particularly in multilateral approaches; stresses the need for greater transparency and convergence at the national and European level on arms exports; points to the need for the Member States to respect the EU Common Position on Arms Exports and acknowledge their competences in their defence acquisition policies; calls on the Member States to fully comply with Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment as amended by Council Decision (CFSP)2019/1560; acknowledges the Member States’ competences in their defence procurement policies;
Amendment 424 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Reaffirms its full support for the EU and its Member States’ commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament regime; insists on the need to ensure that the EU plays a strong and constructive role in developing and reinforcing global rules- based non-proliferation efforts and arms control and disarmament architecture;
Amendment 431 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Emphasises that the EU must further develop its own capabilities in all domains to protect the sovereignty of all Member States while enhancing its security cooperation with partners across the globe; therefore, urges the European Council to move from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the field of CSDP where the Treaty on European Union allows it;
Amendment 458 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Recalls that mainstreaming and operationalising gender perspectives in external relations and implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda are long-standing priorities for the EU; therefore, insists on the importance of delivering on all commitments made, including those in the EU’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) III (2020-2024) and in the Strategic Compass, including by promoting gender equality and by systematically mainstreaming a gender perspective, based on gender analysis, in all civilian and military CSDP planning and actions; welcomes, in this context, the appointment of Gender Advisors in all CSDP Missions and Operations and the establishment of a network of gender focal points; calls for the full implementation of the commitments made in the new Civilian CSDP Compact, which includes significantly increasing women’s participation in civilian CSDP among international staff, with the aim to reach at least 40 percent representation while striving for gender parity; underlines nevertheless that more needs to be done to ensure gender equality and the full and meaningful participation of women in CSDP, especially in military missions;
Amendment 463 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Amendment 469 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Welcomes the Joint Communication on an Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, as a key contribution to strengthening European security, as recognised in the Strategic Compass; highlights the accelerated adoption of dual-use transport infrastructure projects following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and recalls the importance to ensure sufficient availability of financial resources to continue the project pipeline in the coming years;
Amendment 472 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)
Paragraph 26 d (new)
26d. Welcomes the increasingly closer cooperation between the EU and the United States in the field of security and cooperation, as demonstrated by their joint efforts to support Ukraine as well as cooperation in international fora; notes the importance of greater collaboration in defence product production and procurement, including through equal market access for both defence industries; welcomes in this regard, efforts made by the EU to improve its own defence capabilities, taking greater responsibility for its own defence and reducing its dependency on one of its closest allies;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)
Paragraph 26 e (new)
26e. Reiterates its calls for institutionalised security and defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, including through closer collaboration on information sharing, military mobility, mutual security and defence initiatives, crisis management, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, FIMI and our relationship with common strategic competitors;
Amendment 485 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of developing security and defence dialogues with partners around the world, in particular in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership but also with key partners in strategic maritime areas such as those stretching from the Red Sea and Horn of Africa to the Indo-Pacific; reiterates the call for deeper cooperation with international organisations, such as, but not limited to, the UN, the African Union, and its peacekeeping missions in joint theatres, and the OSCE on security;
Amendment 494 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Recognises that the Arctic region carries significant strategic and geopolitical importance due to its emerging maritime routes, rich natural resources and opportunities for economic development unlocked by global warming, while being increasingly contested; considers alarming the growing activities and interest by authoritarian regimes, including Russia and China, in the Arctic;
Amendment 499 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Underlines the importance of preserving security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic; stresses that the region must remain free from military tensions and natural resource exploitation, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates the need to include the Union’s Arctic policy in the CSDP and engage in effective cooperation with NATO; calls for the Arctic to be addressed regularly within the Political and Security Committee and Council meetings;
Amendment 502 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Reiterates the important role of young people and youth organisations in maintaining and promoting peace and security and calls on the EEAS to commit to more systematically integrating young people into its youth, peace and security (YPS) agenda;
Amendment 519 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the EEAS to regularly and comprehensively report on the implementation of the Strategic Compass to the Subcommittee on Security and Defence;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Enlargement Package adopted by the European Commission on 8 November 2023;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Enlargement Package adopted by the European Commission on 8 November 2023;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met; whereas enlargement has proven to be the most successful EU foreign policy instrument and is a very effective tool for boosting the necessary reforms both within the EU and in applicant countries, helping to encourage democratic transformation; whereas enlargement is a particular opportunity for tackling the climate crisis and improving energy cooperation between current and future member states; whereas enlargement is thus a crucial tool to improve the daily lives of inhabitants of both the EU and applicant countries;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met; whereas enlargement has proven to be the most successful EU foreign policy instrument and is a very effective tool for boosting the necessary reforms both within the EU and in applicant countries, helping to encourage democratic transformation; whereas enlargement is a particular opportunity for tackling the climate crisis and improving energy cooperation between current and future member states; whereas enlargement is thus a crucial tool to improve the daily lives of inhabitants of both the EU and applicant countries;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the role of the European Parliament should be strengthened throughout the entire enlargement process; whereas civil society organisations should be structurally involved in the process as well;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the role of the European Parliament should be strengthened throughout the entire enlargement process; whereas civil society organisations should be structurally involved in the process as well;
Amendment 170 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties or by a possible 'Treaty of reform and accession';
Amendment 170 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties or by a possible 'Treaty of reform and accession';
Amendment 185 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Union’s credibility and ability to act in a timely and effective manner depends on efficient decision- making, and even more so in an enlarged EU of 30 or more Member States; whereas efficient decision-making leading to timely and coordinated internal and external action is vital for safeguarding the EU’s interests and its global geopolitical leadership and credibility; whereas reform of the EU’s governance structures, with simplified decision-making procedures, must be discussed and adopted in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations;
Amendment 185 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Union’s credibility and ability to act in a timely and effective manner depends on efficient decision- making, and even more so in an enlarged EU of 30 or more Member States; whereas efficient decision-making leading to timely and coordinated internal and external action is vital for safeguarding the EU’s interests and its global geopolitical leadership and credibility; whereas reform of the EU’s governance structures, with simplified decision-making procedures, must be discussed and adopted in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas enlargement is also a major challenge for EU’s financial sustainability, in particular regarding cohesion and, agriculture and foreign and security policies; whereas the current and the next multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement; whereas this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas enlargement is also a major challenge for EU’s financial sustainability, in particular regarding cohesion and, agriculture and foreign and security policies; whereas the current and the next multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement; whereas this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against UkraineCalls on the European Council, when evaluating the progress made individually by the candidate countries for EU accession and deciding on further steps, to take into account the background of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine that has significant consequences for Ukraine’s immediate neighbouring countries as well as for the stability, security and prosperity of the entire European continent and therefore requires a long-term political vision and bold decisions that reflect the strategic importance of European unity and therefore EU enlargement; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment in to share peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a driver for democracy and European values on the continent with its European neighbours as well as to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, human rights, including minority rights, fundamental freedoms and European values;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against UkraineCalls on the European Council, when evaluating the progress made individually by the candidate countries for EU accession and deciding on further steps, to take into account the background of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine that has significant consequences for Ukraine’s immediate neighbouring countries as well as for the stability, security and prosperity of the entire European continent and therefore requires a long-term political vision and bold decisions that reflect the strategic importance of European unity and therefore EU enlargement; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment in to share peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a driver for democracy and European values on the continent with its European neighbours as well as to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, human rights, including minority rights, fundamental freedoms and European values;
Amendment 286 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure and that each applicant must be assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria and therefore in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; stresses that while positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, there should be no fast-track or fixed deadlines for membership; underscores that there can be no short-cuts on fundamental values; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership and only significant progress on EU-related reforms can be a reason to resume accession negotiations with countries where the accession process is frozen, otherwise stalled or where backsliding took place; stresses the need to establish clear deadlines for concluding negotiations with the accession countries by the end of the current decade at the latest; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership; urges all candidate and potential candidate countries to prioritize strict alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and reiterates that accession can only proceed once a country aligns with EU sanctions against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 286 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure and that each applicant must be assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria and therefore in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; stresses that while positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, there should be no fast-track or fixed deadlines for membership; underscores that there can be no short-cuts on fundamental values; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership and only significant progress on EU-related reforms can be a reason to resume accession negotiations with countries where the accession process is frozen, otherwise stalled or where backsliding took place; stresses the need to establish clear deadlines for concluding negotiations with the accession countries by the end of the current decade at the latest; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership; urges all candidate and potential candidate countries to prioritize strict alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and reiterates that accession can only proceed once a country aligns with EU sanctions against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 305 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms, offering positive conditionality in the form of access to EU policies or triggering negative conditionality in the form of the suspension of accession negotiations and pre-accession funding, in particular by making the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 on IPA III swiftly and fully operational, and enabling the reopening of the negotiation chapters under reversibility clauses, as well as by closely involving civil society in the process;
Amendment 305 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms, offering positive conditionality in the form of access to EU policies or triggering negative conditionality in the form of the suspension of accession negotiations and pre-accession funding, in particular by making the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 on IPA III swiftly and fully operational, and enabling the reopening of the negotiation chapters under reversibility clauses, as well as by closely involving civil society in the process;
Amendment 308 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CEmphasizes the absolute priority to strengthen the rule of law which has substantially gained in importance in the EU accession process and remains one of the most important conditions for EU membership to ensure that EU enlargement strengthens and does not weaken the Union and its Single Market; calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
Amendment 308 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CEmphasizes the absolute priority to strengthen the rule of law which has substantially gained in importance in the EU accession process and remains one of the most important conditions for EU membership to ensure that EU enlargement strengthens and does not weaken the Union and its Single Market; calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
Amendment 310 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms; calls for exploring avenues for further strengthening protection of the rule of law and the EU’s democratic values against backsliding for both new and existing Member States in the context of Treaty reform;
Amendment 310 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms; calls for exploring avenues for further strengthening protection of the rule of law and the EU’s democratic values against backsliding for both new and existing Member States in the context of Treaty reform;
Amendment 331 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; invites to consider appointing an EU chief negotiator to carry out negotiations under a broad negotiating mandate, who would also be accountable to the European Parliament; underlines that regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged;
Amendment 331 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; invites to consider appointing an EU chief negotiator to carry out negotiations under a broad negotiating mandate, who would also be accountable to the European Parliament; underlines that regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged;
Amendment 343 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies, initiatives and the single market, access to EU funds in the respective areas, enabling citizens to reap the benefits of accession throughout the process and not only upon its completion; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 23, 24, 30 and 31; stresses that a dedicated and separate DG for Enlargement is necessary; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that there will be no alternatives to substitute enlargement and that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
Amendment 343 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies, initiatives and the single market, access to EU funds in the respective areas, enabling citizens to reap the benefits of accession throughout the process and not only upon its completion; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 23, 24, 30 and 31; stresses that a dedicated and separate DG for Enlargement is necessary; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that there will be no alternatives to substitute enlargement and that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
Amendment 357 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that European institutional and financial reforms toshould increase the EU's ability to act, promote good governance, functionality and sustainability; notes that reforms are needed to ensurreinforce the EU’s and its institutions' capacity to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration;
Amendment 357 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that European institutional and financial reforms toshould increase the EU's ability to act, promote good governance, functionality and sustainability; notes that reforms are needed to ensurreinforce the EU’s and its institutions' capacity to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration;
Amendment 366 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decision, the climate crisis and ecological transition, tax measures and foreign and security policy decisions, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting in areas relevant to the accession process, and ensuring the effective functioning of an enlarged union as a whole and abolishing, in particular, the requirement for unanimity when deciding on the start of the negotiation process as well as the opening and closing of individual negotiating clusters and chapters;
Amendment 366 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decision, the climate crisis and ecological transition, tax measures and foreign and security policy decisions, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting in areas relevant to the accession process, and ensuring the effective functioning of an enlarged union as a whole and abolishing, in particular, the requirement for unanimity when deciding on the start of the negotiation process as well as the opening and closing of individual negotiating clusters and chapters;
Amendment 380 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Points out that a parallel process of widening and deepening the EU will have a profound effect on a wide area of EU policies; notes that a simplified decision-making process for potential other areas will be of benefit to the overall governability of the EU as well;
Amendment 380 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Points out that a parallel process of widening and deepening the EU will have a profound effect on a wide area of EU policies; notes that a simplified decision-making process for potential other areas will be of benefit to the overall governability of the EU as well;
Amendment 385 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement; stresses the need for a broader rule of law conditionality mechanism covering all of the Union’s fundamental values as defined in Art 2 TEU;
Amendment 385 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement; stresses the need for a broader rule of law conditionality mechanism covering all of the Union’s fundamental values as defined in Art 2 TEU;
Amendment 420 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that institutional pre- enlargement reforms must also address the implications of enlargement on the composition of Parliament, including considering the possibility of observer Members of European Parliament; recalls that the European Parliament is already one of the largest parliaments in the world and underlines that in any case it must remain at a workable scale; points out, however, that a reasonable increase in the size of Parliament cannot be ruled out in order to ensure sufficient democratic representativeness; insists on a new system for seat allocation based on a permanent mathematical formula;
Amendment 420 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that institutional pre- enlargement reforms must also address the implications of enlargement on the composition of Parliament, including considering the possibility of observer Members of European Parliament; recalls that the European Parliament is already one of the largest parliaments in the world and underlines that in any case it must remain at a workable scale; points out, however, that a reasonable increase in the size of Parliament cannot be ruled out in order to ensure sufficient democratic representativeness; insists on a new system for seat allocation based on a permanent mathematical formula;
Amendment 432 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the functioning of the Council should also be reviewed in view of enlargement, in particular the system of rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union; notes that the calculation of qualified majority voting thresholds should also be reconsidered; urges the Council to overcome the current deadlock in the Article 7 TEU procedure and to replace unanimity minus 1 by a majority of four-fifths of the Member States in relation to this procedure in the Council;
Amendment 432 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the functioning of the Council should also be reviewed in view of enlargement, in particular the system of rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union; notes that the calculation of qualified majority voting thresholds should also be reconsidered; urges the Council to overcome the current deadlock in the Article 7 TEU procedure and to replace unanimity minus 1 by a majority of four-fifths of the Member States in relation to this procedure in the Council;
Amendment 450 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resources or potential co-financing instruments; notes that this would be an opportunity to restructure the EU budget, look at its core priorities and let the most financially strong contribute to a newly reformed EU; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security; underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 450 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resources or potential co-financing instruments; notes that this would be an opportunity to restructure the EU budget, look at its core priorities and let the most financially strong contribute to a newly reformed EU; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security; underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Deplores the use of unresolved bilateral and regional disputes to block or considerably delay candidate countries’ accession processes and adopt an official mechanism for the resolution and arbitration of these disputes to support their resolution separately from the accession to the EU, as they can hinder the implementation of European policies and weaken the EU’s regional and global influence; recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including the implementation of EU-related reforms as well as the policy alignment with the CFSP, such as on positions and restrictive measures taken following the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Deplores the use of unresolved bilateral and regional disputes to block or considerably delay candidate countries’ accession processes and adopt an official mechanism for the resolution and arbitration of these disputes to support their resolution separately from the accession to the EU, as they can hinder the implementation of European policies and weaken the EU’s regional and global influence; recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including the implementation of EU-related reforms as well as the policy alignment with the CFSP, such as on positions and restrictive measures taken following the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 479 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls to improve the consistency, efficiency and transparency of pre- accession assistance, clearly reflecting the priorities in the fundamental areas in the allocation of IPA III funding; calls in particular to introduce stricter and enforcable accountability with regard to the spending of such funding; calls also to improve the visibility of EU funding and the tangible results of it in the enlargement countries;
Amendment 479 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls to improve the consistency, efficiency and transparency of pre- accession assistance, clearly reflecting the priorities in the fundamental areas in the allocation of IPA III funding; calls in particular to introduce stricter and enforcable accountability with regard to the spending of such funding; calls also to improve the visibility of EU funding and the tangible results of it in the enlargement countries;
Amendment 481 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls to strategically apply targeted conditionality based on clear progress benchmarks, rewarding reforms and sanctioning regression or a persistent lack of progress;
Amendment 481 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls to strategically apply targeted conditionality based on clear progress benchmarks, rewarding reforms and sanctioning regression or a persistent lack of progress;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas rural areas face the urgent challenges of demographic decline and ageing, especially affecting EU farming populations, along with rural abandonment, lack of access to infrastructure, healthcare, education and services, low incomes and fewer job opportunities;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the digital and green transitions offer opportunities for stronger, connected, resilient, innovative and prosperous rural areas in the long term, however, despite recent improvements in high-speed broadband connectivity, only 59% of households in rural regions have access to broadband, compared to 87% of the households in the EU;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Long-term Vision for the EU's Rural Areas calls to improve rural quality of life, achieve balanced territorial development and stimulate economic growth in rural areas;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the role and importance of rural areas is often under-appreciated, insufficiently rewarded and funded;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the diversity of EU’s rural areas calls for locally designed responses and solutions corresponding to each territory’s specific needs and possibilities and strategies should address rural areas according to their individual characteristics and in relation to their environment, using, among other tools, the rural proofing mechanism;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas rural communities are exposed to greater damages from climate change, more frequent adverse climate events such as storms, floods and droughts, and the consequences of biodiversity loss, and experience greater costs associated with climate transition;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas sustainable farming and forestry management, that includes environmental, economic and social sustainability, provided decent work and livelihoods, ecological systems and biodiversity and also enhances climate and risk resilience;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that small, medium and family farms are the backbone of EU rural areas, providing food security and ecosystem services for European citizens;
Amendment 39 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the role that agriculture plays in achieving the Union objectives of food security, sustainable growth, social inclusion, and combating climate change, while helping to diversify agricultural production, preserve biodiversity and develop local economies;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises the role of e-services, mobile service solutions, private-public partnerships, social enterprises, cultural and creative industries; accessibility of education and healthcare; as well as cooperatives to help provide necessary services for rural areas and act as a key factor for rural socio-economic development;
Amendment 59 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls for improvement of the level of digital skills and the availability and affordability of adequate digital infrastructure, and the capacities to effectively deploy digital technologies, such as digital service platforms in rural areas;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls for development of partnerships in all economic activities in rural areas, between businesses of all sectors, local authorities, researchers and services based on innovation, knowledge sharing and cooperation;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Calls for more effort in enabling rural residents to take active part in policy and decision-making processes, involving a broad range of stakeholders at all levels of governance to develop tailor-made, place-based and integrated policy solutions and investments
Amendment 67 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Calls for improving affordable public transport services and infrastructure such as railways, roads, charging and refuelling stations to support e-mobility solutions;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Emphasises the essential economic role played by agriculture, forestry and fisheries, calls for further development of short supply chains, quality schemes, producer organisations and cooperatives that contribute to increasing the sustainability of European food production;
Amendment 70 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Emphasises that generational renewal is the key for social, economic and environmental sustainability of rural areas and EU food autonomy and the future of agriculture and thus must remain a high priority in territorial development plans and strategies, stresses the need to account for the needs of small and medium sized farmers, and especially focus at attracting young farmers, preventing land abandonment and facilitating land access and access to credit;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5h. Stresses the significance of circular and bio-economy principles, as well as their application within the agricultural sector, in contributing to the realization of the objectives set out in the European Green Deal; encourages the enhancement of understanding and the implementation of circular and bio- economy principles within the European agriculture and food system.
Amendment 16 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Instrument’s external investment framework brings together blended finance and guarantees under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) External Action Guarantee (EAG), which is to be implemented by eligible partners in an open and collaborative approach, with a specific role for the European Investment Bank (EIB); whereas the EFSD+ considerably expands the financial envelope of its predecessor, the EFSD, and will be able to guarantee operations up to EUR 53.4 billion through EAG; whereas the ‘policy first’ principle must result in a cooperation driven by policy objectives and ensure that the European financial architecture for development is aligned in this regard; proposes for example to refine the broad and vague MSMEs window into sub-windows that should be dedicated to individual entrepreneurs and cooperatives;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas inequalities are amongst the root causes of instability, insecurity and violence;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of the EU’s external action;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas human development remains a key area for the EU’s external and development policies; whereas investments in health care, education, nutrition and social protection are paramount to ensure universal access to these services which constitute basic human rights;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the consolidation of most of the EU’s external action in a single Instrument, gradually streamlining and harmonising the numerous previous instruments; is of the opinion, however, that although this simplification has enhanced flexibility and efficiency, it has not been accompanied by sufficient levels of effective accountability; underlines in this regard that measures can only be considered effective when this can be proven by clear and comparable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; reminds of the findings of the 2023 ECA special report on programming of the Instrument, which points out that baseline and target indicators as well as data sources in MIPs where fragmented or missing; calls on the Commission to make the use of ‘Global Europe Results Framework’ (GERF) indicators compulsory for all measures throughout the entire programming cycle of MIPs, that is planning, implementation and reporting of results and for considerably increasing EU delegations capacities; emphasises that the Instrument should provide an efficient, effective, coherent and inclusive implementation, underpinned by the ‘policy first’ principle and in line with the strategic interests and values of the EU; reiterates its call on the Commission to publish, at least biannually, an aid effectiveness progress report, that consistently includes standardized, comprehensible and comparable indicators, covering joint planning, joint implementation and joint results frameworks; calls on the Commission to present this progress report to Parliament;
Amendment 94 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the importance of meeting all the Instrument’s spending targets and calls for detailed information on the progress made in this regard; regrets, in particular, the substantial deficit in reaching the Instrument’s climate target and the biodiversity target; recalls that biodiversity is a crucial factor in combatting climate change; calls for a detailed plan outlining how the Commission intends to meet the climatespending targets by the end of the MFF;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reaffirms the commitment set out in the Instrument to eradicating poverty, fighting inequalities and discrimination and promoting human development; recalls that actions under the Instrument are expected to contribute at least 20 % of the ODA funded under the Instrument to social inclusion and human development; underlines that the EFSD+ should aim to support investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the SDGs by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic, environmental and social development; calls in this regard for the full implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan III, as well as the operationalisation of the EU Global Health Strategy and the Youth Action Plan in EU external action; underlines the need to enhance the Union’s efforts to promote and protect human rights in its external action, in view of the mid-term review of the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy;
Amendment 103 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reaffirms the commitment set out in the Instrument to eradicating poverty, fighting inequalities and discrimination and promoting human development; emphasises the importance of following a holistic approach to human security as a new guiding paradigm;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines the importance of guaranteeing an effective needs-based and people-centred approach in the EU’s external action; highlights the essential role that local partners and civil society should have in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes the specific role played by the EIB in the European financial architecture for development, as set out in Article 209 of the TFEU and in Article 36 of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, and acknowledges the EIB’s potential to mobilise additional funding that contributes to the Instrument’s objectives; welcomes the creation of EIB Global, which has been operational since 1 January 2022 and sets out to increase the bank’s presence and expertise in developing countries; notes that, since the setting up of the new development branch, the EIB Global has made record use of the dedicated investment window provided by the Instrument, delivering over EUR 10 billion in 2022, notably in support of Ukraine and the Global Gateway; recalls the importance of the EU budget as the sole guarantor for the EIB’s to provide loans outside the EU in support of EU policies; calls for an increase in the guarantees granted to the EIB by the EU budget in order to allow the EU bank to continue to deliver vital public and private sector operations in Ukraine and to expand its activities in the Global South; calls on the EIB to use its position to mobilise investments for sustainable development in line with the purpose and criteria established by the EFSD+; highlights the important role of the EIB in partnering with the Commission to deliver EUR 100 billion of the 300 billion commitment under the Global Gateway strategy; calls on the EIB to continue to strengthen its presence in the field by building on the current approach of co- location within EU delegations, while further exploiting possible synergies with the EBRD and other European DFIs; underlines that EU investment projects should be subject to evaluation, monitoring and reporting, in order to avoid unintended negative impacts; in this regard, calls on the Commission, together with EIB, EBRD and other European DFIs to develop standardised procedures, including ex ante and ex post evaluations and by applying the Commission’s Result Management Framework (ReMF); urges the Commission to publish this Framework and to make sure that DFIs using their own indicators to clearly define them and explain their application and comparability with the ReMF; calls for the introduction of standardised complaint mechanisms for all DFIs that are sufficiently staffed and resourced and easily accessible; calls on the Commission to follow-up environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards of all investment projects; encourages the EIB to continue to actively engage in developing planning, monitoring and evaluation at country level, hand in hand with the EU delegations and through co- financing with development finance institutions; calls for stronger coordination between the Commission and the EEAS and EU delegations to facilitate discussions and cooperation with relevant actors on the ground in order to identify projects which best meet development effectiveness objectives;
Amendment 164 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Team Europe approach and its aim of increasing the coherence, impact and visibility of EU development projects, and calls for more joint actions with the Member States, in particular Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs); recalls however that individual Member States’ contributions have to be indicated in MIPs in order to ensure certainty over the Member States’ financial support; calls on the Commission to review the effectiveness of the approach including Member States’ compliance, and to inform Parliament of its findings;
Amendment 167 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Team Europe approach and its aim of increasing the coherence, impact and visibility of EU development projects, and calls for more joint actions with the Member States, in particular Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs); calls on the Commission to review the effectiveness of the approach and to inform Parliament of its findings; calls on the Commission to clarify the roles surrounding the Team Europe approach and to propose a mechanism that increases the transparency and democratic scrutiny of the initiative;
Amendment 176 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the Global Gateway strategy as a concerted EU response to global challenges; regrets, however, the lack of transparency and of a regulatory framework for the strategy’s governance and implementation within the Instrument’s objectives and priorities; is of the opinion that in times of new geostrategic challenges, EU foreign and security policy and development cooperation actors have to better coordinate and cooperate in the framework of the Global Gateway in order to give weight to EU positions and values in a new multilateral world order and to show leadership in international initiatives, such as G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII); stresses that massive investments are required in both hard and soft infrastructure in developing countries, from digital, transport and energy networks to health, education and food systems; regrets, however, the lack of transparency and of a regulatory framework for the strategy’s governance and implementation within the Instrument’s objectives and priorities; stresses the need for adequate parliamentary involvement and scrutiny as well as better staffed and resourced EU delegations and consultation with the business sector and CSOs through a comprehensible and transparent governance framework that would quickly deliver a boost of investment and visibility of EU in partner countries at the backdrop of a complex geopolitical context; Underlines that the joint communication of the Global Gateway leaves room for interpretation about the relationship of its different bodies that remains largely informal; regrets the limited access of information in particular from the steering committee; calls on the Commission to update the joint communication and to provide a clear definition of what a global gateway project is and how to distinguish it from other investment projects; Calls for clarity as to how the EU financial regulation and public procurement rules apply in the funding of Global Gateway for the joint projects in partner developing countries; calls to ensure that the prerogative is always given to the EU and local partner or like-minded countries companies; regrets the lack of clarity on the financing for the Global Gateway strategy and recalls that such new initiatives should be financed through fresh appropriations and the related upward revision of the Heading 6 ceiling;
Amendment 188 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls Parliament’s functions of political control and consultation and stresses the role of the high-level geopolitical dialogue in providing general orientations for the implementation of the Instrument; powers of political and budgetary control and consultation; underlines that the Parliament needs full and timely access to documents and has to be able to monitor the impact and progress of projects, which is, why it needs full access to standardised baseline and target indicators as well as data sources; regrets that decision- making processes in particular in the framework of the Global Gateway are still undefined and not fully transparent; points out that the overlap of financial instruments, for example in the context of guarantees, makes scrutiny difficult; calls on the Commission to provide after consultations with the Parliament a comprehensible, clear and complete overview in a single document about the financial instruments their relations with each other and the different actors as well as a complete and precise overview about grants and guarantees and how they are covered; furthermore, calls on the Commission to provide regular information about the Global Gateway steering group and to make the Result Management Framework (ReMF) fully available; calls for an oversight of the complaint mechanisms and for regular information about complaints; calls on the Parliament to establish a sufficiently staffed and resourced parliamentary oversight body for the Instrument including EFSD+ and Global Gateway projects and calls on the Commission to provide a consistent inter-institutional information flow with the European Parliament being kept informed about investment projects including Global Gateway projects; is of the opinion that the format of the high-level geopolitical dialogue alone cannot fully provide general orientations for the implementation of the Instrument; reiterates that Parliament’s positions need to be fully taken into consideration; also reiterates that European Parliament resolutions constitute part of the overall policy framework for the implementation of the Instrument;
Amendment 233 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Amendment 2 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is one of the most inclusive and sustainable trade deals ever signed; whereas substantial increase in trade flows and positive trends in cooperation between the two parties have been registered following its entry into application;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas a number of Member States have not ratified the Agreement since its entry into application six years ago;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with satisfaction the considerable increase in bilateral trade in food and agricultural products between the EU and Canada and the 26 % increase in exports of EU agricultural products to Canada since the start of the provisional application of CETA; welcomes the significant increase in the number of the Union’s micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises exporting to Canada, as well as the increase in the value of exported products;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that, in the implementation of CETA and all other EU trade agreements, due account must be taken of respect for sustainable agricultural production, reciprocity and the maintenance of high production standards, in particular sanitary and phytosanitary standards, as laid down in Union law;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Underlines the importance of effective cooperation between the agricultural sectors of the Union and Canada in contributing to the mitigation of climate change and to environmental protection, including through the exchange of information on innovative farming practices, while limiting the administrative burden on producers;
Amendment 20 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of recognising the system of geographical indications (GIs) as a key component of the agreement; underlines the need for further effective enforcement of GI protection for EU rights holders in Canada, also through better communication to stakeholders on CETA's GI commitments, in particular on the GI protection regime and on its enforcement;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that, in order to maintain balanced market conditions, Canada does not use measures favouring local producers, such as differential taxes and mark ups, or measures that allow for direct delivery exclusively by local producers;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines the importance of swift amendment of the Annexes to the 2003 Agreement on Trade in Wines and Spirits Drinks to allow for the inclusion of certain GIs from Member States that joined the Union after 2003;
Amendment 32 #
2023/2001(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the progress made in eliminating most of the duties in trade of agricultural products between the Union and Canada, as well as the evolution of the use of tariff rate quotas (TRQs);
Amendment 8 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls the Parliament resolution on “Upscaling the 2021-2027 MFF: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges”; calls for an urgent revision of the EU long-term budget to respond more effectively to evolving needs, address funding gaps, increase flexibility and crisis responsiveness, and provide new funding for new political priorities, while maintaining that the repayment of recovery plan borrowing does not jeopardise EU programmes; calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a new batch of new resources as soon as possible;
Amendment 11 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the role that agriculture plays in achieving the Union objectives of food security, sustainable growth, social inclusion, and combating climate change, while helping to diversify agricultural production, preserve biodiversity and develop local economies;
Amendment 29 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out the negative effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on food security, and stresses the rapidly increasing importance of food and feed sovereignty;
Amendment 38 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that inflation has been much higher than the 2 % deflator foreseen in the MFF, which will not compensate for the loss of value, imposing further strains on farmers’ profitability, especially small- scale and young farmers; highlights the fact that the CAP budget in the MFF 2021-27 is already lower than in the previous planning period and that the high inflation further depreciates the funding available to farmers particularly in the CAP Budget;
Amendment 49 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is committed to ensuring that generational renewalConsiders that that the demographic challenge of ageing population is of particular concern in rural areas and is committed to ensuring that generational renewal, as the key for social, economic and environmental sustainability of rural areas and EU food autonomy, the future of agriculture and the traditional family farming model, must remain a high priority in the future CAP programming period; calls for the strengthening of support measures for young farmers and for the improvement of their access to land and credit;
Amendment 60 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the importance of redistributive income support mechanisms in supporting smaller and medium-sized farms and ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of Union funds;
Amendment 65 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of funding research and innovation in the agri-food sector; recalls the importance of ensuring that research results reach farm level, in particular through the Horizon Europe programme and the European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs), recalls the importance of ensuring that research results reach farm level and are translated into accessible farm advisory services, underlines the role of stronger agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS), as well as the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) to encourage innovation projects and to diffuse their use;
Amendment 75 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the acceleration of the digital transformation in agriculture and rural areas to allow for more precise, efficient and sustainable agricultural systems in the EU with a higher environmental performance, as well as increase the attractiveness of employment in agriculture and rural communities for younger generations;
Amendment 78 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the important role of agri-cooperatives, and calls on Member States to provide more support for the cooperative sector to develop incentive schemes for setting up new cooperatives, helping to boost the competitiveness of the agri-food sector and the economic and social development of rural areas; stresses that this collaboration can help cooperatives’ members to adapt more easily to climate change, increase efficiency and diversify their production;
Amendment 83 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises the need for careful monitoring of the national CAP strategic plans. Recalls that implementation of common agricultural policy (CAP) strategic plans began in January 2023, putting in place CAP’s new green architecture and taking an important step in the transition towards more sustainable food systems in the EU, emphasises the need for careful monitoring of the national CAP strategic plans; encourages Member States to improve the quality of data and indicators reported to the Union in order to realize the full potential of the new performance-based CAP and accurately assess its impact;
Amendment 88 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the mobilisation of the crisis reserve to finance exceptional measures for Union farmers most affected by the war in Ukraine, climate events and market disturbances, recalls, however, that the crisis reserve only consists of about EUR 3 per hectare of the farmland in the EU, emphasises the urgent need for additional better-funded instruments for crisis management;
Amendment 91 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Recalls that, according to the Court of Auditors’ special report, climate spending in the 2014-2019 budget was not as high as reported, and that reliability issues could remain in the Commission's reporting for the 2021-2027 period, when the EU’s new climate spending target will rise to 30%, calls on the Commission to report on the contribution made by climate spending to EU climate and energy objectives, focusing in particular on measuring the impact of the budget on mitigating climate change and review the methodology of climate mainstreaming accountability, to allow better decision- making to ensure a full transition to a sustainable agricultural sector;
Amendment 95 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Recalls the Court of Auditors’ Special report on conflict of interest in EU cohesion and agricultural spending, calls on the Commission to take action to improve the prevention, detection and reporting of conflicts of interests, and to promote transparency;
Amendment 96 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Calls for the Commission to maintain an adequate level of funding in order to preserve the high sanitary and phytosanitary status in the EU, and rejects any decrease in co-financing rates for sanitary programmes and control of emerging diseases, which may jeopardise animal and plant health, and thus human health in the EU;
Amendment 97 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Points out the significant potential of results-based carbon farming for tackling climate change through carbon sequestration and the preservation of biodiversity and eco-systems;
Amendment 98 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 f (new)
Paragraph 11 f (new)
11f. Emphasises the value that circular economy and the agricultural sectors that work according to its principles can bring in achieving the goals set in the European Green Deal, encourages pilot projects to improve knowledge and increase the understanding of possible benefits of circular economy principles for the European food system;
Amendment 99 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11g. Reaffirms the significance of the Union's school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to help children follow a healthy diet, with nutrition its primary focus; invites Member States to fully use their allocations of those schemes and prioritise sustainable, local, and high-quality production;
Amendment 100 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 h (new)
Paragraph 11 h (new)
11h. Stresses the importance of Solidarity Lanes in ensuring that Ukrainian grain can reach countries most in need, supporting Ukraine's economy and preventing a global food crisis, notices, however, the impact of the surge in traffic, and calls on the Commission to provide funding for strengthening and improving the relevant infrastructure.
Amendment 3 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU-Chile Association Agreement, which has been in force since 2003, has significantly expanded bilateral trade, including in the agri-food sector, and now needs to be modernisedplacing the EU as Chile's third largest trading partner, and now needs to be modernised, including by providing advanced mutual benefits for the agri- food sectors in the EU and in Chile;
Amendment 9 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the recent global crises and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have emphasised the need for diverse trading partners and reliable value chains; whereas one way to meet this need is to strengthen trade relations with like-minded partners, such as Chile;
Amendment 24 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the modernisation of trade relations between the EU and Chile through the inclusion of new sustainability provisions in the trade and sustainable development chapter of the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement, plus a review clause to account for changing environmental and social standards and, for the first time, a dedicated chapter on Trade and Gender Equality; notes, however, that the trade and sustainable development chapter lacks sanctions;
Amendment 38 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the expansion of the elimination of tariffs on EU exports, leaving 99.9 % of exports tariff-free, which will improve export opportunities for EU agri-food producers;
Amendment 46 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the Agreement protects 216 EU agricultural geographical indications and 18 Chilean geographical indications, on the top of the existing agreement on wines and spirits, which protects 1745 EU GIs for wines and 257 EU GIs for spirits and aromatised wines; underlines the need for further effective enforcement of GI protection for EU rights holders in Chile as well as to consider expanding the list of GI products protected in both markets;
Amendment 51 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on sustainable food systems that promotes bilateral and international cooperation towards a sustainable food system, including provisions on animal welfare; regrets, however,urges the Commission to make full use of the cooperation provisions contained in this chapter, also by facilitating the exchange of information on innovative farming practices, so that the ambition does not falls short of the Farm to Fork Strategy in terms of climate change mitigation, biodiversity and environmental protection;
Amendment 59 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists that Chilean producers exporting to the EU apply the same, high production standards regarding traceability, animal welfare and use of veterinary medicinal and phytosanitary products as EU farmers; calls on the Commission to regularly update the European Parliament on the progress in the application of those standards.
Amendment 10 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Council Directive 2001/110/EC20 lays down definitions, names, common rules on composition, quality and labelling requirements for honey. _________________ 20 Council Directive 2001/110/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to honey (OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 47).
Amendment 19 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In light of the close link between the quality of honey and its origin and the need for the consumer not to be misled regarding the quality of the product, Directive 2001/110/EC lays down rules on the labelling of the origin where the honey has been harvested. In particular, Article 2(4) of that Directive requires the country or countries of origin where the honey has been harvested to be indicated on the label and provides that, if honey originates in more than one Member State or third country, the mandatory indication of the countries of origin may be replaced by one of the following, as appropriate: ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’, ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’. The different rules adopted on this basis by Member States may have misled consumers and may have hindered the functioning of the internal market. In the light of Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy’s objective of strengthening consumers in making informed choices, including on the geographical origin of their food, and the details of this origin in case of blending, and in the interest to preserve the efficient functioning of the internal market throughout the Union through a harmonisation of the labelling rules, it is appropriate to revise the rules for honey origin labelling and provide that the country or countries of origin should be mentioned on the packaging. In light of the reduced size of the packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it is therefore appropriate to exempt those packs from the obligation of listing all individual countries of origin, where the honey originates in more than one countryin descending order and with their respective percentages on the packaging.
Amendment 29 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Given the particular interest shown by consumers in the geographical origin of honey in relation to its characteristics and quality, and the need for full transparency in this area, the country or countries of origin in which the honey was harvested must appear on the label in the same visual field as the indication of the product. In light of the reduced size of the packs containing only a single portion of honey (breakfast packs) and the resulting technical difficulties, it is therefore appropriate to exempt those packs from the obligation of listing all individual countries of origin, where the honey originates in more than one country.
Amendment 35 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) Recalling that the 2023 DG Health - JRC - and OLAF reports on honey adulteration "EU Coordinate action "From the hives"" and "EU Coordinate action to deter certain fraudulent practices in the honey sector - Analytical testing results of imported honeys" highlight a very high percentage of imported honeys suspected of adulteration and confirm a range of frauds that exist in the honey sector. Aware of the fact that some operators use "customised" sugar syrups that are very difficult to detect even when the most sophisticated analytical techniques. Noting with regret the lack of official, validated analytical methods for detecting new types of adulteration with sugar syrups means that national authorities are unable to identify as fraudulent honeys. Pointing out that the honey market is faced with a significant supply of honeys that have been adulterated by the addition of sugar syrups, either during the honeyflow or at some stage in the packaging process. Convinced that several elements need to be clarified or improved in the honey directive to limit the possibilities of fraud and facilitate controls: complementing mandatory traceability measures with a block-chain system, rejecting filtered honey and honeys whose excessive water content has been reduced by vacuum evaporation.
Amendment 45 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 d (new)
Recital 3 d (new)
Amendment 47 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 e (new)
Recital 3 e (new)
(3e) Acknowledging that the term filtered honey used in Directive 2001/110 is misinterpreted by consumers, who confuse this industrial filtration with the filtration carried out by beekeepers after extracting their honey to remove particles of wax and other foreign elements from the honey. Consequently, filtered honeys as defined in Directive 2001/110/EC should no longer be allowed to be marketed under the name "honey" and the definition of "filtered honey" should be deleted from the text of the Directive. Noticing that the removal by filtration of some or all of the pollen and figurative elements present in a honey and a filter mesh size of less than 100 µm no longer allows the correct identification of the geographical and/or botanical origin of a honey. This makes it much more difficult to differentiate between sugar syrup or a mixture of honey and syrup and honey. Industrial filtration makes it impossible to trace honey using an analytical approach such as melissopalynology. Underlining that Annex II of Directive 2001/110 should be amended to specify the level of filtration permitted, which does not significantly alter the density and pollen spectrum of the honey, but which does remove most of the foreign matter in the honey.
Amendment 49 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 f (new)
Recital 3 f (new)
(3f) Recalling that both the definition of honey in Directive 2001/110 EC and that of the Codex Alimentarius clearly specify the work carried out by bees in the hive after they have harvested their crop, which they transform by combining it with specific materials of their own, deposit, dehydrate, store, and leave to ripen in the combs of the hive. Dehydration followed by ripening are operations carried out by the bees. Outside the European Union, some countries accept that the work of bees is limited to harvesting nectar secretions from plants or honeydew in the production of honey. Unripe honeys produced in this way have a moisture content well in excess of the 20% threshold laid down in Directive 2001/110/EC. Operators work with heated vats under a vacuum to limit the boiling temperature of the water in the honey. However, this process degrades the final product, depleting its aromas and enzymes. Insists that the Honey Directive should prohibit this vacuum evaporation process for honeys.
Amendment 50 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 f (new)
Recital 3 f (new)
(3f) Given the particular interest shown by consumers in the geographical origin of honey in relation to its characteristics and quality, and the need for total transparency in this area, the country or countries of origin in which the honey was harvested must appear on the label in the same visual field as the indication of the product.
Amendment 51 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 g (new)
Recital 3 g (new)
(3g) Noticing with concern Heat treatment above 40°C (± 5°C) causes degradation of certain constituents of the honey. The indicators currently used, namely HMF and the diastase index, make it possible to evaluate the significant degradation of honeys but do not make it possible to highlight the degradation of more sensitive honey constituents such as invertase. Consumer must be able to differentiate between honeys not exposed to treatments involving heating above 40°C (± 5°C) and other honeys. The words "virgin honey or unheated honey" must thus appear on the label. In order to control the absence of thermal degradation of a honey, a minimum threshold must be set for the presence of invertase in honey, an enzyme that is much more sensitive and degrades very rapidly once high temperatures are reached.
Amendment 64 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Whereas Annex to Directive 2001/112/EC lists in Part II, Point 2 ingredients that may be used in manufacturing of products covered by the Directive. Limited amount of ingredients are allowed to be used in manufacturing of fruit juices and fruit nectars. There is an increasing consumer interest in innovative products that contain other ingredients from natural sources such as spices and aromatic herbs (which are already allowed in tomato juice), providing a new taste to the consumer. Since organoleptic characteristics may change, the name of the ingredient should accompany the legal name to better inform consumers in line with the Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.
Amendment 71 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
(1a) paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 2. the product names referred to in Annex I, points 2 and 3, shall apply only to the products defined therein and shall be used in trade to designate them. These names may be replaced by the simple product name ‘honey’, except in the case of "comb honey", "honey with pieces of comb" and "industrial honey".
Amendment 74 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – points a, b, c (new), d (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – points a, b, c (new), d (new)
(2) in paragraph 4, points (a) and (b) are replaced by the following and points (c) and (d) are added:
Amendment 88 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) The country of origin where the honey has been harvested shall be indicated on the label and on the front of the package close to the commercial name of the product. If the honey originates in more than one country, the countries of origin where the honey has been harvested shall be indicated on the front label of packs containing more than 25 g in descending order and with their respective percentage in the blend;
Amendment 103 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(b) For the purpoexcept in the cases of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and in particular Articles 12 to 15 thereof, the particulars to be indicated according to point (a) of this paragraph shall be considered as mandatory particulars in accordance with Article 9 of that Regulation.honey intended for industry, these names may be supplemented by indications relating to: - floral or vegetable origin, if the product comes entirely or essentially from the origin indicated and has the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microscopic characteristics thereof, - regional, territorial or topographical origin, if the product comes entirely from the origin indicated, - specific quality criteria.
Amendment 106 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
(ba) For honeys produced and imported into the EU, each honey marketed under an identification other than that of the harvesting beekeeper must have an identifier linked to a block- chain traceability system enabling the competent authorities to trace the entire history of the honey back to the harvesting beekeepers or operators in the case of imported honeys. Any personal information that may be included in the traceability system will only be accessible to consumers with the prior agreement of the producers of the batch or batches in question.
Amendment 111 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 2– paragraph 4– point b b (new)
Article 2– paragraph 4– point b b (new)
(bb) except for honeys intended for industrial use, these names may be supplemented by indications referring to the absence of significant heat treatment. The term referring to the absence of significant heat treatment such as "raw honey" or "unheated honey" may be included on the label on the front of the commercial packaging of the honey if no heat treatment has degraded highly sensitive enzymes such as invertase, from harvesting to potting, while complying with the conditions referred to in Annex II, points 6 (diastase index and hydroxymethylfurfural content) and 7 (invertase index).
Amendment 116 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 3
Article 3
Article 3 of Directive 2001/110/EC is amended as follows: In the case of honey intended for industry, bulk containers, packaging and sales documentation shall clearly indicate the full product name as set out in point 3 of Annex I.
Amendment 121 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 of Directive 2001/110/EC is amended as follows: The first sentence of Article 4 of Directive 2001/110/EC is replaced by the following: The Commission may adopt methods for verifying the compliance of honey with the provisions of Directive 2001/110/EC and of this Directive, including the implementation of blockchain-type traceability incorporating a minimum of criteria (criteria set out in Annex 3). These methods shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of Directive 2001/110/EC.
Amendment 131 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c
Directive 2001/112/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Without prejudice to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council**, the statement ‘no added sugars’, ‘no fruit juices contain added sugars’ may appear on the label in , or any other same field of vision astatement likely to have the nsame of the products referred to in Part I, point 1, of Annex I to this Directivemeaning for the consumer, may appear on the label.
Amendment 139 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
Directive 2001/112/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Without prejudice to Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 for mixtures of fruit juice and fruit juice from concentrate, reduced-sugars fruit juice and reduced-sugars fruit juice from concentrate, and for fruit nectar obtained entirely or partly from one or more concentrated products, the labelling shall bear the words ‘from concentrate(s)’ or ‘partially from concentrate(s)’, as appropriate. That information shall be entered close to the product name, standing out well from any background, in clearly visible characters.;
Amendment 159 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 a (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex 1 – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Annex 1 – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Annex I to Directive 2001/110/EC is amended as follows: In paragraph 2, point (b)(viii) is deleted and replaced by the following: (viii) raw or unheated honey: the honey obtained which has been extracted from the combs, decanted and then, if necessary, sieved. Honey so designated has not been heated to the extent that its enzymes and other thermally sensitive elements are degraded to such an extent that they no longer comply with the criteria laid down in points 6 and 7 of Annex II.
Amendment 167 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 a
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 a
The product obtained from the product defined in point 1(a) where naturally occurring sugars have been removduced by at least 30 % by using a process authorised under the conditions laid down in Part II, point 3, of Annex I, which maintains all the otherthe European Commission Delegated Act. The product maintains essential physical, chemical, organoleptical and nutritional characteristics of an average type of juice of the fruit from which it comes, defined in the European Commission Delegated Act. Flavour, pulp, and cells obtained by suitable physical means from the same species of fruit may be restored to the reduced-sugar fruit juice.
Amendment 171 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 b
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 b
The product obtained from the products defined in point 1(b) or point 2 and/or in point 6(c), where naturally occurring sugars have been removduced by at least 30 % by using a process authorised under the conditions laid down in point 3 of Part II of Annex I, which maintains all the otherthe European Commission Delegated Act, and that have been reconstituted with potable water that meets the criteria set out in Directive 98/83/EC. The product maintains essential physical, chemical, organoleptical and nutritional characteristics of an average type of juice of the fruit from which it comes, and that have been reconstituted with potable water that meets the criteria set out in Directive 98/83/ECdefined in the European Commission Delegated Act. Flavour, pulp, and cells obtained by suitable physical means from the same species of fruit may be restored to the reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate.
Amendment 172 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 b
Annex 1 – part 1 – point 6 b
The mixing of reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate with fruit juice,d fruit juice, reduced- sugars fruit juice, concentrated reduced- sugars fruit juice, fromuit purée and/or concentrate,d fruit purée and/or fruit purée from concentrate is authorised in the production of reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate.; is authorised in the production of reduced-sugars fruit juice from concentrate.’; c) concentrated reduced-sugars fruit juice The product obtained from the products defined in point 6(a) by the physical removal of a specific proportion of the water content, and/ or the product defined in point (2) where naturally occurring sugars have been reduced by at least 30 % by using a process authorised under the conditions laid down in the European Commission Delegated Act. The product maintains essential physical, chemical, organoleptical and nutritional characteristics of an average type of concentrated juice of the fruit from which it comes, defined in the European Commission Delegated Act. Where the product is intended for direct consumption, the removal of water shall be at least 50 % of the water content. Flavour, pulp, and cells obtained by suitable physical means from the same species of fruit may be restored to the concentrated reduced-sugar fruit juice.
Amendment 185 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i – indent 4 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i – indent 4 a (new)
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 2 – indent 8 a (new)
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 2 – indent 8 a (new)
– The following indent is added: - Spices and aromatic herbs For products made only from products listed in Annex I and spices and/or herbs, a descriptive name in line with Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 should be “[name Annex I] with (added) [name of the spice/herb]”.
Amendment 188 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i – indent 4 b (new) Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i – indent 4 b (new) Directive 2001/112/EC
– the following indent is added: - Fiber For products made only from products listed in Annex I and fiber, a descriptive name in line with Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 should be “[name Annex I] with (added) fiber”
Amendment 191 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point ii – indent 1 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point ii – indent 1 a (new)
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 3 – indent 4
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 3 – indent 4
– Indent 4 is replaced as follows: Enzyme preparations: pectinases (for breakdown of pectin), proteinases (for breakdown of proteins), and amylases (for breakdown of starch) and cellulases (for breakdown of cellulose) meeting the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1332/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food enzymes (1);
Amendment 196 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point ii – indent 2
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point ii – indent 2
Directive 2001/112/EC
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 3 – indent 12 a (new)
Annex 1 – part 2 – point 3 – indent 12 a (new)
– Processes to remove naturally occurring sugars, to the extent that they maintain all the other essential physical, chemical, organoleptical and nutritional characteristics of an average type of juice of the fruit from which it comes: membrane filtration, yeast fermentation. enzymatic process;
Amendment 203 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 b (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex 2 – paragraphs 2 and 3
Annex 2 – paragraphs 2 and 3
Annex II to Directive 2001/110/EC is amended as follows: In paragraph 2, the introductory text is amended as follows: When placed on the market as honey or used in any product intended for human consumption, honey shall not have added to it any food ingredient, including food additives, nor shall any other additions be made other than honey. Honey must, as far as possible, be free from organic or inorganic matters foreign to its composition. With the exception of point 3 of Annex I, it must not have any foreign tastes or odour, have begun to ferment, have an artificially changed acidity or have been heated in such a way that the natural enzymes have been either destroyed or significantly inactivated, or have been exposed to vacuum evaporation. Honey, when marketed as such or used in any product intended for human consumption, must comply with the compositional characteristics set out in points 1 to 6. In addition, when marketed as "raw honey" or "unheated honey", honey must also comply with the compositional characteristics set out in point 7. In paragraph 3, the introductory text "Without prejudice to point 2(b)(viii) of Annex I, neither pollen nor any other constituent particular to honey, may be removed except where this is unavoidable in the removal of foreign inorganic or organic matter." is replaced by the following: "No significant change in the pollen count or pollen spectrum of pollen smaller than 100 µm is permitted. No constituents of honey smaller than 100 µm may be removed. A new composition criterion (7) is added to Annex II. 7. invertase index (Gontarski unit) for "raw honeys" or "unheated honeys". Determined after processing and blending. - generally, not less than 50 U/kg - honeys with a low natural enzyme content, not less than 25 U/kg
Amendment 204 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I a (new)
Annex I a (new)
Directive 2001/110/EC
Annex 2 a (new)
Annex 2 a (new)
Annex IIa MEASURES RELATING TO HONEY TRACABILITY Guidelines The identification data that must accompany honey throughout the food chain, from producer to consumer, and which must be entered into the blockchain system are as follows: 1. Harvesting beekeeper references 2. Lot defined by the harvesting beekeeper 3. The specific identifier assigned by the non-European operator ensuring the sale to the EU market of batches of honey harvested in a non-EU country. 4. The unique identifier (code) of each operator in the food chain who purchases and processes honey from the beekeeper- harvester. Importers of honey into the EU are treated in the same way as operators and the traceability of honeys applies to them too. 5. Year the honey was harvested if sold in bulk from the beekeeper down the chain. 6. The year of blending if honeys from different geographical origins (country of origin) are blended. 7. In the case of a blend of honeys, indication of the percentages of the different batches of honeys identified by their identifier and creation of a new identifier linked to the initial information. 8. Specific floral or plant origin if mentioned on the packaging of the honey marketed. 9. Geographical origin corresponding to the origin indicated on the marketed honey. The indication of origin must meet at least the requirements of Article 2(4)(a), i.e. the country of harvest. The information on origin may not be modified under any circumstances and must always appear when the honey is mixed or in transit. All packaging of blended honey, from the barrel to the jar, must be labelled with the last identifier assigned to the honey, so that it can be linked to all the honeys of origin and to the various blends made by the intermediary operator(s).
Amendment 254 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2001/113/EC
Annex 1 – part 1 – point b – indent 2
Annex 1 – part 1 – point b – indent 2
– The name ‘jelly marmalade’ may be used where the product defined as citrus marmalade contains no insoluble matter except possibly for small quantities of finely sliced peel. In the name 'citrus marmalade', the term 'citrus fruit' may be replaced by the name of the citrus fruit used.;
Amendment 256 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Directive 2001/113/EC
Annex 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Annex 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
(2a) In Annex II, the second indent is replaced by the following: ‘– fruit juice, whether or not concentrated: only in jams’;
Amendment 257 #
2023/0105(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Directive 2001/113/EC
Annex 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Annex 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
(2b) In Annex II, the fourth indent is replaced by the following: ‘- red fruit juices, whether or not concentrated: only in jam and extra jam manufactured from rosehips, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, plums and rhubarb,
Amendment 3 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas on 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation illegally invaded Ukraine, and its effects have put food security and the resilience of the global food system at the centre of the political agenda; whereas European food production must therefore be considered a strategic sector and be placed on an equal footing with energy security, defence and the fight against climate change at the Union and international level;
Amendment 30 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Insists, nevertheless, that the Commission carefully manage and monitor the TRQs and keep the European Parliament constantly informed;
Amendment 36 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. CNotes that there is only a general final clause of the FTA, therefore, calls for the EU to implement safeguards, such as seasonality, on the additional TRQs for agricultural products;
Amendment 48 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises that the EU beef and sheep sectors are under pressure owing to the market access being given to non-EU countries; calls on the Commission to consider the cumulative impacts of future trade deals on EU farmers and the need for investment in local EU production; it is necessary to maintain a level playing field for EU farmers, agri-food producers and workers; therefore, calls for the introduction of appropriate support measures for EU farmers;
Amendment 61 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that it would welcome exchanges between the EU and New Zealand on good practices, in particular regarding regulations on new breeding techniques and attracting young people, especially female farmers, into the farming profession;
Amendment 73 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the obligation for the insurance of the effective implementation of the ILO convention and the multilateral environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, welcomes that the FTA also includes chapters on SPS measures, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, and technical barriers to trade.
Amendment 6 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and Türkiye on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation,
Amendment 7 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
Amendment 12 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the restrictive measures framework established by the EU on 11 November 2019, as a response to Türkiye’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, as most recently renewed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2186 of 8 November 2022,
Amendment 13 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to the declaration issued by the European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, including the provision that the recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the negotiations, and to the need for Türkiye to proceed to the normalization of its relations with all Member States and to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, by removing all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport, without prejudice and discrimination,
Amendment 16 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
– having regard to the Council Conclusions of 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 to the effect that the accession negotiations effectively have come to a standstill and no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing and no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen,
Amendment 17 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 d (new)
Citation 4 d (new)
– having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, and therefore to the obligation of Türkiye to implement all judgments of the European courts, including the ECtHR,
Amendment 18 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 e (new)
Citation 4 e (new)
– having regard to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on Cyprus, including resolution 550 (1984) of 11 May 1984 on secessionist actions in Cyprus and resolution 789 (1992) of 25 November 1992 which consider attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible, and call for the transfer of that area to the administration of the United Nations, urging all concerned in the Cyprus question to commit themselves to the confidence-building measures set out in the resolution,
Amendment 36 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide,1a _________________ 1a OJ C 328, 6.9.2016, p. 2.
Amendment 44 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumptions of talks 2a, _________________ 2a OJ C 425, 20.10.2021, p. 143
Amendment 45 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
– having regard to the relevant resolutions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, including the interim resolution of 16 September 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Cyprus v. Turkey,
Amendment 140 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges theTakes note of partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to; underlines the paramount importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions and urges Türkiye to ensure the full respect of those sanctions, in particular taking into account the free circulation of products, including dual- use goods, within the EU-Turkey Customs Union; highlights, its expectation that Turkey will avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments, thus clearly circumvent suching EU sanctions;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye; calls on Türkiye to fully implement all judgements of the European Courts, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in line with Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the payment of just satisfaction awarded by the ECtHR, an unconditional obligation deriving from Türkiye’s membership of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 211 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reiterates relevant ECtHR decisions and calls on the Turkish Government to immediately stop the violation of the human rights of the Cypriot citizens and stop depriving them of the enjoyment and exercise of their property, religious and other human rights stemming from the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus and the acquis communautaire, as well as the fundamental principles and values of the EU;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Amendment 237 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Takes note of the efforts made by Türkiye to continue hosting a large refugee population; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Türkiye, and expresses its commitment to sustaining this support in the future; calls on the Commission to ensure the utmost transparency and accuracy in the allocation of funds under the successor to the Facility for Refugees in Türkiye, ensuring that the funds are primarily given directly to the refugees and host communities and managed by organisations that guarantee accountability and transparency; supports an objective assessment of the cooperation between the EU and Türkiye on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides complying with their respective commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands, or the activation of the Voluntary Humanitarian Admissions Scheme; recalls Türkiye’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for irregular migration opening from Türkiye to the EU, and its will to cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the EU to this effect and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process;
Amendment 240 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Regrets that as a result of Türkiye’s instrumentalization of refugees a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in Cyprus in 2022; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the EU- Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with EU Member States, should be adequately implemented; underlines that cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all EU Member States remains essential;
Amendment 250 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomesTakes note, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Continues to urge Türkiye to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, having recourse, if necessary to the International Court of Justice and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats;
Amendment 257 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Reaffirms its call expressed in its resolution of 15 April 2015, and once again encourages Turkey to recognise the Armenian Genocide, thus paving the way for a genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples; calls on Türkiye, in this regard, to refrain from any anti-Armenian propaganda and hate speech, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage;
Amendment 265 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolutionmains fully aware that any positive dynamics can be easily reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved;calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is part of the EU acquis; continues, in particular, to call Türkiye to show genuine collective engagement to negotiating the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the continental shelf in good faith and in line with international rules and principles; condemns, in this regard, the harassment by Turkish warships of research vessels performing surveys within the EEZ delimitated by the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its EEZ and to explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with international law;supports the invitation extended to Türkiye by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their respective coast lines, or to have recourse to the International Court of 7 June 2022stice, and calls on Türkiye to accept Cyprus’s invitation;
Amendment 290 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Regrets the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and within the agreed framework will have a positive impact on Türkiye’s relations with the EU; strongly reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework, with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 297 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, therefore posing a major threat not only to Türkiye, but also to the Mediterranean region; asks the Turkish Government to involve the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture; to facilitate an experts’ mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency for inspection of the facility after the devastating earthquakes; to align its legislation with relevant EU acquis on nuclear safety and proceed with cross- border cooperation with neighboring states; to accede to the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Trans-boundary Context and the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters;
Amendment 302 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Deplores the fact that the Turkish Government has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the UN framework to defend on a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Türkiye to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; strongly condemns any action to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of Cyprus and stresses that such actions severely damages efforts to create an environment conducive to resuming settlement talks under the auspices of the United Nations;
Amendment 306 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Further calls on Türkiye to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance; condemns the fact that Turkey continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), which call on Türkiye to transfer the area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN, by supporting the opening of the town of Varosha to the public; takes the view that this move undermines mutual trust and hence the prospect of a resumption of talks on a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem; expresses in this regard serious concern over the recent, new illegal activities in the fenced off area of Varosha for the opening of a new part of the beach;
Amendment 311 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
13e. Welcomes the proposals of the President of the Republic of Cyprus which aim at breaking the stalemate in the settlement process and calls for a more active engagement by the EU in this regard; calls on the Turkish Cypriot leader to return to dialogue based on the UN format, which represents the only viable path towards reconciliation; urges that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus be resumed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General;
Amendment 312 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)
Paragraph 13 f (new)
13f. Reiterates its call on Türkiye to fulfil its obligation of full, non- discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; regrets the fact that Türkiye has still not made progress towards normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; underlines the fact that cooperation remains essential in areas such as justice and home affairs as well as aviation law and air traffic communications with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 335 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 h (new)
Paragraph 13 h (new)
13h. Condemns the repeated attempts by Türkiye to intimidate and gag Turkish Cypriot journalists and progressive citizens in the Turkish Cypriot community, thus violating their right to freedom of opinion and expression;
Amendment 336 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 i (new)
Paragraph 13 i (new)
13i. Regrets Türkiye’s continuing refusal to comply with aviation law and establish a channel of communication between air traffic control centres in Türkiye and the Republic of Cyprus, the absence of which entails real safety risks and dangers as identified by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations; takes the view that this could be an area where Türkiye could prove its commitment to confidence- building measures and calls on Türkiye to collaborate by fully implementing EU aviation law;
Amendment 346 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partneactor for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;
Amendment 351 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls its position, as expressed in previous resolutions, on the introduction of an initiative in the Council for all EU Member States to halt the licensing of arms exports to Türkiye in accordance with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP;
Amendment 361 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realisticaffirms nevertheless its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU- Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on and constructive dialogue with t Türkiye and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society and promote convergence with the EU;
Amendment 370 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Regrets that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Türkiye fully and effectively implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States including the Republic of Cyprus in a non- discriminatory manner, which is a prerequisite for the opening of the negotations for the upgrading;
Amendment 378 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that visa liberalisation will be possible once all the criteria have been fully and effectively met in a non- discriminatory manner towards all Member States;
Amendment 379 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Reiterates its call on Türkiye to comply with the EU declaration issued on September 21, 2005 and to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-a-vis all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; regrets that Türkiye has still not made progress towards the normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; reiterates that recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accesion process, of Customs Union and every agreement between the EU and Türkiye and calls for progress without any further delay;
Amendment 380 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Deeply regrets the conversion of the Hagia Sophia historical-religious monument into a mosque without prior dialogue, which could violate the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage to which Türkiye is a signatory; calls on Türkiye’s Government to reconsider and reverse this decision in order to fully respect the historical and cultural character of cultural and religious monuments and symbols, especially UNESCO world heritage sites; recalls that Hagia Sophia is a place open for all communities and religions and calls on UNESCO to take proper actions in order to safeguard this World Heritage Site;
Amendment 391 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforfundamental freedoms, respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, and that it can only be envisaged upon Türkiye’s full implementationed principles of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;
Amendment 68 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. expresses its unequivocal support for Kosovo’s application for membership of the Council of Europe and calls on all the EU Member States to support its invitation, as well as its invitations to join other international organisations; highlights that this would constitute another step towards the recognition of Kosovo's irreversible independence and sovereignty by other countries;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions on women, peace and security of 14 November 2022,
Amendment 2 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the fourth and final Annual Review Conference of the Civilian CSDP Compact on 16 November 2022,
Amendment 33 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas Member States are responsible for providing missions’ capability requirements, pursuant to art 42 TEU;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas EU CSDP missions and operations are often targeted by hybrid threats, including disinformation, putting at risk their effectiveness in stabilising the country in which they are deployed;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on EU Member States to agree on an ambitious new Civilian CSDP Compact by mid 2023, as stipulated in the Strategic Compass, in order to renew their commitment to strengthening civilian CSDP, their shared political ownership of it and their commitment to reinforce and bridge the gaps in civilian CSDP missions;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on EU member states to renew their commitment to increase national contributions to civilian CSDP missions, especially in terms of human resources;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point g
Paragraph 4 – point g
g) the security-climate nexus, by mainstreaming climate change and environmental degradation, as it relates to security challenges, while taking concrete steps to reduce the footprint of the missions with the aim to achieve climate- neutrality by 2050 in line with the goals set out under the European Green Deal,
Amendment 69 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point h
Paragraph 4 – point h
h) civil-military cooperation, by promoting the rule of law and accountability, including by strengthening the justice chain and capabilities to respond effectively to security challenges;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Emphasises that all EU engagements must be credible in the eyes of local and regional populations and authorities, building on close and honest cooperation with host nations, and must maintain frequent communication between mission personnel, national authorities and the broader population;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Recalls that civilian missions must pay special attention to conflict dynamics, robust risk assessment and mitigation processes, and must include more impact- based monitoring and evaluation of CSDP interventions as well as more consultation and feedback mechanisms;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the new Civilian CSDP Compact to be used to strive for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in civilian CSDP, including, as a first step, to increase the participation of women to at least 40 % across missions and at all levels by 2024; highlights women’s significant contribution in CSDP missions and operations success and as a driver of the EU’s credibility as a proponent of equal rights for men and women worldwide; recalls the EU’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) III (2020- 2024), which requires systematic integration of a gender perspective in all EU policies and external actions including the CSDP; urges the Member States and EEAS to promote an increase in the number of women in CSDP operations, including, as a first step, to increase the participation of women to at least 40 % across missions and at all levels by 2024; calls on EU Member States to commit to gradually achieve gender parity in the appointments of heads of mission and other senior leadership positions; encourages their close cooperation with local civil society actors in promoting gender equality and gender mainstreaming where possible;
Amendment 115 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls for the implementation of sustainable, long-term capacity building and training as part of civilian CSDP missions, where possible and required, such as “train-the-trainer” programs, in order to ensure the long-term viability and success of the missions;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for clear exit strategies for civilian missions, allowing for swifter closure of missions when operational and political objectives are met, and also when those are not met;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Further welcomes the proposed creation of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC); underlines the RDC’s main tasks, which will include amongst others, rescue and evacuation operations, temporary reinforcement of other missions and acting as a reserve force to secure exit; stresses in this regard the need to create contingency plans for each Civilian CSDP mission in coordination with the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), the CPCC and the RDC in anticipation of potential emergency situations where the RDC may be required;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on EU member states to maintaining a commitment in the new compact to develop the full range of capabilities needed to undertake and sustain civilian crisis management missions, including mission support and generic capabilities, and commit to specific measures to enhance their availability for civilian CSDP missions;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the fact that in spite of being one of the core commitments in the Compact, civilian CSDP missions persistently suffer from Member States not delivering on their pledges to provide sufficient personnel, with 10 Member States currently providing 78 % of seconded personnel, and 17 Member States only 22 %; calls on all MEU member Sstates to ensure that they provide seconded staff to fill 100 % of all opmaintain a commitment in the new compact to raise jointly the number and share of seconded personnel to at least 70% of international positions and to provide at least 60 % of the seconded staff for non-ersonnel across all missions and at all levels, while aiming for 100% seconded personnel in operational positions;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the need to reform the human resources policy and management system, and to ensure that the working conditions in civilian CSDP missions contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment; welcomes the EEAS’s efforts to address weaknesses in the support provided to staff in missions, including the revision of the Code of Conduct, with a particular focus on human rights principles; calls on the EEAS to examine ways aimed at reducing staff turnover and vacancy rates, including amongst others, extending deployment time;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Emphasises the significance of coordinated action on a Union level to effectively prevent and counter hybrid threats faced by civilian CSDP missions; welcomes the joint communication on an EU cyber defence policy, noting the importance of cyber resilience for CSDP missions and the decision to develop an EU hybrid toolbox for a coordinated response to hybrid campaigns; stresses the need to further develop the EU’s cyber- defence policy and capabilities, including the setting up of cyber rapid response teams and their expansion towards supporting civilian CSDP missions; reiterates the urgent need to develop their strategic communication capabilities including secure communication systems drawing on the EU’s secure connectivity programme;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Stresses the importance of fighting adverse disinformation aimed at Civilian CSDP missions by malicious state and non-state actors; calls on the EEAS to take concrete steps to support CSDP missions through strengthening the capacities of the StratCom division and ensuring the provision of well-trained personnel at each mission, responsible for monitoring, reporting and countering disinformation where possible;
Amendment 164 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Welcomes the proposal, enshrined in the Strategic Compass, to enable a more rapid deployment of Civilian CSDP missions; underlines in this regard the stated aim to deploy up to 200 experts within 30 days; stresses therefore the need to modify decision-making procedures, including examining a shift towards qualified majority voting for certain aspects of the missions;
Amendment 165 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Calls on the EEAS to develop, together with Commission services and Member States, a structured and regular civilian capability development process by 2024;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2196(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Highlights the need of ensuring a more robust and realistic CFSP budget that matches the needs of new and ongoing civilian CSDP missions and its rapid, flexible and cost-efficient use to support them, ensuring sound financial management and careful prioritisation of existing resources;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the decision of the UK Government to pursue a hard Brexit upon its withdrawal from the EU was inevitably going to entail the disruptive disintegration of economic and trade ties and the divergence of regulatory regimes for farmers, agri-food producers, citizens and third-country trading partners;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas it is necessary to preserve a level playing field and legal certainty for famers, agri-food producers and workers, citizens;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that UK requirements for unnecessary guarantees in relation to certain animal diseases are not in line with the standanrds of the World Organizations for Animal Health; regrets the fact that the UK is not respecting the obbligation to align its certification requirements with international standards;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that, although interim arrangements offered by the EU allowed to improve the situation, strucural solutions are needed for the acceptance of EU paperless certificates by the United Kingdom;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges the introduction by the United Kingdom of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill in May 2022, establishing new rules for release and marketing of "precision bred organisms" in England;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on the EU to speed up the adoption of legislation on the use of new breeding techniques, in order to ensure a level playing field for EU farmers, while sustainably increasing yields and making crops more resilient to climate change and new pathogens, particularly in view of harmful organisms, floods, droughts, water shortages and other extreme weather conditions that are afflicting an increasing number of Member States;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to assess the level of protection of EU geographical indications protected in the United Kingdom by virtue of the Withdrawal Agreement and to launch discussions with the UK on new provisions pertaining to the protection of EU geographical indications registered from January 2021;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on the Commission to keep Parliament fully informed in a timely manner of all difficulties that may arise, in particular possible breaches of the Agreements that might jeopardise the level playing field and fair competition for the EU’s farmers, agri-food producers and workers;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in 2020, a majority (57.6 %) of farm managers (all genders) were at least 55 years of age and approximately only 10 % of farm managers were under 40 years old; whereas a relatively high proportion of farmers have 65 years of age or more in many Member States;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas almost all EU regions are experiencing a steady increase in average farm sizes and a concentration of production on fewer and larger farms; whereas the number of farms in EU-27 declined between 2013 and 2016 from about 15 to 10 million (-32%) with the strongest decline being among small farms 1a; _________________ 1a The Future of the European Farming Model: Socio-economic and territorial implications of the decline in the number of farms and farmers in the EU, 2022
Amendment 24 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas farms run by managers of 40 years old or younger have the lowest income on average at EU level and that farms run by women have lower incomes in comparison with men 1a; _________________ 1a EU Farm economics overview, 2021
Amendment 25 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas in 2020 slightly more than two thirds (68.4%) of farm managers in the EU’s 9.1 million holdings were male;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas 72.3% of farm managers in the EU in 2020 had only practical experience, while barely 10.2% had full agricultural training and the remaining 17.5% only basic agricultural training;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas farming remains a predominantly family activity as in 2020 almost nine in ten (86.1%) people who worked regularly in agriculture in the EU were the sole holder (farmer) or members of his/her family;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that the low level of intergenerational renewal in farming, while part of a larger trend of demographic decline, is a general EU concern for the sector, affecting particularly remote rural areas; ;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that a fair and dignified income and quality of life for farmers and their families is essential in attracting young and new people to the sector and that Member States must devote at least 3% of their direct payments envelope to this objective;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. 6. Recalls that although the number of new entrants from outside the agricultural sector is growing, intra- family succession is still the dominant form of entry into farming;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Points out that the Court of Justice of the European Union has been recognising in its rulings the specific nature of agricultural land as well as a set of public interests and objectives that can justify the establishment of land market regulation measures;
Amendment 111 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that fears of retirement, primarily due to inadequate safety nets for pensioners, leads older farmers to use direct payments as a form of support in retirement and retain land;
Amendment 112 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Acknowledges the positive effect of CAP young’s farmers measures on the number of young farmers, in particular those located in more peripheral rural areas 1a; _________________ 1a SWD (2021) 78 final
Amendment 113 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Highlights the positive contribution of LEADER projects and initiatives to social inclusion and to challenges faced by young people, notably when prioritising youth in selection criteria and in setting up youth local action groups;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to develop coherent strategies to promote generational change, combining different measures in a complementary way, such as financial support, tax breaks and incentives, to improve links between EU policies and national and regional policies; calls on the Commission to promote the sharing of best practices between Member States in this regard, with a focus on increasing efficiency, simplification and accessibility when designing measures for young farmers;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that generational renewal needs both younger and older generations and therefore intergenerational cooperation and dialogue must be fostered;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Member States to promote innovative models of intergenerational collaboration, such as partnerships, share farming or land- matching services; recalls the potential of the cooperation measures under the CAP Strategic Plans in this regard and regrets that only 5 Member States have made use of this possibility; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure an enabling administrative framework that facilitates the adoption of these innovative approaches;
Amendment 224 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Member States to regulate agricultural land markets in order to promote land access for young farmers by all means available, such as pre-emptive rights in favour of young farmers, price controls, acquisition caps or obligations to maintain agricultural activity; calls, furthermore, for the establishment of national plans aimed at facilitating land mobility;
Amendment 237 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Member States to ensure the transparency of the rural land market, while maintaining up-to date public information on land markets and land planning, planning and ownership, communicating about land sales and monitoring land concentration;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to establish an EU observatory on farmland, as part of the Rural Observatory, to monitor, in particular, trends and prices for land sale and rental, tenancy regimes, as well as changes in farmland use and land abandonment;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Highlights that land lease is a viable alternative to gain access to land, locking fewer resources; calls on Member states to adopt policies to promote long- term land leasing, such as tax exemptions, providing security of tenure and time to invest
Amendment 310 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Insists that generational renewal remain a high priority in the future programming period in order to receive, namely on the CAP, to be supported in a mandatory and increased supportway;
Amendment 313 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Encourages politicians, schools, media, farmers, local associations, to work together in promoting a positive image of farming and rural areas and to communicate on the farmer’s role in food production and environmental services;
Amendment 314 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Amendment 315 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Stresses the importance of providing tailored advisory services, in particular to support young farmers and new entrants, prior to their installation and in the following years; highlights the potential of diversifying the models of advice to better address farmers diversity (e.g. peer-to-peer learning, mentoring schemes);
Amendment 316 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Highlights the importance of integrating in the training schemes for new entrants and young farmers, in addition to the technical, business and digital contents, also contents on soft skills, communication, leadership, mental health and well-being, among others;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 e (new)
Paragraph 27 e (new)
27e. Considers that diverse options of facilitating the farm transmission process should be fostered in public policies at European and national level, such as existing farms acting as incubators for start-up businesses or new models of business allowing progressive transfer of land and assets between a farmer and his/her successors
Amendment 322 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underlines the role of young farmer’s organisations, cooperatives and farmer organisations in helping young farmers overcome barriers to installation, providing guidance services and enhancing their participation in the policy dialogue; calls for the gender-balanced representation of young farmers’ in their governance bodies to be ensured;
Amendment 328 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines the impact and potential of digital technologies onfor young farmers' activities and business opportunities, and that a strong political commitment is required at all levels of policy implementation to ensure connectivity andbroadband infrastructure and connectivity and a particular focus on digital inclusion;
Amendment 331 #
2022/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Highlights the importance of reliable internet access for young farmers quality of life in rural areas, namely to overcome social isolation, access education and training opportunities, as well as for service provision;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the action plan entitled ‘Strategic Compass for Security and Defence – For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’, which was approvdopted by the Council on 21 March 2022 and endorsed by the European Council on 25 March 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the Response Force of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Response Force (NRF),
Amendment 24 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational missions abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, NATO, international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational mississions and operations abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational missions abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, and other international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas candidate and association countries have also contributed to CSDP missions;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Strategic Compass sets out EU-level action in many of these areas; whereas the European Defence Fund and the European Peace Facility are EU instruments which have already been deployed and that are designed to improve military capabilities and foster operational cooperation and burden- sharing abroad;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the European Defence Fund is an EU instrument which has already been deployed and is designed to improve military capabilities including regarding the industrial base;
Amendment 74 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Amendment 77 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Battlegroup Concept has helped develop multinational defence cooperation and interoperability, as well as transformation for rapid deployment and force modernisation, yet, despite these benefits, the non-use of this asset over a period of 15 years has been politically embarrassing given the EU’s aspirations in this area, and raises questions over the justifiability of its costs;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas problems related to decision making and political will have structurally hampered the deployment of the EU Battlegroups since their creation in 2007;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in cases when EU battlegroups have not been used, individual EU Member States have often acted outside the EU framework instead, either on their own or with other EU or non-EU states, inevitably constraining, if not undermining, the EU’s stated aspiration for ‘integration’ across policy tools, institutions and actors in pursuit of common interests and values also in foreign policy, and also excluding both formal and informal democratic oversight and scrutiny through the European Parliament;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in cases when EU bBattlegroups have not been usdeployed, individual EU Member States have oftenccasionally acted outside the EU framework instead, either on their own or with other EU or non-EU states;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas there has been confusion about the list of tasks for the Battlegroups;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas the Battlegroups’ format has appeared insufficient to operate successfully in hostile environments and has also been considered not sufficiently adaptable to meet the variable needs of a range of crisis situations, while also the pace of political decision making and potential deployment have been criticised, particularly when compared with alternative national options to address quickly evolving problems on the ground;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas the ‘costs lie were they fall' principle for Battlegroup funding provides no incentive for troop contributing Member States to actually deploy them during their standby period; whereas this has been an underlying reason for vetoes in troop contribution by Member States; whereas the additional costs for the use of a Battlegroup are also not covered largely, if not wholly, by common funding, yet giving further reasons to Member States on why the Battlegroup should not be used during their rotation turn;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J d (new)
Recital J d (new)
Jd. whereas the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Council have formally recognised financing of the Battlegroups as ‘the most significant obstacle; whereas evidence and previous examples suggest that it appeared to be much easier to come to a decision if there are no additional costs for nations involved;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J e (new)
Recital J e (new)
Je. whereas whenever Member States were unwilling to authorise the use of their Battlegroups despite a clear need, opportunity and feasibility to do so, they were not publicly called out and were allowed to save face; whereas this meant that each time the use of Battlegroups was discussed but did not materialise, a negative precedent was created that undermined the spirit of solidarity and cooperation; whereas instead of creating a virtuous circle whereby the successful use of the Battlegroup in one case would create political incentives and mutual obligations for their future use, a vicious circle emerged that eroded political willingness to use such asset;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J f (new)
Recital J f (new)
Jf. whereas the early years of the Battlegroups’ existence were marked by declining momentum for EU CSDP, particularly due to defence cuts after the 2008 financial crisis;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J g (new)
Recital J g (new)
Jg. whereas actual convergence among Member States in terms of threat priorities faced by the European Union and the need to be able to rapidly respond to them remained relatively limited; whereas the Strategic Compass considerably advances in this area through the common threat analysis, significantly addressing this issue;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the Strategic Compass sets out a clear roadmap for implementing EU- level actions, in particular for transforming the EU battlegroup system,by establishing a rRapid dDeployment cCapacity (RDC) building on substantially modified EU Battlegroups and paving the way towards entrusting the implementation of specific CSDP tasks to a group of Member States within the Union framework in accordance with Articles 42(5) and 44 of the TEU;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the practicalossible implementation of Article 44 of the TEU, as well as the establishment and operation of the EU RDC, should be considered among the main aspects of the CSDP on which the Vice- President of the European Commission / High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) needs to regularly consult Parliament;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
Oa. whereas potential participants in such coalitions of the willing apparently feared that the cost-benefit calculation is not favourable enough to justify the expected loss of control over the key parameters of an operation;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas, in line with Article 41 of the TEU and previous practice building on the experience of the European security and defence college, the administrative and operating expenditure for the RDC should be charged to the Union budget except for expenditure that is covered by the European Peace Facility, notwithstanding the possibility for participating Member States to make free- of-charge contributions to the RDC;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the VP/HR’s proposal, enshrined in the Strategic Compass, to establish anthe EU RDC; stresses the importance of the EU having the necessary capabilities and structures to take action rapidly and decisively during crises in order to serve and protect the Union’s citizens, interests and values across the world;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Highlights that the RDC is a key element for the European Union's strategic autonomy and will represent a significant improvement of our capacities in security and defence; Highlights that the establishment of the RDC will create new security synergies and strengthen collective defence also in the relations with our partners;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Strongly encourages the VP/HR to propose a Council Decision onthe establishing an EU RDC to protect the Union’s values and serve its interests along the following lines:
Amendment 179 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) The conceptual planning for the RDC should be focused, but not limited to, on crisis management tasks laid in TEU Article 43, but precepts of Article 42 and Solidarity Clause 222 should not be excluded;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b
Paragraph 2 – point b
(b) The RDC’s tasks should include, but not be limited to, rescue and evacuation operations, initial entry and initial phase of stabilisation operations, temporary reinforcement of other missions, and acting as a reserve force to secure exit; the Council could assign further tasks as referred to under Article 44 of the TEU, and the duration and scope of the assignments should be consistent with resources allocated to the RDC; notes that flexibility should be introduced in task and scenario planning in order to be prepared to address all possible crisis situations;
Amendment 192 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point c
Paragraph 2 – point c
(c) The RDC should number at least 5 000 troops, excluding strategic enablers such as air and sea lift personnel, intelligence assets, special operations forces and medical evacuation and care units; the target number for the RDC should be at least between 7 000 and 10 000 troops in total; notes that an exact number of minimum troops can only be given after conceptual planners have analysed the potential scenarios;
Amendment 202 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO; further notes that the term ‘non- permissive environment’ can refer to a terrorist or a conventional threat, but could also include all kinds of hybrid threats, such as cyber-attacks, information warfare or even weapons of mass destruction; notes that the RDC is not limited to use in such environment but also in so-called permissive environments if decided to;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO; notes that the scenarios should cover, among others, two guidelines in the Strategic Compass: a) operations in a ‘non-permissive environment’, and b) the suggested role division with NATO and the related most likely geographical areas for the RDC to focus on;
Amendment 208 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises at the strategic, joint forces and tactical level, to be scheduled by the HR/VP, following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) The Commander of the RDC should the Director General of the EU Military Staff (EUMS) or a commanding officer with the same rank and it should be organised according to the common scheme of European multinational joint staffs;
Amendment 233 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point g
Paragraph 2 – point g
(g) Similarly, its operating expenditure should be funded from the Union budget with the exception of expenditure that is charged to the European Peace Facility; notes that EPF budget rules permit it, ‘if the Council so decides’; encourages the Council to decide positively in such cases;
Amendment 241 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) Since the RDC will be constituted of up to 10000 troops that will train and ultimately go into action together, the soldiers should be able to enjoy the same working and social rights;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 256 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the increase in ambition of the RDC compared to Battlegroups is primarily in quality because it solves the shortfall of the Battlegroups, which lacked high readiness air and sea components and strategic enablers; considers that the RDC has great potential to substantially improve on the Battlegroups, strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, and positively contribute to the EU’s integrated approach to security and peace;
Amendment 257 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Considers that the EU Battlegroup Concept suffers from structural design flaws as Battlegroup contributor nations on standby are supposed to act in relation to needs on the ground, and to protect the Union’s values and serve its interests as laid down in the EU’s Treaties, EU strategic documents and concrete policies, while in practice, Battlegroup contributor states still undertook national cost-benefit calculations each time a request for deployment was made, and did not hesitate to cast their veto even if they preferred to provide alternative justifications; calls on the Member States to transform the EU Battlegroup System to match the needs of the Capacity; considers that the EU Battlegroups should be funded from the Union budget during their stand-up, stand-by and stand-down phases;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Acknowledges that it is only natural that Member States have their own strategic cultures that may differ in important aspects, like perception of the most salient threats, willingness to use lethal force and accept risks, authorisation requirements and scrutiny by parliaments and public opinion, and attitudes towards key partners, but yet there needs to be further steps towards greater convergence over this issues given the common challenges the EU and its Member States face;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls for, insofar the EU RDC relies on rotating units and reformed Battlegroups, the rotation period of six months for Member States be extended to remove incentives on Member States to delay decision making when it is ‘their turn’, keeping in mind that smaller countries may not be able to maintain those long periods and should be allowed to rotate faster;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Points out that more than 50% of the seven years budget of the EPF has already been spent towards assisting Ukraine counter the Russian invasion, with five more years to go, which can significantly frustrate the development and use of the RDC; notes therefore that decisions need to be taken on how to increase the budget in order to come back to the agreed levels for the remaining years while maintaining the necessary assistance to Ukraine;
Amendment 261 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Calls on the Member States and EEAS to urgently address structural gaps in strategic enablers through utilising the EU Military Committee’s, European Defence Agency’s and EDF’s expertise and capacities in combination with coordinated efforts through the Permanent Structured Cooperation framework; stresses that these strategic enablers need to be tailor-made for the RDC’s needs and will be prioritised for its use; calls on the Commission and the HR/VP to also identify the financial needs to address those gaps;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Highlights that the VP/HR should have a major role in synchronising actions with NATO such that the EU ambition is not frustrated by NATO and vice versa;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the bulk of the RDC modules should need to stay at a standard readiness level, except those for high urgency tasks; notes that, depending on the security situation, the MPCC could decide to increase the readiness of modules which might be necessary for a specific mission;
Amendment 274 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that the EU RDC should also serve as a driver for capability development, in particular with regard to solving European shortfalls in the area of strategic enablers;
Amendment 275 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points out that the EU should interact and coordinate with NATO in order to create synergies between the readiness categories of the EU RDC and the NATO Response Force;
Amendment 276 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Notes that given that the EU RDC deployment depends on the short notice availability of Communication and Information Structures (CIS), development of integrated CIS structures at the European level is advisable, including drawing on the EU's secure connectivity programme;
Amendment 277 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Considers that the EU Satellite Centre should provide their services and expertise to the EU RDC and calls for the future necessary arrangements to be made, including ensuring that adequate funding is made available to EUSatCen under the relevant headings of the Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 278 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Recalls that sustained investment in solving Europe’s military shortfalls should be sought by European collaboration also, instead of by only seeking national solutions, as it is a basic requirement to effectively realise the EU RDC and therefore to successfully contributing in developing the EU as a serious and credible geopolitical actor;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Highlights that the aspirations expressed in the SC will only be met if Member States are able to increase their national defence capabilities;
Amendment 282 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the RDC should have permanent operational headquarters under the Military Planning and Conduct Capability in order to ensure its effectiveness; (MPCC), to ensure its effectiveness; stresses the need to bring the MPCC to full operational capacity and improve its capabilities through increasing the number of its permanent staff up to 350, relocating it to larger premises jointly with other CSDP-related structures such as the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, the EU Intelligence and Situation Centre and the EUMS, and urgently develop a dedicated communication and information system for its needs; notes that is advisable to keep one or more national ‘High Readiness’ OHQs as a fall-back option to anticipate a scenario in which multiple crises present themselves at the same time;
Amendment 292 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that ultimately, the RDC should build-up on the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) towards a full architecture of Operation Headquarters (OHQ), able to conduct all EU military operations by offering the opportunity to centralise military and strategic command and control in Brussels, and allowing to coordinate also with actors responsible for civilian crisis management as well as having fluid interlocution with the EEAS and the European Commission;
Amendment 295 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Considers that, in order to avoid the risk of decisions about the creation and design of the RDC becoming disconnected from the core aspirations of the EU’s integrated approach, the HR/VP should regularly inform the European Parliament as stated in TEU Article 36, and the European Parliament should check and demand that all EU actions are sufficiently coordinated to maximise coherence and effectiveness;
Amendment 299 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU RDC to have the possibility tof being deployed and act ing in case of emergenciesy, natural disasters such as floods or wildfires, or other significant civil- protection criseis inside EU territory, where possible, at the proposal of the VP/HRHR/VP, in close coordination with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and following the pertinent authorisation procedures;
Amendment 309 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the potential of the EU RDC to positively contribute to the Commission's RESCEU approach, especially in matters such as forest fire fighting inside EU territory;
Amendment 310 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights the positive contribution of the European aerospace industry to our defence and civil protection capabilities, and in particular Airbus’ success in equipping the A400M as a firefighter tank plane, and the future FCAS system led by France, Germany and Spain;
Amendment 314 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – introductory part
Paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. Calls on the Member States participating in the RDC to agree to act in the name of the European Union as mandated by the Council under Article 44 of the TEU and to thereby use all the tools in the Treaty to increase credibility, flexibility, and efficiency of the EU’s crisis management:
Amendment 329 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the political and economic incentives need to change in order to improve the prospects for using Article 44; calls for greater access to common funding for additional costs to Member States utilising Article 44 and greater flexibility concerning operational decisions and the drafting of the Crisis Management Concept and Operational Plan; suggests the use of scenarios to simulate potential use of Article 44 in advance and to clarify associated modalities;
Amendment 332 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that incentives for the use of the RDC need to change in order to allow greater proportion of the costs to be carried from the EU common budget, or at least the costs which cannot be planned for; for the Council to provide more freedom to these coalitions for instance, by letting them write the operating plan, especially in situations when speed is essential; in making oversight requirements for operations proportionate and reasonable, rather than requiring such coalitions to seek a unanimous agreement for every small operational change; and ensuring that Article 44 covers the whole operation, not just parts of it;
Amendment 334 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that the use of Article 44 offers significant benefits compared to Member States acting outside the EU framework in situations where troop deployment needs to be rapid to prevent further escalation and where the risks to combat troops are at the higher end;
Amendment 337 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that the use of Article 44 offers significant benefits such as speed, flexibility and freedom of action, whilst preserving joint EU action compared to Member States acting outside the EU framework;
Amendment 339 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Member States and the RDC to follow the EU’s integrated approach to ensure effective coordination of an EU response throughout the different phases of a crisis or conflict, combining defence and security activities with development and diplomatic actions;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. UnderlineRegrets that the EU’s defence sector is fragmented, which creates strategic vulnerabilities for the Union, Member States and industry; is concerned about the lack of coordination and calls for more strategic cohesion in security and defence policies at Union level; welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s launch of the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) and encourages the Commission and Member States to take this initiative a step further and strive towards a de facto military ugenuine European Defence Union supported by a strongly articulated common market for defence equipment, followed by a review of the Treaties for more EU competences on critical technologies for defence,and innovation in defence, and security and defence affairs;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the relevant EU bodies to consolidate EU cooperative frameworks for developing cutting-edge military capabilities and for EU-level legislation to coordinate Member States’ strategies for critical technologies and to reduce dependencies; underlines, in this regard, the need to collaboratively invest in the research and development of emerging and disruptive technologies;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 26 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls on the Commission to assess the coherence and complementarity of existing EU programmes with a view to identifying support gaps and promoting synergies; calls for this assessment to be taken into account when preparing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF); calls, likewise, for increased funding opportunities for defence to be considered within the context of the upcoming MFF review;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to review all defence programmes and policy tools, check if they are still fit for purpose, and summarise findings; suggestconsiders that the European Defence Agency can provide light touch(EDA) is well placed to ensure the coherence of innovation activities among European actors in the defence sector; calls, in this regard, for the strengthening of its role in providing support and coordination suggestions, includ for Member States, following a strategic assessment of the findings;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for a more pragmatic and business-orientneeds-based approach to military research in order to provide incentives for innovation in military technology, including by reducing or removing barriers to entry into the defence market; further calls for increased support for European companies in emerging technologies to ensure they remain competitive in international markets by relaxing the rules on compliance documentation and by providing tax incentives andwith a view to stimulating investments;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines the need to direct investments in ways which least distort competition on the Single Market and maintain fair, open and efficient competition in defence procurement; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to ensure the full enforcement of the Procurement Directive in all Member States;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Stresses the need to ensure and increase the participation of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in defence initiatives; recognises the importance of support for overcoming technological, financial, administrative, regulatory and other barriers for entry to the market; calls for measures to raise awareness about EU programmes and funding opportunities and to provide support and training for facilitating market entry;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the needRecognises that the lack of skills constitutes a significant challenge for sustaining and strengthening the European security and defence industries; underlines the need to take an inclusive and accessible approach in reaching out to all available workforce with a view to ensuring a continuous and sustainable supply of skills and human capital; encourages, in this regard, measures to stimulate the development of skills for innovation, research and development (R&D), and fundamental research in critical areas related to emerging technologies; calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to establish and fund defence innovation hubs;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines that many critical technologies for security and defence increasingly originate in the civilian sector and use dual-use components; stresses, in this regard, the need to strengthen synergies between civilian and defence research and innovation with a view to reducing strategic dependencies, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, enhancing the use of dual-use products and broadening funding opportunities;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes that the adoption of common standards across sectors has the potential to contribute to cost savings, innovation and increased interoperability; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to accelerate work on the harmonisation of standards between civil, defence and space industries;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Underlines the need for increased resource efficiency, promotion of recycling of materials, and uptake of sustainable technology solutions; calls on the Commission to accelerate work on the development and application of sustainable security and defence technologies;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Recognises that a secure supply of critical materials, such as rare earth materials, components, and technologies is crucial for the European security and defence industries and the EU’s ability to safeguard its interests; underlines the importance of diversifying supply chains as a means of reducing dependencies on individual third countries;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is concerned about the EU’s dependence on individual third countries, such as China, for raw materials and calls on Member States to reduce their vulnerabilities resulting from dependence on non-democratic suppliers of critical technologies and materials, to avoid the emergence of new dependencies which risk weakening security of supply, and to enhance defence production chains in Europe by localising or near-shoring production;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its support for the Observatory of Critical Technologies; calls on Member States to commit and strengthen collaboration within the framework of the Observatory and for it to be further developed and for its analysis capabilities, including on reducing strategic dependencies, to be enhanced; recognises that the Observatory deals with highly sensitive and classified information; calls, in this regard, for setting up safeguards and building trust among stakeholders with a view to enabling the sharing of information and appropriate handling of data; calls on the Commission to implement a project to continuously map the need for critical materials, evaluate the EU’s strategic dependencies, monitor supply and demand and changes in the behaviour or strategy of competitors, and engage in foresight exercises to predict new needs in critical materials; urges the EU to take an active role in international cooperation forums in order to accelerate the diversification of production chains; considers that these efforts should be made jointly with our strategic partners in NATO and included in, such as those in NATO and within the framework of a Trade and Technology Council (TTC) working group in order to coordinate diplomatic efforts to secure supplies and ensure alternative sources;
Amendment 79 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for military and strategic interoperability and strategic alignment between the EU and like- minded partners as well as with the United States and NATO, and among Member States, to be ensured, given that the risk of fragmentation is exacerbated by different national requirements and national public spending and, investment and procurement schemes;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 81 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Underlines the importance of a strong transatlantic bond as reflected in the EU Strategic Compass and in the NATO Strategic Concept; welcomes the signing of the Joint Declaration on EU- NATO Cooperation on 9 January 2023; calls on the EU and NATO to maintain global technological leadership in military capabilities; welcomes the commitment of the Commission and High Representative to explore possibilities for mutually beneficial cooperation on initiatives in the field of critical technologies;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Considers that the EU is well placed to promote responsible activities as well as good governance and technologies globally, including through its partnerships; urges the Commission and Member States to take global leadership in developing standards that reflect and promote the Union’s interests and values;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CEmphasises the need to secure and protect critical European infrastructure and ensure sufficient monitoring and surveillance; calls on the Commission to work on a plan and investment scheme in cooperation with Member States to update critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, electricity grids and telecommunications infrastructure (undersea cables), for the digital age, including by adapting it to AI-assisted drone supervision and maintenance and in line with the new Directive on the resilience of critical infrastructure (CER Directive) and the Revised Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS2 Directive); subsequently calls for the elaboration of an EU R&D and manufacturing strategy for advanced drones;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls for measures to mitigate risks for companies that produce critical technologies and face acquisition by entities established in third countries; urges Member States to put in place national screening mechanisms for foreign direct investment (FDI) with potential implications for security;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Reiterates its call on the Commission to develop a stronger regulatory framework to the FDI Screening Regulation, including provisions on monitoring and review of takeovers of companies in sectors vital for security and defence technologies by entities under direct or indirect control of non-partner third countries;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges the Commission and Member States to strengthen cooperation betweenamong the European Union's Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), the EDA’s defence innovation hub and NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) by supporting joint projects, joint research and joint investment in cutting-edge defence technologies.;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 38 a (new)
Citation 38 a (new)
– having regard to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (A/RES/2222 (XXI)) of 19 December 1966,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 39 a (new)
Citation 39 a (new)
– having regard to the Treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water of 5 August 1963,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 40 a (new)
Citation 40 a (new)
– having regard to the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Other Hostile use of Environmental Modification Technique of 10 December 1976,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 40 b (new)
Citation 40 b (new)
– having regard to the Climate Change and Defence Roadmap of 9 November 2020,
Amendment 44 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – indent 1 (new)
- Notes that the Climate Change and Defence Roadmap recognises climate change as a ‘threat multiplier that fundamentally affects our long-term security’ and sets out concrete actions to address the increasingly important climate and security nexus; stresses the importance of closely monitoring and reporting on climate change through the use of EU space capabilities due to its crucial consequences on the Union’s security, its effect on conflicts in neighbouring regions, migration flows, and implications on food security, energy production and international trade;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the upsurge in risks and threats in space is good reason to bolsternecessitates a major improvement to the resilience of European space infrastructure, systems and services;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that 11 of the 27 Member States have already introduced national space laws; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to propose space legislation for the EU establishing a common, harmonised and coherent security framework to bolster the resilience of EU space services and prevent excessive fragmentation of the global space market; points out that this framework is eagerly awaited by the Member States and the main industrial players in the space sectorwider space industry, including major industrial players and SMEs; emphasises the need to establish an effective regulatory framework for new space companies based in the European Union, with significant emphasis on protective measures and information security, in alignment with the security needs of the Union;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the regulatory and capacity resources for space traffic management to be boosted with the aim of better protecting the EU’s infrastructure in orbit; calls on the Member States to consolidate their efforts in the field of space surveillance and the tracking of objects in an effort to reducing the risk of collision; calls for increased international cooperation in the field of space traffic management;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the IRIS² secure connectivity constellation to be swiftly set up and made ready for use with a view to providing constant access to secure and sovereign connectivity services that meet the Member States’ operational needs; tactical and strategical needs, including governmental applications in domains such as crisis management, protection of key government infrastructure and surveillance; notes the importance of satellite-based secure connectivity, including through the use of quantum encryption as well as space-based earth observation as critical enablers; furthermore, emphasises the importance of IRIS² towards the effective implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, through supporting its ongoing missions abroad, providing secure connectivity for the Rapid Deployment Capacity, and in assisting crisis response efforts across the globe if necessary;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that, with a view to maintaining continuity of service if an incident takes place, protective measures should be made more robust by systematically integrating cybersecurity requirements by design and throughout the lifespan of existing components; emphasises the need for constant cooperation with the private sector to further incorporate, and constantly update, cybersecurity measures during their design and protection process, through constant dialogue and exchange of best practices where possible;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that capacity for autonomous access to space is an essential element of European space policy; takes the view, therefore, that a special, synergy- based effort must be made to further the long-term production of European launchers and the long-term development of spaceports, furthering the EU’s strategic autonomy in the space domain and reducing dependence on third country launchers; emphasises the importance of the existence of geographical diversified spaceports and launch complexes;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that, given the intensification of threats in the space sector, the EU and its Member States must bolster their capabilities to detect, categorise and attribute a threat; notes with concern that the space and cyberspace domains as well as joint and enabling capabilities appear to be less funded than traditional domains such as air, land and maritime, as demonstrated in the 2022 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence Report;
Amendment 109 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that space domain awareness (SDA) is essential to attributing a threat and enabling Member States to take appropriate decisions in the event of a space attack; stresses that few Member States currently possess the necessary sensors for accurate SDA and thus strongly encourages the Member States to supply the information needed to attribute hostile behaviour, for which secure, robust and reliable communication and exchange capabilities at EU level will need to be established; further adds that information exchange should also include frequent exchange of best practices between Member States, with the participation of EU institutions;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the proposal set out in the strategy to amend Decision 2021/698 with a view to attributing and addressing threats to space programme services; calls for more meaningful responses on solidarity mechanisms to be taken at EU level; calls for further work to be done to make the mutual assistance clause ready for use (Article 42(7) TEU) through testing and agreeing on the modalities for identifying an attack, attributing the attacker and preparing the necessary response mechanisms;
Amendment 118 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 11 – indent 1 (new)
- Calls for the further development of EU Hybrid Toolbox with the aim of addressing the different types of threats in the space domain;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that exercises are essential to testing and validating the EU’s response to space threats; as well as building a greater shared awareness towards space threats and cultivating a common strategic culture in the space domain;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the EU to adopt a genuine industrial policy and to be able to draw upon a competitive industry, including through the creation of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) where necessary; takes the view that EU support to enable Member States to develop their capacity must primarily benefit European industrial players (both long-established groups and innovative SMEs); supports, at the same time, heavy investment in key technologies with the aim of reducing strategic dependence on third countries including through joint procurement of critical components and through securing the critical raw materials supply chains; emphasises the importance of the European Commission’s Observatory of Critical Technologies in detecting and monitoring the creation of dependenceies on third countries; calls on the European Commission to ensure the alignment between the Critical Raw Materials Act and the necessary needs of the space domain in the field of security and defence;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that, if space capabilities are to be developed, the resources allocated to space in the next multiannual financial framework must be stepped upubstantially increased; stresses, in particular, the need to increase funding for space traffic management and space surveillance with a view to protecting the EU’s space infrastructure and addressing threats; draws attention to the need to achieve coherence in and provide visibility for all the different types of funding allocated via instruments to European space policy;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for coherence between existing instruments to be improved with a view to preventing unnecessary duplication of investments; considers it essential for funding to be properly channelled into those instruments, taking into account the capacities available at both EU and commercial level; supports joint programming between the European Developmentfence Fund, the EU Space Programme and Horizon Europe, Horizon Europe and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects in an effort to speed up the development of relevant capacities; stresses the importance of synergies between EU and national – civilian, space and defence – programmes to meet capability needs;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for the technical skills needed in public administration and businesses to be improved by further investing in trainingeducation and training; including through strong focus on the security and defence aspect of the space domain which can be organised by the European Security and Defence College where necessary; notes the importance of increased investment in space-related education at all educational levels, with a strong focus on greater gender equality in the field of space since only 30% of the workforce internationally is made up of women;
Amendment 154 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that governance is unique to each component of the space programme; stresses that those components, which have major implications for the security of the Member States, require harmonised governance that involves the Member States and EU institutions that makes it possible to protect information;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Points out that governance must not duplicate existing means or circumvent Member States in areas such as threat attribution, which largely relies on national capabilities; stresses, in this regard, that SatCen’s experience and expertise and its trust-based relationship with Member States and industry can be usefully exploited in this area; emphasises the need to further increase SatCen’s funding to allow it to effectively execute its operations in light of increased demand for its products in recent years;
Amendment 165 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the changing geopolitical landscape must spur the EU and its Member States on to reach common and coordinated positions so that they are able to set standards; supports multilateral solutions, reached within the UN framework, in the area of space governance; calls on the European Union and its Member States to reaffirm the applicability of international humanitarian law; and to call for a revision of the Outer Space Treaty, Partial Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Other Hostile use of Environmental Modification Technique, bringing them in line with technological developments and the increased number of threats in space; notes the need for international legal frameworks aimed at structural regulation of the New Space actors;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of developing cooperation with strategic partners; supports the continuation of an enhanced dialogue with the United States, while remaining vigilant to the risk that it may seek to steer or dictate outlooks, standards and rulesensuring the EU’s strategic autonomy, its ability to proactively act and decisively react to threats theo EU and Member States have not helped to shap’ assets and interests in space, and its role as an international power in space; calls for deeper cooperation and for alliances to be established with like-minthe broadedr states (the UK, Canada, Japan) or other EUet of EU strategic partners (India);
Amendment 182 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that NATO is conducting strategic reflection in the space domain; notes, howeverfurther notes, that the EU, in its own right and through its Member States and own capabilities, already has more developed programmes, capacities and institutions that do not compete with these advances; calls for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO to be pursued in areas of shared interest, while ensuring that the roles, competences and autonomy of the two organisations are scrupulously maintained and updated through continuous dialogue and reflection;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Points out that the European Space Agency must continue to play its role as a technical agency for European satellite projects and that cooperation with it must be carried out within a framework which protects the essential interests of the Union; welcomes the ESA’s Civil Security from Space program which aims to foster the use of space-based solutions to act swiftly to support humanitarian responses, law enforcement, safety and emergency events, within and outside the EU;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 24 – indent 1 (new)
- Calls on Member States to fully comply with the eight criteria on arms exports in line with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, which includes space capabilities and components with military use, and that their national exports do not fuel regional tensions or undermine the security of other Member States, allies, partners or of the EU as a whole, while fully supporting the legitimate security and defence needs of allies and partner countries;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the CAP objectives in the European treaties have remained untouched over the last six decades despite the far-reaching changes undergone by it in line with the changes in society’s priorities and expectations, the climate and biodiversity crises, structural changes and modernisation in agriculture;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Conference puts forward proposals and measures impacting agriculture and rural areas towards more climate and environmental sustainability and more animal welfare;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. Whereas the objectives of the primary legislation are no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of the agricultural sector today, and the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy secondary legislation go beyond those in primary legislation; whereas this makes it clear that the objectives in the treaties need to be adapted to the challenges of the agricultural sector;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the current objectives of the CAP as referred to in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) need adaptation towards enhanced social, economic and environmental sustainability and a higher level of animal welfare;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to ensure agricultural self- sufficiencyproductivity and food security which is in harmony with climate, environmental, water and animal protection, by promoting technical progress and ensuring the rational development of agricultural production and the sustainable utilisation of the factors of production;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) Proposes that item (b) be amended as follows: (b) to provide an adequate standard of living for the agricultural population, particularly by increasing the per capita income of persons engaged in agriculture, and providing a safe working environment and relationship for persons engaged in agriculture;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point da a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point da a (new)
(da a) to provide income opportunities for farmers by rewarding public services for climate, environmental, water and animal protection and thereby reward the specific impacts on agricultural land;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point da b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point da b (new)
(da b) ensure that agriculture and food systems function ecologically and economically in the long term;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) preserve the diversity of multifunctional, family and owner- operated farms in the agricultural sector;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(e b) ensure policy coherence, particularly with regard to the achievement of development cooperation objectives;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) the need to attract sufficient numbers of young farmers and new entrants to farming to ensure the long- term viability and sustainability of the sector
Amendment 104 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
(b b) the need to ensure the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of habitats and landscapes;
Amendment 112 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. In order to achieve the objectives set forth in Article 39, the following measures may be provided for within the framework of the common agricultural policy: (ba) joint measures to improve the environmental sustainability of activities and products under the common agricultural policy;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
– having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and (EU) No 228/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas food supply chains are increasingly vulnerable and at risk from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters such as drought, flood, pests and diseases, as well as logistical challenges which were intensified as a result of lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID pandemic, and most recently due to the illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas creating more resilience in food systems requires long term consistency and commitment to building more self-reliance and sustainability into European agricultural production and supply chains;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the fact that recent supply chain disruption, notably caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, has highlighted the EU agricultural sector’s reliance on complex import and export chains; calls for a shift to a sustainable, resilient and fair agricultural model anchored in the EU territories;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the resilience of the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, its ability to maintain the functioning of the food supply chains and ensure food security in what were very difficult circumstances;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that import dependency for inputs increases vulnerability of food producers to external shocks, as now observed in fuel, fertiliser and feed chains; calls for EU production to be recalibrated towards more domestic production and sustainable practices which reduce the need for inputs, and to focus primarily on EU demand for healthy food; calls on Member States to ensure greater farmer autonomy in this respect via the CAP strategic plans, notablyinter alia, through strong support for organic production and the organic sector as a whole;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that localised, short supply chains can contribute significantly to the resilience of food supply chains overall, which ensures profitable paths for production and distribution; stresses that actors in such chains can face specific challenges, such as weaker access to government supportpublic support measures; highlights the important role young farmers and small and medium farmers play in maintaining the economic resilience of rural areas and the functioning of the food supply chains; calls on Member States to provide strong support for cooperation measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in order to expand and strengthen the networks of small producers, along with more targeted and efficient measures to support young producers;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that climate change and biodiversity loss pose a high risk of disrupting both primary production and logisticdue to crop damage and reduced harvests both in the short and longer term, and that measures taken to address these challenges are essential and valid measures towards having more resilient supply chains;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned that various factors contribute to logistical challenges which are more frequent and more serious than in the past, with disruption to international supply chains affecting imports of key materials or ingredients, as well as exports of goods from the EU, particularly in the agriculture and food sector, with such phenomena as border blockages requiring rapid deployment of Solidarity or Green Lanes to aid movement of key food and feed supplies, for example during the COVID pandemic and due to conflict situations;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recognises that problems on a much larger scale have arisen due to the impact of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the dependence of many non-EU countries on basic food supplies from Ukraine, and that this presents the EU and other regions with an urgent need to consider how to reconfigure food trade patterns in the years to come;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Recognises the possible impact of research and development of innovative agricultural technologies on the resilience of food production and distribution, stresses the need to ensure that the farmers, including small, medium and young farmers, have access to the benefits of such R&D;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the health and labour conditions of agri-food workernegative impacts on the health, safety and working labour conditions of agri-food workers since 2020 have resulted in fewer people willing to work in countries other than their own, and has affected labour availability in the supply chain, and this requires a new approach to making the sector more appealing as a secure workplace, as well as to training for young people to expand the labour pool;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need for market regulation and appropriate public provisions regarding strategic stocks, to tacklelessen the impacts of market crises and price volatility whether caused by natural disasters, failure of logistical bottlenecks or geopolitical crises, to secure supplyies and to prevent speculation; calls for market transparency and timely information on public and private stocks;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that EU engagement in global food governance must be directed at better WTO recognisetion and promoteion of the right to food, as well as the food sovereignty and security of its trading partners and their right to regulate their exports and stocks to secure their own needs.
Amendment 92 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Believes strongly that resilient supply chains can only be guaranteed in the long term by the sustainability of production and the defence of producers against unfair competition, either from imports or from unfair practices, whether in the EU or in third countries.
Amendment 94 #
2022/2040(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. In the face of rapidly rising food prices and inflation which is affecting food affordability, calls on the Commission and Council, together with Member States, to consider putting into action point 2 of article 40 of TFEU as regards to regulation of prices of basic food products.
Amendment 1 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. having regard to the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the Union of 18 July 20181a, and to the proposal for its revision1b; __________________ 1a OJ-L 193/30.07.2018, p. 1 1b COM(2022) 223 final - Proposal for Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast)
Amendment 2 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. having regard to Regulation (EU) No 2021/2116 on the financing, management and monitoring (FMM) of the common agricultural policy (CAP);
Amendment 3 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. having regard to the Annual Activity Report 2021 by the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that, from 1st January 2023, the budget of the CAP implemented under shared management will be subject to the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 2021/2116 on the financing, management and monitoring (FMM) of the common agricultural policy;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recalls that the effectiveness and good reputation of the CAP depends on correct and efficient use of funds, for which audit and control are basic tools, and that the Commission’s audit role remains essential in assessing use of funds and contributing to the budget discharge process with the European Court of Auditors;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that under shared management, Member States are responsible for setting up a management and control system for payments and must ensure that it is capable of detecting and correcting irregularities; stresses that a distinction must be made between deliberate fraud and unintentional error, and suggests that Member States consider using an ad-hoc register where serious, intentional and repeated problems are identified;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Insists that, for the reputation of the CAP, the standard of control systems must be robust and fully compliant with its new Common Agricultural Policy regulations in order to secure the proper implementation, in particular, of the new delivery model from 1 January 2023, and encourages the exchange of best practices to ensure this across all Member States;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that Member States execute payments to CAP beneficiaries through accredited paying agencies (PAs), which perform on-the-spot checks to ensure the eligibility of applications and the correct execution of payments; , and considers that these checks must be coordinated, rigorous and effective, without increasing the level of bureaucracy faced by farmers;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the Commission’s proposals on IT use in the proposal for revision of the Financial Regulation3a particularly to include use of electronic systems and digital controls to ensure adequate audit trails; __________________ 3a COM(2022) 223 final, point (d) of Articles 36(2) and point (a) of Article 63 (4)
Amendment 25 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the role of certification bodies (CBs) appointed as independent audit bodies by Member States; observes that CBscertification bodies already provide an opinion on the proper functioning of PAs’paying agencies' management and control systems, and since 2015;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that, from 1 January 2023, certification bodies must establish if Member States governance systems function properly, and whether expenditure is eligible according to the Financial Regulation4a; __________________ 4a Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2021/2116 and in particular its Article 37
Amendment 29 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the main objective of thise assurance model is to ensure that the remaining risk to the budget is below the materiality threshold of 2 %; recognises the low error rates for the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the continuous decrease in error rates for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development over the past financial years; notes furthermore that the overall adjusted error rate for the CAP funds overall for 2021 is below the materiality rate of 2%, for the third year in a row, at 1.84%;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Approves of the simplifications introduced in the CAP for 2023-27, facilitating management by national authorities alongside their responsibilities for audit and control which must be carried out effectively to ensure errors and irregularities do not increase under this simplification;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that digitalisation and the adoption of more sophisticated IT tools couldan improve the efficiency of the assurance process; supports the extension of the use of the risk-scoring tool Arachne. and particularly welcomes the references to this in the Financial Regulation revision proposal5a, referring to a single integrated IT system for data-mining and risk scoring; __________________ 5a Point (d) of Article 36(2), Article 36(6), Article 36(7) and Article 36(8)
Amendment 57 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the importance of the correct implementation by the European Court of Auditors of the protection of the financial interest of the Union measures outlined in Regulation on control and penalties6a; __________________ 6a Title IV Chapter I
Amendment 59 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Considers that the new delivery model under the FMM regulation must not hamper the European Court of Auditors in its task of assessing effectiveness, efficiency and economy of expenditure of EU funds under the new arrangements for the Common Agricultural Policy; seeks reassurance that the documentation required by point (c) of Article 9(3) of the same Regulation will be sufficient for the Court of Auditors to be able to verify cases of non- compliance with eligibility criteria for individual beneficiaries as per its Article 55;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Welcomes the Commission’s explanations in its 2021 Annual Activity Report on action taken regarding conflicts of interest, particularly to ensure correct implementation in shared management by Member States authorities; welcomes likewise the adoption in 2021 and the dissemination of the Guidance on the avoidance and management of conflicts of interest under the Financial Regulation as a further measure for improvements in the way funds are administered and controlled;
Amendment 107 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In line with the waste hierarchy set out in Article 4(2) of Directive 2008/98/EC, and in line with life-cycle thinking to deliver the best overall environmental outcome, the measures provided for under this Regulation aim at reducing the amount of packaging placed on the market in terms of its volume and weight, and preventing the generation of packaging waste, especially through packaging minimisation, avoiding packaging where it is not needed, and increased re-use of packaging, when it can be demonstrated that re-usable packaging achieves higher environmental benefits compared to single-use packaging . In addition, the measures aim at increasing the use of recycled content in packaging, especially in plastic packaging where the uptake of recycled content is very low, as well as higher recycling rates for all packaging and high quality of the resulting secondary raw materials while reducing other forms of recovery and final disposal.
Amendment 112 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) Food packaging materials represents a positive contribution to the prevention of food loss and food waste along the supply chain, for example packaging that reduces food loss in transport, storage and distribution, and that preserves the quality and hygiene of food for longer, or that extends shelf life.
Amendment 114 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) Fostering a sustainable bio- economy can contribute to decreasing Europe's dependence on imported raw materials. Improving market conditions for bio-based recyclable packaging and compostable biodegradable packaging and reviewing existing law hampering the use of those materials offers the opportunity to stimulate further research and innovation and to substitute fossil fuel-based feedstocks with renewable sources for the production of packaging, where beneficial from a lifecycle perspective, and support further organic recycling.
Amendment 125 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to establish harmonised rules on packaging design to ensure its recyclability, without compromising its functionality, the power to adopt delegated acts should be delegated to the Commission to set out detailed criteria for packaging design for recycling per packaging materials and categories, as well as for the assessment of the packaging recyclability at scale including for categories of packaging not listed in this Regulation. In order to give economic operators and Member States sufficient time to collect and report the necessary data to establish the “at scale” recycling methodology, the manufacturers should ensure that packaging is recycled at scale as of 2035. That should ensure that packaging complies with the design for recycling criteria, and is also recycled in practice on the basis of the state of the art processes for separate collection, sorting and recycling.
Amendment 140 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) The bio-waste waste stream is often contaminated with conventional plastics and the material recycling streams are often contaminated with compostable plastics. This cross-contamination leads to waste of resources, lower quality secondary raw materials and should be prevented at source. As the proper disposal route for compostable plastic packaging is becoming increasingly confusing for consumers, it is justified and necessary to lay down clear and common rules on the use of compostable plastic packaging, mandating it only when its use brings a clear benefit for the environment or for human health. This is particularly the case when the use of compostable packaging helps collect or dispose of bio-waste. . This contamination leads to environmental and economic impacts and waste of resources and should be prevented at source. Mandating compostable plastic packaging for applications strictly linked to food and food waste, may help to reduce this contamination. Therefore, , it is justified and necessary to lay down clear and common rules on the use of compostable plastic packaging, mandating it only when its use brings a clear benefit for the environment or for human health. This is particularly the case when the use of compostable packaging helps collect or dispose of bio-waste. The EN 13432 standard “Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation" specifies requirements and procedures to determine the compostability and anaerobic treatability of packaging and packaging materials in industrial controlled conditions and should represent the harmonised specification of what packaging can be considered compostable and biodegradable across Member States.
Amendment 142 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) For limited packaging applications made of biodegradable plastic polymersThere is a demonstrable environmental benefit of using compostable packaging for specific packaging applications, in particular those strictly linked to food and food waste prevention, there is a demonstrable environmental benefit of using compostable packaging, which enters composting plants, including anaerobic digestion facilities under controlled conditions. Furthermore, where appropriate waste collection schemes and waste treatment infrastructures are available in a Member State, there should be a limited flexibility in deciding whether to mandate the use of compostable plastics for lightweight plastic carrier bags on its territory. In order to avoid consumer confusion about the correct disposal and considering the environmental benefit of circularity of the carbon, all other plastic packaging should go into material recycling and the design of such packaging should ensure that it does not affect the recyclability of other waste streams.
Amendment 148 #
2022/0396(COD)
(40) Packaging should be designed so as to minimise its volume and weight while maintaining its ability to perform the packaging functions. The manufacturer of packaging should assess the packaging against the performance criteria, as listed in Annex IV of this Regulation. In view of the objective of this Regulation to reduce packaging and packaging waste generation and to improve circularity of packaging across the internal market, it is appropriate to further specify the existing criteria and to make them more stringent. The list of the packaging performance criteria, as listed in the existing harmonised standard EN 13428:200057, should therefore be modified. While marketing and consumer acceptance remain relevant for packaging design, they should not be part of performance criteria justifying on their own additional packaging weight and volume. However, this should not compromise product and packaging specifications for craft and industrial products and food and agricultural products that are registered andEU geographical indications, and or otherwise protected by under the Union intellectual property law or agreements between the EU and third countries which recognise EU geographical indication protection schemes, as part of the Union’s objective to protect intellectual property, cultural heritage and traditional know-how. On the other hand, recyclability, the use of recycled content, and re-use may justify additional packaging weight or volume, and should be added to the performance criteria. Packaging with double walls, false bottoms and other characteristics only aimed to increase the perceived product volume should not be placed on the market, as it does not meet the requirement for packaging minimisation. The same rule should apply to superfluous packaging not necessary for ensuring packaging functionality. _________________ 57 Packaging – Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition – Prevention by source reduction.
Amendment 163 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61
Recital 61
(61) In orderPackaging should contribute to ensure a high level of environmental protection in the internal market, as well as a high level of food safety and hygiene, food waste prevention and comply with the EU food traceability requirements and facilitate the achievement of the packaging waste prevention targets, u. Unnecessary or avoidable packaging that do not contribute to these aims, should not be allowed to be placed on the market. The list of such packaging formats is provided in Annex V of this Regulation. In order to adapt the list to the technical and scientific progress the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission to amend the list.
Amendment 166 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61 a (new)
Recital 61 a (new)
(61a) The Regulation No 1308/20131a applies to products of the fruit and vegetables sector which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer and that may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated. These marketing standards referred to in paragraph 1, should apply at all marketing stages including packaging. _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (OJ L 347)
Amendment 185 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 90
Recital 90
(90) Waste prevention is the most efficient way to improve resource efficiency and to reduce the environmental impact of waste. It is important therefore that economic operators take appropriate measures to reduce the waste generation by eliminating excessive packaging and restrict the uses of certain packaging formats, extending the life span of packaging, re-designing products so that no packaging or less packaging can be used, including bulk sales, and by shifting from single use packaging to reusable packaging. The Commission should assess the link between these measures and the setting of EU food waste reduction targets.
Amendment 197 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes requirements for the entire life cycle of packaging as regards environmental sustainability and labelling, to allow its placing on the market, as well as for the extended producer responsibility, prevention, collection, treatment and recycling of packaging waste.
Amendment 212 #
2022/0396(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29 a (new)
(29a) 'traceability’ means the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food- producing animal or substance intended to be, or expected to be incorporated into a food or feed, through all stages of production, processing and distribution;
Amendment 222 #
2022/0396(COD)
(41) ‘compostable packaging’ means packaging capable of undergoing physical, chemical, thermal or biological decomposition such that most of the finished compost ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide, mineral salts, biomass and water, according to Article 47(4), and does not hinder the separate collection and the composting process or activity into which it is introduced in industrially controlled conditions in accordance with European harmonised standards for packaging recoverable through composting and anaerobic digestion;
Amendment 239 #