Activities of Pedro MARQUES
Plenary speeches (170)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 and 21 June 2019 (debate)
Statement by the candidate Commission President (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Finnish Presidency of the Council (debate)
Appointment of the President of the European Central Bank - Candidate: Ms Christine Lagarde (debate)
State of implementation of anti-money laundering legislation (debate)
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 17 and 18 October 2019 (debate)
Climate and environmental emergency - 2019 UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019 (debate)
Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and their programme (debate)
Appointment of members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019 (debate)
Commission Work Programme 2020 (debate)
Commission communication on the Review of the economic governance (debate)
Preparation of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (debate)
State of play of the EU's fight against money laundering, in light of the Luanda Leaks (debate)
Coronavirus outbreak, state of play and ensuring a coordinated European response to the health, economic and social impact (debate)
European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak (debate)
Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 23 April 2020 - New MFF, own resources and Recovery plan (debate)
State of the Union (topical debate) (continuation of debate)
Digital Finance: emerging risks in crypto-assets - regulatory and supervisory challenges in the area of financial services, institutions and markets - Further development of the Capital Markets Union (CMU): improving access to capital market finance, in particular by SMEs, and further enabling retail investor participation (debate)
Fight against money laundering, following the FinCEN files (debate)
Commission Work Programme 2021 (debate)
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan - How to finance the Green Deal (debate)
Markets in financial instruments: amending information requirements, product governance requirements and position limits to help the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 (debate)
Additional resources in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: REACT-EU (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 10-11 December 2020 – MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources – Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 – Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources – Regulation on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (debate)
Revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Portuguese Presidency (debate)
Reforming the EU list of tax havens (debate)
European Central Bank – annual report 2020 (debate)
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
Markets in financial instruments – EU Recovery prospectus and targeted adjustments for financial intermediaries to help the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (debate)
A WTO-compatible EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (continuation of debate)
Tackling the economic impact of the COVID pandemic by focusing on investment, competitiveness and skills (debate)
European Semester: annual sustainable growth strategy 2021 – European Semester: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth strategy 2021 (debate)
Reforming the EU policy framework to stop tax avoidance in the EU after the OpenLux revelations (continuation of debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 25 and 26 March 2021 - The outcome of the high level meeting between the EU and Turkey of the 6th of April (continuation of debate)
Digital taxation: OECD negotiations, tax residency of digital companies and a possible European Digital Tax (debate)
Just Transition Fund (debate)
Recent deaths in the Mediterranean and search and rescue at sea (debate)
Human rights protection and the EU external migration policy (debate)
2019-2020 Reports on Turkey (debate)
EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine (debate)
Business Taxation (continuation of debate)
Systematic repression in Belarus and its consequences for European security following abductions from an EU civilian plane intercepted by the Belarusian authorities (debate)
The situation in Afghanistan (debate)
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument 2021-2027 – Global Europe (debate)
Preparation of the G7 summit of 11-13 June and the EU-US Summit (debate)
Follow-up of the Porto Social Summit of 7 May 2021 (debate)
Common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy 2021-2027 – European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund 2021-2027 – Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and external financing instruments 2021-2027 (debate)
European Climate Law (debate)
Public sector loan facility under the Just Transition Mechanism (debate)
Situation in Nicaragua (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 June 2021 (debate)
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 - The outcome of 22 June hearings under Article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (continuation of debate)
Review of the macroeconomic legislative framework (debate)
Situation in Afghanistan (debate)
Situation in Lebanon (debate)
Direction of EU-Russia political relations (continuation of debate)
A new EU-China strategy (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
The future of EU-US relations (debate)
The situation in Belarus after one year of protests and their violent repression (debate)
Disinformation and the role of social platforms (debate)
Pandora Papers: implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (debate)
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (debate)
Banking Union - annual report 2020 (debate)
UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK (COP26) (continuation of debate)
Pushbacks at the EU's external border (debate)
The outcome of the Western Balkans summit (debate)
The escalating humanitarian crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, in particular in Poland (debate)
Situation in Belarus and at its border with the EU and the security and humanitarian consequences (debate)
Situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina (debate)
The situation in Nicaragua (debate)
Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 16-17 December 2021 - The EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid-19 and the new emerging Covid variants (debate)
Situation in Kazakhstan
European Central Bank – annual report 2021 (continuation of debate)
EU-Africa relations (debate)
EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine (debate)
Russian aggression against Ukraine (debate)
The deterioration of the situation of refugees as a consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine (debate)
European Semester for economic policy coordination: annual sustainable growth survey 2022 – European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth strategy survey 2022 (debate)
Debate with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas - The EU's role in a changing world and the security situation of Europe following the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine (debate)
European Withholding Tax framewor (debate)
European Withholding Tax framewor (debate)
Debriefing of the European Council meeting in Paris on 10 March 2022 - Preparation of the European Council meeting 24-25 March 2022 (debate)
Need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)
The social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine - reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act (debate)
The case of Osman Kavala in Turkey
Threats to stability, security and democracy in Western and Sahelian Africa (debate)
The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)
This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin (debate)
EU initiatives to address the rising cost of living, including the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022 (continuation of debate)
The UK government’s unilateral introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and respect for international law (debate)
The situation of indigenous and environmental defenders in Brazil, including the killing of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira
Adequate minimum wages in the European Union (debate)
The situation in the Strait of Taiwan (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
Existence of a clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values on which the Union is founded (debate)
Order of business
Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (debate)
Keep the bills down: social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine and the introduction of a windfall tax (debate)
Commission Work Programme 2023 (debate)
Outcome of the first meeting of the European Political Community (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20-21 October 2022 (debate)
EU response to the increasing crack-down on protests in Iran (debate)
Racial justice, non-discrimination and anti-racism in the EU (debate)
Situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA world cup in Qatar (debate)
EU-China relations (debate)
A truly interconnected Energy Single Market to keep bills down and companies competitive (topical debate)
Suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate) (debate)
Suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate) (debate)
Prospects for the two-State solution for Israel and Palestine (debate)
The humanitarian situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s attacks against critical infrastructure and civilian areas (debate)
Order of business
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15 December 2022 (continuation of debate)
Situation of journalists in Morocco, notably the case of Omar Radi
Preparation of the Special European Council meeting of February, in particular the need to develop sustainable solutions in the area of asylum and migration (debate)
Preparation of the EU-Ukraine Summit (debate)
One year of Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)
Question Time (VPC/HR) - Strengthening the Trans-Atlantic ties in an ever challenging multilateral world
Question Time (VPC/HR) - Strengthening the Trans-Atlantic ties in an ever challenging multilateral world
Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories (debate)
Conclusions of the Special European Council meeting of 9 February and preparation of the European Council meeting of 23-24 March 2023 (debate)
Deaths at sea: a common EU response to save lives and action to ensure safe and legal pathways (debate)
Need for immediate reform of the internal rules of the Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in light of alleged conflicts of interests (debate)
Tunisia: Recent attacks against freedom of expression and association and trade unions, in particular the case of journalist Noureddine Boutar
The need for a coherent strategy for EU-China Relations (debate)
Children forcibly deported from Ukraine and the ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (debate)
Revision of the Stability and Growth Pact (debate)
This is Europe - Debate with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz (debate)
Situation in Sudan (debate)
Roadmap on a Social Europe: two years after Porto (debate)
Impact of the interest rate increase decided by the ECB on households and workers (debate)
Humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam - Sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 29-30 June 2023, in particular in the light of recent steps towards concluding the Migration Pact (debate)
Nature restoration (debate)
Order of business
New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean in the aftermath of the EU-CELAC Summit (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
Rising precariousness in Europe including the need for aid to the most deprived (debate)
Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package (debate)
Decent Housing for All (topical debate)
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (debate)
The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza (debate)
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for the release of hostages and for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East (debate)
Threat to rule of law as a consequence of the governmental agreement in Spain (debate)
Threat to rule of law as a consequence of the governmental agreement in Spain (debate)
Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution (debate)
Preparation of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 (debate)
EU strategy to assist young people facing the housing and cost of living crisis (topical debate)
The need for an EU and international response to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and for continued support to the Yemeni peace process (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency (debate)
Keeping commitments and delivering military assistance to Ukraine (debate)
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14-15 December 2023 and preparation of the Special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 - Situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds (joint debate - European Council meetings)
Order of business
The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)
Strengthening European Defence in a volatile geopolitical landscape - Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2023 (joint debate - European security and defence)
Formal sitting - Address by Yulia Navalnaya
Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024 (debate)
European Semester for economic policy coordination 2024 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social priorities for 2024
Order of business
Screening of third country nationals at the external borders - European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals - Common procedure for international protection in the Union - Establishing a return border procedure, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 - Asylum and migration management - Addressing situations of crisis and force majeure - Establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, for identifying an illegally staying third-country national or stateless person and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes (recast) - Union Resettlement Framework - Standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection - Standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) (joint debate - Migration and Asylum package)
Reports (4)
REPORT on Banking Union – annual report 2019
REPORT on a European Withholding Tax framework
REPORT on the implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 as regards early intervention measures, conditions for resolution and funding of resolution action
Shadow reports (11)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund
REPORT on the European Central Bank Annual Report 2020
RECOMMENDATION FOR SECOND READING on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
REPORT on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010, (EU) 1094/2010, (EU) 1095/2010
REPORT on Banking Union – annual report 2022
REPORT on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation
REPORT on further reform of corporate taxation rules
REPORT on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning EU-China relations
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/49/EU as regards the scope of deposit protection, use of deposit guarantee schemes funds, cross-border cooperation, and transparency
REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/59/EU as regards early intervention measures, conditions for resolution and financing of resolution action
Institutional motions (300)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Chinese countersanctions on EU entities and MEPs and MPs
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Chad
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Haiti
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Chinese countersanctions on EU entities and MEPs and MPs
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Chad
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Haiti
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Sri Lanka, in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the listing of German NGOs as ‘undesirable organisations’ by Russia and the detention of Andrei Pivovarov
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the breach of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the use of minors by the Moroccan authorities in the migratory crisis in Ceuta
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights and political situation in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the systematic repression in Belarus and its consequences for European security following abductions from an EU civilian plane intercepted by the Belarusian authorities
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Sri Lanka, in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the use of minors by the Moroccan authorities in the migratory crisis in Ceuta
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the listing of German NGOs as ‘undesirable organisations’ by Russia and the detention of Andrei Pivovarov
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the systematic repression in Belarus and its consequences for European security following the abductions from an EU civilian plane intercepted by Belarusian authorities
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, notably the cases of Mustafa Hashem al-Darwish and Abdullah al-Howaiti
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Hong Kong, notably the case of Apple Daily
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the repression of the opposition in Turkey, specifically the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the repression of the opposition in Turkey, specifically the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, notably the cases of Mustafa Hashem al-Darwish and Abdullah al-Howaiti
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Hong Kong, notably the case of Apple Daily
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor in UAE
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on government crackdown on protests and citizens in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Lebanon
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Lebanon
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor in the United Arab Emirates
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Tigray
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Belarus after one year of protests and their violent repression
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Tigray
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Belarus after one year of protests and their violent repression
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Tunisia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Tunisia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Somalia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Cameroon
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights violations by private military and security companies, particularly the Wagner Group
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights violations by private military and security companies, particularly the Wagner Group
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Somalia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Cameroon
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua after the 7 November elections
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Cuba, namely the cases of José Daniel Ferrer, Lady in White Aymara Nieto, Maykel Castillo, Luis Robles, Félix Navarro, Luis Manuel Otero, Reverend Lorenzo Fajardo, Andy Dunier García and Yunior García Aguilera
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuous crackdown on civil society and human rights defenders in Russia: the case of human rights organisation Memorial
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the forced labour in the Linglong factory and environmental protests in Serbia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuous crackdown on civil society and human rights defenders in Russia: the case of human rights organisation Memorial
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on forced labour in the Linglong factory and environmental protests in Serbia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political crisis in Sudan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Kazakhstan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political crisis in Sudan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Kazakhstan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the political crisis in Burkina Faso
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent human rights developments in the Philippines
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death penalty in Iran
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death penalty in Iran
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political crisis in Burkina Faso
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent human rights developments in the Philippines
on the Russian aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of journalists and human rights defenders in Mexico
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Myanmar, one year after the coup
on the situation of journalists and human rights defenders in Mexico
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh
Myanmar, one year after the coup
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION On the human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the increasing repression in Russia, including the case of Alexey Navalny
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022, including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022, including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
the situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
on the Increasing repression in Russia, including the case of Alexey Navalny
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on threats to stability, security and democracy in West and Sahelian Africa
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the reports of continued organ harvesting in China
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the state of play of EU-Moldova cooperation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Osman Kavala in Turkey
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia
threats to stability, security and democracy in Western and Sahelian Africa
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the reports of continued organ harvesting in China
the State of play on the EU-Moldova cooperation
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Osman Kavala in Turkey
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine – reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the prosecution of the opposition and the detention of trade union leaders in Belarus
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the prosecution of the opposition and the detention of trade union leaders in Belarus
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, including the Xinjiang police files
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, including the Xinjiang police files
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Georgia
on the instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the candidate status of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the candidate status of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of indigenous and environmental defenders in Brazil, including thekilling of Dom Philips and Bruno Pereira
on the arrest of Cardinal Zen and the trustees of the 612 relief fund in Hong Kong
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province
on the situation of indigenous and environmental defenders in Brazil, including the killing of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violations of human rights in Uganda and Tanzania linked to investments in fossil fuels projects
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in the Strait of Taiwan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights violations in the context of forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to and forced adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in the Strait of Taiwan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of human rights in Uganda and Tanzania linked to investments in fossil fuels projects
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights violations in the context of the forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Nicaragua, in particular the arrest of the bishop Rolando Álvarez
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION On the situation of human rights in Haiti in particular related to gang violence.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death of Mahsa Amini, women’s rights protesters in Iran
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death of Mahsa Jina Amini and the repression of women’s rights protesters in Iran
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russia’s escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in Haiti in particular related to gang violence
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Burkina Faso following the coup d’état
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Burkina Faso following the coup d’état
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on recognising the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuing repression of the democratic opposition and civil society in Belarus
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Forced displacement of people as a result of escalating conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Afghanistan especially the deterioration of women’s rights and attacks against educational institutions
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Egypt
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuing repression of the democratic opposition and civil society in Belarus
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the forced displacement of people as a result of the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially the deterioration of women’s rights and attacks against educational institutions
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Egypt
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the prospects of the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the military junta crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in Chad
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Chinese government crackdown on the peaceful protests across the People's Republic of China
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in Bahrain, in particular the case of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on 90 years after the Holodomor: recognising the mass killing through starvation as genocide
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on 90 years after the Holodomor: recognising the mass killing through starvation as genocide
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the prospects of the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the EU institutions
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the military junta crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in Chad
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Chinese Government crackdown on the peaceful protests across the People’s Republic of China
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja in Bahrain
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the storming of the Brazilian democratic institutions
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the EU response to the protests and executions in Iran
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of Journalist in Morocco, notably the case of Omar Radi
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the EU response to the protests and executions in Iran
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the storming of the Brazilian democratic institutions
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of journalists in Morocco, notably the case of Omar Radi
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the preparation of the EU-Ukraine Summit
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the preparation of the EU-Ukraine Summit
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of the former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of the former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on one year of Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the situation of human rights defenders in Eswatini, notably the murder ofThulani Maseko
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent deterioration of the inhuman imprisonment conditions of Alexey Navalny and other political prisoners in Russia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violence against opposition activists in Equatorial Guinea, notably the case of Julio Obama Mefuman
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the inhuman imprisonment conditions of Alexei Navalny
on one year of Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights defenders in Eswatini, notably the murder of Thulani Maseko
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on one year of Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violence against opposition activists in Equatorial Guinea, notably the case of Julio Obama Mefuman
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on further repression against the people of Belarus, in particular the cases of Andrzej Poczobut and Ales Bialiatski
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on further repression against the people of Belarus, in particular the cases of Andrzej Poczobut and Ales Bialiatski
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cambodia: the case of opposition leader Kem Sokha
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Tunisia: Recent attacks against freedom of expression and association and trade unions, in particular the case of journalist Noureddine Boutar
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran: in particular the poisoning of hundreds of school girls
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on recent attacks in Tunisia against freedom of expression and association, and against trade unions, in particular the case of journalist Noureddine Boutar
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, in particular the poisoning of hundreds of schoolgirls
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cambodia: the case of opposition leader Kem Sokha
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the risk of death penalty and execution of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The crackdown on the right to education and education rights activists in Afghanistan, including the case of Matiullah Wesa
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Navalny
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality in the light of recent developments in Uganda
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality in the light of recent developments in Uganda
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the risk of the death penalty and the execution of singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the crackdown on the right to education and education rights activists in Afghanistan, including the case of Matiullah Wesa
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Belarus: the inhumane treatment and hospitalisation of prominent opposition leader Viktar Babaryka
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Myanmar, notably the dissolution of democratic political parties
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Media freedom and freedom of expression in Algeria, the case of journalist Ihsane El-Kadi
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Belarus: the inhumane treatment and hospitalisation of prominent opposition leader Viktar Babaryka
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on media freedom and freedom of expression in Algeria – the case of journalist Ihsane El-Kadi
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Myanmar, notably the dissolution of democratic political parties
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular the death of children trapped by fighting
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular the death of children trapped by fighting
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nicaragua
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Lebanon
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the state of the EU-Cuba PDCA in the light of the recent visit of the High Representative to the island
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION India, the situation in Manipur
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The political disqualifications in Venezuela
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Lebanon
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on India, the situation in Manipur
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political disqualifications in Venezuela
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Guatemala: the situation after the elections, the rule of law and judicial independence
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of Zarema Musaeva in Chechnya
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on taking stock of Moldova’s path to the EU
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Zarema Musaeva in Chechnya
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on taking stock of Moldova’s path to the EU
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent developments in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, including the situation in the northern municipalities in Kosovo
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent developments in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, including the situation in the northern municipalities in Kosovo
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION latest attacks against women, women's rights defenders in Iran, and the arbitrary detention of EU nationals
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the killing of Tamaz Ginturi, a Georgian citizen, by Russia’s occupying forces in Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the latest attacks against women and women’s rights defenders in Iran, and Iran’s arbitrary detention of EU nationals
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the latest attacks against women and women’s rights defenders in Iran, and Iran’s arbitrary detention of EU nationals
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Georgian citizens Tamaz Ginturi killed and Levan Dotiashvili abducted by the Russian occupation forces in the occupied Tskhinvali region of Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on 30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Tanzania’s forceful displacement of the Maasai people
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the unknown status of Mikalai Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on 30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the attempted coup d’état in Guatemala
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the attempt at a coup d’état in Guatemala
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Maasai Communities in Tanzania
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the unknown status of Mikola Statkevich and the recent attacks on Belarusian politicians’ and activists’ family members
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the threat of famine following the spread of conflict in Sudan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, notably the case of Mr Ding Yuande
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, notably the case of Mr Ding Yuande
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the threat of famine following the spread of the conflict in Sudan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the new wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Serbia following the elections
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the new wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Serbia following the elections
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate María Corina Machado
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering EU support to Ukraine after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of Rocío San Miguel and General Hernández Da Costa, among other political prisoners in Venezuela
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Commission Delegated Regulation of 14 April 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 as regards adding Kenya and Namibia to the table in point I of the Annex and deleting Barbados, Gibraltar, Panama, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates from that table
Written explanations (238)
The UK’s withdrawal from the EU (B9-0038/2019, B9-0039/2019)
Não podia deixar de votar a favor da resolução sobre a saída do Reino Unido da União Europeia.Não basta defendermos a necessidade de evitar uma saída descontrolada e desordenada. Todas as novas formas de cooperação que possam vir a existir entre a União Europeia e o Reino Unido devem ter, no centro das suas preocupações, os interesses e os direitos dos cidadãos europeus - onde evidentemente incluo os cidadãos portugueses.Naturalmente, é preciso ter em consideração que uma saída sem acordo seria desastrosa e altamente prejudicial para todos.Sendo um “mal menor”, um “Brexit” com acordo, que estabeleça uma futura relação comercial entre o Reino Unido e a União Europeia, salvaguarda as relações comerciais para as empresas e certamente permitirá uma circulação de pessoas, dentro dos limites estabelecidos.
State of implementation of anti-money laundering legislation (B9-0045/2019, B9-0046/2019)
O Parlamento Europeu tem batalhado arduamente na luta contra o branqueamento de capitais, que de forma recorrente está associado à corrupção, ao tráfico de armas, drogas e de seres humanos, à evasão e fraude fiscais.É indispensável, para a credibilidade da União Europeia, que haja uma aplicação eficaz da diretiva, que haja um mecanismo de cooperação entre países que facilite investigações transnacionais. O Parlamento Europeu vai continuar a insistir na produção de uma legislação que possa ser aplicada em todo o território da UE, indispensável para garantir a justiça e equidade fiscal na União Europeia e, também por isso, não podia deixar de votar esta resolução.
Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (B9-0108/2019, B9-0111/2019)
O fenómeno da desinformação e da propagação de notícias falsas nas plataformas digitais tem vindo a afetar os processos eleitorais europeus como resultado de ingerências externas, desencadeadas por Estados terceiros ou organizações não estatais. Estas interferências são suscetíveis de causar alarmismos e podem vir a representar, em última instância, uma ameaça à segurança interna da UE.Para combater estes fenómenos, é preciso que a União Europeia, os Estados-Membros, as empresas de comunicação social e a sociedade civil reúnam esforços concertados para encontrar medidas legislativas adequadas, no sentido de proteger a liberdade de expressão, a livre difusão de informação, o Estado de Direito, a segurança e a proteção da soberania da Europa.Combater a ingerência e a desinformação externas e tornar as nossas sociedades mais resilientes implica apostar em melhores níveis de literacia mediática, apoiar um jornalismo de qualidade e rigoroso e promover uma estreita articulação entre as diversas autoridades públicas, tão essencial para o normal funcionamento da sociedade e de eleições livres e sem disrupções.Concluindo, o texto que o Parlamento aprovou traduz uma posição sólida e acertada no que se refere ao combate à ingerência e à desinformação externas na UE.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor desta resolução.
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (B9-0110/2019, B9-0112/2019, B9-0113/2019)
Após as eleições europeias de maio, precisamos de uma UE à altura das expectativas dos cidadãos face ao futuro da Europa. Avançar com as negociações para o próximo QFP é urgente e prioritário. O Parlamento está preparado para fazê-lo desde novembro do ano passado. Nesse sentido, este Parlamento apela ao Conselho para ser mais ambicioso na adoção de um orçamento global para os próximos sete anos.A resolução aprovada defende que o próximo QFP, para além de impulsionar as novas políticas de inovação e digitalização, deve manter o financiamento das políticas tradicionais, nomeadamente, as referentes à coesão, à agricultura e às pescas. Mais do que nunca, precisamos de mais Europa: com uma política de coesão forte, que melhor se adeque às necessidades de cada região e cidade. Caso contrário, vamos, inevitavelmente, deixar algumas regiões, municípios e pessoas para trás.Precisamos de uma UE que assuma um papel de liderança no domínio do clima, que valorize uma política de coesão forte e que promova uma economia mais social e inclusiva, em que todos os europeus, sem exceção, possam viver melhor. É esta a posição do Parlamento e, por isso, não podia deixar de votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
Employment and social policies of the euro area (A9-0016/2019 - Yana Toom)
Votei a favor deste relatório por considerar que o emprego e a coesão social devem estar no centro das prioridades europeias.Com uma maior flexibilidade no âmbito do Semestre Europeu e a uma maior ambição para o Quadro Financeiro Plurianual, a UE deve priorizar a adoção de políticas que promovam: o direito à habitação e a salários dignos; a luta contra a pobreza, a exclusão social, as desigualdades e as disparidades de género. É, igualmente, importante valorizar as novas formas de trabalho, garantindo um acesso pleno à proteção social de forma a assegurar o bem-estar da mão de obra. Assim, para que se cumpram estes objetivos, defendo um reforço do orçamento europeu dirigido à concretização do Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais e um crescimento mais inclusivo.
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (A9-0017/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
O orçamento geral da União Europeia para o exercício de 2020 é o último do atual quadro financeiro plurianual, sendo também por isso fundamental para preparar o caminho para o próximo QFP 2021-2027.Temos, tenho repetido sucessivamente, a necessidade deste orçamento contemplar recursos suficientes, capazes de dotar a UE de meios que façam cumprir as prioridades do Semestre Europeu.Precisamos de um orçamento europeu sólido, que promova instrumentos de combate ao desemprego jovem, às desigualdades sociais, às alterações climáticas.Para além disso, se o investimento na investigação, na digitalização, na promoção da competitividade, na política externa, são mais que proclamações políticas, se são verdadeiras prioridades, então temos que concordar que a questão orçamental é decisiva.Assim sendo, a Comissão e o Conselho devem ajustar as suas posições para o próximo quadro financeiro plurianual, de forma a cumprir com as prioridades da UE.Por isso votei a favor desta resolução. A Europa não pode defraudar as aspirações e reais necessidades dos cidadãos.
State of play of the disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branches - public country-by-country reporting (B9-0117/2019)
Votei a favor desta resolução por considerar ser urgente que os Estados-Membros ultrapassem o atual impasse e finalizem o processo legislativo, o mais brevemente possível.Registo que o Parlamento Europeu tem sido incansável ao invocar uma legislação robusta e sem lacunas, que exija a grandes grupos multinacionais que divulguem publicamente informações sobre lucros, volume de negócios, número de empregados e os impostos que pagam, país por país.Defender a Europa também passa pela defesa da transparência e do escrutínio da política fiscal das grandes multinacionais e pela exigência de níveis elevados de transparência tributária, em nome de uma sociedade mais justa, menos opaca. Este relatório, tendo sido aprovado também com o meu voto, reafirma o inegável compromisso do Parlamento no combate à evasão fiscal e à corrupção das grandes multinacionais.Agora, é preciso que o Conselho acione os mecanismos que tem ao dispor. Obrigar as empresas a publicar os seus relatórios de contas, país por país, é um passo urgente, que tem que ser dado.
The Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences (RC-B9-0123/2019, B9-0123/2019, B9-0125/2019, B9-0126/2019, B9-0127/2019, B9-0128/2019, B9-0129/2019, B9-0133/2019)
Para além de muito preocupante, a operação militar da Turquia no nordeste da Síria, resultante, em primeira instância, da retirada das tropas norte-americanas da região, é uma guerra com a qual não podemos ser coniventes.A devastadora guerra na Síria dura há quase 9 anos, comprometendo seriamente a estabilidade e a segurança da região. A União Europeia deve tomar uma posição forte contra a campanha militar que a Turquia prossegue naquela região. O Parlamento Europeu toma por isso posição, e insta, uma vez mais, a Turquia a pôr termo à ação militar unilateral no nordeste da Síria.A União Europeia deve também incitar os Estados-Membros a declararem um embargo imediato da venda de armas à Turquia, ao mesmo tempo que deve ajudar a estabelecer um corredor humanitário na região.Deve, pois, o Parlamento Europeu exigir, sob todos os pontos de vista, que esta situação seja tratada no estrito acordo e cumprimento do Direito internacional humanitário.
Search and rescue in the Mediterranean (B9-0130/2019, B9-0131/2019, B9-0132/2019, B9-0154/2019)
A resolução sobre busca e salvamento no Mediterrâneo, chumbada pelo PPE, com os votos da extrema-direita, é politicamente simples, moralmente justa e, sem qualquer dúvida, de pendor humanitário.Não são precisas muitas palavras para explicar as recomendações à Comissão Europeia que constam da resolução. Reforçar o salvamento de pessoas no mar é, antes de qualquer outra consideração, um ato humanitário.Não o fazer, não apelar a que todos, o façam de forma solidária e partilhada, é “esconder a cabeça na areia”. Neste caso nas areias do mar Mediterrâneo.Não podia deixar de votar favoravelmente esta resolução e quero deixar registados o motivo porque o fiz nesta declaração de voto.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - EGF/2019/001 BE/Carrefour - Belgium (A9-0021/2019 - José Manuel Fernandes)
O Fundo Europeu de Ajustamento à Globalização (FEG) foi criado para prestar apoio complementar aos trabalhadores atingidos pelos efeitos de mudanças estruturais no comércio mundial.Aquilo a que se convencionou chamar Globalização.É para todos evidente que o recurso ao FEG por parte da Bélgica, em relação ao despedimento de 1019 trabalhadores do retalhista Carrefour, se enquadra nos pressupostos que levaram à criação deste mecanismo financeiro de apoio.Se mais nenhuma motivação tivesse para votar a favor desta resolução, o facto de 81% dos trabalhadores despedidos terem entre 55 e 64 anos de idade chegava para vincar a importância deste instrumento.Ao mesmo tempo, esta realidade interpela os que acham que a globalização e os seus efeitos já não são relevantes.Acho exatamente o contrário.Cumpre-nos aperfeiçoar e inovar nas respostas a um problema que só os mais desatentos tendem a achar que já não existe.
Criminalisation of sexual education in Poland (B9-0166/2019, B9-0167/2019, B9-0168/2019)
Existem questões, inúmeras, que suscitam nas comunidades diversas fraturas.Existem fenómenos, diversos, que levam especialistas e comunidades cientificas a terem opiniões e formas de posicionamento diametralmente opostas.No séc. XXI, na União Europeia (mas não só), as virtudes da educação sexual de menores - expressas em literatura variada, em estudos absolutamente incontroversos, em Constituições, Tratados, Convenções - são quase unânimes. Quase, como se verifica neste caso.A criminalização da educação sexual de jovens, que agora ganha forma de Lei na Polónia, com molduras penais de 3 anos de prisão em alguns casos, é uma surpreendente inversão do progresso e um surpreendente retrocesso civilizacional, que, a concretizar-se, será emendado, estou certo, mais cedo que tarde.Julgo que não são necessários mais argumentos para justificar o meu voto, absolutamente convicto, de apoio a esta resolução.
Children rights in occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (B9-0178/2019, B9-0179/2019, B9-0180/2019)
100 milhões de crianças vivem na Europa. 20% da população total.A resolução com que o Parlamento Europeu assinala os 30 anos da Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança, é um documento equilibrado, que não foge aos problemas com que estamos confrontados, que aponta caminhos a seguir.Por isso votei esta resolução.Deixo registada a minha satisfação (e a minha expetativa) pelo compromisso estabelecido pela nova Comissão de apresentar uma nova estratégia global sobre os direitos da criança.E acompanho, com preocupação, mas também com esperança, a maioria dos alertas e das propostas expressas nesta resolução, destacando duas aspetos: a necessidade de ser atualizada a “Estratégia para uma Internet melhor para as crianças”, um documento lançado em 2012 e que, nestes novos tempos, corre o risco de se tornar obsoleto.E a lamentável falta de coordenação, para não “dizer” falta de vontade política dos Estados -Membros da UE, em fazer face aos problemas e necessidades das Crianças Migrantes ou Refugiadas que chegam à Europa.Na Europa a falta de solidariedade não pode ser uma prática.
Election of the Commission
Não há que ter medo das palavras: depois de ter apresentado um programa que, revisto, veio ao encontro de algumas das prioridades políticas do S&D, a Comissão Europeia, finalmente, foi eleita com uma ampla maioria.Julgo poder concluir que o número de votos expressos e o apoio do S&D responsabilizam-nos a todos: a Comissão, agora com um programa mais social, mais sustentável e, portanto, mais justo, terá que estar à altura das exigências.O nosso Grupo político terá de acompanhar a implementação do programa, criticar quando não estiver de acordo, elogiar quando tal se justifique.E fazer propostas.Se nos próximos cinco anos todos estivermos à altura das expetativas dos cidadãos, cada um cumprindo o seu papel, estaremos, todos, a assumir as nossas responsabilidades.Com uma certeza: lá fora, estão todos a olhar para nós.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece (A9-0040/2019 - Eva Kaili)
Usando uma expressão quase cinematográfica ou literária, “o céu abateu-se sobre a ilha de Creta entre 23 e 26 de fevereiro”.Da terrível tempestade resultaram inundações e deslizamentos de terra de dimensões assustadoras. Mas podíamos estar a falar de consequências de incêndios terríveis – tragédia que também se fez sentir no meu País – que normalmente se verificam quando assistimos a vagas de calor abrasador.É evidente a necessidade de mobilizar o Fundo de Solidariedade da União Europeia, neste caso para auxiliar a Grécia. Mas não posso deixar, como estou certo que farão várias Deputadas e Deputados, de deixar registada uma evidência: estes fenómenos meteorológicos, cada vez mais extremos, já não são apenas um sinal. Já são uma consequência, com tendência para se repetirem.Temos que repetir, repetir, repetir: combater as alterações climáticas é uma prioridade civilizacional.
Situation in Bolivia (RC-B9-0187/2019, B9-0187/2019, B9-0188/2019, B9-0189/2019, B9-0190/2019, B9-0191/2019, B9-0192/2019)
A Bolívia entrou numa espiral de violência, contabilizando pelo menos 32 mortos, centenas de feridos, depois de um processo referendário controverso e de umas eleições presidenciais polémicas.O país que fez diminuir a taxa de pobreza de 60% para 30% não merecia esta instabilidade, com acusações de excesso de violência por parte das forças de segurança e com dúvidas, legítimas, sobre a credibilidade do processo eleitoral.É certo que a União Europeia não enviou uma verdadeira missão de observação eleitoral, algo que espero possa acontecer quando o país restabelecer as condições necessárias para novo processo eleitoral, mas também é certo que existem relatos e notícias de perturbações em todo o processo.Julgo que o Parlamento Europeu, com esta resolução que votei favoravelmente, exprime, essencialmente, o desejo de que a violência pare e de que se possa normalizar a vida democrática na Bolívia.
2019 UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) (B9-0174/2019)
Sou um dos 430 Deputados do Parlamento Europeu que, por via desta resolução, querem fazer chegar uma mensagem clara à Conferência da ONU sobre Alterações Climáticas, COP25: a União Europeia dará o seu contributo para fazer face à crise climática.Reduzir as emissões em 55% até 2030, atingir a neutralidade climática até 2050 (estou certo de que acabaremos por oficializar este objetivo, apesar da oposição da oposição de alguns) e criar um Fundo de Transição Justa são alguns dos contributos que a União Europeia não deixará de dar para esta causa, que mais não é do que a garantia da sobrevivência do planeta.Esta resolução tem ainda um outro significado politicamente relevante, já que desafia os líderes europeus a estabelecerem, no Conselho de 12 e 13 de dezembro, a meta da União Europeia de alcançar um nível nulo de emissões de gases com efeito de estufa “o mais rapidamente possível e, o mais tardar, até 2050”. Por estas razões, evidentemente, votei esta resolução.
Measures to strengthen administrative cooperation in order to combat VAT fraud (A9-0047/2019 - Lídia Pereira)
No mundo de hoje, as mudanças tecnológicas têm uma evolução frenética.A fraude acompanha essa evolução e as instituições têm obrigação de agir.Podemos estar a falar de 137 mil milhões de euros que não são cobrados na União Europeia como resultado de fraude no IVA do comércio eletrónico.É, portanto, evidente e urgente a necessidade dos Estados-Membros continuarem a investir na eficiência dos mecanismos de cobrança de impostos em operações baseadas na tecnologia.
Fair taxation in a digitalised and globalised economy - BEPS 2.0 (B9-0238/2019)
A digitalização e um volume cada vez maior de compras e vendas feitas apenas em suportes digitais, já não são fenómenos circunstanciais. São realidades com que nos temos que confrontar, a que temos que fazer face.No âmbito da fiscalidade relativa a estas transações, assim como em muitas outras matérias, a Comissão Europeia e os Estados-Membros devem fazer um esforço no sentido de acordarem posições comuns, ambiciosas, assegurando uma repartição mais equitativa dos direitos de tributação e um nível mínimo dessa tributação.Se o conseguirmos, estaremos a contribuir para uma equidade no ambiente fiscal, a combater a evasão, o planeamento fiscal agressivo.Uma tributação digital justa, homogénea na União Europeia, é o caminho que devemos seguir, com a contribuição dos Estados-Membros e o empenho da Comissão.
The Rule of Law in Malta, after the recent revelations around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia (B9-0240/2019)
Serve esta declaração de voto para exprimir uma posição de princípio, que venho repetindo desde a campanha eleitoral para as Eleições Europeias: o Estado de Direito, a independência do poder judicial face ao poder político, e a liberdade de imprensa são património da Europa, da União Europeia.Temos que ser intransigentes na defesa destes princípios, seja qual for o país, seja qual for o Governo.O Parlamento Europeu cumpre a sua função quando produz, fundamenta e vota uma resolução deste teor.
The European Green Deal (RC-B9-0040/2020, B9-0040/2020, B9-0041/2020, B9-0042/2020, B9-0043/2020, B9-0044/2020, B9-0045/2020, B9-0046/2020)
Para novos tempos, novos desafios, novos conceitos e novas políticas. Só uma espécie de “negacionismo” ecológico permitiria nada fazer ou ter apenas discursos e tomadas de posição mais ou menos proclamatórias. Não, a emergência climática é mesmo real.E se algumas matérias podemos considerar que a União Europeia e as suas Instituições podem não ser tão ágeis como seria desejável, no reconhecimento de que o clima é uma questão prioritária, julgo que estamos a cumprir a nossa obrigação.O Pacto Ecológico Europeu, as metas e os calendários traçados, são ambiciosos, mas atingir a neutralidade carbónica o mais tardar em 2050, é possível se todos os agentes cumprirem as suas obrigações.Há, no entanto, uma ressalva expressa nesta resolução e que precisa de resposta positiva: o financiamento. É positivo o reconhecimento das “necessidades de financiamento consideráveis” para cumprir os objetivos do Pacto Ecológico Europeu.Não há qualquer justificação para que estes objetivos não se cumpram por uma qualquer insuficiência orçamental. O investimento que nos possam levar à neutralidade carbónica em 2050, que nos permitam cumprir em 2030 e em 2040 as metas intermédias, é investimento virtuoso.
Implementing and monitoring the provisions on citizens’ rights in the Withdrawal Agreement (B9-0031/2020)
3,2 milhões de europeus dos 27 Países da União Europeia (UE) residem no Reino Unido. 1,2 milhões de britânicos vivem nos 27 Estados-Membros. Uma enorme maioria de deputados votou esta resolução por ser evidente a desnecessária incerteza e ansiedade causada pela ausência de garantias e de procedimentos do Reino Unido em relação ao sistema de registos de cidadãos da UE.O Acordo de Saída prevê “procedimentos administrativos de natureza declaratória” e não apenas a concessão de “estatuto provisório de residente permanente”, opção que o Reino Unido adotou até ao momento, circunstância que, naturalmente, gera a tal incerteza e ansiedade a milhões de cidadãos da União Europeia.Não há necessidade ou vantagem em juntar ao Brexit uma teia de procedimentos dúbios e geradores de desconfiança por parte dos cidadãos. E, sendo mais preciso e concreto na defesa da posição que o Parlamento Europeu expressa, não será viável em matéria de circulação de pessoas que o Reino Unido não adote regras proporcionais à cooperação que será inevitável manter com a UE numa série de outros domínios.
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0036/2020, B9-0037/2020, B9-0038/2020)
Sempre que julgo apropriado e possível, tenho repetido que a aproximação da União Europeia dos cidadãos, essencialmente no que respeita à adoção de políticas com real e visível impacto na vida das pessoas, é uma das urgências com que estamos confrontados.Julgo que da Conferência sobre o Futuro da Europa pode resultar uma reflexão capaz de nos indicar alguns dos caminhos que devemos seguir.Os objetivos, o âmbito da Conferência e o processo que é proposto sugerem uma discussão aberta, com jovens com menos de 25 anos, com representantes ao mais alto nível das Instituições da União Europeia, dos Estados-Membros, dos Parceiros Sociais, assegurando a maior abrangência e diversidade possíveis.Se o resultado desta Conferência nos apresentar recomendações que consigamos transformar em ações concretas, estaremos mais perto de conseguir satisfazer as expectativas dos cidadãos.E estaremos, portanto, a exercer bem a nossa função.
Ongoing hearings under article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (B9-0032/2020)
Há valores sagrados.A independência do poder judicial em relação ao poder político, a liberdade de expressão e de imprensa, a liberdade académica, a liberdade de associação, o direito à igualdade de tratamento independentemente das orientações sexuais, religiosas e políticas são exemplos.Em 2020 era esperado que, na União Europeia, nenhuma destas questões fosse levantada por existirem riscos manifestos de violação destes valores em Estados-Membros.Existem esses riscos, na Hungria e na Polónia.O Conselho dos Assuntos Gerais já levou a cabo três audições à Polónia e duas à Hungria, mas foram audições que não foram feitas com regularidade, de forma estruturada e aberta.Votei a favor desta resolução que desafia a Presidência croata (e outras que se sigam) a retomar de forma regular estas audições, objetivas, transparentes e baseadas em factos.Com questões de princípio não há que vacilar.
Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (A9-0004/2020 - Guy Verhofstadt)
Vou utilizar apenas duas frases para explicar porque votei favoravelmente o acordo de saída do Reino Unido, sendo eu contra o Brexit.Não tenho dúvidas de que o Brexit foi um mau processo, uma má decisão, mas também não tenho dúvidas de que uma saída sem acordo podia assumir proporções (ainda?) mais catastróficas.Com esta decisão a Europa divide-se, fecha-se.Mesmo com o acordo de saída, não sabemos exatamente o que aí vem.Sabemos apenas que a História nos “diz” que poderá não ser nada de bom.Apetece-me apenas, nesta Declaração de Voto, apropriar-me de uma parte da canção “Hello, Goodbye”, dos eternos e geniais The Beatles : “I dont’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello. You say goodbye and I say hello”.
Conclusion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (Resolution) (A9-0017/2020 - Geert Bourgeois)
O Vietname é o segundo maior parceiro comercial da União Europeia (UE) no sudeste Asiático, com transações de mais de 47 mil milhões de euros em bens e de mais de 3 mil milhões de euros em serviços.É por isso importante o acordo de comércio livre celebrado entre a UE e o Vietname.Existem questões pendentes que este acordo deve permitir resolver ou minimizar - ratificação pelo Vietname das convenções da Organização Mundial do Trabalho relativas à abolição do trabalho forçado e à liberdade de associação - mas este não deixa de ser um passo importante.Este acordo é um sinal de que o comércio livre, justo e recíproco, num tempo de derivas protecionistas, é o caminho a seguir para relações comerciais multilaterais baseados em regras e valores, abrindo caminho para um futuro entendimento regional maior e mais abrangente
Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (B9-0098/2020)
O Reino Unido já não é um dos 27 Estados-Membros da União Europeia (UE), mas é um parceiro, um parceiro em assuntos económicos, assuntos externos e questões setoriais específicas. Mas será também um concorrente da UE em matérias laborais, fiscais, ambientais, entre outras.Estes parâmetros fazem parte desta resolução do Parlamento Europeu que, mais à frente, terá de aprovar um futuro acordo entre UE e Reino Unido.Mas esta resolução recorda outro aspeto fundamental que aqui reproduzo: um país terceiro não pode ter os mesmos direitos e benefícios que um Estado-Membro da UE.A integridade do mercado único, da união aduaneira e a indivisibilidade das quatro liberdades (mercadorias, serviços, pessoas e capitais) têm de ser preservadas.Votei esta resolução por todos estes motivos.
The EU priorities for the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (B9-0093/2020, B9-0095/2020)
Não existem dúvidas, mas repetir princípios é, sempre, um exercício democrático nobre.A igualdade entre homens e mulheres é um princípio fundamental da União Europeia (UE), consagrado no Tratado da União Europeia e na Carta dos Direitos Fundamentais.Os direitos das mulheres, a igualdade de género são não só direitos humanos fundamentais que devem ser defendidos igualmente por mulheres e homens, mas são também condições prévias de desenvolvimento social, económico, de combate à pobreza.Ora, estes princípios e os compromissos apresentados pela UE à 64.ª sessão da Comissão da Condição da Mulher da ONU, que se realiza de 9 a 20 de março de 2020, justificam a votação desta resolução.
A safety net to protect the beneficiaries of EU programmes: setting up an MFF contingency plan (A9-0099/2020 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
Num cenário de pandemia global, apelo a um grande esforço por parte da Comissão Europeia para apresentar um fundo de recuperação ambicioso e robusto de resposta à maior crise europeia desde a II Guerra. Precisamos de uma resposta coordenada, capaz de relançar a economia europeia, implementando um mecanismo europeu de financiamento a regiões e setores estratégicos, cuja atividade estagnou quase por completo — turismo, restauração, pequenas empresas, trabalhadores independentes, entre outros.A distribuição do fundo de recuperação da crise pelo novo coronavírus deve permitir à União Europeia dar uma resposta às consequências sociais e económicas e, em particular, contribuir para impulsionar o crescimento e o emprego na União Europeia. O relançamento da economia europeia só pode acontecer se for realizado em conjunto. Precisamos de uma verdadeira política de cooperação, convergência e coesão no seio da UE. Só assim seremos capazes de superar os efeitos sociais e económicos desta pandemia.Votei a favor desta resolução, por considerar que a posição do Parlamento é inequívoca: queremos um fundo de recuperação da economia europeia forte e ambicioso para fazer face à crise sanitária, social e económica que nos afetou a todos, por igual.
Minimum requirements for water reuse (A9-0098/2020 - Simona Bonafè)
A crise pandémica de Covid-19 quase nos fez esquecer tudo o resto. As alterações climáticas, contudo, representam igualmente uma emergência sem precedentes. Os impactos das alterações climáticas afetam todas as regiões do globo, sem exceção. É neste contexto que surge este relatório sobre reutilização da água.A poupança de água e reutilização da água devem tornar-se numa prioridade para a UE. Portanto, medidas que visam a reutilização de águas residuais tratadas, higiene alimentar dos produtos agrícolas irrigados com águas depuradas, reciclagem, proteção do ambiente e da saúde humana são essenciais para alcançar os objetivos de uma economia circular. Para travar a crise climática, precisamos que todos façam a sua parte e, por conseguinte, de mais e não menos cooperação internacional nesta matéria.É fundamental que a UE faça uma boa gestão de água potável e uma reutilização segura da água, de forma a melhorar a eficiência hídrica, bem como suprimir a escassez de água na região.Por isso, este relatório mereceu o meu voto a favor.
Macro-financial assistance to enlargement and neighbourhood partners in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis
A União Europeia enfrenta uma crise de proporções históricas provocada pela pandemia. Não só a União Europeia, é certo, mas também a maior parte dos países do mundo.Na Europa, os países do alargamento e da vizinhança da UE deparam-se com uma pressão sob as suas economias que, rapidamente, tem vindo a traduzir-se numa nova recessão económica. É do interesse da UE unir esforços para ajudar estes parceiros a implementar medidas destinadas a combater a atual crise económica, pois estes países encontram-se ainda mais vulneráveis a este inimigo comum.Perante a incapacidade financeira de os governos responderem à crise económica, a assistência macroeconómica provida pela União traduz-se num instrumento financeiro de apoio de caráter excecional e que tem como principal objetivo dar resposta às necessidades de financiamento externo dos países parceiros.Todas as medidas materializadas neste relatório visam ajudar a suprimir as consequências das paralisações económicas que se verificaram quando a epidemia do novo coronavírus assolou o mundo.Votei de forma favorável por considerar que é indispensável unir esforços para contribuir para a recuperação da região dos Balcãs. Não podemos consentir que esta crise contribua para aumentar ainda mais a desigualdade entre países.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria (A9-0105/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes)
Votei favoravelmente o relatório sobre mobilização do Fundo de Solidariedade da UE por concordar com a máxima urgência em disponibilizar assistência financeira aos países que foram assolados por uma série de catástrofes naturais em 2019, provocando danos consideráveis nos setores da pesca, da agricultura, do turismo e das infraestruturas.No caso particular de Portugal, a União Europeia vai disponibilizar uma importante ajuda financeira no valor de 8,2 milhões de euros para ajudar a reparar os danos causados pelo furação Lorenzo na Região Autónoma dos Açores, em outubro de 2019. Esta verba destinada aos Açores será direcionada em particular para infraestruturas públicas, a saber: portos, redes de água, energia e comunicações, redes rodoviárias, aeroportos, edifícios públicos e privados, mas também para o setor do turismo.Sublinho ainda que este relatório alertou para a necessidade de se ter em atenção as especificidades das regiões ultraperiféricas na implementação de políticas de carácter preventivo, relativamente às alterações climáticas que, por sua vez, têm vindo a desencadear desastres naturais cada vez mais frequentes.
Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (A9-0117/2020 - Kati Piri, Christophe Hansen)
O tempo urge. É indispensável tudo fazer para conseguir um acordo o quanto antes. As negociações sobre a futura parceria entre o Reino Unido e a UE continuam num impasse, sem avanços significativos em setores fundamentais.Nesta fase, o que está em causa é a qualidade do acordo entre as duas partes acerca da sua futura relação bilateral. É necessário um acordo que permita manter uma boa relação entre as partes envolvidas, procurando uma relação de parceria baseada na confiança mútua.Não é de todo desejável um “no deal”. Antes pelo contrário, este Parlamento apela a um entendimento o quanto antes e que se traduza numa parceria de estreita cooperação em questões essenciais como: comércio, segurança, direito dos cidadãos e mobilidade, migração, entre outros.A mensagem deste Parlamento é muito clara: o Reino Unido e a UE devem ser parceiros e para isso é essencial delinear um acordo abrangente e ambicioso, com base em valores partilhados. Porém, um acordo a qualquer custo não será viável.Por tudo isto, mereceu o meu voto favorável.
Banking Union - annual report 2019 (A9-0026/2020 - Pedro Marques)
. – A aprovação do relatório anual sobre a União Bancária vem reforçar a ideia de partilha de riscos que assegure estabilidade financeira perante crises no setor bancário com repercussões inaceitáveis nas contas públicas dos Estados.Com a aprovação deste relatório, o Parlamento Europeu demonstra a sua forte determinação para completar a União Bancária através da completa implementação do Seguro Europeu de Garantia de Depósitos, para proteger os depositantes relativamente a disrupções nos bancos, assegurar a confiança dos depositantes e investidores, e reforçar a estabilidade do euro.Destaco ainda a importância de salvaguardar o bom funcionamento do mercado interno. Nesta área, a UE pode e deve ir mais longe na questão do branqueamento de capitais. Os recentes escândalos relacionados com o branqueamento de capitais em larga escala, envolvendo instituições financeiras na UE, demonstram que a supervisão prudencial e a supervisão no domínio da luta contra o branqueamento de capitais não podem ser tratadas separadamente e que falta um sistema adequado de supervisão e de execução da legislação da UE.Considero que este relatório está em linha com as prioridades políticas do Parlamento Europeu e, consequentemente, das instituições. A União Europeia precisa, portanto, de ir mais longe e ter mais ambição na implementação de um sistema bancário mais seguro, mais amigo do financiamento das empresas e da criação de emprego.
Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond (RC-B9-0166/2020, B9-0166/2020, B9-0175/2020, B9-0177/2020, B9-0178/2020, B9-0180/2020, B9-0182/2020, B9-0184/2020)
O mundo mudou. Enquanto a crise pandémica não passa, os setores dos transportes e do turismo tentam reinventar-se em prol da sua própria sobrevivência.A economia europeia passou por momentos duros nos últimos meses, e o setor do turismo não foi exceção. Foi um dos mais devastados pela COVID-19 e, por isso mesmo, é urgente delinear um plano estratégico e sustentável para o setor do turismo na Europa.Num momento em que os cidadãos anseiam por um regresso à normalidade possível, importa adotar medidas para garantir a confiança e retoma segura das viagens e deslocações para a Europa e dentro da Europa.Esta resolução apresenta um conjunto de medidas apropriadas que devem ser tomadas para reduzir o risco de contágio, mas também medidas destinadas a incentivar a mobilidade e a proteção dos direitos dos trabalhadores sazonais e dos trabalhadores em situações vulneráveis. Insta, igualmente, a Comissão a disponibilizar apoio financeiro para empresas e PME mais afetadas pelo coronavírus.Esta crise atual veio reforçar a importância de investir em formas de turismo sustentável, que respeitem o ambiente e o património cultural de forma a garantir a sobrevivência e competitividade do setor a longo prazo.Por tudo isto, mereceu o meu voto favorável.
The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd (B9-0194/2020, B9-0195/2020, B9-0196/2020, B9-0197/2020)
Há imagens que falam por si e a imagem de um polícia americano a sufocar George Floyd, no dia 25 de maio, foi o suficiente para incendiar, mais uma vez, a sociedade norte-americana.Os protestos nos EUA contra a morte de George Floyd que se seguiram pareciam estar a milhas de distância da nossa realidade. Mas não. A revolta antirracismo também irrompeu na Europa. Este despertar de solidariedade nascido após o assassinato de George Floyd expandiu-se além-atlântico e surtiu efeitos em vários países europeus.Reportando-se à União Europeia, manifestantes em massa saíram à rua para exigir o fim do racismo estrutural na Europa. O “I can’t breath” de George Floyd transformou-se num grito de revolta generalizado contra o racismo estrutural não assumido, que perpetua desigualdades e a segregação étnico-racial.As instituições da UE não só podem como devem ir mais longe nas suas recomendações, implementando medidas concretas para combater o racismo sistémico, a discriminação e a sub-representação de grupos minoritários raciais e étnicos nas suas estruturas. Este é o momento. Os dias do racismo estrutural estão a chegar ao fim. O tempo do silêncio acabou.Esta resolução não podia deixar de merecer o meu voto favorável.
Situation in the Schengen area following the Covid-19 outbreak (B9-0165/2020)
Considerando a situação extraordinária provocada pela crise sanitária de Covid-19, a maioria dos Estados-Membros decidiu agir de forma isolada, encerrando total ou parcialmente as suas fronteiras internas sem qualquer coordenação com as instituições da UE.Dadas as circunstâncias atuais, nada mais há a fazer a não ser o restabelecimento do espaço Schengen. Não podemos ignorar que um espaço Schengen plenamente funcional permite a mais de 400 milhões de pessoas viajarem sem restrições dentro da UE. Um direito intrínseco ao projeto Schengen.Não podemos ter um espaço de livre circulação de pessoas em que, perante uma situação inesperada, os Estados-Membros decidem reintroduzir o controlo de fronteiras internas de forma repentina e desordenada. A pandemia de Covid-19 demonstrou a real necessidade de uma melhor capacidade de procedimento e de uma ação coordenada a nível da União em momentos de crise.Para concluir, o projeto Schengen acaba de completar 35 anos e nunca foi tão importante como hoje. O regresso rápido a um espaço Schengen perfeitamente operacional é da máxima urgência como meio de estimular a recuperação económica e social da UE. Precisamos de mais Europa e mais Europa é sinónimo de Schengen.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (A9-0146/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valerie Hayer)
Para fazer face à atual crise provocada pela pandemia, o orçamento da UE deve ser reforçado para os próximos anos. A crise pandémica de COVID-19 abalou muitíssimo o mercado interno, pelo que precisamos de relançar a economia europeia com base num plano estratégico de cariz económico e social, imprescindível para uma recuperação simétrica em todos os países.Assim sendo, o Parlamento aprovou este parecer legislativo sobre introdução de novas fontes de financiamento da UE, que permitirá que o novo plano de recuperação da UE, de 750 mil milhões de euros, seja implementado o mais brevemente possível. Os novos recursos próprios adicionais vão introduzir novas formas de taxação sobre, nomeadamente, grandes empresas tecnológicas, grandes poluidores e uma taxa sobre o plástico.A mobilização de novos recursos próprios deve ir ao encontro das prioridades europeias, como o Pacto Ecológico e a transformação digital. É, igualmente, necessário que este apoio financeiro europeu chegue o mais rapidamente possível ao Estados-Membros para apoiar a economia, o emprego e as famílias. Por isso, não podia deixar de votar favoravelmente.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
O Fundo de Transição Justa - o primeiro pilar do Pacto Ecológico Europeu - pretende ser uma ferramenta essencial para apoiar a descarbonização de regiões dependentes dos combustíveis fósseis.Na qualidade de relator-sombra pelo S&D neste relatório, foi possível incluir a atribuição de incentivos à redução de emissões de gases com efeito de estufa, reservando cerca de 10 mil milhões de euros para recompensar os Estados-Membros em função da velocidade dessa redução. Este é o início de uma transição para uma economia verde e neutra em carbono, focada nas pessoas, na criação de emprego e, acima de tudo, que seja justa, sustentável e inclusiva.No caso particular das regiões ultraperiféricas, foi possível alocar uma dotação específica de cerca de 550 milhões de euros a distribuir pelas regiões ultraperiféricas de Portugal (Açores e Madeira), Espanha e França para auxiliar estas regiões na transição energética.Votei a favor deste relatório porque acredito que foi alcançado um compromisso equilibrado entre os vários grupos políticos.
Determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law
Não há grande discussão em torno da importância dos valores fundamentais da União Europeia - como a liberdade, a democracia, a igualdade, o respeito pelos direitos humanos - para o bom funcionamento da sociedade civil.Mas num dos nossos Estados-Membros, a Polónia, estes valores têm vindo a ser postos em causa. É preocupante assistir a todas as restrições legislativas que têm vindo a ser aprovadas no Parlamento da Polónia, no que diz respeito à liberdade de associação e manifestação, pluralismo dos meios de comunicação social e enfraquecimento da independência judicial dos juízes. Sucessivas violações de direitos humanos ao limitar o acesso à saúde e direitos sexuais e reprodutivos e comportamentos inaceitáveis para com as pessoas LGBTI.Portanto, da parte da União, espera-se uma tomada de posição firme sobre a infração em curso contra a Polónia, que se afasta cada vez mais dos valores fundamentais da UE.Por tudo isto, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern-Mediterranean
Já não bastava os sucessivos ataques à democracia e ao Estado de direito na Turquia. Agora, a UE depara-se com a intervenção turca nas zonas marítimas exclusivas de dois dos seus Estados-membros - Grécia e Chipre. Perante esta provocação gravíssima por parte de um Estado candidato à adesão, a UE não pode ficar indiferente.A escalada de tensões no Mediterrâneo Oriental foi desencadeada pela intervenção disruptiva da Turquia na região. A Turquia avançou unilateralmente com atividades ilegais de perfuração no Mediterrâneo Oriental, o que pode vir a colocar em causa a estabilidade e segurança de toda a região.Considero, portanto, ser fundamental o reforço de sanções setoriais e direcionadas, sem lesar a sociedade civil turca ou os refugiados presentes no país.Este texto contou, por isso, com o meu voto a favor.
Situation in Belarus
As recentes eleições presidenciais na Bielorrússia não foram livres, justas ou transparentes, e não decorreram em conformidade com as normas internacionais.Esta é a sexta resolução deste Parlamento sobre a situação na Bielorrússia. Só podemos concluir que a situação no país não melhorou e, portanto, temos de ouvir os apelos do povo bielorrusso, especialmente depois dos recentes protestos que mobilizaram grande parte da sociedade civil, ao mesmo tempo que se sucedem detenções em massa.A resolução envia uma mensagem forte de apoio ao povo bielorrusso e, em simultâneo, de condenação da violência extrema utilizada pelas autoridades bielorrussas nas manifestações pacíficas que se seguiram às eleições presidenciais. Este Parlamento rejeita os resultados dessas eleições e manifesta o seu apoio ao povo da Bielorrússia.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny
Votei a favor desta resolução por considerar ser fundamental condenar veemente a tentativa de assassinato por envenenamento de Alexei Navalny, ativista e principal líder da oposição na Rússia.A tentativa de assassinato de Alexei Navalny, que tão incansavelmente tem exposto a corrupção existente no país, fez parte de um esforço de o silenciar. Este ato demonstra a extensão do preocupante estado da democracia, das liberdades fundamentais e dos direitos humanos no país. Expor casos de corrupção na Rússia não é tarefa fácil; no limite, pode ser uma atividade altamente perigosa.Este Parlamento apela a uma investigação internacional séria sobre este caso e, mais uma vez, reforça a necessidade de haver uma estratégia conjunta da UE e Estados-Membros que promova os princípios democráticos e o Estado de direito na Rússia.
Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion: indirect taxes on 'traditional' rum
As regiões ultraperiféricas da UE recebem um tratamento diferenciado por força das suas especificidades como afastamento geográfico, insularidade, pequena dimensão, topografia e clima difíceis.É neste contexto que a legislação da UE, nomeadamente o artigo 349.º do TFUE, permite a adoção de medidas específicas para as regiões ultraperiféricas.Pela necessidade do contínuo apoio a estas regiões, no desenvolvimento das suas economias, permitindo assim também o crescimento e a criação de emprego em setores como a da cana-de-açúcar e do rum, em conformidade com os objetivos da política de coesão, não podia deixar de votar a favor desta proposta de renovação do regime até 2027.
AIEM tax in the Canary Islands
Com a possibilidade de adoção de medidas específicas para as regiões ultraperiféricas, previsto nas disposições do TFUE, o AIEM é um imposto aplicado pelo Estado que estabelece medidas de tributação específicas, com o intuito de apoiar a produção local de alguns produtos das ilhas Canárias.Esta vantagem fiscal pretende compensar os produtores desta região ultraperiférica devido às permanentes limitações relacionadas com o isolamento, a pequena dimensão do mercado local e o elevado custo de produção.Votei a favor desta proposta por considerar ser importante continuar a aplicar o princípio do tratamento diferenciado a estas regiões, como acontece, por exemplo, com as regiões autónomas de Portugal.
The Establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (A9-0170/2020 - Michal Šimečka)
Este relatório consiste na resposta do Parlamento Europeu à crescente deterioração do respeito pelos valores fundadores da União em alguns dos seus Estados-Membros.A credibilidade do projeto europeu está intrinsecamente ligada à nossa capacidade de defender os valores fundamentais dentro do território da União. A UE não pode exigir a países terceiros que sigam esses valores quando vários dos seus Estados-Membros tentam minar o património da União de defesa dos valores democráticos, do Estado de direito e dos direitos humanos.Sendo assim, devem ser feitos esforços para a criação de um mecanismo da UE para a democracia, o Estado de direito e os direitos fundamentais, que seja aplicado de forma justa e objetiva a todos os Estados-Membros, a fim de encontrar soluções para garantir os direitos e as liberdades fundamentais das pessoas.Se restam dúvidas de que os direitos fundamentais são inabaláveis, o que está a acontecer na Hungria, Polónia e Bulgária ajuda a dissipá-las. Temos de ser capazes de defender os cidadãos e isso passa pela defesa do Estado de direito através da implementação de um mecanismo vinculativo de acompanhamento permanente dos valores da UE.Por isso, votei a favor deste relatório.
European Climate Law (A9-0162/2020 - Jytte Guteland)
Com a aprovação do Relatório sobre a Lei Europeia do Clima, o Parlamento Europeu deu mais um passo no caminho certo. Não podemos continuar a ignorar a urgência de proceder a transformações profundas nas nossas economias a fim de inverter as alterações climáticas.A UE só conseguirá alcançar a neutralidade carbónica em 2050 se todos os Estados-Membros se empenharem nesse objetivo. Este relatório propõe, para além da neutralidade climática em 2050, uma nova meta para 2030. Estabelece a redução de 60% das emissões de gases poluentes o mais tardar até 2030, bem mais do que a proposta inicial da Comissão, que não ia além de uma redução de 50% a 55% até 2030.A UE lidera no esforço de transição para um impacto neutro no clima. Com o novo Pacto Europeu para o Clima e o pacote de recuperação, temos uma verdadeira possibilidade de cumprir o objetivo de implementar uma legislação climática ambiciosa e progressista.A meta está longe e o caminho a trilhar será longo, mas temos de agir hoje para evitar o colapso do clima e garantir o futuro do nosso planeta. Por isso votei a favor deste relatório. Combater as alterações climáticas é uma prioridade civilizacional.
The European Forest Strategy - The Way Forward (A9-0154/2020 - Petri Sarvamaa)
Este relatório apresenta as diretrizes para uma gestão sustentável das florestas da União Europeia. As florestas são uma fonte de energia renovável, responsáveis pela maior quantidade de captura de CO2 na atmosfera, o que ajuda a mitigar de certa forma a crise climática.O relatório em causa destaca a importância das florestas na conservação da biodiversidade, na criação de emprego nas zonas rurais e na garantia da inclusão social nas zonas rurais. É neste contexto que este relatório apela a adoção de medidas que visam melhorar a qualidade das florestas, travando a desflorestação, a mitigação de fogos e promove a atribuição de financiamento para a área da tecnologia florestal.As florestas da UE são, sem dúvida, um dos recursos mais importantes de que dispomos na luta contra a emergência climática. Para alcançar uma economia neutra para o clima até 2050, precisamos de impor um padrão elevado na proteção das florestas na UE, ao mesmo tempo que se tenta encontrar o equilíbrio entre a biodiversidade e dimensão económica. Por todas estas razões, votei favoravelmente.
Application of railway safety and interoperability rules within the Channel tunnel (C9-0212/2020)
A ligação ferroviária do canal da Mancha ganhará um novo significado com a saída do Reino Unido da UE, tornando-se, assim, ainda mais importante para reaproximar o Reino Unido aos restantes países da Europa Continental.A fim de garantir a interoperabilidade e harmonização das regras de segurança entre as partes envolvidas, esta legislação atribui poderes à Franca para negociar um novo acordo internacional com o Reino Unido nesta matéria e determina que a Comissão Intergovernamental continuará a ser a principal autoridade de segurança para o túnel do canal da Mancha.Votei a favor desta proposta por considerar ser necessário manter o funcionamento seguro e eficiente da ligação ferroviária do túnel do canal da Mancha entre a Europa continental e o Reino Unido após a entrada em vigor do Acordo de Saída celebrado com a UE.
The rule of law and fundamental rights in Bulgaria (B9-0309/2020)
Este Parlamento aprovou por uma larga maioria a resolução sobre o Estado de direito e direitos fundamentais na Bulgária. Esta resolução pretende enviar um sinal dissuasor ao governo búlgaro, que de forma imprudente coloca em causa valores e princípios europeus.As dúvidas sobre a independência judicial e dos órgãos de comunicação social, a falta de transparência legislativa e a violação dos direitos de grupos vulneráveis causam sérias preocupações. O significativo aumento de alegações de corrupção de alto nível contribuiu para aumentar as tensões sociais e os protestos, com o povo búlgaro cada vez mais indignado perante o uso indevido de recursos públicos pela elite política do país.A constante violação do Estado de direito ameaça seriamente a confiança dos cidadãos nas instituições democráticas e, no limite, pode levar à fragmentação do projeto europeu, enquanto espaço de liberdade, segurança e justiça.Concluindo, o texto que o Parlamento aprovou traduz uma posição sólida e acertada no que se refere à proteção e reforço do Estado de direito e direitos fundamentais na UE. Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Digital Finance: emerging risks in crypto-assets - regulatory and supervisory challenges in the area of financial services, institutions and markets (A9-0161/2020 - Ondřej Kovařík)
Os serviços financeiros digitais vieram revolucionar o atual sistema financeiro, alterando o paradigma da indústria e as oportunidades que esta representa para a União Europeia.Neste sentido, a nova estratégia para as Finanças Digitais da Comissão é fundamental para concretizar a melhoria dos mercados financeiros europeus, com uma maior participação dos investidores particulares.Contudo, o escândalo “Wirecard” demonstrou que esta área apresenta um enorme desafio para a supervisão e a regulação existentes, afetando a estabilidade do sistema financeiro e facilitando o branqueamento de capitais e o financiamento de terrorismo ou atividades criminosas.Precisamos de um regime regulatório rigoroso, que priorize a proteção dos consumidores e dos investidores, mas também promova o desenvolvimento sustentável da indústria, não prejudicando a inovação no mercado europeu.Devido à importância que o setor tem para os objetivos estratégicos da União e à relevância que este adquiriu com a pandemia de Covid-19, este relatório contou com o meu voto a favor.
Further development of the Capital Markets Union (CMU): improving access to capital market finance, in particular by SMEs, and further enabling retail investor participation (A9-0155/2020 - Isabel Benjumea Benjumea)
O desenvolvimento do mercado de capitais na Europa é essencial para o crescimento económico depois desta pandemia. Precisamos de medidas que facilitem o financiamento das PME, trazendo melhores oportunidades de emprego para os cidadãos europeus.Neste sentido, o encorajamento da participação de pequenos investidores individuais é essencial, diversificando as fontes de financiamento da economia europeia.Contudo, não podemos deixar que estas imposições nos levem a negligenciar a manutenção dos padrões elevados da regulação europeia, que protejam os cidadãos de outro crash financeiro como o de 2008.Assim sendo, devemos focar-nos num sistema de regulação e supervisão comum ao nível europeu, que permita que a Europa lidere em matéria de proteção dos investidores particulares e dos altos padrões de sustentabilidade ambiental e social.Devido à enorme necessidade de canais alternativos de financiamento para suportar o trabalho desenvolvido pelas PME e o seu impacto no tecido económico e social, votei a favor deste relatório.
Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee (B9-0310/2020)
A situação precária do emprego jovem na Europa é bem conhecida, com elevadas taxas de desemprego jovem e a predominância do emprego precário, em part-time ou não declarado. Esta situação, já por si dramática, foi exacerbada pela pandemia de Covid-19, que afeta, de forma desproporcional, os jovens.Criada em 2013 para aliviar esta situação, a Garantia para a Juventude já ajudou mais de 24 milhões de jovens a encontrarem um emprego ou desenvolverem-se academicamente. Ainda assim, persistem inúmeras lacunas que impedem este programa de responder às necessidades dos jovens europeus.Para criar soluções sustentáveis, precisamos de um instrumento forte e universal que solucione a precariedade jovem de forma multidimensional, assegurando o acesso a empregos sustentáveis, com condições de trabalho decentes e remuneração justa.A Garantia para a Juventude precisa, portanto, de mais financiamento e das concentrações temáticas apropriadas que fomentem as reformas estruturais essenciais ao bom emprego jovem. Não podemos ignorar também as sinergias existentes entre este programa e as outras iniciativas da UE, nomeadamente na transição para uma economia mais verde e em conjunto com outros fundos e instrumentos como o Next Generation EU.Por estas razões, este relatório contou com o meu voto a favor.
Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the VPC/HR on relations with Belarus (A9-0167/2020 - Petras Auštrevičius)
Votei a favor deste relatório porque acredito que a União Europeia deve manter-se em alerta quanto às ações do regime do Presidente Alexander Lukashenko. Não é defensável que continue a ignorar os princípios da democracia, os direitos humanos e a vontade do povo bielorrusso. Por essa razão, devemos continuar a exercer pressão junto das autoridades bielorrussas para que cessem as violações às liberdades fundamentais e aos direitos humanos na Bielorrússia.Além disso, a Bielorrússia faz fronteira com três dos nossos Estados-Membros e a situação que se vive no país pode ter um impacto direto dentro das fronteiras internas da UE.Este relatório insta o Conselho e a Comissão a apoiar a decisão da UE e dos seus Estados-Membros de não reconhecerem os resultados das eleições presidenciais, que não foram livres, justas e transparentes. A UE deve continuar a apoiar o povo da Bielorrússia nas suas legítimas reivindicações a favor de novas eleições livres e justas. Por último, as autoridades bielorussas devem cessar, de imediato, todas as formas de violência e repressão contra os manifestantes pacíficos.
Recommendation to the VPC/HR and to the Council in preparation of the 10th Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) review process, nuclear arms control and nuclear disarmament options (A9-0020/2020 - Sven Mikser)
Este Parlamento sempre apoiou, firmemente, o Tratado de Não Proliferação de Armas Nucleares (TNP), que tem sido, sem dúvida, o instrumento internacional de dissuasão mais importante para a criação de um mundo sem armas nucleares.Este relatório defende a preservação do TNP como instrumento multilateral fundamental ao serviço da paz e da segurança internacionais. Incentiva, por sua vez, todos os Estados Partes no TNP a redobrar os esforços para colaborarem entre si e a renovar o compromisso de cumprir todos os objetivos de desarmamento impostos pelo TNP, aumentando a transparência e a confiança mútua.Este relatório mereceu o meu voto favorável porque reafirma o apoio da UE e dos seus Estados-Membros ao TNP, que tem sido indispensável para a segurança global e a redução de riscos nucleares.
The future of European education in the context of Covid-19 (B9-0338/2020)
Os sistemas de educação europeus foram gravemente afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19 e a segunda vaga coloca grandes perigos para o ensino de qualidade dos europeus. Estes efeitos atingiram de forma extremamente desigual os Estados-Membros e os próprios alunos dos diferentes sistemas de educação, devido às desigualdades verificadas nas infraestruturas, nos equipamentos e nas competências dos professores e alunos.Para garantir que todos os alunos tenham acesso igualitário ao ensino, temos de investir fortemente na educação, apostando nas nossas infraestruturas, nas competências digitais e na formação ao longo da vida. As novas ferramentas e iniciativas, como a Universidade Europeia Online , vão desempenhar um papel fundamental no futuro da educação europeia.Assim, não podemos aceitar cortes nos orçamentos que apoiam o ensino de qualidade europeu, como o programa Erasmus+. Precisamos de priorizar a educação e a formação no Plano de Recuperação, e de garantir uma reação rápida às crises ao nível europeu e nacional.Por último, precisamos de mais cooperação entre Estados-Membros na área da educação, assegurando políticas complementares que apoiem objetivos globais claros, de forma a criar um sistema de educação mais inclusivo e resiliente.Precisamos de garantir que todos, sem discriminação, têm acesso a educação de qualidade e, portanto, votei favoravelmente este relatório.
Obligations of the Commission in the field of visa reciprocity in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (B9-0339/2020)
É indubitável a importância do princípio de reciprocidade de vistos, previsto no Tratado de Lisboa, para todos os Estados-Membros da União. Por norma, a UE concede a países terceiros e aos seus nacionais uma isenção de vistos desde que seja concedida a mesma reciprocidade aos cidadãos da UE.Em situação de não reciprocidade em matéria de vistos, espera-se que a Comissão atue de forma a garantir a reciprocidade de vistos, adotando, de imediato, medidas com vista a pôr termo à não reciprocidade. A UE deve ser rápida na sua atuação ao fazer face a uma situação que afeta a União como um todo e que sujeita os cidadãos europeus a tratamentos diferenciados.Sendo a reciprocidade de vistos uma prioridade para todos os Estados-Membros, o Parlamento Europeu insta a Comissão a adotar o ato delegado necessário como medida contra países terceiros que não tenham em vigor a aplicação do mecanismo de reciprocidade para os cidadãos de determinados Estados-Membros.
Economic policies of the euro area 2020 (A9-0193/2020 - Joachim Schuster)
A UE enfrenta neste momento a recessão mais grave da sua história, com imensos custos humanos e económicos. Simultaneamente, tem de suportar a conclusão das transições verde e digital, para as quais os próximos anos são cruciais. Para superar este desafio, a UE precisa de políticas económicas claras que atenuem o impacto da pandemia e contribuam para uma economia mais sustentável, competitiva e socialmente inclusiva.Neste sentido, necessitamos de rever e adaptar o quadro de política orçamental e económica, com especial atenção ao impacto desigual da pandemia nos défices e nas dívidas dos países da zona euro.De qualquer forma, devemos manter as políticas orçamentais expansionistas até podermos estar confiantes sobre a recuperação económica, pois a prioridade deve ser o reforço da dimensão social das políticas europeias, proporcionando boas condições de vida e de trabalho na União Europeia.Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Employment and social policies of the euro area 2020 (A9-0183/2020 - Klára Dobrev)
A pandemia, para além dos impactos na saúde e na economia, teve efeitos devastadores nos direitos sociais dos europeus, especialmente nos segmentos da população mais vulneráveis. O direito ao acesso igualitário à saúde não foi garantido, devido à não concretização de uma União Europeia da Saúde.Os Estados-Membros tiveram um papel fundamental na preservação dos empregos, da proteção civil e mantendo os sistemas de saúde e educação funcionais. É particularmente importante que os países continuem a utilizar a flexibilidade orçamental existente para atenuar as consequências sociais e a reforçar a luta contra a pobreza.É essencial compensar o efeito nocivo da pandemia no mercado de trabalho, que levou a inúmeras perdas de postos de trabalho e à rápida deterioração das condições de trabalho, particularmente para os jovens, as mulheres e os trabalhadores pouco qualificados. Em particular, a importância das soluções digitais obriga os Estados-Membros a empenharem-se em encontrar soluções para os problemas do novo paradigma.Neste sentido, o plano de recuperação deve ser perfeitamente congruente com o Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais e com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Nações Unidas.Garantir a coesão social e a redução das desigualdades são objetivos essenciais da União Europeia, que adquirem especial importância no contexto atual.
Deforestation (A9-0179/2020 - Delara Burkhardt)
As florestas constituem 80% da biodiversidade da Terra e cobrem mais de 30% da superfície terrestre. São cruciais na luta contra as alterações climáticas mundiais e são importantes fontes de biodiversidade de fauna e flora.Se queremos travar e inverter a desflorestação global, temos de defender mudanças no quadro jurídico. Este relatório apresenta algumas medidas que aqui destaco, como, por exemplo, insta a Comissão Europeia a apresentar um quadro jurídico para travar e inverter a desflorestação, defende maior financiamento ao abrigo da política agrícola comum (PAC) para uma silvicultura sustentável na UE e apela à melhoria das medidas contra a exploração madeireira ilegal.As florestas são extremamente importantes para alcançar os objetivos da UE em matéria de neutralidade carbónica e é imperioso promover um uso adequado das florestas na UE e as comunidades que delas dependem. Por tudo isto, não podia de deixar de votar a favor.
Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (A9-0145/2020 - Ernest Urtasun)
O Parlamento Europeu adotou, pela primeira vez, um relatório sobre a igualdade de género na política externa e de segurança da UE. Este relatório dá conta da enorme necessidade de continuarmos a batalhar pela igualdade de género, em específico, na política externa.Na UE, dos 27 ministros dos Negócios Estrangeiros apenas 3 são mulheres. O poder continua, substancialmente, mais nas mãos dos homens do que das mulheres, mas é possível mudar isso. A igualdade de género é uma questão de justiça social. Há estudos que defendem que a participação de mulheres e raparigas ajuda na prevenção de conflitos e contribui para melhorar as condições para a paz em áreas afetadas por conflitos.Votei a favor deste relatório porque coloca a igualdade de género como uma componente central da política externa da UE, mas também porque valoriza, promove e enaltece a adoção de uma política externa e de segurança feminista, que reconheça as dificuldades que as mulheres enfrentam para chegar a cargos de liderança de alto nível.
EU/China Agreement: cooperation on and protection of geographical indications (A9-0199/2020 - Iuliu Winkler)
Votei a favor do acordo estabelecido entre a UE e a China por ser, sem dúvida, um acordo de grande importância, que trará vantagens comerciais recíprocas, conferindo proteção contra utilização abusiva ou imitação de um número significativo de indicações geográficas europeias naquele que é um dos mercados mais importantes para as exportações de produtos agroalimentares europeus.Este acordo inclui a proteção de 6 indicações geográficas portuguesas de grande importância para as exportações portuguesas: a Pera Rocha do Oeste, Vinhos do Alentejo, Dão e Douro, Porto e Vinho Verde, às quais se juntarão outras 7, quatro anos após a entrada em vigor do acordo.
Common system of value added tax: identification of taxable persons in Northern Ireland (A9-0200/2020 - Irene Tinagli)
Na sequência do Brexit, e através do Acordo de Saída do Reino Unido, a União Europeia definiu um período de transição que termina a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Após esta data, a legislação referente ao IVA da União Europeia, entre outras, deixará de se aplicar ao Reino Unido.Dadas as consequências desta decisão para a fronteira entre a Irlanda e a Irlanda do Norte, o Protocolo sobre a Irlanda e a Irlanda do Norte prevê a aplicação da legislação de IVA da União Europeia ao comércio de bens na Irlanda do Norte, evitando disrupções significativas na fronteira.Por estas razões, e de forma a assegurar o bom funcionamento do sistema de IVA da UE, é essencial manter a atribuição de números de identificação para efeitos de IVA na Irlanda do Norte enquadrados no sistema europeu.Esta proposta permite, assim, o correto funcionamento do sistema de IVA da UE num mundo pós-Brexit, salvaguardando um melhor funcionamento da fronteira entre a Irlanda e a Irlanda do Norte. Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
Enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES) (A9-0128/2020 - Manuel Pizarro)
Os serviços públicos de emprego sempre desempenharam um papel essencial na adaptação das empresas e dos trabalhadores às evoluções do mercado de trabalho. Estes serviços são agora mais importantes do que nunca, ao mitigarem os efeitos das perdas de emprego resultantes da pandemia de COVID-19.A continuada cooperação europeia neste campo vai permitir a identificação de boas práticas e o desenvolvimento de iniciativas de emprego inovadoras, promovendo a mútua aprendizagem entre os serviços europeus e a melhoria do seu funcionamento. Desta forma, os serviços públicos de emprego europeus terão resultados mais impactantes e contribuirão para um uso mais eficiente dos fundos públicos.Esta cooperação potencializa também o papel dos programas dos serviços públicos de emprego em desafios futuros. Assim, esta iniciativa vai poder contribuir para os objetivos estratégicos da União, como, por exemplo, no que diz respeito ao Pilar Social, ao Pacto Ecológico ou aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da UN.É, portanto, essencial continuar a melhorar a cooperação dos serviços públicos de emprego europeus, promovendo a modernização destes serviços e a criação de melhores condições de emprego na União Europeia. Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - all sections (A9-0206/2020 - Pierre Larrouturou, Olivier Chastel)
O orçamento da UE de 2021 representa um plano ambicioso de 182 mil milhões de euros para concretizar a transição climática e digital e reconstruir a economia de forma resiliente. Como orçamento inaugural do QFP 2021-27, este vem reforçar substancialmente programas como o Horizonte Europa, o Erasmus+ ou o EU4Health, contribuindo para a atividade dos investigadores, dos jovens e dos trabalhadores da área da saúde.Este orçamento inclui a maior alocação de fundos de sempre para combater as alterações climáticas, com mínimos de 30% em proteção do clima e de 10% na preservação da biodiversidade, que asseguram o compromisso deste orçamento com as prioridades-chave da UE.No clima vigente de grande incerteza, o orçamento da UE inclui também importantes mecanismos de flexibilidade, que nos permitem enfrentar desafios futuros. Por outro lado, os mecanismos de condicionalidade do Estado de direito e os sistemas integrados de monitorização salvaguardam o bom uso dos fundos angariados e evitam irregularidades na sua gestão.Por último, o acordo sobre os recursos próprios e a cronologia da sua implementação é histórico e será essencial para ultrapassar a crise e garantir o futuro do orçamento. Dado o patente contributo deste orçamento para os objetivos estratégicos da UE, votei favoravelmente.
Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 (“EU4Health Programme”) (A9-0196/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
Começo por destacar a importância do programa de ação da União no domínio da saúde para 2021-2027 e de como este será decisivo para uma verdadeira União Europeia para a saúde.Este programa - EU4Health - é um instrumento financeiro necessário para proteger a saúde dos cidadãos europeus, especialmente perante a maior pandemia do século XXI. Infelizmente, foi preciso uma pandemia para que todos compreendessem a importância vital de promover sistemas de saúde eficazes, acessíveis e cada vez mais resilientes. Precisamos, efetivamente, de um programa ambicioso, capaz de melhorar a resiliência dos nossos sistemas de saúde para enfrentar futuras crises sanitárias.A luta contra a pandemia mostrou-nos que temos de fazer mais e melhor para proteger a saúde dos cidadãos, combater as desigualdades sociais e os maus hábitos de saúde. Disto isto, o programa europeu para a saúde procura dar respostas aos principais desafios dos sistemas de saúde na UE, designadamente, melhorar a cooperação entre os Estados-Membros, aumentar a disponibilidade de medicamentos, tornar os nossos sistemas nacionais de saúde mais resilientes e promover o acesso universal aos cuidados de saúde.O EU4Health representa, acima de tudo, um investimento crucial na saúde dos cidadãos europeus, razão pela qual votei favoravelmente.
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan - How to finance the Green Deal (A9-0198/2020 -Siegfried Mureşan, Paul Tang)
O Pacto Ecológico vai permitir a transição para uma Europa mais sustentável, sendo o seu financiamento uma questão determinante para o futuro da Comunidade. Na verdade, este Pacto irá contribuir não só para a execução dos nossos objetivos climáticos, mas também para a construção de uma economia mais resiliente e de uma Europa mais coesa.Este plano de financiamento respeita os objetivos do Pacto Ecológico, contribuindo para o combate às alterações climáticas, a diminuição da poluição e a melhoria da eficiência energética. Neste campo, a UE deve ser um exemplo para o resto do mundo, incentivando os seus parceiros a contribuir para um esforço que é necessariamente mundial.Contudo, devemos ter também em conta os efeitos do contexto atual, considerando os recentes desenvolvimentos económicos e as potenciais sinergias com os recursos mobilizados pós-pandemia. Em todo o caso, as preocupações ambientais não podem sair da agenda europeia e, neste sentido, é essencial mobilizar não só o Orçamento da UE e a ação das instituições monetárias e financeiras, mas também o investimento público e privado apropriado. Nesse sentido, o investimento europeu e das instituições monetárias deve seguir os grandes objetivos climáticos e sociais da União.Por estas razões, votei favoravelmente este relatório.
InvestEU Programme (A9-203/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Irene Tinagli)
O programa InvestEU deverá ser um instrumento importante para impulsionar a recuperação da economia da União, na sequência da crise causada pela pandemia. Nesse sentido, deverá continuar a facilitar o acesso ao financiamento das PME, das associações e empresas dos setores cultural e criativo, especialmente dadas as circunstâncias atuais de confinamento e de restrições à liberdade de circulação.Do ponto de vista da sustentabilidade e da importância da luta contra as alterações climáticas, o programa InvestEU contribuirá com pelo menos 30% do seu envelope financeiro global para os objetivos climáticos. Trata-se, sem dúvida, de um objetivo ambicioso, tanto mais que a proposta inicial da Comissão era inferior.Hoje, mais do que nunca, precisamos de uma União coesa, que seja capaz de apoiar as empresas, o emprego e as famílias.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
The impact of Covid-19 measures on democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law (B9-0343/2020)
A posição do Parlamento Europeu expressa nesta resolução é motivada pela importância de preservarmos o Estado de Direito na UE em tempos de pandemia.Com o intuito de conter o vírus e de procurar uma solução para a crise sanitária em que vivemos, os Estados-Membros implementaram medidas restritivas e de emergência que acabaram por suscitar preocupações quanto ao impacto da COVID-19 na democracia, no Estado de Direito e nos direitos fundamentais em determinados Estados-Membros.É importante preservar todos os direitos dos cidadãos europeus, especialmente perante a dimensão extraordinária do desafio que enfrentamos. A maior preocupação advém de certos Estados-Membros que utilizam a pandemia como desculpa para atacar os valores democráticos e os direitos fundamentais dos europeus.Assim sendo, a Comissão Europeia deve aumentar os seus esforços para salvaguardar os direitos fundamentais durante esta crise e assegurar o pleno respeito pelos princípios democráticos quando os governos decretam medidas restritivas.Por isso, votei a favor.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Croatia and Poland in relation to a natural disaster and advances to Croatia, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Ireland, Portugal and Spain in relation to a public health emergency (A9-0221/2020 - Olivier Chastel)
A mobilização do Fundo de Solidariedade da União Europeia é representativa da importância da Solidariedade como valor e objetivo fundamental da União, que é particularmente importante reforçar no atual contexto de pandemia de COVID-19.Neste ano de 2020, o fundo contribuirá maioritariamente para compensar os efeitos do terramoto ocorrido na Croácia a 22 de março (683 milhões de euros), na resposta ao terramoto mais forte a atingir Zagrebe desde 1880. Mas o Fundo prestará assistência também à Polónia, na sequência das inundações que sofreu em junho (7 milhões de euros), assim como atenuará as consequências da pandemia de COVID-19 na Croácia, na Alemanha, na Grécia, na Hungria, na Irlanda, em Espanha e em Portugal, ao qual são atribuídos 37,5 milhões de euros.Dada a importância deste apoio para os respetivos países em contexto de emergência, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Tackling homelessness rates in the European Union (B9-0363/2020)
Votei a favor desta resolução por considerar ser da maior importância reforçar o combate às desigualdades, à exclusão social e à exclusão habitacional na UE. Nos últimos anos assistimos a um crescimento alarmante do número de pessoas sem-abrigo na UE. Atualmente, existem mais de 700 000 sem-abrigo na Europa. Para além da situação precária a que estão expostos, têm outros problemas, como a dificuldade em ter acesso a cuidados de saúde ou à educação, o que, consequentemente, leva a que esta situação de pobreza facilmente se transforme numa situação de pobreza extrema e sistémica.Para resolver este problema social é necessário que a Comissão e os Estados-Membros adotem medidas estratégias para os sem-abrigo até 2030, dando prioridade à habitação. A título de exemplo, o programa FEDER disponibiliza recursos que podem ser direcionados para a habitação social. Apesar das dificuldades para erradicar este problema, todos devemos contribuir um pouco para que ninguém fique para trás.
The Schengen system and measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis (B9-0362/2020)
A emergência sanitária de COVID-19 desencadeou a introdução repentina de restrições às viagens, tendo a livre circulação de pessoas sido severamente afetada pelo encerramento total ou parcial das fronteiras no espaço Schengen.Para travar a propagação da COVID-19, os Estados-Membros decidiram encerrar as suas fronteiras, de forma súbita e descoordenada, afetando gravemente os cidadãos europeus, em especial as pessoas que vivem em regiões fronteiriças, limitando a sua capacidade de atravessar a fronteira para trabalhar, prestar e receber serviços ou visitar familiares.Votei a favor desta resolução por considerar que precisamos de melhorar a cooperação e a coordenação entre os Estados-Membros, respeitando e reforçando a aplicação das regras estabelecidas no acordo de Schengen.
Markets in financial instruments: amending information requirements, product governance requirements and position limits to help the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (A9-0208/2020 - Markus Ferber)
Este pacote de medidas quick fix para o setor financeiro procura facilitar o financiamento aos negócios que foram afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19. De facto, a economia tem enormes necessidades de suporte financeiro, mas um quick fix não podia servir como carta-branca para a flexibilização das regras para o sistema financeiro, como outros grupos políticos pretendiam.Vamos continuar a trabalhar para encontrar as melhores respostas à pandemia, de forma a preservar o emprego e a economia europeia. Contudo, não podemos permitir a instrumentalização da crise para o retrocesso em medidas essenciais para a proteção dos consumidores e investidores europeus. Não devemos comprometer os mecanismos que construímos na sequência da crise financeira, ou corremos o risco de repetir os erros do passado.Felizmente foi possível moderar algumas das intenções iniciais deste relatório, mas como ainda assim representa um precedente problemático, decidi abster-me nesta votação.
Towards a more sustainable single market for business and consumers (A9-0209/2020 - David Cormand)
A transição ecológica da economia europeia é uma das principais prioridades da UE. Neste sentido, a evolução para um mercado único mais sustentável é essencial, salvaguardando não só os valores da sustentabilidade, mas também dos direitos dos consumidores e da justiça social.Em primeiro lugar, o novo regulamento vai combater a obsolescência “programada”, impedindo os produtores de reduzirem artificialmente a durabilidade dos seus produtos. Assim, esta medida contribui não só para a redução da pegada ecológica da economia europeia, mas também para a defesa dos direitos dos consumidores.Por outro lado, precisamos de garantir verdadeiramente o “direito à reparação”, com reparações mais simples e acessíveis. Os consumidores têm direito ao acesso às informações relevantes sobre a reparação dos seus equipamentos, assim como a um mercado de reparação liberalizado.Finalmente, o relatório explora as oportunidades, mas também os desafios do setor digital. Devemos reorientar o mercado digital para um futuro mais sustentável, garantindo que o esforço de inovação contribui para a sustentabilidade europeia. Por outro lado, podemos servir-nos dos instrumentos digitais disponíveis para reforçar o acesso à informação e a fiscalização do mercado.Dado o contributo do relatório para a sustentabilidade da economia europeia, decidi votar favoravelmente.
Addressing product safety in the single market (A9-0207/2020 - Marion Walsmann)
O mercado único europeu abre as portas à comercialização de produtos em toda a União. Assim sendo, temos de assegurar a segurança destes produtos, de maneira a garantir a adequada proteção dos consumidores.As normas de segurança têm de ser aplicadas a todos os produtos, incluindo aos produtos “não harmonizados” e aos novos produtos que se desenvolvem em torno da Inteligência Artificial, da Internet das Coisas ou da robótica. É importante garantir que a segurança é uma constante ao longo de todo o seu ciclo de vida, tendo em conta a especificidade das suas tecnologias.A fiscalização destas regras pode também ser reforçada através da melhoria da eficiência das autoridades nacionais de fiscalização do mercado e da sua cooperação internacional. Devem também ser criadas iniciativas de rastreabilidade e recolha de produtos, que podem contribuir decisivamente para a segurança no mercado único europeu. Finalmente, os produtos comprados on-line não podem escapar aos critérios de segurança da União Europeia, pelo que os mercados on-line devem assumir responsabilidades acrescidas relativamente à segurança dos produtos que disponibilizam.Dada a importância da segurança dos produtos no espaço europeu, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Strengthening media freedom: the protection of journalists in Europe, hate speech, disinformation and the role of platforms (A9-0205/2020 - Magdalena Adamowicz)
Nos últimos anos temos assistido globalmente a uma deterioração da independência dos media, um pilar essencial das democracias. A crescente desinformação e normalização do discurso de ódio tem consequências terríveis para o bom funcionamento do sistema político, e é, portanto, essencial contrariar esta tendência.De facto, os valores da liberdade de expressão e do pluralismo fazem parte da identidade da União Europeia. A sua defesa é indispensável, e envolve salvaguardar a segurança dos profissionais, por exemplo impedindo a litigação abusiva contra jornalistas. Para além disto, a Europa tem de assegurar a independência das autoridades reguladoras do setor, assim como a transparência da estrutura acionista e a independência política dos media.Além disso, não podemos ignorar os efeitos da pandemia de Covid-19, que comprometeu o acesso a informação imparcial e ao bom jornalismo. A pandemia demonstrou a importância do combate à desinformação e, portanto, é fundamental a apresentação de um plano de ação para a recuperação do setor, assim como do Digital Service Act (DSA).A Europa escolheu fortalecer a independência jornalística e dos media, e combater o discurso de ódio e a desinformação, pelo que decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
A New Industrial Strategy for Europe (A9-0197/2020 - Carlo Calenda)
A política industrial europeia é uma peça essencial da estratégia definida pela União Europeia, da qual dependem os grandes objetivos adotados. Neste sentido, a nova política industrial promove a transição ecológica e digital da economia europeia, mas não sem acautelar os seus elevados custos sociais.Dado o contexto atual, esta política garante, em primeiro lugar, a recuperação do sistema industrial pós-pandemia. Contudo, numa segunda fase a Europa precisa de assegurar um novo sistema produtivo que seja resiliente do ponto de vista económico, ambiental e social.Assim, a dupla transição será acompanhada dos esforços adequados de inclusão e justiça social. A valorização da empregabilidade e das PME será particularmente determinante para a criação de emprego e a melhoria da qualidade de vida na Europa, assim como para a salvaguarda da coesão territorial.Por último, a política externa é também uma das grandes preocupações da nova política industrial. Devemos honrar o nosso papel de líderes mundiais em matérias de sustentabilidade, assim como a importância da autonomia estratégica europeia, que se tornou clara na resposta à pandemia, através da revisão das regras de concorrência da União Europeia.Dada a contribuição desta política industrial para vencer os desafios europeus, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Foreign policy consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak (A9-0204/2020 - Hilde Vautmans)
A crise pandémica que o mundo atravessa desde março já vitimou cerca de um milhão de pessoas em todo o mundo. Para além de ter paralisado por longos meses a economia mundial, afetou também de forma desproporcionada os mais países mais vulneráveis.Ao longo destes 9 meses de pandemia, registou-se um agravamento da situação humanitária das pessoas mais vulneráveis e marginalizadas, nomeadamente em zonas de conflito, nos campos de refugiados e nas comunidades indígenas, além de se ter registado ainda um aumento de 25% de queixas por violência doméstica.Apesar dos desafios que continua a enfrentar por conta da pandemia, a UE tem sido um importante ator à escala mundial, procurando intervir de forma estratégica na defesa e proteção da democracia e dos direitos humanos. Procura sempre dar primazia a soluções multilaterais, trabalhando com as organizações internacionais e com países que partilham os mesmos ideais.Esta pandemia só pode ser controlada se houver uma verdadeira coordenação e solidariedade entre países. Devemos todos procurar dar respostas aos desafios atuais com base no respeito pelos direitos humanos e da dignidade humana, procurando soluções para os grupos mais vulneráveis.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Improving development effectiveness and efficiency of aid (A9-0212/2020 - Tomas Tobé)
Este relatório clama por “garantir” a eficácia e a eficiência da ajuda internacional da UE. Na realidade, consegue apenas criar obstáculos à adequada contribuição europeia para o desenvolvimento internacional.O mundo vive hoje um momento especialmente crítico, em que procura superar uma pandemia e encarar uma difícil luta contra as alterações climáticas, que põem em grande risco o bem-estar global. Neste contexto particular, o bem-estar mundial é também especialmente interdependente, pelo que a ajuda internacional da União Europeia deveria contribuir para um esforço global comum, e não criar entraves imorais e contraproducentes.É naturalmente essencial garantir a eficácia e a eficiência da ajuda europeia para podermos maximizar o seu impacto. Contudo, não podemos deixar que estas preocupações nos distraiam do que é realmente prioritário na ajuda internacional da UE: combater a pobreza e ajudar ao desenvolvimento.A UE é o maior doador do mundo e este relatório compromete o contributo que pode dar para a melhoria das condições de vida globais, em concordância com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da UN e com os seus próprios valores fundamentais.A condicionalidade da ajuda internacional vai contra os princípios da solidariedade e da eficácia do desenvolvimento e, portanto, decidi votar negativamente este relatório.
Stocktaking of European elections (A9-0211/2020 - Pascal Durand)
O relatório sobre o balanço das eleições europeias 2019 versa sobre o funcionamento do processo eleitoral para o Parlamento Europeu em 2019.Nas eleições europeias de 2019 registou-se a maior taxa de participação nas urnas dos últimos 20 anos, nas quais tem havido sempre taxas de abstenção elevadíssimas. Este aumento de participação revela que os europeus têm um interesse crescente em questões europeias, especialmente em matéria de economia, alterações climáticas, migração, desigualdades sociais e de género, e proteção dos direitos fundamentais.Embora os partidos pró-europeus tenham conseguido incentivar as gerações mais jovens a votar, não foi suficiente para manter os partidos eurocéticos afastados das bancadas do Parlamento Europeu.Apesar da extrema-direita ter ficado aquém do que se perspetivou, o crescimento dos partidos nacionalistas, xenófobos e antieuropeístas é um fenómeno que deve merecer a nossa maior preocupação.Além disso, é extremamente importante que o Parlamento Europeu continue empenhado em ultrapassar os desafios da diversidade e multiculturalidade no seio da instituição, bem como a paridade de géneros entre os deputados. É, igualmente, importante facilitar o acesso das pessoas sem-abrigo ao voto.Por todos estes motivos, votei favoravelmente.
Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union - Annual Report for the years 2018-2019 (A9-0226/2020 - Clare Daly)
É imperativo o respeito pelos valores fundadores da União. O património de respeito pelo Estado de direito, instituições democráticas e direitos fundamentais da União Europeia não pode ser objeto de incumprimento dentro da UE. É muito preocupante ter Estado-Membros, como a Hungria e a Polónia, a colocar em causa os valores da UE, através de atos que violam os direitos fundamentais e colocam em risco a democracia na Europa.A Europa Comunitária tem a obrigação de agir para travar a deriva antidemocrática nos Estados que violem as normas estabelecidas nos tratados. Não podemos comprometer os nossos princípios fundadores nem continuar a aceitar a propagação da intolerância, do extremismo e da xenofobia. Por tudo isto, votei favoravelmente.
Elimination of customs duties on certain products (A9-0217/2020 - Bernd Lange)
A normalização das relações transatlânticas é uma das grandes prioridades políticas da União Europeia. A ligação com os Estados Unidos da América potenciou a prosperidade económica e a defesa dos valores da democracia na Europa no passado, e não devemos deixar de aproveitar esta História para estabelecer uma parceria estratégica de estabilidade e cooperação a longo prazo.A eleição de Joe Biden nos Estados Unidos possibilita um melhor relacionamento baseado no respeito mútuo e no diálogo, e a União Europeia deve aproveitar esta oportunidade para reduzir as tensões existentes. Contudo, para além de sustentar relações comerciais mutuamente benéficas, este processo tem de ser feito em pleno respeito pelas principais exigências da União Europeia.Em particular, a adoção da agenda sustentável e o cumprimento do Acordo de Paris são absolutamente essenciais, assim como a justa tributação das grandes multinacionais e empresas do domínio digital. Este relatório é um importante passo na direção de melhores relações com os nossos parceiros transatlânticos e, portanto, decidi votá-lo favoravelmente.
Temporary measures in relation to value added tax for COVID-19 vaccines and in vitro diagnostic medical devices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (C9-0352/2020)
Votei favoravelmente este texto por considerar ser premente a adoção de medidas concretas para melhorar o combate à pandemia e, em especial, medidas destinadas à vacinação da população contra a COVID-19.Nas últimas semanas, foram veiculadas notícias das diferentes vacinas que estão em fase final de ensaios clínicos. Ou seja, estamos mais próximos de conseguir resolver esta pandemia e de proteger-nos contra a COVID-19, sendo responsabilidade dos Estados-Membros definir o plano de vacinação e de testes.Mas temos ainda pela frente a perspetiva de meses muito duros, pelo que a principal prioridade deverá ser garantir que na luta contra a COVID-19 todos os cidadãos europeus terão acesso à vacina o mais rapidamente possível.
Abortion rights in Poland (B9-0373/2020)
Esta resolução não podia ser mais pertinente, enquanto assistimos à tentativa do atual governo polaco de proibir totalmente o aborto. A Polónia é, atualmente, o Estado-Membro com políticas mais restritivas em matéria de saúde reprodutiva e aborto.Estima-se que cerca de 200 000 mulheres terminem a gravidez anualmente na Polónia de forma clandestina e que cerca de 30 000 mulheres sejam obrigadas a obter um aborto no estrangeiro. Por sua vez, o acesso a cuidados ginecológicos na Polónia é extremamente limitado e praticamente impossível em algumas regiões, bem como o acesso à contraceção. Não é aceitável esta restrição da liberdade humana.Para acabar com o aborto clandestino e as suas consequências, por vezes fatais, temos de defender a descriminalização total do aborto, dando a possibilidade de escolha às mulheres. É fundamental a introdução de medidas legislativas em matéria de aborto, de educação sexual e planeamento familiar. Os direitos das mulheres são direitos humanos fundamentais e as autoridades polacas têm a obrigação legal de respeitar e proteger esses direitos.
EU Trade Policy Review (B9-0370/2020)
A revisão da política comercial da UE é já urgente, dadas as lições retiradas da resposta à pandemia de Covid-19, as tendências de crescimento do protecionismo à escala global e a importância crescente de uma transição ecológica e digital bem-sucedida.O sucesso da estratégia europeia dependerá da sincronia entre a política doméstica e a política externa e comercial. Só podemos concretizar o novo Pacto Ecológico Europeu e defender efetivamente os valores da proteção e dos direitos sociais se ambas as políticas forem consistentes e ambiciosas, devendo a política comercial estar à altura do desafio.A política de comércio pode também dar a sua contribuição para várias das frentes de batalha da União Europeia, que têm absolutamente de ser refletidas nesta revisão, de forma a atingir a verdadeira igualdade de género, a inclusão das PME na economia europeia ou a igualdade nas condições de concorrência internacional.Finalmente, o progresso nas relações com parceiros estratégicos, nomeadamente com os Estados Unidos da América e a China, é também um dos grandes objetivos desta revisão, possibilitando um novo paradigma de comércio multilateral mais justo e mais eficiente. Dada a importância destes temas, decidi votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
European Year of Rail (2021) (A9-0191/2020 - Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg)
A proclamação de 2021 como o “Ano Europeu do Transporte Ferroviário” é muito importante para a afirmação deste meio de transporte como a solução europeia para a sustentabilidade, inovação e segurança das deslocações na UE.Os objetivos definidos pelo Pacto Ecológico Europeu determinam a necessidade de um novo paradigma para os transportes europeus, que são responsáveis por um quarto das emissões de gases com efeito de estufa da UE. É, assim, essencial incentivar a transição do transporte de passageiros e mercadorias para o meio ferroviário, com comboios mais baratos, mais frequentes e mais eficientes. Acresce que o transporte ferroviário pode contribuir, de modo muito substancial, para a política de coesão europeia, potenciando o reforço das ligações das regiões menos desenvolvidas a destinos internacionais.O Ano Europeu do Transporte Ferroviário trará, certamente, visibilidade à promoção do transporte ferroviário como resposta para a sustentabilidade da mobilidade europeia. Por esta razão, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (A9-0260/2020 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
Votei a favor deste importante relatório por se tratar da aprovação pelo Parlamento Europeu do orçamento da União Europeia no valor total de 1085 mil milhões de euros para os próximos sete anos.Este Parlamento trabalhou arduamente para alcançar um bom acordo para melhor proteger os cidadãos europeus da pandemia da Covid-19. Por via deste esforço, o Parlamento Europeu conseguiu triplicar o envelope para EU4Health, assegurou o equivalente a um ano adicional de financiamento para o Erasmus+, garantiu o reforço do Horizonte Europa e mais mil milhões de euros para o InvestEU.Para além do reforço destes programas, a UE aumentou a ambição no que se refere ao combate às alterações climáticas, garantindo que pelo menos 30% do total de gastos provenientes do orçamento da União e do Fundo de Recuperação apoiem os objetivos de proteção do clima. Este é um orçamento projetado para construir uma Europa mais verde, mais digital, mais competitiva e, sem dúvida, mais solidária.
Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources (A9-0261/2020 - Esteban González Pons)
Este acordo entre o Parlamento Europeu, o Conselho e a Comissão define as linhas-guia para a execução do Quadro Financeiro Plurianual 2021-2027, garantindo que os programas de investimento se traduzem em ações que reforçam o futuro da Europa e dos europeus. Na prática, o acordo salvaguarda a disciplina orçamental e a boa gestão financeira, da mesma forma que facilita o processo de elaboração do orçamento e a cooperação entre instituições. Este é também o acordo que define um roteiro para a introdução, ao longo do QFP 2021-2027, dos recursos próprios da União Europeia, na sequência do apelo do Parlamento Europeu.Assim, o acordo inclui disposições importantes sobre a cobertura dos fundos usados ao abrigo do Next Generation EU pelos novos recursos próprios e os princípios orientadores para cabazes futuros, a plena transparência e monitorização no uso dos fundos (incluindo o acordo sobre o Estado de Direito), e os novos instrumentos de flexibilidade criados para necessidades imprevistas. Desta forma, o acordo contribui para as conquistas do próximo ciclo de investimento europeu, particularmente nos temas do clima, da igualdade de género e dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da ONU. Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente o relatório.
MFF, Rule of Law Conditionality and Own Resources (B9-0428/2020, B9-0429/2020)
Tem sido um ano extremamente desafiante para todos nós. A pandemia de Covid-19 provocou já mais de 1,6 milhões de mortes em todo o mundo e determinou a quase paralisia por longos meses da economia mundial, expondo a população a uma grave crise económica e social. No meio de tantas incertezas, os governos europeus tiveram de chegar a um acordo sobre o orçamento da UE, com a missão mais determinante de aprovar um orçamento forte voltado para o futuro e capaz de responder aos desafios sem precedentes impostos por esta crise pandémica.O acordo no Conselho Europeu garantiu que temos um plano de recuperação para combater o impacto social desta crise e, ao mesmo tempo, reforçou a ambição da UE para a transição climática. A União Europeia assumiu a responsabilidade de consagrar 30% do seu orçamento à luta contra as alterações climáticas, aumentando a meta da redução de emissões até 2030.O novo Quadro Financeiro Plurianual entrará em vigor juntamente com o mecanismo de Estado de direito a partir de 1 de janeiro de 2021, implementando, assim, o ambicioso pacote de resposta à crise e de recuperação económica da UE na fase pós-Covid. Não poderia, portanto, deixar de votar favoravelmente.
European Citizens' Initiative - Minority Safepack (B9-0403/2020, B9-0405/2020)
Votei favoravelmente esta Resolução por considerar ser imprescindível para proteger e celebrar a diversidade cultural e linguística na UE.A União Europeia é a junção de um conjunto de Estados que forjou um projeto de integração económica e política, baseado nos valores da paz, da liberdade, da democracia e da diversidade cultural. Com uma população de cerca de 500 milhões de pessoas, a diversidade linguística e cultural na União Europeia é enorme. É neste contexto que 1,2 milhões de pessoas assinaram esta iniciativa da cidadania europeia em defesa da diversidade cultural e linguística, apelando à elaboração de um quadro comum de normas mínimas da UE para a proteção dos direitos das pessoas pertencentes a minorias.Defender e proteger as minorias dentro do espaço territorial da UE, perante uma tendência de assimilação e de perda linguística que se traduz num empobrecimento linguístico e cultural dos europeus, é fundamental para a preservação do património cultural e linguístico da nossa União.
A strong social Europe for Just Transitions (A9-0233/2020 - Dennis Radtke, Agnes Jongerius)
A Europa só pode fazer face às importantes transformações da sua economia com políticas de forte cariz social, que fortaleçam a justiça social e assegurem a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar das populações. A transição justa consiste, assim, na resposta inclusiva aos desafios da dupla transição económica, que não menospreza o papel do capital humano e da proteção laboral.Na União Europeia, enfrentamos ainda os desafios do desemprego provocado pelas crises da década passada, com importantes consequências para o emprego jovem, o acesso à habitação, a desigualdade salarial de género, ou a inclusão de pessoas com deficiência.Este relatório contribui com as iniciativas-chave a desenvolver nestes e outros temas, de forma a implementar o Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais e para as quais a agenda social do Porto 2030 será determinante.O relatório destaca também os instrumentos financeiros que visam assegurar a transição justa, como o Fundo Social Europeu, a Garantia para a Juventude ou o Fundo de Transição Justa, que permitem o adequado financiamento da luta contra a pobreza e o apoio social na transição europeia.Dada a importância deste relatório para os direitos sociais na UE, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (B9-0400/2020)
O ensino e a formação profissional desempenham um papel essencial no mercado de trabalho, particularmente no contexto incerto das transições em curso. O EFP é, assim, vital para o bom funcionamento da economia, mas tem também uma importante função social de garantia da empregabilidade, ao desenvolver as competências profissionais dos cidadãos.Não há dúvida que a dupla transição ecológica e digital é uma grande oportunidade para a Europa, mas esta apresenta também novos desafios. Neste sentido, o EFP pode mitigar os impactos sociais das mudanças no mercado de trabalho, preservando a empregabilidade dos cidadãos. Por outro lado, o EFP pode assegurar as elevadas competências técnicas em novas tecnologias, necessárias para atingir os nossos objetivos estratégicos.De forma a contribuir para este esforço, o EFP deve estar bem integrado nos sistemas de educação nacionais, sendo garantia de uma educação de boa qualidade por toda a Europa.O incentivo à cooperação dos empregadores pode, por exemplo através da criação de estágios, tornar este percurso significativamente mais atrativo.Por último, a evolução do EFP pode ser valiosa para a conquista da igualdade de género, devendo os programas atrair também as jovens.Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente esta recomendação.
Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033 (A9-0201/2020 - Željana Zovko)
A ação da União Europeia de apoio às capitais europeias da cultura contribui para a promoção do património cultural da Europa, reconhecendo o seu papel histórico e fortalecendo a oferta cultural das cidades europeias. Estas iniciativas promovem também a cooperação internacional no setor da cultura, melhorando o acesso e a participação pública no meio cultural.Contudo, a pandemia de COVID-19 veio impossibilitar a flexibilidade em termos de deslocações, organização de eventos e participação de espetadores que são essenciais a estas ações. Desta forma, e tendo as capitais europeias da cultura 2020 cancelado ou adiado diversos eventos devido a esta situação, o prolongamento para 2021 do ciclo cultural associado a estas iniciativas afigura-se como a melhor solução.Por sua vez, também as capitais europeias da cultura 2021 veem muitos dos seus planos mergulhados em incerteza devido à situação epidemiológica, pelo que o adiamento da realização destes eventos para 2022 e 2023 beneficiaria tanto as cidades envolvidas como os cidadãos europeus interessados nesta iniciativa.O relatório permite este ajuste temporal da ação de apoio às capitais europeias da cultura, adaptando esta iniciativa às circunstâncias extraordinárias que vivemos, pelo que decidi votar favoravelmente.
EU Security Union Strategy (B9-0421/2020)
Em 2019 registou-se uma tendência decrescente no que concerne ao número de ataques terroristas na UE. Porém, recentemente, assistiu-se a novos ataques terroristas na França, Áustria e Alemanha e continuam, em simultâneo, a surgir na Europa novas formas de criminalidade organizada.Neste sentido, a nova Estratégia da UE para a União da Segurança procura responder aos desafios de segurança que enfrentamos dentro e fora de portas. Nesse sentido, visa reforçar a cooperação a nível nacional e internacional, bem como o intercâmbio de informações entre as autoridades competentes dos Estados-Membros. Prevê-se, também, mais reforços em matéria de prevenção e combate da radicalização, que deve combinar políticas de segurança, educação, sociais, culturais e de luta contra a discriminação.A proteção dos cidadãos e a defesa dos princípios europeus passa inevitavelmente pela implementação de uma política de segurança que reconheça os interesses comuns e atue de forma unida para promover a segurança dos cidadãos no espaço de liberdade, segurança e justiça da União. Por tudo isto, votei a favor.
Amendments to the Rules of Procedure in order to ensure the functioning of Parliament in extraordinary circumstances (A9-0194/2020 - Gabriele Bischoff)
A crise sanitária causada pela pandemia de Covid-19 demonstrou a importância de garantir o funcionamento do Parlamento Europeu em diferentes tipos de circunstâncias imprevisíveis. Para tal, é necessário que seja possível adotar medidas de cariz temporário que visam dar resposta a circunstâncias excecionais. Assim sendo, este relatório, para além de identificar em que circunstâncias essas medidas devem ser tomadas, confere ao Presidente do Parlamento Europeu e à Conferência dos Presidentes a responsabilidade de adotar e aplicar medidas temporárias, sob um sistema de controlo e responsabilidade política, em diferentes tipos de circunstâncias excecionais. Ressalvo que as medidas adotadas temporariamente devem ser absolutamente necessárias e devem respeitar um limite temporal.As novas regras apresentadas neste relatório definirão um quadro de certezas para as circunstâncias extraordinárias futuras, a fim de assegurar a funcionalidade do Parlamento em tempos excecionais. Por tudo isto, não podia deixar de votar a favor deste relatório.
EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change (B9-0422/2020)
No contexto do Pacto Ecológico Europeu, a UE deve, para além de promover a mitigação do aquecimento global, adotar uma estratégia de adaptação às alterações climáticas. Fenómenos como as cheias ou secas extremas, exacerbados pelas alterações do clima, colocam em risco a segurança das comunidades europeias, pelo que a UE não pode deixar de se preparar para os riscos ambientais, económicos e de proteção civil envolvidos.Temos, portanto, de criar uma Europa resiliente, com a capacidade de resposta rápida adequada aos riscos climáticos do futuro, através da sustentabilidade do desenvolvimento económico, da garantia da justiça climática e social, e do concretizar da transição energética.Esta resolução não ignora também as desigualdades territoriais que se verificam tanto no combate às alterações climáticas como na adaptação às suas consequências, e considera a importância da inclusão da sociedade civil para assegurar o sucesso destas iniciativas, assim como as parcerias internacionais na adaptação climática e na resposta aos desastres naturais.Dado que a estratégia contribui para a minimização das consequências das alterações climáticas na UE, decidi votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
Technical Support Instrument (A9-0173/2020 - Alexandra Geese, Othmar Karas, Dragoș Pîslaru)
O Instrumento de Assistência Técnica permite aos Estados-Membros o acesso a assistência técnica na preparação e execução de reformas económicas estruturais, e com especial enfoque na utilização eficiente dos fundos europeus, tal como no passado o permitiu o Programa de Apoio às Reformas Estruturais.É, portanto, no sentido de dar continuidade e reforçar este apoio que nasce o Instrumento de Assistência Técnica, quando entra em vigor um novo quadro de financiamento europeu e com as novas perspetivas e prioridades proporcionadas pela crise de COVID-19. Os 864 milhões de euros do seu orçamento contribuem, assim, para potenciar o impacto dos fundos europeus, criando a necessária capacidade institucional e administrativa, e implementando os princípios da transparência, da inclusão da sociedade civil e outras boas-práticas.Damos, assim, um importante passo em direção ao fortalecimento efetivo da resiliência económica europeia e aos grandes objetivos estratégicos da União Europeia no que diz respeito ao Pacto Ecológico Europeu, à transição digital, e à coesão económica, social e territorial, sem esquecer a resiliência dos sistemas de saúde e as políticas de igualdade de género.Devido à importância das prioridades europeias e ao contributo deste instrumento para a sua realização, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Exercise of the Union's rights for the application and enforcement of international trade rules (A9-0133/2020 - Marie-Pierre Vedrenne)
A Europa encara hoje um contexto geopolítico de rivalidade económica e tensões comerciais que tende a impedir o adequado funcionamento dos sistemas de resolução de litígios previamente acordados.O Regulamento (UE) n.º 654/2014 estabelece os direitos da União Europeia nos acordos internacionais de comércio, particularmente nas ocasiões em que se recorre aos mecanismos de resolução de litígios do Acordo da Organização Mundial do Comércio e de outros acordos. Contudo, o Regulamento não prevê situações em que um país terceiro bloqueie o funcionamento desse mecanismo de resolução de litígios.Desta forma, e a fim de garantir os direitos da União Europeia e, assim, afirmar a sua voz de forma credível e legítima, é essencial alargar a aplicação do Regulamento a estas situações.Assim sendo, a União Europeia terá a possibilidade de suspender concessões e outras obrigações quando o recurso à resolução de litígios for bloqueado por um país terceiro, sempre em conformidade com o direito internacional.A União Europeia terá, assim, à sua disposição instrumentos dissuasores que lhe permitem defender os seus interesses de forma assertiva, dentro do quadro do sistema multilateral e baseado nas regras da OMC que defendemos. Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
European Arrest Warrant and surrender procedures between Member States (A9-0248/2020 - Javier Zarzalejos)
O mandado de detenção europeu (MDE), criado após os atentados terroristas de 11 de setembro de 2001, é um instrumento de cooperação judiciária fundamental para o reforço do espaço de segurança europeu, que se traduz num processo de entrega judicial transfronteiriço simplificado e acelerado.Em primeiro lugar, o MDE baseia-se no princípio da confiança mútua entre os Estados-Membros e no reconhecimento mútuo das decisões judiciais decretadas em outros Estados-Membros. Apesar de ser um instrumento indispensável para combater os crimes transnacionais graves e de beneficiar de um grau de sucesso considerável, precisa, mesmo assim, de ser reforçado e atualizado para incorporar o novo mundo do crime.Face ao que precede, este relatório procurou listar várias medidas para aperfeiçoar o MDE. Por exemplo, ampliando a lista de infrações graves - tais como crimes ambientais, evasão fiscal, crimes de ódio, delitos contra as mulheres, abuso sexual, crimes de genocídio, crimes contra a humanidade e de guerra, entre outros.Por último, propõe uma cooperação mais eficaz em relação a este tipo de infrações, beneficiando a União e o espaço Schengen, e reforçando a confiança dos Estados-Membros nos sistemas judiciais uns dos outros.Votei, por isso, favoravelmente.
Strengthening the single market: the future of free movement of services (A9-0250/2020 - Morten Løkkegaard)
O mercado único é uma das maiores conquistas do projeto europeu, contribuindo para a prosperidade e a integração dos vários Estados-Membros. Contudo, persistem ainda importantes falhas no seu funcionamento – particularmente no setor dos serviços – e que as restrições à livre circulação de pessoas determinadas pela pandemia de COVID-19 apenas vieram exacerbar.Na defesa do mercado único, este relatório defende a remoção de barreiras injustificadas entre Estados-Membros, o reforço da clareza legal para empresas e consumidores e a avaliação regular do desempenho dos Estados-Membros nesta dimensão, reforçando a competitividade empresarial e definindo padrões altos na proteção do ambiente, dos consumidores e dos trabalhadores.Assim, e num contexto de grave recessão económica, a integração efetiva do mercado único nos serviços pode contribuir decisivamente para a criação de emprego sustentável e para o estímulo do crescimento económico.O setor dos serviços representa 70% do PIB europeu e a sua integração ao nível europeu será fundamental para uma Europa mais resiliente e mais próspera, pelo que decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Achieving an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage (A9-0210/2020 - Dace Melbārde)
O património cultural europeu é verdadeiramente inestimável, merecendo uma preservação cuidada que valorize o nosso legado e valores e que permita o desenvolvimento de um setor cultural mais forte e sustentável. Desta forma, o Ano Europeu do Património Cultural provou que esta é uma dimensão que merece a nossa atenção e investimento e que a cooperação europeia nesta matéria é, de facto, possível.Assim sendo, a UE precisa de uma estratégia para o seu património alicerçada acima de tudo no potencial da transformação digital e na educação e capacitação profissional dos seus trabalhadores, de forma a facilitar o acesso à cultura europeia e a enriquecer a sua experiência.Por outro lado, medidas como a cooperação com a sociedade civil, o melhor acesso a fundos europeus por parte de projetos de pequena e média dimensão e o estabelecimento de diálogos entre diferentes iniciativas, especialistas e indústrias têm um enorme potencial para a valorização do património europeu, contribuindo significativamente para um desenvolvimento económico sustentável.Os objetivos das competências comunitárias e das dimensões europeias da educação, cultura e património têm ainda um longo caminho pela frente, mas para o qual este relatório contribui claramente, pelo que decidi assim votar favoravelmente.
Revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines (A9-0251/2020 - Jens Gieseke)
A rede transeuropeia de transportes é uma das áreas do projeto europeu com mais potencial para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos cidadãos e o reforço da competitividade da UE. Neste sentido, a pandemia de COVID-19 demonstrou a importância da conectividade europeia, por exemplo para as cadeias de abastecimento, para a proximidade com os nossos entes queridos e até para a distribuição de vacinas.Através da priorização dos meios de transporte sustentáveis, como a ferrovia, este será um instrumento fundamental para os objetivos do Pacto Ecológico Europeu. Temos o dever de assegurar a transição para uma mobilidade sustentável, inteligente e segura, através da incorporação de novas tecnologias e do reforço da interoperabilidade entre transportes.Por outro lado, a estratégia europeia para os transportes desempenha um papel essencial na garantia da coesão regional da União Europeia, da integração transfronteiriça e do acesso efetivo a todos os territórios europeus, aproximando os cidadãos. A rede de transportes pode também contribuir de forma determinante para a recuperação económica pós-pandemia, através dos investimentos a desenvolver, por exemplo em infraestruturas, e do seu contributo para a integração do mercado único.Devido à importância de uma verdadeira rede transeuropeia de transportes, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Monitoring the application of EU law 2017, 2018 and 2019 (A9-0270/2020 -Sabrina Pignedoli)
Este importante relatório reforça a importância de se fazer a correta transposição, aplicação e execução da legislação da UE pelos Estados-Membros, respeitando os princípios da subsidiariedade e da proporcionalidade.Cabe a este Parlamento controlar a atuação da Comissão nesta matéria. Podemos, desde logo, instar a Comissão a reforçar a sua supervisão em relação à forma como a legislação da UE é aplicada nos Estados-Membros, pelo que decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy - annual report 2020 (A9-0266/2020 -David McAllister)
Num contexto de pandemia global, os direitos humanos e os valores democráticos estão sob ataque em várias partes do mundo, e a UE não é exceção.O cenário geopolítico mudou muito nos últimos tempos, impondo a todos os países vários desafios estratégicos. As campanhas de desinformação e os ciberataques, o ressurgimento do populismo e do autoritarismo e as tendências isolacionistas aumentaram exponencialmente. Em boa verdade, nenhum Estado-Membro dispõe de recursos para enfrentar esses desafios sozinho, pelo que se torna indispensável uma política externa comum mais forte, ambiciosa e unida. Acresce que também na Europa se farão sentir as consequências de novos desafios pluridimensionais, como o terrorismo, a proliferação de armas de destruição maciça, o tráfico de seres humanos, o narcotráfico e a fuga de populações das zonas de guerra.Assim sendo, e antes que seja tarde de mais, precisamos de uma PESC ambiciosa e eficaz, sustentada por recursos financeiros adequados e mecanismos de decisão melhorados.Em suma, é fundamental adotar uma resposta assertiva a essa nova geopolítica, que coloque a UE como um ator global, garantindo a sua própria segurança e promovendo a paz e a estabilidade internacionais. Votei, por isso, a favor.
Human Rights and Democracy in the World and the EU policy on the matter - annual report 2019 (A9-0259/2020 - Isabel Santos)
Este relatório da Deputada Isabel dos Santos sobre os direitos humanos e a democracia no mundo renova o apelo deste Parlamento para que as instituições europeias e os Estados-Membros reforcem ainda mais a proteção da democracia, dos direitos humanos e do exercício das liberdades fundamentais, enquanto tentamos erradicar esta pandemia global.Como pode a UE continuar a promover o seu papel no avanço dos direitos humanos quando tem determinados Estados-Membros a aproveitar a atual crise pandémica para enfraquecer a democracia e o Estado de direito através da exacerbação de medidas autoritárias? Todos os esforços que têm sido engendrados e toda a atenção tem sido para o combate à pandemia. Nessas circunstâncias, verificou-se uma diminuição no controlo de violações dos direitos humanos em todas as partes do mundo, em particular no que concerne às restrições das liberdades políticas, sociais e económicas.A UE tem de estar na linha da frente na defesa dos direitos humanos, da democracia e do Estado de direito, ajudando os mais vulneráveis e marginalizados, bem como garantindo maior coerência interna e externa das suas políticas em matéria de direitos humanos. Pelos motivos expostos, votei favoravelmente este relatório.
FEAD: specific measures to address the COVID-19 crisis (A9-0174/2020 - Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová)
Votei favoravelmente este texto porque, primeiro, reconhece a importância do Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais, que se baseia na igualdade de oportunidades no acesso ao mercado de trabalho e na proteção social dos trabalhadores, como um pilar fundamental para ajudar a Europa a sair desta crise sem precedentes.Segundo, porque é urgente dar uma resposta consolidada aos problemas estruturais já existentes, mas agravados pela pandemia. A atual crise socioeconómica vai empurrar muitas famílias para situações ainda mais drásticas de pobreza, desemprego e exclusão social.Terceiro, este relatório apela à importância de assegurar uma ajuda imediata a quem mais precisa. Não podemos deixar que as pessoas mais desfavorecidas, principalmente os sem-abrigo, continuem mergulhados em situação de privação alimentar e material.Combater a pandemia e a crise são fundamentais. E a tarefa mais premente que temos pela frente é a de impulsionar uma recuperação económica justa, resiliente e sustentável de forma a não deixar ninguém para trás e, por último, melhorando, significativamente, as condições de vida dos europeus.
Connectivity and EU-Asia relations (A9-0269/2020 - Reinhard Bütikofer)
O mundo atual, dinâmico e multipolar, torna a política de conectividade da União Europeia fundamental, de forma a responder aos desafios criados, mas também para beneficiar das oportunidades estratégicas e económicas que se apresentam. Assim sendo, este relatório define as linhas-guia fundamentais para a cooperação com os nossos parceiros asiáticos, assim como para futuras parcerias ao nível mundial, o que permite à União Europeia assumir o seu papel de ator global e promover os nossos valores e interesses com sucesso.Por outro lado, este relatório assume o compromisso da política de conectividade europeia com os nossos objetivos do Pacto Ecológico Europeu e da Transição Digital, através da criação de elos sustentáveis em temas fiscais, económicos, sociais e ambientais no campo internacional. Por contribuir para os objetivos estratégicos da UE e preparar um futuro baseado na multilateralidade e na cooperação internacional, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Measures to promote the recovery of fish stock above MSY (A9-0264/2020 - Caroline Roose)
Votei a favor deste relatório de iniciativa por considerar ser imprescindível a defesa da utilização de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas como uma ferramenta essencial na proteção, gestão e recuperação dos habitats e espécies marinhas. É da maior relevância garantir que as atividades de pesca sejam ambientalmente sustentáveis a longo prazo e que sejam benéficas em termos económicos e sociais para o setor da pesca.Nesse sentido, este relatório procura apresentar medidas que possam reduzir os impactos negativos das atividades de pesca nos ecossistemas marinhos, nos recursos piscatórios existentes e na sociedade.Uma gestão sólida e bem-sucedida das Áreas Marinhas Protegidas pode oferecer muitos benefícios quer para o setor da pesca, quer para as populações da zona costeira, visto que algumas atividades de pesca mais seletivas têm menos impacto negativo no ambiente ou nos recursos existentes.
The arrest of Aleksei Navalny (B9-0090/2021, B9-0091/2021, B9-0092/2021, B9-0093/2021, B9-0094/2021, B9-0095/2021)
A detenção de Alexei Navalny - um dos mais importantes ativistas políticos da oposição russa - à chegada a Moscovo, retrata inteiramente a repressão política e a arbitrariedade que o governo russo exerce sob os críticos do regime. Votei a favor desta resolução por considerar ser fundamental condenar veementemente a detenção do ativista.Enquanto aguardamos uma investigação independente sobre o envenenamento de Navalny ocorrido a 20 de agosto de 2020, apelamos, uma vez mais, à sua segurança e insistimos para que as autoridades russas o libertem imediatamente.O que é essencial notar neste caso é que a sua detenção e o modo como decorreu vão contra o direito internacional e a Constituição russa. Ora, neste âmbito, cumpre reforçar a necessidade de as autoridades russas cessarem o assédio, a intimidação, a violência e a repressão dos seus opositores políticos. Por estas razões, decidi votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
Decent and affordable housing for all (A9-0247/2020 - Kim Van Sparrentak)
Por toda a Europa e, como bem sabemos, também em Portugal, enfrentamos hoje uma verdadeira crise da habitação. Os europeus têm de suportar custos de habitação cada vez maiores, com uma significativa parte da população a ser impedida de aceder a habitação digna e decente. Ao mesmo tempo, a Europa falha todas as noites aos seus mais de 700 000 sem-abrigo, que são privados do seu direito básico à habitação. No contexto de uma grave crise económica e social, temos de defender na política de habitação o princípio de uma forte Europa social.É, portanto, claro que precisamos de um plano concreto para a habitação na União Europeia, baseado na solidariedade e na sustentabilidade, rejeitando a indiferença perante o inaceitável. Apenas através do investimento em habitação social e da regulação e combate à especulação imobiliária conseguiremos garantir de facto o direito à habitação, pilar básico do estado de bem-estar social.Por outro lado, teremos de compatibilizar a habitação europeia com os nossos objetivos climáticos, apostando na necessária onda de renovação energética e no combate à pobreza energética, de forma a não excluir os mais desfavorecidos. Por contribuir para o acesso universal à habitação na UE, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
The right to disconnect (A9-0246/2020 - Alex Agius Saliba)
A atual crise pandémica mudou, substancialmente, a forma como trabalhamos e veio exacerbar ainda mais as terríveis consequências de estar “sempre ligado”. As pessoas que trabalham a partir de casa estão mais propensas a trabalhar para além do limite máximo previsto na legislação europeia. Neste contexto, e ainda que possa parecer evidente, convém recordar que a intensificação da carga horária tem um custo humano elevado.Para além de horas extraordinárias não remuneradas, é preciso ter em atenção o impacto da cultura do “sempre ligado” na saúde física e mental dos teletrabalhadores, como, por exemplo, o aumento dos níveis de ansiedade, depressão, burnout e privação social. Não se pode ignorar a situação dos muitos trabalhadores que continuam a exercer a sua função em regime de teletrabalho e que, simultaneamente, tentam gerir no mesmo espaço a sobreposição da vida profissional e familiar.Esta modalidade de trabalho continuará, nos próximos anos, a aumentar a um ritmo considerável. É, portanto, necessário regulamentar os direitos e as condições do trabalho remoto às novas realidades da era digitalização. Por isso, votei a favor.
Reforming the EU list of tax havens (B9-0052/2021)
Esta resolução sobre a revisão da lista de paraísos fiscais da UE não poderia ser mais pertinente. Na atual conjuntura em que nos encontramos, com os governos a exigir aos seus cidadãos esforço e sacrifício para enfrentar a Covid-19, temos de ser intransigentes no combate aos esquemas de fraude, evasão e elisão fiscal.A lista de paraísos fiscais é um recurso para identificar quem continua a favorecer tais esquemas desleais. Contudo, a sua falta de ambição, consistência e transparência é dececionante. Esta resolução identifica os vários caminhos para melhorar esta lista. Primeiro, a UE pode fazer muito mais para garantir o escrutínio democrático e mais transparência, ao esclarecer metodologia e critérios utilizados. Para além disso, é lamentável que os próprios Estados-Membros não cumpram com os critérios que impõem aos outros.Por último, a União Europeia não deve ser um veículo para a concorrência desleal, mas sim liderar pelo exemplo, promovendo prosperidade e justiça social. A adoção desta resolução expressa não só uma mensagem ambiciosa em que o objetivo final é pôr fim, de vez, aos paraísos fiscais, mas também a contribuição do Parlamento Europeu nesta matéria. Não poderia, portanto, deixar de votar favoravelmente.
Mitigating the consequences of earthquakes in Croatia (RC-B9-0057/2021, B9-0057/2021, B9-0058/2021, B9-0059/2021, B9-0061/2021, B9-0063/2021)
Os fortes abalos sísmicos registados na Croácia no ano passado provocaram 8 mortes, vários feridos, inúmeras pessoas foram salvas das ruínas dos edifícios e mais de 45 000 infraestruturas foram danificadas. No total, mais de 70 000 pessoas foram afetadas pelos terramotos.Por conseguinte, os croatas depararam-se com a destruição do seu inestimável património histórico e cultural, em que várias regiões e cidades foram assoladas por danos materiais e económicos sem precedentes.Portanto, é urgente fornecer todo o apoio necessário para assegurar uma rápida recuperação das zonas afetadas, mobilizar toda a ajuda possível, incluindo apoio financeiro, material e de equipamentos para ajudar a Croácia a prestar auxílio a todas as pessoas necessitadas.Por tudo isto, votei a favor.
The gender perspective in the COVID-19 crisis and post-crisis period (A9-0229/2020 - Frances Fitzgerald)
A pandemia da Covid-19 representou um enorme desafio para todos nós. Mas afetou de forma mais incisiva os grupos mais vulneráveis da sociedade, como mulheres, jovens, idosos, pessoas com deficiência, pessoas de origem socioeconómica desfavorecida e grupos minoritários. As mulheres, especialmente as que são vítimas de violência doméstica, foram as mais afetadas com as medidas de confinamento. Para além do aumento das desigualdades no que respeita à igualdade de género, muitas estiveram confinadas com os seus parceiros íntimos, que, na maioria das vezes, são os seus agressores.Neste relatório, o Parlamento pede à Comissão e aos Estados-Membros que coloquem a igualdade de género e os direitos das mulheres no centro dos planos de recuperação da Covid-19. São necessárias medidas para reparar os danos causados por esta crise, sendo crucial aumentar a participação das mulheres no mercado de trabalho e fortalecer a conexão entre políticas sociais, climáticas, digitais e de igualdade de género.Votei favoravelmente.
The EU Strategy for Gender Equality (A9-0234/2020 - Maria Noichl)
Apesar de todos os progressos notáveis que se registaram nesta área, continua a ser urgente implementar uma verdadeira estratégia europeia para a igualdade de género.Não foi ainda possível colmatar o fosso salarial entre homens e mulheres, não foi possível acabar com a violência física e sexual contra as mulheres, não foi possível erradicar todos os estereótipos baseados no género que continuam a perpetuar as disparidades entre homens e mulheres. E quando se trata de uma das violações mais flagrantes da dignidade humana, o tráfico de seres humanos, 80 % das vítimas são raparigas.Neste sentido, este relatório procura reforçar a posição deste Parlamento contra o retrocesso vivido em vários Estados-Membros relativamente aos direitos das mulheres, sobretudo os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos.Por esse motivo, votei favoravelmente.
Closing the digital gender gap: women’s participation in the digital economy (A9-0232/2020 - Maria da Graça Carvalho)
Votei a favor deste relatório por considerar ser necessário promover o empoderamento das mulheres no sector das TIC, de forma a impulsionar não só a economia digital, mas também para permitir que as mulheres participem de pleno direito em todos os sectores da sociedade.Este relatório destaca várias medidas destinadas a combater as graves desigualdades entre homens e mulheres no domínio das tecnologias, tais como iniciar o combate aos estereótipos de género nas escolas e promover curricula científicos junto das meninas e raparigas. Também se insta a Comissão a criar esquemas de mentoria com modelos femininos nas TIC, em todos os níveis de educação, e o desenvolvimento de programas de formação para o up-skilling e o re-skilling , especificamente dirigidos às mulheres.Por estas razões, votei este relatório favoravelmente.
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (A9-0214/2020 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Siegfried Mureşan, Dragoș Pîslaru)
O Mecanismo de Recuperação e Resiliência é o elemento central do plano europeu para a recuperação económica pós pandemia, com 672 mil milhões de euros para apoiar investimentos no contexto dos planos elaborados pelos Estados-Membros, que atenuam o impacto da pandemia e reforçam a sustentabilidade e resiliência das economias europeias. A Europa percebeu que não pode cometer os mesmos erros da resposta à crise de 2008 e trocou a receita da austeridade por um plano de investimento sólido que prepara a economia europeia para as transições ecológicas e digitais e para a implementação do Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais. É ainda significativo que tenhamos chegado a acordo sobre a emissão de dívida comum, uma clara vitória para o projeto europeu. Por outro lado, a inclusão da condicionalidade sobre o respeito do Estado de direito protege o orçamento europeu e defende os valores fundamentais da democracia, da independência e da justiça na UE. No entanto, é ainda necessária uma reflexão sobre o impacto e potencial revisão das regras fiscais, de forma a que não comprometam a retoma europeia. O contributo deste mecanismo para a recuperação e transição sustentável da economia europeia levou-me a votar favoravelmente este relatório.
European Central Bank – annual report 2020 (A9-0002/2021 - Sven Simon)
O Banco Central Europeu assumiu desde o início da pandemia um papel fundamental na resposta à crise económica provocada pela situação sanitária, minimizando as consequências sociais e económicas da pandemia através de medidas fortes e coordenadas com a resposta fiscal. Agora, a prioridade do BCE deve ser garantir o financiamento da recuperação económica para que esta seja o mais rápida e justa possível. Neste sentido, o apoio do BCE à economia real tem de ser reforçado, de forma a estimular o investimento e evitar as consequências nefastas de uma recessão desnecessária.No médio prazo, e sabendo que o BCE tem dificuldades persistentes em atingir as metas de inflação, a revisão estratégica é uma oportunidade para repensar os instrumentos de política monetária, e particularmente para refletir sobre o potencial da adoção de medidas não tradicionais. De igual forma, a ação do BCE tem um papel a desempenhar relativamente aos objetivos estratégicos da União Europeia, como o emprego e a resposta às alterações climáticas. Neste contexto, o relatório destaca também o longo caminho a percorrer em relação à igualdade de género dentro do próprio BCE. Por subscrever a orientação estratégica do BCE presente neste relatório, em que fui relator-sombra, decidi votar favoravelmente.
New Circular Economy Action Plan: see Minutes (A9-0008/2021 - Jan Huitema)
A nossa economia segue neste momento uma estrutura fundamentalmente linear, em que transformamos os nossos recursos naturais em produtos, que depois facilmente se tornam em resíduos. Naturalmente este modo de produzir é altamente prejudicial para o meio ambiente e incompatível com os objetivos climáticos que a UE definiu, sendo a transição para uma estrutura económica circular essencial.Neste sentido, devemos assumir como prioridade a redução dos resíduos, fomentando a durabilidade, a capacidade de reparação e o uso de conteúdo reciclado nos produtos do nosso mercado. Os sistemas produtivos empresariais devem ter os incentivos apropriados para que realizem a transição ecológica, particularmente em setores de elevado potencial como os têxteis ou o digital. Por outro lado, este relatório atribui uma especial importância ao papel dos consumidores na economia circular, de forma a salvaguardar os direitos dos consumidores e para que estes possam fazer as suas escolhas de modo informado, nomeadamente no que diz respeito ao tempo de vida ou à facilidade de reparação dos produtos. A implementação de iniciativas que concretizem os princípios da economia circular, com recurso aos fundos do NGEU, será essencial para garantir que a recuperação económica seja sustentável, pelo que decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
Implementation of the Anti-Trafficking Directive (A9-0011/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar, María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos)
Apesar de estar em vigor há 10 anos, a Diretiva em matéria de luta contra o tráfico de seres humanos deve ser melhorada e atualizada com medidas mais robustas contra o tráfico de seres humanos na Europa. O tráfico de seres humanos é um crime revoltante e desumano, que afeta particularmente mulheres, raparigas e crianças. Na sua maioria, as vítimas de trafico têm como destino final a exploração sexual, que continua a ser o objetivo predominante de tráfico de seres humanos na União Europeia. Este relatório apresenta uma nova abordagem à luta contra o tráfico de seres humanos, colocando a enfâse na perspetiva de género e centrada nos direitos humanos, com especial destaque para os migrantes. Apresenta várias medidas para identificar as vítimas e melhorar a prevenção e a repressão dos criminosos. Precisamos de soluções urgentes e pragmáticas para pôr fim a este flagelo humano. Os Estados-Membros precisam de fazer mais para apoiar e proteger as vítimas de tráfico de seres humanos, nomeadamente através de apoio psicológico e médico. Mas, mais importante ainda, é o reforço da cooperação internacional para a eliminação total do tráfico de seres humanos. Votei favoravelmente.
Implementation of Article 43 of the Asylum Procedures Directive (A9-0005/2021 - Erik Marquardt)
Este relatório avalia a forma como os países da UE aplicam o artigo 43.º da Diretiva Procedimentos de Asilo. Este texto manifesta enormes preocupações quanto aos sucessivos relatos de violações dos direitos humanos e das condições precárias existentes nos centros de detenção nas fronteiras. Por sua vez, não é aceitável que alguns Estados-Membros procedam à detenção de crianças por motivos relacionados com a imigração. Portanto, a única maneira de proteger vidas é através da adoção de procedimentos legais e seguros de acesso à União Europeia para refugiados e migrantes. Para isso, é preciso assegurar um procedimento de asilo nas fronteiras eficaz, seguro e equitativo a todos os requerentes. Acima de tudo, é necessário garantir procedimentos de fronteira justos e adequados, com vista a aumentar a segurança jurídica e os direitos fundamentais dos migrantes. Por último, é da inteira responsabilidade dos Estados-Membros garantirem condições de acolhimento dignas nas suas instalações fronteiriças. Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Public access to documents for the years 2016-2018 (A9-0004/2021 - Ioan-Rareş Bogdan)
Segundo os tratados da UE, todas as instituições e agências europeias devem pautar-se pelo maior respeito pela transparência e boa governança, facultando aos cidadãos da União o direito de acesso aos documentos das instituições europeias. A UE deve, impreterivelmente, esforçar-se para atingir os mais elevados padrões de transparência, possibilitando aos cidadãos o acesso à informação, e aproximando-os, desta forma, do centro de decisões políticas, a fim de aumentar a confiança dos cidadãos nas atividades políticas da UE e a sua compreensão sobre o processo legislativo europeu. Este relatório recorda que instituições como o Conselho e a Comissão não são completamente transparentes, não obstante as sucessivas recomendações feitas pelo Parlamento. Nesse sentido, este relatório exorta todas as instituições europeias a garantirem uma maior transparência durante todo o processo legislativo, nomeadamente através da divulgação de documentos em todas as línguas oficiais da UE. Por estas razões, votei favoravelmente.
Reducing inequalities with a special focus on in-work poverty (A9-0006/2021 - Özlem Demirel)
Ao longo dos últimos anos os trabalhadores europeus têm visto as suas condições de trabalho sistematicamente deterioradas, um fenómeno que a pandemia de COVID-19 veio agravar. É urgente darmos uma resposta clara a esta crise do mercado laboral, de forma a erradicar a pobreza no trabalho que se propagou através da precariedade, do trabalho temporário e dos part-time involuntários. A tendência atual de externalização do trabalho, como verificamos no caso dos trabalhadores das plataformas digitais, afetou o sistema social europeu baseado no emprego e levou a uma degradação clara das condições de trabalho. Este relatório é, portanto, essencial para reverter esta tendência e garantir que todos os trabalhadores europeus têm direito a um contrato de trabalho que os dignifique e proteja da pobreza. Por outro lado, iniciativas como a criação do número de segurança social europeu e do salário mínimo europeu reforçam a justiça social na UE, para a qual a Cimeira Social do Porto pode dar um importante impulso através da valorização do papel da negociação coletiva na contratação e da proteção dos direitos laborais. Por prestar um importante contributo para a luta contra a pobreza e o emprego precário decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
The impact of Covid-19 on youth and on sport (B9-0115/2021)
A pandemia está a afetar a geração mais jovem de forma desproporcional. Os duros meandros desta crise prejudicam seriamente o futuro destes jovens, nomeadamente nas suas circunstâncias económicas, na sua formação académica, na sua saúde mental e no seu bem-estar. Sublinho, igualmente, o efeito devastador da pandemia no sistema desportivo.Verificou-se, assim, a suspensão de treinos, o cancelamento de competições em diversas modalidades e eventos desportivos. Esta nova realidade provocou um enorme impacto económico na área do desporto, com o desaparecimento de inúmeros empregos neste setor. Neste contexto, esta resolução propõe várias medidas para mitigar os constrangimentos impostos pela pandemia na área da juventude e do desporto.Apela a um maior investimento em setores com maior capacidade para integrar os jovens, oferecendo condições de trabalho dignas. Destaca a necessidade urgente de promover mais literacia digital, bem como manter a aprendizagem presencial para garantir que ninguém é deixado para trás. Dada a relevância deste relatório, decidi votar favoravelmente.
Markets in financial instruments (A9-0208/2020 - Markus Ferber)
As consequências económicas da crise sanitária exigem iniciativas que apoiem a economia real e as PME no acesso ao financiamento, e não medidas de desregulação dos mercados financeiros que comprometem a proteção dos investidores e a estabilidade financeira. A UE deve concentrar-se na resposta aos desafios da pandemia, sendo inaceitável que queiram usar a atual conjuntura como pretexto para fazer avançar uma agenda de desregulação que só nos levará a repetir erros do passado.As iniciativas propostas sem as necessárias avaliações de risco políticas e técnicas, como a suspensão da necessidade de divulgação dos relatórios sobre a qualidade de execução, não levam a melhores condições de financiamento da economia real como resposta à crise pandémica, mas sim a um maior grau de risco nos mercados financeiros. Por outro lado, este relatório introduz medidas que facilitam as vendas enganosas e atentam contra a proteção de investidores.Esta proposta para o MiFID foi um mau exemplo de negociação parlamentar que pretende levar-nos de volta ao paradigma financeiro pré-2008, cujas consequências conhecemos já. A proteção dos investidores e a transparência financeira não são negociáveis, e, portanto, considero estas medidas perigosas. Por estas razões, decidi votar contra este relatório.
EU Recovery prospectus and targeted adjustments for financial intermediaries to help the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (A9-0228/2020 - Ondřej Kovařík)
A regulação europeia tem um papel a cumprir na recuperação económica, podendo incentivar o investimento privado na economia e assim garantir a criação de postos de trabalho de qualidade e uma recuperação sustentável e inclusiva. Neste sentido, a iniciativa da criação do prospectus EU Recovery contribui para estes objetivos ao melhorar o acesso ao financiamento, particularmente para as PME, e estimulando o investimento na economia real.O novo regime temporário de prospectus é mais simples e curto, mas não deixa de assegurar a proteção dos investidores que tanto prezamos na UE. As empresas têm menos custos e, portanto, um melhor acesso à angariação de capitais, o que alimentará a recuperação económica. Por outro lado, este prospectus garante um elevado nível de proteção dos investidores através de requisitos mínimos de informação, por exemplo relativamente à utilização dada aos fundos angariados ou ao impacto da pandemia no negócio.De qualquer forma, assegurámos também que estas alterações são estritamente temporárias e destinadas a combater os efeitos nefastos da pandemia, não comprometendo as nossas prioridades da prudência e dos altos-padrões na regulação. Por contribuir de forma equilibrada para o melhor financiamento da economia na recuperação, decidi votar favoravelmente este relatório.
EU Association Agreement with Ukraine (A9-0219/2020 - Michael Gahler)
Este relatório sobre a implementação do Acordo de Associação entre a UE e a Ucrânia sublinha a importância da Ucrânia como parceiro geoestratégico e político da UE.Reconhece ainda todos os progressos e esforços deste país em implementar reformas importantes ligadas ao Acordo de Associação, em particular a necessidade de completar várias reformas já iniciadas nas áreas do Estado de Direito, dos direitos fundamentais e da luta contra a corrupção. No entanto, há ainda muito a ser feito.Para qualquer Estado que pretenda a aproximação com a UE, é indispensável o respeito pelos valores democráticos, Estado de Direito e direitos fundamentais. Pelo que é, naturalmente, relevante que a Ucrânia continue a implementar reformas no sistema judicial e medidas anticorrupção, a fim de melhorar o nível de vida de todos os ucranianos.Para a UE, é importante que a Ucrânia mantenha o Acordo de Associação no topo da sua agenda política em prol de uma parceria mais estreita, pelo que votei de forma favorável.
European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (B9-0108/2021)
A UE enfrenta, hoje, um conjunto de desafios estruturais que exigem soluções integradas e estratégicas. Assim, a resposta europeia às alterações climáticas, à digitalização e à globalização, e até à pandemia COVID-19, não pode ignorar o desenvolvimento das competências e qualificações dos trabalhadores europeus, no sentido de construir uma sociedade mais resiliente. A Agenda Europeia de Competências presta um contributo importante na resposta a estes desafios.A prioridade das competências digitais é absolutamente clara, com uma importância fundamental para a competitividade da UE, mas também para a inclusão social. Da mesma forma, a aprendizagem ao longo da vida e a acessibilidade dos processos de qualificação e requalificação garantem a justiça na recuperação económica e na transição dupla.O Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais define o direito à educação de qualidade e inclusiva e à formação ao longo da vida, reconhecendo a importância de investir nas pessoas. Neste sentido, a Agenda Europeia tem a virtude de contribuir para a criação de um sistema de desenvolvimento mais sustentável, justo e inclusivo, ao abrigo dos fundos do FSE+ e do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência.Sendo as competências dos trabalhadores essenciais para o futuro europeu, decidi votar favoravelmente esta resolução.
Humanitarian and political situation in Yemen (B9-0119/2021)
Num dos países mais pobres do mundo árabe, há um conflito armado que persiste desde 2015 e que em 2020 viu os combates tornarem-se ainda mais intensos.A situação humanitária é dramática: graves violações dos direitos humanos, nomeadamente detenções arbitrárias, violência sexual, tortura e outras formas de tratamento cruel, desumano ou degradante.Todas as partes envolvidas são responsáveis por crimes de guerra e violações graves ao Direito Internacional.A solução para o conflito tem de ser política, não militar, e a crise só pode ser resolvida de forma sustentável através de um processo de negociação liderado pelo Iémen. Contudo, falta a pressão internacional para uma solução em que todas as partes envolvidas cheguem a acordo sem mais delongas.O povo do Iémen tem o direito de voltar a viver num país pacífico, baseado nos valores da democracia, da liberdade, da justiça social e da dignidade humana.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor.
The situation in Myanmar (B9-0116/2021)
Votei a favor desta resolução porque condeno, veementemente, o golpe militar de 1 de fevereiro de 2021, executado pelas Tatmadaw, sob a liderança do general Min Aung Hlaing.É urgente a libertação de todos aqueles que foram presos ilegalmente e o poder deve ser devolvido às autoridades civis eleitas.A mensagem política deste Parlamento expressa nesta resolução é clara. Um processo de democratização não é compatível com a repressão militar. A UE deve usar a sua influência para persuadir os militares a abandonar o poder e a respeitar a vontade expressa pelo povo nas recentes eleições democráticas.Esta resolução insta a comunidade internacional a não reconhecer a liderança militar de Mianmar, ao mesmo tempo que faz um apelo à urgente necessidade de retomar a transição democrática no país.Por último, mas não menos importante, devemos pressionar Mianmar a respeitar os direitos dos Rohingyas para que possam conviver em paz com a restante população do país, construindo, assim, um país com fortes ambições democráticas de um futuro mais justo.
Challenges ahead for women’s rights: more than 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (B9-0114/2021)
A adoção da Declaração de Beijing em 1995 foi um marco inquestionável para a causa da igualdade de género. Desde a sua adoção, registaram-se alguns progressos louváveis quanto ao papel da mulher na sociedade. Todavia, os progressos têm sido morosos.Atualmente, nenhum país da Europa atingiu os objetivos da Declaração de Beijing. Portanto, é urgente avançar com medidas necessárias para fomentar a igualdade de género na sociedade. É também, por isso, que é importante eliminar todas as formas de desigualdades de género, nomeadamente as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres, a falta de acesso à proteção social e os riscos de pobreza são mais acrescidos para as mulheres do que para os homens.É muito preocupante constatar que se tem verificado um retrocesso em alguns Estados-Membros em matéria de direitos das mulheres. Não podemos permitir que isso aconteça.A UE tem, por isso, de estar à altura da sua responsabilidade, colocando as mulheres no topo da agenda de recuperação pós-pandemia, a fim de travar a regressão dos avanços alcançados.Devemos fazer muito mais, em termos de legislação e de políticas públicas, em prol da igualdade de género não só por motivações éticas, mas também económica e social.Votei a favor.
InvestEU Programme (A9-0203/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Irene Tinagli)
Inovar, com investimentos estratégicos, com objetivos ambientais virtuosos e com apoio a pequenas e médias empresas em risco de insolvência. Foi por ter estes objetivos que votei favoravelmente o acordo provisório que cria o programa InvestEU.A evolução da pandemia continua, dia após dia, a demonstrar a necessidade de respostas inovadoras, ainda que de emergência: investir na industria médica e farmacêutica, financiar projetos ambientalmente sustentáveis que permitam, ao mesmo tempo, impactos sociais positivos, salvar pequenas e médias empresas, devastadas pela pandemia.Agora é preciso rapidez, agilidade e iniciativa para que se cumpram os objetivos deste InvestEU, permitindo-nos chegar a 2027 cumprindo as metas que agora aprovamos.
Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 (“EU4Health Programme”) (A9-0196/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
Nunca foi tão importante um programa de ação da União Europeia no domínio da saúde. Perante a atual crise pandémica, que ditou uma crise sanitária mundial sem precedentes para toda a população, este programa de ação da União visa aumentar a resiliência dos serviços públicos de saúde, com especial incidência para futuras ameaças sanitárias.A pandemia colocou imensa pressão sobre o setor da saúde, em particular a todos os profissionais de saúde e pessoas com doenças crónicas. Esta crise sanitária veio demonstrar a importância de assegurar uma maior coordenação e cooperação entre os Estados-Membros, em prol da solidariedade e espírito de entreajuda entre todos. Neste contexto, o novo coronavírus representa uma nova oportunidade para avançar com um programa ambicioso e completo na área da saúde, complementando, assim, as competências dos Estados-Membros na definição das suas políticas de saúde.É, portanto, essencial que este programa consiga implementar uma verdadeira promoção da saúde, promovendo, em simultâneo, estilos de vida mais saudáveis e a redução das desigualdades no acesso à saúde. No fundo, o mais importante é que todos os cidadãos possam beneficiar de cuidados de saúde acessíveis e de boa qualidade. Por todas estas razões, votei favoravelmente.
A WTO-compatible EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (A9-0019/2021 - Yannick Jadot)
Votei a favor da proposta legislativa que pretende criar um mecanismo de ajustamento das emissões de carbono nas fronteiras (CBAM). A Comissão deverá agora apresentar uma proposta legislativa que formaliza mais um passo do Pacto Ecológico Europeu.Neste debate, o Parlamento Europeu (PE) vincou três aspetos fundamentais: a UE não deve transferir qualquer tipo de produção para países terceiros, com regras menos ambiciosas em relação à emissão de gases com efeitos de estufa; a fixação de preços sobre o carbono para certos bens importados desses mesmos países, a fim de garantir uma concorrência saudável e equitativa, ao mesmo tempo que certamente estimula um acelerar da descarbonização nesses países; e a fixação de preços sobre o carbono equilibrados que não fomentem o protecionismo.Esta é mais uma decisão do PE absolutamente compatível com o Acordo de Paris e é mais um passo para o objetivo essencial: manter o aquecimento global abaixo do limite de 1,5 graus. Foi uma boa decisão.
Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (A9-0015/2021 - Sven Giegold)
Este relatório sobre a diretiva de cooperação administrativa no domínio da fiscalidade, que incentiva a troca de informação entre autoridades tributárias, coloca a União Europeia numa posição de liderança no que concerne à cooperação administrativa em matéria fiscal.Todavia, continuam a existir grandes discrepâncias na cooperação fiscal europeia. Este relatório identifica algumas medidas para garantir a eficácia das trocas de informações entre Estados-Membros. Embora o caminho ainda seja longo na luta pela transparência e troca de informações fiscais, não posso deixar de assinalar o trabalho que está a ser feito a nível europeu nesta matéria e, em particular, a posição do Parlamento Europeu que exige mais avanços nesta matéria. Por tudo isto, votei a favor.
Corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (A9-0018/2021 - Lara Wolters)
25 milhões de vitimas de trabalho forçado;152 milhões de vítimas de trabalho infantil;2,78 milhões de mortes por ano devido a doenças relacionadas com o trabalho;374 milhões de lesões não profissionais por ano.Nunca é demais repetirmos estes números.Ao longo de anos a Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) elaborou várias convenções para proteger os trabalhadores.Não falhou na sua missão, mas não teve capacidade para as fazer cumprir na totalidade.Votei favoravelmente a resolução agora aprovada, que alerta para uma série de disfunções, muitas delas com consequências graves, da regulamentação que protege os trabalhadores, demasiadas vezes não cumprida por empresas e por Estados.Por isso recomenda e desafia a Comissão Europeia a desenvolver, sem demoras, propostas para forçar e reforçar o dever de diligência das empresas e para contribuir para a criação de um instrumento internacional que, por via das Nações Unidas, introduza no direito internacional normas em matéria de direitos humanos e da atividade das empresas.
Activities of the European Ombudsman - annual report 2019 (A9-0013/2021 - Sylvie Guillaume)
Votei favoravelmente este relatório porque faz um balanço equilibrado e positivo das atividades do Provedor de Justiça Europeu relativo ao ano de 2019.É da máxima importância que a UE seja capaz de assegurar as mais elevadas normas de administração, transparência e ética, bem como garantir um acesso de qualidade aos serviços que a União presta aos seus cidadãos. Este órgão recebeu inúmeras denúncias dos cidadãos europeus, no decorrer do ano 2019, sobre temas variados como a transparência nas instituições europeias, participação dos cidadãos no processo decisório da União, boa gestão das questões relativas ao recrutamento de pessoal, bem como boa gestão financeira.Segundo este relatório, o trabalho de investigação e advocacia que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido pela Provedora de Justiça tem sido, de facto, positivo e construtivo. Defende, ainda, a importância de esse trabalho continuar a ser realizado com o máximo empenho e elevado padrão ético no contexto atual de pandemia e recessão económica. Por último, faz um apelo ao Parlamento para reformular o processo de nomeação para a eleição do Provedor de Justiça Europeu, de forma a tornar esta eleição mais transparente.
The Syrian conflict - 10 years after the uprising (B9-0175/2021, B9-0176/2021, B9-0177/2021, B9-0178/2021, B9-0179/2021, B9-0180/2021, B9-0181/2021)
Ao fim de uma década de conflito armado na Síria, o balanço é devastador. Contabilizam-se 6,2 milhões de pessoas deslocadas, 13 milhões de pessoas que continuam a necessitar desesperadamente de ajuda humanitária e mais de 400 mil mortes. Nestes últimos 10 anos, este conflito armado mostrou-nos o pior da guerra e da Humanidade: inúmeros abusos e violações dos direitos humanos, graves violações do Direito Humanitário Internacional, particularmente por parte do regime sírio, causaram um enorme sofrimento humano à população.Além disso, o conflito tem tido graves repercussões tanto para a segurança regional como para a segurança europeia, para além de ser uma arena propícia para as organizações terroristas. O conflito na Síria está longe de estar terminado. A União Europeia continua, até hoje, a exigir o fim da repressão e da detenção arbitrária de todos os opositores políticos, jornalistas, ativistas dos direitos humanos pelo regime sírio. É urgente construir uma verdadeira solução política para este conflito e devolver a esperança a toda a polução da Síria.Não poderia, por isso, deixar de votar a favor.
Declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone (B9-0166/2021, B9-0167/2021)
Com esta resolução aprovada pelo Parlamento Europeu, declarámos a União Europeia como uma zona de liberdade LGBTIQ, em resposta ao retrocesso dos direitos e das liberdades da comunidade LGBTIQ na UE. Segundo os Tratados, todos os valores e direitos fundamentais são iguais para todos os cidadãos. Porém, infelizmente, o medo, o discurso de ódio, a discriminação e a violência continuam a ser uma realidade enfrentada por muitas pessoas em todo o mundo, incluindo na UE.Em alguns Estados-Membros, é certamente muito preocupante o aumento da discriminação, das desigualdades e dos ataques contra a comunidade LGBTIQ. Cabe aos Estados-Membros defender e promover todo um conjunto de medidas direcionadas para a luta contra as desigualdades. Não podemos, portanto, perder a esperança e temos de fazer tudo o que esteja ao nosso alcance para melhorar o futuro destes cidadãos. É urgente apoiar e respeitar os direitos das pessoas LGBTIQ.Por isso, não podia deixar de votar a favor desta resolução.
Establishing Horizon Europe – laying down its rules for participation and dissemination (A9-0122/2021 - Dan Nica)
Votei favoravelmente o regulamento do Programa Horizonte Europa.95,5 mil milhões de euros é a dotação prevista para o Programa Horizonte Europa, dividido em três pilares: Ciência de Excelência, para apoiar projetos de investigação de "ponta", Desafios Globais e Competitividade Industrial e Europeia, para apoiar diretamente investigação dos desafios societais, capacidades tecnológicas e industriais, Europa Inovadora, que terá como objetivo tornar a Europa líder na inovação geradora de mercados.Transversal, este programa quer preparar a UE para o futuro, apoiando os sistemas de saúde, a descarbonização da indústria e a inovação das empresas.Foi em nome dessa perspetiva de futuro que votei favoravelmente o regulamento do Programa Horizonte Europa.
The outcome of EU-UK negotiations (B9-0225/2021)
Concordo: o Brexit, ou se preferirmos, a saída do Reino Unido da UE, é "um erro histórico".Ainda assim, também concordo que, havendo uma saída, é bom que seja com acordo. Foi por isso que votei favoravelmente o acordo de saída do Reino Unido da UE.Pescas, consumidores, tráfego aéreo, energia e proteção de dados são algumas das matérias deste acordo.Política externa, segurança e desenvolvimento são questões que ficam de fora. Outro erro, como mais à frente se verificará.Resta-me concordar com outra ideia que ficou claramente expressa: o Parlamento Europeu deve acompanhar muito de perto a aplicação deste acordo.
Digital Green Certificate - Union citizens (C9-0104/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Votei favoravelmente a proposta de criação do «Certificado COVID-19 da UE».Esta «desgraçada» pandemia está a gerar consequências de uma dimensão que ainda está por contabilizar nas mais variadas dimensões.As dificuldades de circulação dos europeus é uma dessas consequências que esperamos ver minimizadas com esta iniciativa.É certo que os testes têm de ser gratuitos.É certo que temos de acautelar questões de proteção de dados.É certo que a escassez de vacinas pode continuar a fazer com que esta medida não atinja os objetivos pretendidos.Mas também é certo que temos de restabelecer rapidamente a confiança das pessoas que lhes permita, por exemplo, viajar.Devidamente calibradas as regras e as restrições, o Certificado COVID-19 da UE será um bom instrumento para começarmos a caminhar rumo a alguma normalidade.
Digital taxation: OECD negotiations, tax residency of digital companies and a possible European Digital Tax (A9-0103/2021 - Andreas Schwab, Martin Hlaváček)
É cada vez mais consensual que precisamos de garantir um mercado justo, onde as gigantes digitais também são chamadas à responsabilidade. Certo é que o contexto económico global, combinado com várias revelações sobre práticas de evasão e de elisão fiscais, gerou um consenso amplo no que se refere ao sistema atual de tributação internacional altamente injusto para esta nova economia cada vez mais globalizada e digitalizada.É neste contexto que este Parlamento tem vindo a apelar a uma reforma do regime internacional de tributação, em vigor desde do início do século XX, com vista a combater a evasão e a elisão fiscais e a dar resposta aos desafios associados à tributação da economia digital.A aprovação desta resolução, por larga maioria, demonstra que este Parlamento está no caminho certo rumo à justiça fiscal. A resolução acolhe favoravelmente o contributo da Administração Biden para este tema, em particular a proposta de uma taxa global de 21 % de imposto sobre as empresas. Reforça também a ideia de que os impostos devem ser pagos onde o valor é criado.Não poderia deixar de votar a favor de uma legislação fundamental para evitar práticas de evasão e de elisão fiscais, traduzindo-se na criação de um regime fiscal justo e eficiente.
Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny, military build-up on Ukraine's border and Russian attack in the Czech Republic (B9-0235/2021, RC-B9-0236/2021, B9-0236/2021, B9-0237/2021, B9-0250/2021, B9-0251/2021, B9-0252/2021)
Lamentavelmente, a Rússia escolheu o confronto com a UE em vez da cooperação. Tem optado frequentemente por acicatar tensões geopolíticas em vez de construir relações bilaterais equilibradas.Esta resolução do Parlamento Europeu condena, com a maior veemência possível, a contínua interferência da Rússia em Estados terceiros, nomeadamente através de campanhas de desinformação hostis e inúmeras violações do Direito Internacional.Em particular, a anexação da Crimeia em 2014 contribuiu para aumentar a tensão entre a UE e o Kremlin. Ao atacar a Ucrânia, a Rússia violou os princípios fundamentais do Direito Internacional. Até que seja uma realidade a retirada da Crimeia e da Ucrânia Oriental, a cooperação não poderá ser normalizada.Esta resolução apela, uma vez mais, à libertação imediata de Alexeï Navalny, pois nada garante que não volte a sofrer outras tentativas de assassinato na prisão.Por estes motivos, votei favoravelmente.
The accessibility and affordability of Covid-testing (B9-0233/2021, B9-0234/2021)
Votei naturalmente esta resolução. Testes acessíveis e a um preço aceitável são, evidentemente, uma das componentes que podem potenciar algum retomar da normalidade, especialmente quando estamos a tentar desenhar mecanismos que facilitem, por exemplo, a deslocação dos europeus.Acrescento a forma positiva como classifico a preocupação de recomendar a realização de testes gratuitos para os profissionais de saúde, de escolas e universidades e estruturas de acolhimento de crianças.
EU-India relations (A9-0124/2021 - Alviina Alametsä)
Pelo que parece, a pandemia da COVID-19 não foi suficiente para convencer a comunidade internacional da urgência da cooperação e assistência mútua. Em certa medida, parece que serviu para estimular ainda mais a divisão, a competição e as tendências isolacionistas.É neste contexto de incertezas globais, marcadas por profundas transformações da ordem mundial, que a UE tenciona aproveitar esta oportunidade para modernizar a parceria UE-Índia estabelecida em 2004, com vista a melhorar a cooperação económica e política. Estes dois parceiros estratégicos devem unir forças na cena mundial, com vista a promover uma visão partilhada do multilateralismo, da segurança internacional e de um crescimento inclusivo a nível mundial.A relação de parceria estratégica UE-Índia tem estado no topo da agenda europeia, nomeadamente com a Cimeira virtual UE-Índia de 15 de julho de 2020 e, mais recentemente, com a reunião de dirigentes UE-Índia no Porto, através da intensificação do diálogo e de cooperação política e económico-comercial, alicerçada na reciprocidade e no benefício mútuo.A Índia é, neste momento, um dos países mais severamente afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19, pelo que a UE permanece empenhada em prestar auxílio perante esta situação de calamidade sanitária. Não podia deixar de votar a favor.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
O Fundo para uma Transição Justa, que negociei em nome do nosso grupo político, é o primeiro pilar do Mecanismo para uma Transição Justa, que pretende apoiar regiões, setores económicos e pessoas nos desafios que têm pela frente durante a aplicação do Pacto Ecológico Europeu.É um instrumento essencial para não deixar ninguém para trás.Naturalmente, votei a favor.
Review of the European Union Solidarity Fund (A9-0052/2021 - Younous Omarjee)
Concordo com a necessidade de agilizar os procedimentos quando for acionado o Fundo de Solidariedade da União Europeia.A justificação para esta resolução é simples: como é absolutamente evidente, um país afetado por um qualquer desastre natural tem enormes dificuldades em calcular rapidamente os danos que daí resultam.Acresce que é dada uma indicação importante no que diz respeito à prevenção de catástrofes e de danos provocados pelas alterações climáticas, ao deixar-se claro que o Fundo deve ter provisões para fazer face a políticas preventivas.Por tudo isto, esta resolução é pertinente e mereceu a minha concordância.
Human rights protection and the EU external migration policy (A9-0060/2021 - Tineke Strik)
Desde 2016, a UE e alguns Estados-Membros celebraram acordos bilaterais e informais com países terceiros, em busca de um reforço das capacidades de controlo e gestão de fronteiras. Combater o tráfico de seres humanos e promover o regresso e reintegração dos chamados migrantes irregulares eram os objetivos. Passos certos, mas insuficientes, como facilmente se verifica.Por isso, votei favoravelmente o relatório com recomendações à Comissão Europeia, desafiada a negociar e assinar acordos formais de reintegração com países terceiros. Este relatório, que teve uns espantosos e preocupantes 309 votos contra, deixa ainda uma importante chamada de atenção do PE: a cooperação com países terceiros não pode isentar a UE de cumprir todas as obrigações em matéria de direitos humanos para com os migrantes e refugiados.
2019-2020 Reports on Turkey (A9-0153/2021 - Nacho Sánchez Amor)
A União Europeia e a Turquia mantêm relações de cooperação estreita em muitos domínios, especialmente de cariz económico. No entanto, o posicionamento da Turquia em matérias como a democracia, a migração e os direitos humanos conduziram a um clima de tensão e de instabilidade nas relações UE-Turquia. O crescente autoritarismo turco, a erosão da democracia e do Estado de direito, as violações de direitos humanos, o controlo dos media e a detenção de jornalistas, os presos políticos e as suas incursões em território grego violam todas as normas europeias. Por todos estes motivos, temos de colocar em causa o processo de adesão da Turquia à União Europeia, ainda mais por conta das suas tendências conflituosas e divergências claras quanto aos valores fundamentais, interesses e políticas da UE.Votei favoravelmente este relatório porque envia uma mensagem crítica sobre a nossa relação com a Turquia, assinalando todos os retrocessos das relações UE-Turquia verificados nos últimos anos. Contudo, é necessário que a UE continue aberta ao diálogo com a Turquia, na esperança de que o país seja capaz de inverter as suas tendências autoritárias e repressivas.
Chinese countersanctions on EU entities and MEPs and MPs (RC-B9-0269/2021, B9-0269/2021, B9-0270/2021, B9-0271/2021, B9-0273/2021, B9-0274/2021, B9-0275/2021)
A situação dos direitos humanos na China é extremamente preocupante, em particular as violações dos direitos dos uigures.Na sequência das sanções impostas pela UE contra quatro responsáveis chineses num contexto de provas de graves violações de direitos humanos contra os uigures, a retaliação chinesa veio sob a forma de imposição de sanções a vários políticos da UE, entre eles, a cinco colegas meus, deputados aqui no Parlamento Europeu.É lamentável e inaceitável esta resposta chinesa que apenas revela o enorme esforço de policiamento do discurso sobre a China em todas as partes do mundo.Considero ser fundamental que, ao nível da União Europeia, haja uma atuação coordenada no diálogo com a China. Temos, certamente, interesse numa relação estratégica com Pequim e na melhoria das condições necessárias para reforçar as relações UE- China.Todavia, não podemos abdicar de exigir a Pequim que as relações entre ambas as partes sejam regidas pelo respeito pelas liberdades fundamentais e a defesa dos direitos humanos como pilares fundamentais no relacionamento UE-China.
The right of information of the Parliament regarding the ongoing assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans (B9-0276/2021)
Tenho repetido sistematicamente que é essencial que os cidadãos europeus percebam o que fazemos no PE, ao mesmo tempo que insisto que é fundamental tomarmos decisões que tenham real impacto na vida das pessoas.Uma boa e compreensível informação é fundamental.Neste caso, está em causa um reforço de transparência na avaliação que a Comissão está a fazer dos Planos Nacionais de Recuperação e Resiliência e a partilha dessa avaliação, mesmo que preliminar, com o PE e, consequentemente, com os cidadãos.Como está expresso no texto que sustenta esta resolução, uma abordagem aberta, transparente e construtiva sobre os PRR será boa para todos.Por estes motivos, esta resolução mereceu a minha concordância.
EU Digital COVID Certificate - Union citizens (C9-0104/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Votei favoravelmente a implementação do Certificado Digital Covid, que passa a vigorar dia 1 de julho. Todos os cidadãos dos Estados-Membros veem reconhecida por esta via a possibilidade de viajar, se vacinados ou se já tiverem contraído a doença.Faço a pergunta e dou a resposta: é a solução ideal para fomentar a circulação de cidadãos na UE, contribuindo ao mesmo tempo para a recuperação da economia? Não é. Mas é uma solução muito razoável, cuidadosa, encontrada para que possamos ter mais instrumentos de combate aos efeitos desta "terrível" pandemia.Outro desses instrumentos (com uma dotação de 100 milhões de euros) será a testagem em massa, disponibilizada pelos Estados-Membros a preços razoáveis.Faz bem o PE, faz bem a CE, quando implementam medidas capazes de fazer face às dificuldades que a pandemia nos tem trazido. É este o nosso trabalho.
EU Digital COVID Certificate - third-country nationals (C9-0100/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Votei favoravelmente a implementação do Certificado Digital Covid para nacionais de países terceiros, que passa a vigorar dia 1 de julho. Todos os cidadãos dos Estados-Membros passam a ver reconhecida, por esta via, a possibilidade de viajar, se vacinados ou se já tiverem contraído a doença.Colocava-se a questão, eminentemente administrativa, de como proceder relativamente aos cidadãos de países terceiros residentes nos Estados-Membros. Com algumas especificidades (necessárias) julgo que foi encontrada uma solução capaz de minimizar eventuais discriminações, em nome de um bem que se afigura fundamental: a circulação de cidadãos na UE e o seu contributo para a recuperação da economia.Faz bem a UE quando implementa medidas capazes de combater as dificuldades que a pandemia nos tem trazido. É este o nosso trabalho.
Systematic repression in Belarus and its consequences for European security following abductions from an EU civilian plane intercepted by Belarusian authorities (B9-0328/2021, B9-0330/2021, B9-0332/2021, B9-0339/2021, B9-0340/2021, B9-0344/2021)
No passado mês de maio, as autoridades bielorrussas intercetaram o voo FR4978 da Ryanair proveniente de Atenas e com destino a Vílnius. O avião foi desviado para o aeroporto de Minsk sob pretexto de uma falsa ameaça de bomba. Desta forma, foi possível às autoridades bielorrussas prender dois passageiros a bordo desse voo - o jornalista bielorrusso Raman Pratasevich e a sua companheira Sofia Sapiega.Este ato, de grave violação das convenções internacionais na área da segurança da aviação, mostra que Lukashenko está disposto a ultrapassar todos os limites para silenciar as aspirações democráticas do povo bielorrusso e manter o seu poder autocrático. Já não bastava toda a repressão que tem estado em curso na Bielorrússia, desde que os protestos começaram após as eleições presidenciais de 2020.A UE deve estar atenta não só às constantes violações de direitos humanos deste regime, mas também à instabilidade que tem vindo a causar à segurança regional do continente.A comunidade internacional não poderá descansar enquanto Raman e Sofia não forem libertados e, com eles, todas as pessoas detidas por motivos políticos.Dada a relevância desta resolução, decidi votar favoravelmente.
The situation in Afghanistan (B9-0321/2021, B9-0324/2021, B9-0325/2021, B9-0326/2021, B9-0327/2021, B9-0329/2021)
A realidade do Afeganistão tem sido marcada por situações dramáticas durante as últimas décadas. Desde violência política e religiosa e ataques terroristas a narcotráfico, a grave discriminação contra as mulheres e o desrespeito pelos direitos humanos é sistemática.Recentemente, o Presidente norte-americano Joe Biden anunciou a retirada das tropas americanas remanescentes no país e, juntamente, a OTAN fez o mesmo. Esta retirada das tropas causa grande preocupação e agitação na região.Por isso, é da maior importância que a UE, os EUA e a OTAN continuem empenhados em ajudar o Afeganistão nas conversações de paz em curso entre as autoridades afegãs e os talibãs. Só um cessar-fogo negociado pode estabelecer uma paz duradoura e próspera para a população do Afeganistão.Por todos estes motivos, a União Europeia e o mundo devem voltar a prestar mais atenção ao que se passa no Afeganistão. A comunidade internacional tem uma responsabilidade partilhada em contribuir para a paz no Afeganistão, tornando-o num país seguro para a sua população.Por estes motivos, votei favoravelmente esta resolução.
European Climate Law (Jytte Guteland - A9-0162/2020)
Naturalmente votei favoravelmente a Lei Europeia do Clima.Era absolutamente fundamental adaptar a legislação sobre o clima aos novos tempos de "luta" sem tréguas às alterações climáticas. A UE precisa de ambição na luta contra a crise climática e a Lei do Clima vem dar força de Lei a essa ambição.É disso exemplo este regulamento que agora aprovámos.Está, pois, à nossa disposição mais um instrumento para o caminho que temos que percorrer rumo à neutralidade carbónica.
Public sector loan facility under the Just Transition Mechanism (A9-0195/2020 - Johan Van Overtveldt, Henrike Hahn)
Juntei o meu voto aos que aprovaram o mecanismo de empréstimos ao setor público, terceiro pilar do Mecanismo para uma Transição Justa, concebido para ajudar os Estados-Membros e as regiões a acelerarem a sua transição para uma economia neutra em carbono, objetivo essencial para lutar contra a crise climática.Agora é tempo de os Estados-Membros, sem perdas de tempo, prepararem as estruturas públicas, nacionais e locais para que comecem a ser construídos projetos sólidos e inovadores, que contribuam para os objetivos climáticos.Ao mesmo tempo, é essencial alertar para a necessidade de estes projetos terem em linha de conta que não podemos deixar ninguém para trás neste processo de transformação e de reconversão.Está aprovado mais este importante instrumento, que agora temos de ver operacionalizado. Vamos ao trabalho.
Commission’s 2020 Rule of law report (A9-0199/2021 - Domènec Ruiz Devesa)
O relatório do meu colega Domenec Ruiz Devesa faz um balanço do relatório de 2020 da Comissão sobre o Estado de Direito nos Estados-Membros. Esta análise anual tem como objetivo supervisionar e promover a cultura do Estado de Direito, mas também prevenir possíveis problemas nesta área. Nesse sentido, a análise versa sobre quatro pilares: a justiça, a independência e liberdade dos meios de comunicação social, os mecanismos existentes para combater a corrupção e os controlos e equilíbrios democráticos.Este relatório do Parlamento Europeu destaca os elementos positivos do relatório da Comissão, mas também aponta algumas lacunas e elementos que deveriam ser melhorados para o próximo relatório. Em primeiro lugar, reconhece a importância do primeiro relatório anual da Comissão nesta matéria e a inclusão de capítulos específicos por país. Segundo, apela a uma abordagem mais ambiciosa, que inclua recomendações claras e específicas para cada Estado-Membro e mais ferramentas para responder às violações identificadas. Terceiro, a Comissão deve ser capaz de resolver as graves violações do princípio do Estado de Direito em certos Estados-Membros, particularmente, naqueles que estão a passar pelo procedimento do artigo 7.º. Os atropelos ao Estado de Direito dentro da UE são inaceitáveis e a UE tem de ter uma posição forte relativamente nessa matéria. Votei a favor.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health (A9-0169/2021 - Predrag Fred Matić)
Este relatório gerou um debate incisivo dentro e fora do Parlamento Europeu. Em pleno século XXI, é difícil entender as posições das alas mais conservadoras em matéria de direito à saúde sexual e reprodutiva das mulheres. O direito à saúde e os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres devem ser considerados direitos humanos e não devem ser descartados de maneira nenhuma.Como socialistas e democratas, a saúde e os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos são das nossas principais prioridades, sendo pilares fundamentais para garantir os direitos das mulheres e a igualdade de género. Por isso, apelamos a uma educação sexual de qualidade, ao acesso a contracetivos e ao aborto seguro e legal em todos os Estados-Membros.Estaremos sempre empenhados em defender e apoiar o direito de todas as pessoas a ter acesso aos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva sem qualquer tipo de discriminação. Em suma, este relatório representou uma vitória na luta contra todos aqueles que insistem em atropelar os direitos das mulheres na Europa. Por estas razões, votei favoravelmente.
Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2020 (A9-0200/2021 - Pedro Silva Pereira)
Votei favoravelmente o relatório indicado. O Banco Europeu de Investimento (BEI) contribuiu de forma fundamental para apoiar a recuperação económica no contexto da pandemia, nomeadamente através da rápida mobilização de financiamento de emergência. No contexto pós-pandémico, e face às prioridades políticas da União Europeia, é indispensável que o BEI dê continuidade ao seu compromisso com a ação climática, incluindo nas suas atividades em países terceiros, e caminhe progressivamente para se assumir como o Banco Climático da UE. Em simultâneo, o financiamento disponibilizado pelo BEI deve contribuir para a transição digital e competitividade na Europa, em particular das PME, o que inclui investimento também nas componentes social e humana, incluindo o apoio à educação, formação profissional e desenvolvimento de competências técnicas.
Connecting Europe Facility (A9-0219/2021 - Henna Virkkunen, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Dominique Riquet)
O MIE é o resultado de um virtuoso acordo entre o PE e o Conselho.A UE terá um orçamento de 30 mil milhões de euros para projetos de valor acrescentado nos setores digital, transportes e energia no período de 2021 a 2027, incluindo projetos transeuropeus essenciais, como a infraestrutura de carregamento de combustíveis alternativos ou a implantação da cobertura 5G em importantes eixos de transporte.O MIE está estruturado em três pilares: cerca de 23 mil milhões de euros para os transportes, 5 mil milhões para projetos no setor da energia e 2 mil milhões para o digital.Para além destas virtualidades, o MIE tem associada uma preocupação ambiental de sublinhar: 60% dos fundos destinam-se a projetos que contribuam para atingir os objetivos climáticos da UE.O PE tomou uma boa decisão.
Review of the macroeconomic legislative framework (A9-0212/2021 - Margarida Marques)
Votei favoravelmente o relatório indicado. Repensar o quadro macroeconómico da União Europeia é fundamental no contexto atual. Reconhecendo as limitações expostas no passado, é essencial estabelecer uma gestão das finanças públicas mais sustentável, nomeadamente que a redução da dívida pública, seja ponderada e de acordo com as possibilidades de cada país.Essa gestão não pode comprometer investimentos nem na dimensão social nem em ação climática, que devem ser devidamente salvaguardados. Acrescenta-se a necessária reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento de uma capacidade orçamental permanente para a Zona Euro, possivelmente inspirada no atual Next Generation EU, assim como ações para melhorar a estabilidade do sistema financeiro, combater a evasão e elisão fiscal, ou melhorar o escrutínio democrático.
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 (B9-0412/2021, B9-0413/2021)
Votei favoravelmente a resolução que condena a legislação anti LGBTIQ, aprovada recentemente na Hungria. Estes direitos são, de facto, direitos fundamentais. Essa legislação é uma regressão civilizacional.A tentativa de desmantelar direitos fundamentais não é um problema imaginário, é um problema real. E não hesitaremos em denunciar e combater os que incentivam e promovem campanhas de desinformação e de fobia LGBTIQ com o intuito de se munirem de ferramentas de censura política. Na UE, os direitos humanos não são "direitos imaginários". São direitos fundamentais. Não se negoceiam, não se diminuem. Defendem-se.
Visa Facilitation Agreement between the EU and Cabo Verde (A9-0264/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Está aprovado, naturalmente com o meu voto, o Acordo UE–Cabo Verde que facilita a emissão de vistos de curta duração.Revoga o Acordo de 2014, adaptando-o em concordância com as alterações da legislação cabo-verdiana e europeia em matéria de vistos.Redução das taxas cobradas pelo tratamento dos vistos, simplificação da documentação exigida para comprovar os motivos das viagens, uma cláusula que obriga a respeitar parâmetros de direitos humanos e de democracia, sob pena deste acordo poder ser suspenso ou revogado.Está feito um bom trabalho, no caminho certo.
A new EU-China strategy (A9-0252/2021 - Hilde Vautmans)
É complexa a relação do mundo ocidental com a China. Complexa e delicada. Um diálogo de princípios, com especial incidência em questões como direitos humanos, ambiente e alterações climáticas, desarmamento nuclear e recuperação económica na fase pós pandemia, têm que ser, como defende o relatório que hoje votámos e que apresenta a nova estratégia UE-China, o alicerce das nossas relações.Na vertente económica temos que condenar pressões contra várias empresas internacionais, especialmente dos setores do vestuário e do têxtil. Na vertente diplomática, a UE tem que estar, com os parceiros que connosco partilham ideias e princípios, na vanguarda da vigilância à proteção dos direitos humanos das populações da China de Hong Kong e de Macau. Sobre Macau, como português, quero denunciar o desrespeito pelas disposições da Declaração Conjunta Sino-Portuguesa assinada em 1987. A exclusão de 21 candidatos da participação nas eleições legislativas de 12 de setembro, a maioria de movimentos pró-democracia, e as pressões sobre a comunicação social de Macau, para que siga linhas editoriais pró-China, são sinais perigosos que não respeitam o consagrado no Estatuto da Região Administrativa de Macau.Estes são alguns dos motivos que me levaram a votar este relatório favoravelmente.
Situation in Afghanistan (RC-B9-0455/2021, B9-0433/2021, B9-0453/2021, B9-0455/2021, B9-0458/2021, B9-0459/2021, B9-0460/2021, B9-0462/2021)
Deslocalização rápida e abrigo seguro para os parceiros afegãos; avaliação urgente, organização e distribuição de ajuda humanitária; definição de linhas vermelhas claras no que diz respeito ao respeito pelos direitos das mulheres e minorias. Diria que estes são os mínimos que se exigem à UE quando assistimos à catástrofe humanitária em curso no Afeganistão.Esta resolução, que naturalmente mereceu o meu voto, é ainda mais eloquente no que diz respeito às mulheres afegãs. Durante 20 anos conseguiram alguns direitos. Parcos direitos, mas uma evolução, há que reconhecer. Neste momento, todos os dias somos confrontados, repito, confrontados com sucessivas notícias de proibições de toda a ordem impostas às meninas e mulheres afegãs.Não. As meninas devem continuar a poder ir à escola. As mulheres devem ter acesso a cuidados de saúde e poder trabalhar e circular livremente. Os direitos das mulheres e meninas não são negociáveis para nós. Não são direitos negociáveis para o grupo S&D. Não devem ser direitos negociáveis para nenhum de nós.
Media freedom and further deterioration of the Rule of law in Poland (B9-0461/2021, B9-0463/2021)
Condeno veementemente a deterioração da liberdade de Imprensa e do Estado de Direito na Polónia.Há anos que se intensificam os "atropelos" aos mais elementares Direitos que alicerçam a UE, incluindo tentativas sucessivas de silenciamento e condicionamento de órgãos de comunicação social.É, pois, importante a iniciativa do PE de apelo à Comissão para que zele pelo cumprimento da Lei da Liberdade dos Meios de Comunicação Social e garanta ao mesmo tempo a implementação da Diretiva Serviços de Comunicação Social Audiovisual.A UE não pode pactuar com esta situação.Os polacos não podem, nem merecem, que fiquemos de "braços cruzados".
The future of EU-US relations (A9-0250/2021 - Tonino Picula)
EUA, o nosso parceiro do outro lado do Atlântico.Foi aprovado, com o contributo do meu voto, o relatório sobre o estado da parceria UE-EUA.Os EUA são, sem dúvida, o nosso parceiro mais próximo e importante, sendo absolutamente certo que a eleição de Joe Biden permitiu recuperar a normalidade nas relações transatlânticas e trazer os EUA de volta ao diálogo multilateral.Mas a UE tem também de encarar o facto - como se viu na retirada do Afeganistão ou no acordo relativo a submarinos no Pacífico Sul – de os nossos interesses, por vezes, não serem coincidentes. Tem de estar unida na defesa dos seus valores e interesses para poder ser um ator central no cenário global.Tem de salvaguardar uma autonomia estratégica em matérias como a defesa e as relações económicas. Ao mesmo tempo, tem de se bater por posições convergentes, por exemplo em relação à China.O PE, ao colocar as relações UE-EUA nestes termos, posiciona-se na medida justa de quem quer uma «parceria transatlântica, com dois blocos a trabalharem em conjunto como parceiros iguais».
Banking Union - annual report 2020 (A9-0256/2021 - Danuta Maria Hübner)
Há anos que o Parlamento Europeu pede a conclusão da União Bancária.Apesar de a crise financeira ter ocorrido há mais de uma década, ainda não foi possível criar o Sistema Europeu de Seguro de Depósitos, um pilar fundamental para garantir a estabilidade do sistema financeiro e, consequentemente, da economia europeia. Avançar nesta matéria vai permitir, em particular, melhor proteger os cidadãos contra crises bancárias, aumentando a confiança dos depositantes e investidores. Todos os Estados-Membros têm a ganhar com isso.Votei favoravelmente porque o relatório é tanto um lembrete desta importante lacuna como uma renovação do nosso compromisso político, enquanto Parlamento Europeu, em entregar resultados.
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (A9-0245/2021 - Aurore Lalucq)
A luta contra a evasão e a elisão fiscais tem de começar em casa, com os Estados-Membros a liderar com bons exemplos.Infelizmente, nos últimos anos, em vez de trabalhar em conjunto para melhorar as condições de todos, os países da UE têm participado num jogo de soma zero - a corrida fiscal para o fundo. Para corrigir isso, é fundamental implementar rapidamente o acordo G20/OCDE e estabelecer uma taxa mínima efetiva de imposto sobre as multinacionais, mas também reforçar a transparência e os critérios da lista de paraísos fiscais da UE.Os trabalhadores, as famílias e as pequenas empresas não podem estar sempre a carregar o fardo deixado por aqueles que não pagam a sua parte justa dos impostos. Este relatório reconhece-o e avança com medidas para melhorar a situação.Merece o meu voto favorável.
The situation in Belarus after one year of protests and their violent repression (RC-B9-0482/2021, B9-0482/2021, B9-0483/2021, B9-0485/2021, B9-0488/2021, B9-0494/2021, B9-0496/2021)
Mais uma resolução do Parlamento Europeu sobre a situação na Bielorrússia. Uma vez mais, manifestamos a nossa solidariedade com o povo da Bielorrússia, que continua sujeito a uma política de violência e repressão. Os bielorrussos merecem viver numa sociedade livre, democrática e próspera. No entanto, os abusos de poder e as violações de direitos humanos transformaram o regime de Lukashenko num regime corrupto e impopular não só junto da população, mas também no mundo inteiro.O Presidente bielorusso ultrapassou todos os limites, com o contrabando intencional de migrantes com objetivos políticos.A UE deve agir urgentemente, reforçando e alargando as sanções contra todos os responsáveis pelo contrabando organizado pelo regime. É, claramente, necessária uma ação adicional do lado da UE e da comunidade internacional. A UE deve ser firme na defesa dos valores europeus e das suas próprias fronteiras.
The situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU (A9-0283/2021 - Monica Semedo)
A pandemia agravou de forma dramática as condições de trabalho e os rendimentos dos que trabalham na cultura. Em 2020, todos os setores das indústrias culturais e criativas registaram enormes perdas. Música e artes do espetáculo perderam entre 75% e 90%. Podemos estar a falar de mais de 199 mil milhões de euros de perdas.São, portanto, dramáticos os dados que constam do relatório sobre a situação dos artistas e a recuperação cultural na UE. Por isso aprovámos propor a criação do "Estatuto Europeu do Artista", que permitirá intervir numa série de dimensões essenciais para a recuperação do setor.Por exemplo, medidas destinadas a facilitar a mobilidade transfronteiriça dos trabalhadores da cultura, a revisão de matérias fiscais de proteção e social, paralelamente à criação de programas específicos para jovens criadores e inovadores com um maior reconhecimento das competências, das qualificações e dos diplomas nos domínios da cultura e da criação.É certo que, para além da pandemia, existem outras dificuldades para o setor da cultura que resultam da prevalência das plataformas digitais e do modelo comercial a elas associado, que muito penalizam artistas e criadores.Mas também é certo que nada fazer não é opção.
EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation (A9-0265/2021 - Charlie Weimers)
Com o meu voto, o PE aprovou um relatório que defende que se intensifique a relação entre a EU e Taiwan. Esta tomada de posição é tão mais importante quando verificamos recentemente, com preocupação, tensões, movimentações militares e uma "violação sem precendentes" do espaço aéreo de Taiwan por parte da China.Não há lugar a meias palavras: a democracia e a segurança de Taiwan não podem ser postas em causa.
UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK (COP26) (B9-0521/2021)
Assistimos, durante e por causa da pandemia, a uma diminuição ligeira das emissões de CO2. Mas, ainda assim, sem restrições à escala planetária, a temperatura média subirá 3,2 ºC.Será uma catástrofe.Sejamos justos, a UE, ainda antes dos Acordos de Paris, tem estado na vanguarda da luta contra as alterações climáticas.Em julho, entrou em vigor a Lei Europeia do Clima depois de um acordo alcançado entre o PE e a Presidência portuguesa do Conselho que aponta para a neutralidade climática e para a redução das emissões líquidas de gases com efeito de estufa em, pelo menos, 55% até 2030.A Conferência de Glasgow é mais uma oportunidade para fazermos caminho.No texto que contribui para ser aprovado, o PE insta todos os países do G20 a assumirem um papel de liderança no reforço da ambição climática e a comprometerem-se a alcançar a neutralidade climática, o mais tardar, até 2050.Não há tempo a perder.
Pandora Papers: implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (B9-0527/2021, RC B9-0530/2021, B9-0530/2021, B9-0531/202)
É com uma surpresa e uma indignação cada vez menor que os cidadãos reagem a revelações como as dos Pandora Papers. Convenhamos, são sinais que nos devem preocupar. Quando olhamos com alguma normalidade para estes fenómenos é porque algo não está bem. Mas não nos iludamos com o impacto com que estas notícias atingem a opinião pública.O facto de atuais e antigos políticos da UE serem mencionados nos Pandora Papers por alegadas ligações a negócios offshore , é devastador. Temos de responder rapidamente a esta realidade. Autoridades nacionais e respetivas administrações fiscais, têm que investigar as irregularidades reveladas nos Pandora Papers.Os Estados-Membros e a Comissão têm que intensificar os esforços para identificar e partilhar informações sobre os beneficiários efetivos que lucram com empresas fictícias e recuperar o atraso na transposição e aplicação das regras destinadas a combater o branqueamento. O PE deve pedir à Comissão que avance com processos por infração. É o mínimo que se espera de nós.
The Rule of law crisis in Poland and the primacy of EU law (B9-0532/2021, B9-0533/2021, B9-0539/2021)
Lamento profundamente a decisão do Tribunal Constitucional da Polónia, que não goza da independência política que é devida em todos os tribunais. A decisão representa “um ataque à comunidade de valores e leis europeias no seu conjunto”.Votei favoravelmente esta resolução, concordando com a posição clara, nela expressa, de que o dinheiro dos contribuintes europeus não deve ser dado a governos que comprometam de forma flagrante, deliberada e sistemática os valores europeus.
European Union Agency for Asylum (A8-0392/2016 - Elena Yoncheva)
O Parlamento Europeu (PE) aprovou o acordo, alcançado durante a presidência portuguesa do Conselho, sobre a agência da UE que prestará apoio aos Estados-Membros no tratamento dos pedidos de asilo.O regulamento sobre a agência da UE que prestará apoio aos Estados-Membros no tratamento dos pedidos de asilo tem um propósito nobre e simples: melhorar a aplicação da política de asilo na UE, área em que certamente a UE tem de fazer mais.Facilitada passará também a estar a cooperação com países terceiros.Votei por isso a favor deste regulamento.
Strengthening democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU (A9-0292/2021 - Tiemo Wölken, Roberta Metsola)
O fenómeno é preocupante e infelizmente existem Estados-Membros com este tipo de práticas: ações judiciais intimidatórias contra jornalistas que trabalham casos de interesse público, muitas vezes de corrupção.São processos de desgaste pessoal, muitas vezes financeiramente devastadores para quem não dispõe de meios para sequer fazer face às despesas judiciais, que têm o objetivo de exercer pressão psicológica, desacreditar profissionalmente e, por fim, mas não menos relevante, consumir recursos financeiros dos visados com pedidos de indemnização absurdos.O PE aprovou um relatório que defende a necessidade de serem adotadas medidas legislativas e outras iniciativas para combater ações judiciais estratégicas que mais não pretendem que silenciar as vozes críticas.Deste relatório, que votei favoravelmente, surgem algumas propostas concretas: um quadro jurídico ambicioso na futura proposta de Lei Europeia da Liberdade dos Meios de Comunicação Social (deverá ser apresentada pela Comissão em 2022); regras para assegurar que estas ações judiciais possam ser arquivadas pelos tribunais numa fase precoce, com base em critérios objetivos; aplicação de sanções eficazes; criação de um fundo específico para prestar apoio financeiro e psicológico às vítimas deste tipo de ações abusivas.
The first anniversary of the de facto abortion ban in Poland (B9-0543/2021, B9-0544/2021)
A resolução que o PE aprovou sobre a decisão tomada pelo Tribunal Constitucional da Polónia, há um ano, sobre o aborto, refere-se ao risco para a saúde e para a vida das mulheres. Mas é também sobre os direitos das mulheres.Em setembro, uma mulher polaca, de 30 anos, morreu de choque séptico pelo facto de os médicos não terem efetuado um aborto que lhe salvaria a vida, aguardando, em vez disso, a morte do feto no útero.Um desfecho trágico, inaceitável no Século XXI e que não respeita os direitos fundamentais que regem a UE.Esta situação junta-se aos relatos recentes e sistemáticos de uma série de outras violações dos direitos das mulheres na Polónia.A resolução considera que “o acórdão sobre o aborto é mais um exemplo do controlo político do poder judicial e do colapso sistémico do Estado de direito na Polónia” e acrescenta: "que nem mais uma mulher morra" devido a esta lei.Mereceu naturalmente o meu voto convicto.
EU sports policy: assessment and possible ways forward (A9-0318/2021 - Tomasz Frankowski)
Aprovado por uma esmagadora maioria de Deputados, o relatório sobre a política desportiva da UE reafirma um modelo desportivo europeu baseado na solidariedade, sustentabilidade e inclusão de todos.E acrescenta o texto do relatório que a concorrência aberta, o mérito desportivo e a equidade não são compatíveis com “competições dissidentes” que põem em causa estes princípios e colocam em risco a estabilidade do desportivo em geral, ao mesmo tempo que expressa a necessidade de um equilíbrio entre o desporto profissional e os interesses comerciais.As funções sociais do desporto têm de ser aprofundadas, ao mesmo tempo que é fundamental reforçar as ligações entre o desporto de base e o desporto de elite.Por todos estes motivos votei favoravelmente este relatório, com a certeza de que no desporto não pode haver lugar apenas para clubes e espetadores ricos.
A Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe (A9-0317/2021 - Dolors Montserrat)
Um dos pilares da «União Europeia da Saúde» é a nova estratégia farmacêutica da UE, que deveremos ficar a conhecer em 2022.O relatório da Comissão parlamentar do Ambiente e da Saúde Pública levanta questões como o acesso a medicamentos, os preços, as cadeias de abastecimento, a contratação pública, o apoio à investigação, a inovação e a sustentabilidade da indústria farmacêutica.Mas aborda também a autonomia estratégica da UE, a segurança e a diversificação das cadeias de abastecimento de medicamentos e produtos farmacêuticos essenciais, incluindo unidades de produção europeias, bem como a aplicação de normas de contratação pública que não considerem o preço como o único critério.São aspetos fundamentais.E há ainda os ensinamentos que resulta do que aprendemos no «combate» à pandemia de COVID-19: os contratos públicos conjuntos, celebrados pela Comissão e pelos Estados-Membros, que devem ser adotados não apenas em situações de emergência.Naturalmente, votei a favor.
Legal migration policy and law (A9-0314/2021 - Abir Al-Sahlani)
A Europa está confrontada com importantes desafios demográficos.Uma das dimensões destes desafios resulta das evidentes necessidades do mercado de trabalho.Nesse sentido, o PE aprovou um relatório com uma série de propostas para facilitar e promover a entrada e a mobilidade na UE de migrantes que já tenham autorização de trabalho ou que se candidatem legalmente a um emprego.Uma das propostas concretas deste relatório, que mereceu o meu voto favorável, é a redução do número de anos necessários para a obtenção do «título UE de residência de longa duração» de cinco para três anos.Cabe agora à Comissão Europeia entregar propostas concretas que facilitem e regulamentem a admissão de migrantes legais na UE.
Introduction of a European Social Security pass for improving the digital enforcement of social security rights and fair mobility (B9-0551/2021)
Proteger os trabalhadores móveis e respetivos direitos, prevenir práticas desleais como abusos e a fraude à segurança social e combater o trabalho não declarado.Estas são algumas das garantias que se pretende obter com a criação de um passaporte europeu de segurança social, uma proposta que o PE votou, solicitando à CE que legisle nesta matéria.Votei favoravelmente esta resolução porque estou convencido que irá beneficiar trabalhadores móveis, empresas que cumprem as suas obrigações, sindicatos e as autoridades nacionais, como as inspeções do trabalho e da segurança social.Este deverá ser mais um passo para consolidarmos o Pilar Europeu dos Direitos Sociais.
Combating gender-based violence: cyberviolence (A9-0338/2021 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Sylwia Spurek)
O Parlamento Europeu (PE) aprovou, com o meu voto favorável, um relatório de iniciativa que "desafia" a Comissão Europeia (CE) a legislar de forma a criar regras mínimas e uniformes de combate à ciberviolência de género.A necessidade desta diretiva é ainda mais urgente depois de sabermos que, de acordo com números fornecidos pelo Instituto para a Igualdade de Género, sete em cada dez mulheres já foram vítimas de ciberperseguição, realidade que aumentou durante a pandemia de COVID-19.Neste período, uma maior utilização da Internet ditou um aumento, sob diversas formas, da violência de género, algo que, segundo os especialistas, rapidamente pode transformar-se em violência física.Este normativo legal, que a CE informou prever apresentar em março de 2022, deverá uniformizar a legislação em vigor em alguns Estados-Membros, alargando-a a todas as formas de ciberviolência.
Digital Markets Act (A9-0332/2021 - Andreas Schwab)
O Parlamento Europeu (PE) aprovou a proposta relativa aos mercados digitais, que estabelece obrigações e proibições para as grandes plataformas em linha, dando assim um passo essencial para uma regulação e um escrutínio efetivo de todo o setor.A proposta de regulamento relativo aos mercados digitais, que estabelece obrigações e proibições para as grandes plataformas digitais, foi aprovada com o meu voto favorável.Se o regulamento for aplicado, práticas comerciais desleais das grandes plataformas digitais vão poder investigadas pela Comissão Europeia (CE), que passará a ter capacidade de investigar e sancionar comportamentos desleais com que quase todos nós já fomos confrontados.Em concreto, debaixo da alçada da CE passam a estar serviços de intermediação em linha, redes sociais, motores de pesquisa, sistemas operativos, serviços de publicidade, computação em nuvem e plataformas de partilha de vídeos, que poderá aplicar coimas de valor não inferior a 4 % e não superior a 20 % do volume de negócios total a nível mundial (no exercício financeiro precedente).
Equality between women and men in the European Union in 2018-2020 (A9-0315/2021 - Sandra Pereira)
Votei favoravelmente o relatório da Deputada Sandra Pereira que propõe uma série de medidas destinadas a superar as desigualdades entre homens e mulheres.Tão relevantes quanto preocupantes são alguns dos dados que este relatório nos recorda.De acordo com o Instituto Europeu para a Igualdade de Género, a UE está pelo menos a 60 anos de alcançar a plena igualdade de género (índice por país).A disparidade salarial entre homens e mulheres persiste (14,1 %) e aumenta (29,5 %) quando falamos de pensões pagas na UE. Acresce a situação profissional das mulheres, com níveis de precariedade muito superiores às dos homens.Não tenhamos dúvidas em relação a uma das conclusões deste relatório: a igualdade de remuneração e de tratamento é uma condição essencial à igualdade de direitos, à independência económica e à realização profissional das mulheres.Não sejamos envergonhados nas palavras: quase todos parecem insurgir-se contra esta realidade, mas a verdade é que são cada vez mais urgentes e necessárias medidas concretas, políticas de emprego que eliminem discriminações no acesso ao trabalho e uma contratação coletiva que elimine definitivamente disparidades entre homens e mulheres e salvaguarde o equilíbrio entre a vida profissional e pessoal das mulheres, antes e depois da maternidade.
European Medicines Agency (A9-0216/2021 - Nicolás González Casares)
Está aprovado o acordo alcançado que vai garantir o reforço do papel da Agência Europeia de Medicamentos. A realidade com que estamos a ser confrontados com a pandemia permitiu demonstrar que, apesar das dificuldades, a União Europeia (UE) foi capaz dar uma resposta forte, firme e solidária.Mas também ficou visível a necessidade de investir na prevenção, preparação e gestão de crises sanitárias. Disse é exemplo o regulamento da Agência Europeia de Medicamentos, que deverá entrar em vigor dia 1 de março de 2022.Assegurar uma UE mais preparada para enfrentar crises sanitárias, capaz de prevenir e evitar a escassez de medicamentos ao mesmo tempo que assegura uma maior transparência de ensaios clínicos e de autorizações de comercialização de produtos farmacêuticos são algumas das vantagens deste novo regulamento.Se todos estes objetivos forem atingidos, a par da capacidade de informar a população de forma efetiva sobre a autorização de comercialização de novos medicamentos, ficará mais uma vez patente a capacidade da UE de responder de forma efetiva e solidária às realidades com que nos vamos confrontando.
Digital Services Act (A9-0356/2021 - Christel Schaldemose)
Neste mundo novo, global e digital, surgem todos os dias desafios e realidades com que somos permanentemente confrontados.A proposta legislativa dos serviços digitais dá ao Parlamento Europeu mandato para negociar com o Conselho um articulado que possa assegurar aos consumidores segurança ao adquirirem produtos em plataformas digitais, estabelecendo regras para combater os produtos, serviços e conteúdos ilegais, aumentando a transparência e a responsabilização das plataformas pelos algoritmos que utilizam.Regras digitais claras, capacidade de remoção de conteúdos não desejados pelos consumidores, especialmente publicidade, desinformação, acesso de menores, algoritmos aplicados de forma abusiva.Neste capítulo fundamental, ganha especial importância a transparência dos chamados «sistemas de recomendação» (algoritmos que determinam o que os utilizadores veem), com mecanismos capazes de prevenir a disseminação de conteúdos prejudiciais, mesmo que legais.O empenho da Presidência francesa nesta proposta legislativa permite-nos aspirar a ter o contributo dos Estados-Membros para adaptar a legislação europeia à realidade digital dos nossos dias.
Protection of animals during transport (Recommendation) (B9-0057/2022)
O Parlamento Europeu aprovou por larga maioria o relatório da Comissão de Inquérito que verificou a realidade do transporte de animais vivos e que nos apresentou um conjunto de conclusões e recomendações.É importante termos presente uma série de práticas verificadas no transporte de animais que é urgente corrigir: espaço disponível, animais que não se encontram em condições de serem transportados, sobrelotação, desidratação e falta de água, o transporte com temperaturas extremas, duração das viagens e falta de períodos de repouso.Verificada esta realidade, feito o diagnóstico, o regulamento relativo ao transporte de animais, em vigor há 15 anos, deve ser rapidamente alterado, adaptando-se à evolução da ciência e à cada vez maior preocupação dos cidadãos com o bem-estar dos animais, um verdadeiro um avanço civilizacional.Se não agirmos rapidamente não estaremos a fazer bem o nosso trabalho.
A European strategy for offshore renewable energy (A9-0339/2021 - Morten Petersen)
O PE aprovou um relatório destinado a acelerar a implantação da energia eólica marítima, reforçando, assim, mais uma vertente do combate às alterações climáticas.Alertando para a necessidade de incluir na exploração desta energia limpa as posições de todas as partes interessadas, nomeadamente as comunidades costeiras, este relatório, que votei favoravelmente, chama a atenção para a deficiente exploração de zonas do Atlântico, Mediterrâneo, Báltico ou o mar Negro, por contraponto com uma exploração mais avançada no mar do Norte, líder mundial de capacidade instalada de energia eólica.O relatório admite que até 2050 a implantação de energia de fontes renováveis ao largo "obrigue" a um investimento de quase 800 mil milhões de euros (dois terços para financiar a infraestrutura, um terço para a produção de eletricidade ao largo), desafiando que parte deste investimento possa ser mobilizado por via do NextGenerationEU, ao mesmo tempo que alerta para a importância de aplicar fundos da UE no desenvolvimento da energia de fontes renováveis ao largo nos territórios ultraperiféricos e insulares, reduzindo a natural dependência destas zonas dos combustíveis fósseis.
Implementation of the Toy Safety Directive (A9-0349/2021 - Brando Benifei)
A quase unanimidade do PE estabeleceu, por via da votação do relatório da diretiva da UE sobre segurança dos brinquedos, uma série de medidas destinadas a reforçar a legislação em vigor, suprimindo algumas lacunas.Em causa estão, por um lado questões como a proteção das crianças contra substâncias químicas perigosas e os desafios colocados pelas novas tecnologias incorporadas nos brinquedos e, por outro, a fiscalização do mercado.Neste caso, está identificado o problema que reside no facto de alguns dos fabricantes de fora da UE venderem produtos que não cumprem a legislação da UE.Muito a propósito, o relatório solicita à Comissão e aos Estados-Membros medidas reforçadas que assegurem que todos os brinquedos colocados no mercado europeu cumpram esta diretiva, independentemente do seu local de fabrico, chamando, ao mesmo tempo, a atenção para a utilização de novas tecnologias (rotulagem eletrónica, inteligência artificial, por exemplo) passíveis, especialmente em brinquedos conectados, de colocarem questões de cibersegurança.
Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer (A9-0001/2022 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
Depois de um trabalho denso da Comissão Especial sobre a Luta contra o Cancro, o PE aprovou um conjunto de recomendações que dotam a UE de novos instrumentos capazes de efetuar um combate mais eficaz contra esta doença.Abordando diversos fatores de risco, ambientais, comportamentais e profissionais, as necessidades de rever o acesso transfronteiriço dos doentes a comparticipações de cuidados médicos e a medicamentos, o PE fez um bom trabalho que se impunha, adaptando o combate a esta terrível doença às novas realidades científicas e à vida concreta das pessoas.As recomendações agora aprovadas por larga maioria incluem também abordagens globais aos grandes fatores de risco desta doença, sugerindo o financiamento de programas que incentivem as pessoas a deixar de fumar e a prevenir os efeitos nocivos do álcool, ao mesmo tempo que desafiam os Estados-Membros a permitirem que os consumidores possam fazer escolhas informadas e saudáveis de produtos alimentares, através de uma rotulagem obrigatória e harmonizada das embalagens.
Empowering European youth: post-pandemic employment and social recovery (B9-0091/2022)
No Ano Europeu da Juventude, foi votada a resolução que pretende criar a Garantia para a Juventude.O objetivo é reduzir o desemprego de longa duração e o desemprego dos jovens em, pelo menos, 50% até 2030.Ao mesmo tempo que expressa claramente uma oposição aos estágios não remunerados, a Garantia para a Juventude propõe medidas ativas destinadas a jovens que não trabalham, não estudam, não seguem qualquer formação e são oriundos de meios socioeconómicos desfavorecidos (portadores de deficiência, os jovens LGBTIQ+ e os jovens ciganos).Esta resolução desafia ainda os Estados-Membros a incluírem nos respetivos Mecanismos de Recuperação e Resiliência programas complementares da UE, como a Garantia da Juventude reforçada e a Garantia Europeia para a Infância, que assegurem um efetivo investimento na promoção de competências, educação, formação e integração no mercado de trabalho dos jovens.
Russian aggression against Ukraine (B9-0123/2022)
Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU (A9-0022/2022 - Sandra Kalniete)
Votei favoravelmente as recomendações da Comissão Especial sobre a ingerência estrangeira e a desinformação (INGE) nos processos democráticos da UE.A Comissão INGE, sem «meias palavras», preparou uma série de recomendações com vista ao reforço das capacidades da UE em matéria de cibersegurança e ciberataques de variadas proveniências e diferentes características: atenção especial e eventuais sanções a países mal-intencionados e autoritários, como a Rússia, contra os quais existem fortes suspeitas de manipulação de informações atentatórias das liberdades e da democracia, bem como sanções contra autores e difusores de campanhas de desinformação.
European Withholding Tax framework (A9-0011/2022 - Pedro Marques)
Foi com natural satisfação que me juntei aos 90 % de deputados que aprovaram o relatório que tive oportunidade de apresentar ao PE sobre o Quadro Europeu para Retenção na Fonte.Este documento pretende dar resposta em duas dimensões distintas: combater a evasão, a elisão e a fraude fiscais e, ao mesmo tempo, harmonizar regras e reduzir a burocracia dos investimentos transfronteiriços.É consensual que um sistema fiscal simples, coerente e justo é um poderoso fator de reforço da competitividade da União Europeia (UE). Mas também é consensual que a perda estimada de receita fiscal dos 27 Estados-Membros ascende a muitos milhares de milhões de euros.Com a votação deste relatório, o Parlamento Europeu reconhece que existem lacunas graves neste setor e, ao mesmo tempo, apoia a implementação de uma tributação efetiva dos pagamentos (dividendos, juros e royalties ) com origem nos Estados-Membros, sustentando assim uma futura obrigatoriedade de esses fluxos financeiros serem taxados dentro da UE antes de serem transferidos para países terceiros.
Refugees in Europe: CARE (C9-0057/2022)
150 milhões de euros é o valor da assistência financeira à Moldávia (120 milhões em empréstimos e 30 em subvenções) que o PE agora aprovou, também com o meu voto.Além da pandemia de COVID-19, a Moldávia está confrontada com a recente crise do gás e com várias insuficiências em diversos setores (capacidade administrativa limitada, a necessidade de uma melhor governação e de uma luta efetiva contra a corrupção).Acresce a este quadro o facto de fazer fronteira com a Ucrânia, o que faz do país um dos principais destinos dos refugiados que fogem da guerra no país. Precisa do apoio da UE e, por isso, votei favoravelmente.
Macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova (A9-0043/2022 - Markéta Gregorová)
150 milhões de euros é o valor da assistência financeira à Moldávia (120 milhões em empréstimos e 30 em subvenções) que o PE agora aprovou, também com o meu voto.Depois da situação da pandemia de COVID 19, a Moldávia está confrontada com a recente crise do gás, com várias insuficiências em diversos setores (capacidade administrativa limitada, necessidade de uma melhor governação e de uma luta efetiva contra a corrupção).Acresce a este quadro o facto de fazer fronteira com a Ucrânia, o que faz do país um dos principais destinos dos refugiados que fogem da guerra naquele país, o que permite a aplicação da Política Europeia de Vizinhança.
Need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (RC-B9-0160/2022, B9-0160/2022, B9-0162/2022, B9-0163/2022, B9-0164/2022, B9-0165/2022, B9-0166/2022, B9-0167/2022)
O apoio à Ucrânia, por um lado, e a capacidade de resposta às consequências da guerra têm que se traduzir em atos concretos.Por isso, apoiei a resolução que recomenda acionar o Mecanismo de Proteção Civil da UE, especialmente em termos de ajuda humanitária, alimentar e dar abrigo a todos os que fogem da guerra no país.Se assim for, a UE terá um plano de ação capaz de assegurar, por exemplo, as cadeias de abastecimento, recorrendo a "corredores alimentares" por via marítima, ferroviária ou rodoviária.Esta resolução aponta ainda para um acelerar de medidas de impacto que possam ser aplicadas durante o ano de transição da Política Agrícola Comum (PAC), já que estamos perante uma enorme turbulência no setor, resultado do aumento de todos os fatores de produção, ao mesmo tempo que se assiste a uma escassez de matérias essenciais que podem fazer perigar as colheitas de 2022, colocando em causa a segurança alimentar da UE.
The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (B9-0219/2022)
Fui um dos Deputados que, naturalmente, votou sem qualquer dúvida a resolução para a condenação das diversas formas de violência que estão a ser exercida sobre as mulheres ucranianas.À violência da guerra somam-se relatos de tráfico de seres humanos, violência sexual, exploração e abuso enfrentados por mulheres e crianças em fuga da Ucrânia.Proteger, acolher e integrar estas pessoas é uma obrigação dos Estados-Membros e da UE.Perseguir, identificar e processar os responsáveis por qualquer destes crimes, também.
Impact of Russian illegal war of aggression against Ukraine on the EU transport and tourism sectors (B9-0223/2022)
Aprovámos uma resolução chamando a atenção para os danos que a guerra na Ucrânia está a provocar nos transportes e no turismo.Se, por causa da pandemia, já tinham sido devastadores os prejuízos registados nestes dois setores, agora são diversas dimensões das consequências da guerra que nos obrigam a pensar em formas de apoiar, em primeiro lugar, os países mais afetados.Se é verdade que o "disparo" dos custos dos combustíveis e da energia provocam só por si danos terríveis às empresas de transporte, a guerra ainda incapacita muitas empresas de operarem, por constrangimentos de segurança ou simplesmente por falta de passageiros (uma guerra é um poderoso dissuasor quando se pensa em fazer turismo).Cumpre-nos contribuir para amenizar mais este dano provocado pela guerra na Ucrânia.
Minimum level of taxation for multinational groups (A9-0140/2022 - Aurore Lalucq)
O acordo global para a tributação mínima de multinacionais, negociado a nível da OCDE por mais de 130 países, é um passo no sentido certo.A falta de salvaguardas perante a concorrência fiscal tem pressionado os Estados a competir entre si, uma tendência que beneficia, em particular, os contribuintes com maior poder económico e mais recursos técnicos para recorrer ao planeamento fiscal agressivo. Esta medida não resolve tudo, mas estabelece um princípio positivo que, na prática, garante a aplicação de uma taxa mínima de 15% sobre os lucros das multinacionais.Nesse sentido, esta diretiva merece todo o meu apoio – sem esquecer, no entanto, que se deve tratar de um primeiro passo na contenda por mais justiça fiscal, e nunca um ponto final nesta matéria.Agora, o acordo deve ser rapidamente transposto pelos 27 Estados-Membros da UE para garantir uma implementação harmonizada e, consequentemente, a sua eficácia.
Adequate minimum wages in the European Union (A9-0325/2021 - Dennis Radtke, Agnes Jongerius)
Apesar de a fixação do salário mínimo continuar a ser uma competência nacional, esta legislação estabelece um quadro geral para assegurar que em toda a Europa existem salários mínimos dignos. Alicerçado na aprovação da nova legislação sobre salários mínimos, o Parlamento Europeu dá uma série de passos importantes, garantindo, por exemplo, que nos países com menos de 80% de trabalhadores abrangidos pela negociação coletiva haverá lugar a planos de ação que façam aumentar as respetivas percentagens, ao mesmo tempo que do lado da fiscalização obriga os Estados-Membros a um acompanhamento fiável, controlos e inspeções que assegurem o cumprimento das boas normas em paralelo com o combate à subcontratação ilegal, aos «falsos recibos verdes» e às horas extraordinárias.Esta nova legislação, que naturalmente votei favoravelmente, deverá ser formalmente aprovada pelo Conselho ainda este mês, estando os países obrigados a implementar a diretiva nos próximos dois anos.
Renewable Energy Directive (A9-0208/2022 - Markus Pieper)
A poupança de energia e um recurso cada vez maior às renováveis ganhou, pelos piores motivos, uma enorme centralidade na política europeia e na atenção dos cidadãos.Para sermos justos, cumpre-nos lembrar que a União Europeia não despertou para estas questões apenas depois de ter começado a guerra na Ucrânia.Exemplo disso são as metas definidas no "Objetivo 55" e no "RepowerEU", que ganham agora uma dimensão ainda mais relevante.A decisão do Parlamento Europeu de aprovar diretivas que pretendem, respetivamente, reforçar até 45% o uso de energias renováveis e reduzir em 40% o consumo de energia até 2030 são dois passos intermédios, mas relevantes, no combate que temos de travar contra as alterações climáticas, independentemente da conjuntura energética difícil que neste momento a Europa vive.Por isso mesmo, votei favoravelmente estas duas diretivas.
The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area (B9-0462/2022, B9-0463/2022)
A recomendação é antiga: a Roménia e a Bulgária devem aderir de imediato ao espaço Schengen.Os dois países cumprem os critérios para que esta decisão seja implementada, o que não acontece por incapacidade do Conselho em conseguir a unanimidade necessária para formalizar a recomendação que o Parlamento Europeu reconfirmou.Juntei-me assim à larga maioria de Deputados que entendem que o Conselho deve decidir a entrada destes dois países no espaço Schengen até ao fim de 2022.
The Rule of Law in Malta, five years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia (B9-0470/2022, B9-0471/2022)
Daphne Caruana Galizia foi assassinada há cinco anos.O atual primeiro-ministro de Malta, Robert Abela, já pediu desculpas públicas por eventuais responsabilidades do Estado em ter contribuído para o que sucedeu. O governo apresentou reformas, foram alterados procedimentos antigos do sistema de justiça, os processos judiciais evoluíram, mas mantém-se o sentimento de insatisfação pelo facto do desfecho deste caso dramático não ter sido levado até às últimas consequências.Ao assinalar este acontecimento, o Parlamento Europeu expressa uma série de preocupações, que acompanho, pelo que votei favoravelmente.
UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (B9-0461/2022)
A Conferência das Nações Unidas sobre as Alterações Climáticas (COP27), terá lugar no Egito, de 6 a 18 de novembro.O Parlamento Europeu aprovou uma resolução, que votei favoravelmente, onde se considera que as crises do clima e da biodiversidade são dos desafios mais importantes que a humanidade enfrenta.Sinal de preocupação ainda maior resulta do que podemos ler nas conclusões do relatório de 2021 do PNUA sobre o desfasamento em termos de emissões, que nos «diz» que mesmo que as metas climáticas nacionais mais ambiciosas para 2030 sejam aplicadas, seremos confrontados com um aumento da temperatura de 2,7 °C, muito acima dos objetivos do Acordo de Paris.É com esta realidade bem presente, que é necessário repetirmos sucessivamente, que a delegação do Parlamento Europeu participa na COP27.
The situation in Burkina Faso following the coup d’état (RC-B9-0464/2022, B9-0464/2022, B9-0465/2022, B9-0466/2022, B9-0467/2022, B9-0468/2022, B9-0469/2022)
A ordem constitucional no Burkina Fasso foi gravemente afetada com mais um golpe de Estado, o segundo no espaço de um ano.Assolado por ataques violentos de vária ordem e de várias proveniências, o povo tem sido sistematicamente impedido de exercer os mais elementares Direitos Cívicos e Políticos.Tal como a esmagadora maioria do Parlamento Europeu, também não tenho qualquer dúvida: no Burkina Fasso, tem de ser retomada a normalidade constitucional e a realização de eleições é um dos passos absolutamente fundamentais para que tal aconteça.
Distortive foreign subsidies (A9-0135/2022 - Christophe Hansen)
Como sabemos, a economia da UE é particularmente aberta: é um dos maiores blocos comerciais do mundo, representando 16 % do comércio mundial e, em 2021, recebeu 117 mil milhões de euros em investimento direto estrangeiro. Sendo uma economia aberta, está por isso especialmente sujeita a práticas que, se não merecerem a nossa atenção, facilmente potenciam fenómenos que distorcem fortemente a concorrência.Foi, por isso, que votei a favor do novo regulamento que dá luz verde a uma nova lei que, esperamos, ponha fim ao número crescente de casos de intervenção estrangeira para facilitar a aquisição de empresas da UE, influenciado decisões de investimento e distorcendo a concorrência.
REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans (A9-0260/2022 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Siegfried Mureşan, Dragoş Pîslaru)
Em resposta à crise da Covid-19, a UE criou um Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência.Ao aprovar uma proposta que obriga os países que apresentaram o PRR a incluírem medidas para poupar energia, produzir energia limpa e diversificar o abastecimento energético, estamos a dar um passo para melhorar esse importante instrumento.As prioridades são simples, claras e importantes: investimentos para combater a pobreza energética dos mais vulneráveis e apoio às PME e microempresas.Naturalmente, votei a favor.
Full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Croatia (A9-0264/2022 - Paulo Rangel)
Em 2018, o Parlamento Europeu declarou que a Croácia deveria ser admitida no espaço Schengen assim que preenchesse os critérios necessários.A Comissão e o Conselho confirmaram que a Croácia reúne todas as condições para fazer parte do espaço Schengen. O Parlamento Europeu concorda em absoluto.Resta, pois, concretizar a supressão dos controlos nas fronteiras internas entre o espaço Schengen e a Croácia e, como está expresso no relatório que aprovámos por larga maioria, esperar que o levantamento dos controlos nas fronteiras internas ocorra até ao final do ano.
Racial justice, non-discrimination and anti-racism in the EU (A9-0254/2022 - Evin Incir)
O racismo está a aumentar na Europa. São vários os sinais e os fenómenos com que somos confrontados: na Hungria, o primeiro-ministro Viktor Orbán fez um discurso criticando a “mistura” de raças europeias e não europeias. Repugnante.Na semana passada, em França, um parlamentar de extrema-direita foi suspenso da Assembleia Nacional depois de gritar “volte para a África” quando um deputado negro usava da palavra durante um debate sobre migração. Repugnante.Votei, naturalmente de forma favorável, o primeiro relatório antirracismo da história do Parlamento Europeu, e subscrevo integralmente o que disse a minha colega Evin Incir, autora do relatório: «o racismo está aumentar na União Europeia. Se não agirmos, daremos ao racismo um terreno fértil para crescer e se espalhar. O racismo não é uma opinião. É uma violação dos direitos humanos».
Resilience of critical entities (A9-0289/2021 - Michal Šimečka)
A anterior diretiva relativa às infraestruturas críticas apenas contemplava a energia e os transportes. Agora, o PE aprovou nova legislação para proteger mais eficazmente as infraestruturas essenciais da UE. Onze setores essenciais passam a estar abrangidos, incluindo infraestruturas digitais, água, alimentação e saúde. O propósito desta nova diretiva é reforçar a segurança das infraestruturas essenciais da UE, numa altura em que estão patentes os riscos que corremos.Evidentemente que fiz parte da larga maioria que aprovou esta diretiva.
Common fisheries policy (CFP): restrictions to the access to Union waters (A9-0206/2022 - Pierre Karleskind)
Foi aprovado por larguíssima maioria o prolongamento por mais dez anos das restrições existentes para embarcações da União Europeia que pescam em águas territoriais de outros Estados-membros.Os Estados-Membros tentam assim continuar a diminuir a pressão da pesca em algumas áreas e preservar as económicas locais e de pequena escala junto às costas.A manutenção do atual regime está assim assegurada até 1 de janeiro de 2032.Havendo a possibilidade de restrição nas 12 milhas náuticas, nas regiões ultraperiféricas da UE, como Açores e Madeira, aplica-se o raio de 100 milhas náuticas da costa para embarcações registadas nos portos destas regiões.Votei naturalmente a favor deste acordo.
System of own resources of the European Union (A9-0266/2022 - Valérie Hayer, José Manuel Fernandes)
É relevante a alteração à lei que rege as receitas da UE, a chamada «Decisão dos Recursos Próprios» votada pelo PE.Esta mudança vai permitir a introdução de três novas fontes de receitas: o comércio de licenças de emissão de gases com efeito de estufa (ETS); os recursos gerados pelo mecanismo de ajuste de carbono nas fronteiras da UE (CBAM); e uma parte dos lucros de grandes empresas multinacionais.É por concordar com os progressos que possam ser realizados em matéria de novos recursos próprios que votei favoravelmente.
'Macro-Financial Assistance+' instrument for providing support to Ukraine for 2023 (C9-0373/2022)
O Parlamento Europeu aprovou, com o meu voto favorável, um empréstimo de 18 mil milhões de euros à Ucrânia que deverá assegurar metade do financiamento mensal da Ucrânia.Se não existir uma alteração substancial da situação, esta verba permitirá a gestão de hospitais, escolas e realojamentos e a recuperação de infraestruturas destruídas pela Rússia.Em troca deste empréstimo, a Ucrânia fica obrigada a promover reformas para reforçar as instituições do país, preparando-o para a reconstrução. Medidas anticorrupção, reforma judicial, respeito pelo Estado de Direito, boa governação e modernização das instituições são outras das obrigações assumidas pela Ucrânia.Esta guerra é uma enorme desgraça.Haverá de acabar. Mas, até esse dia, apoiar a Ucrânia é uma obrigação da UE.
Non-recognition of Russian travel documents issued in occupied foreign regions (C9-0302/2022 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
Por maioria esmagadora, aprovámos o acordo com o Conselho que inviabiliza a utilização de passaportes emitidos pela Rússia nas regiões ucranianas ocupadas e nos chamados territórios separatistas da Geórgia, para efeitos de emissão de vistos ou de passagem das fronteiras externas da UE.É uma posição evidente, que quase não necessita ser explicada.Regiões tomadas ilegal e ilegitimamente, à força, não podem ter a faculdade de emitir passaportes ou documentos legais de identificação.Podem entrar na UE por razões humanitárias todos os que fogem da guerra.
Situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA world cup in Qatar (B9-0539/2022, B9-0541/2022, B9-0542/2022, B9-0543/2022, B9-0537/2022, RC-B9-0538/2022, B9-0538/2022)
A polémica sobre a escolha do Catar para sede do Mundial de Futebol chegou, naturalmente, ao Parlamento Europeu.Numa votação por braço no ar, a esmagadora maioria de nós condenou a escolha da FIFA, envolta em suspeitas de suborno e corrupção consideradas credíveis, lamentou a morte de milhares de trabalhadores migrantes, principalmente no sector da construção e criticou, de forma clara, as condições de trabalho praticadas no Catar.A FIFA não pode fazer de conta que estas realidades são subjetivas e deve agir em conformidade, garantindo, pelo menos, que serão pagas indemnizações justas pelas mortes que se verificaram.Também não passou em claro a discriminação a que são sujeitas as mulheres e as chamadas «minorias».Que o processo de escolha do Catar sirva de exemplo, especialmente para os países da UE.
Consumer protection in online video games: a European Single Market approach (A9-0300/2022 - Adriana Maldonado López)
Os jogos de vídeo são um agradável e legítimo entretenimento para muitos milhões de pessoas e resultam de uma indústria pioneira e fortemente inovadora. Mas são também terreno fértil para a dependência, especialmente dos jogadores mais jovens, para a proliferação de jogo a dinheiro (virtual e real) e para situações perigosas, tendo em conta a natural vulnerabilidade das crianças.É, por isso, necessário encontrar um justo equilíbrio entre a proteção dos jogadores de jogos de vídeo e a indústria.Proteção de dados, equilíbrio de género, segurança dos jogadores, não discriminação de pessoas com deficiência são áreas que o Parlamento Europeu entende deverem ser abordadas com toda a atenção.Fundamental e urgente para eliminar uma grande parte destas questões é a harmonização das regras da UE para este setor.Por estes motivos, votei a favor.
The establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine (RC-B9-0063/2023, B9-0063/2023, B9-0064/2023, B9-0068/2023, B9-0069/2023, B9-0072/2023)
Sem tibieza e sem hesitações de uma esmagadora maioria de eurodeputados, as atrocidades cometidas pelas forças russas na Ucrânia, para além de revelarem toda a brutalidade da guerra, deixam patente uma total ausência de respeito pelo Direito Internacional.É por isso que se justifica que a Ucrânia, a União Europeia e a comunidade internacional se juntem na defesa da criação de um Tribunal Internacional Especial que permita investigar e julgar a responsabilidade pelo crime de agressão à Ucrânia.
EU response to the protests and executions in Iran (RC-B9-0066/2023, B9-0062/2023, B9-0066/2023, B9-0067/2023, B9-0070/2023, B9-0079/2023, B9-0080/2023)
São sistemáticas as notícias que nos chegam do Irão a relatarem constantes violações dos direitos humanos, desrespeito pela dignidade, pelas aspirações democráticas e até pela vida dos iranianos.O Parlamento Europeu expressa, com esta resolução, a sua intransigente posição de defesa dos direitos humanos dos iranianos, que têm sido brutalmente reprimidos pelo regime e defende o alargamento das sanções a responsáveis políticos.Obviamente, não poderia deixar de votar a favor.
Transparency and targeting of political advertising (A9-0009/2023 - Sandro Gozi)
Foi com o meu voto a favor que o Parlamento Europeu fixou os princípios que os Estados-Membros devem adotar, para que possamos ter normas fixadas a tempo das eleições de 2024, dos quais destaco:Plataformas online proibidas de fazer microdirecionamento;Sanções adicionais por infrações e prazos mais curtos para a investigação de infrações;Proibição do financiamento da propaganda na União Europeia por entidades com sede em países terceiros;Proibição do uso de dados de menores.Tenho a convicção de que demos mais um passo para termos eleições mais justas, mais informadas e consequentemente mais democráticas.
Preparation of the EU-Ukraine Summit (RC-B9-0092/2023, B9-0092/2023, B9-0093/2023, B9-0094/2023, B9-0095/2023, B9-0096/2023)
A Cimeira UE-Ucrânia vai certamente ser mais um passo na caminhada solidária que fazemos lado a lado com a Ucrânia. Esta é a minha convicção partilhada pela esmagadora maioria do Parlamento Europeu.Há quase um ano, quando a Rússia invadiu a Ucrânia, era pouco expectável que a União Europeia pudesse estar absolutamente unida sobre qualquer assunto.Tenho a forte convicção de que uma das grandes surpresas com que a Rússia se viu confrontada foi com uma convergência da União Europeia (UE) - pouco habitual - na condenação, sem reservas ou tibiezas, desta guerra.Ao apoio político, económico, infraestrutural, financeiro e humanitário que tem recebido por via de um forte empenho de todos nós, devemos somar o fornecimento de armas e de assistência militar à Ucrânia. Temos que aprofundar, aumentar e acelerar as várias dimensões do nosso apoio à Ucrânia.Por estes motivos, não poderia deixar de votar a favor.
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) (A9-0163/2022 - Jessica Polfjärd)
Está dado mais um passo para que possamos atingir o «objetivo 55» em 2030.O novo Regulamento Partilha de Esforços fixa o nível máximo permitido nos Estados-Membros para as emissões de gases com efeito de estufa dos transportes, edifícios e agricultura até 2030 e prossegue a trajetória de redução de emissões de gases com efeito de estufa em, pelo menos, 55 % até 2030, em comparação com os níveis de 1990.Votei favoravelmente este Regulamento.
Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) (A9-0161/2022 - Ville Niinistö)
Está dado mais um passo para que possamos atingir o «objetivo 55 em 2030».Na trajetória de redução de emissões de gases com efeito de estufa em, pelo menos, 55 % até 2030, em comparação com os níveis de 1990, está dado mais um passo, com a aprovação de nova legislação que aumenta a meta dos sumidouros de carbono da UE no setor do uso do solo e florestas até 57 %.Os sumidouros naturais de carbono vão contribuir para tornar a UE o primeiro continente com impacto neutro no clima até 2050 e melhorar a biodiversidade, em consonância com o Pacto Ecológico Europeu.Votei a favor desta nova legislação.
Energy performance of buildings (recast) (A9-0033/2023 - Ciarán Cuffe)
Os edifícios na UE são responsáveis por 40 % do consumo de energia e por 36 % das emissões de gases com efeito de estufa.Aprovámos no Parlamento um projeto de medidas para aumentar a taxa de renovação e reduzir o consumo de energia nos edifícios.É mais um passo para que possamos atingir o «objetivo 55 em 2030», redução de emissões de gases com efeito de estufa em, pelo menos, 55 % até 2030, em comparação com os níveis de 1990.Genericamente, todos os edifícios novos devem ter emissões nulas a partir de 2028 (2026 para os operados por entidades públicas) e devem estar equipados com tecnologias de energia solar.Os edifícios residenciais sujeitos a grandes renovações têm até 2032 para garantir emissões nulas.Os Estados-Membros podem excluir destas normas edifícios classificados pelo seu especial valor arquitetónico ou histórico, edifícios técnicos, igrejas e locais de culto e habitação social pública.Votei favoravelmente este projeto.
The further repressions against the people of Belarus, in particular the cases of Andrzej Poczobut and Ales Bialiatski (B9-0163/2023, RC-B9-0164/2023, B9-0164/2023, B9-0165/2023, B9-0166/2023, B9-0167/2023, B9-0168/2023)
A Bielorrússia não é uma democracia.Estão presos por delitos políticos jornalistas, ativistas, opositores do regime, até o Nobel da Paz, Ales Bialiatski.A Bielorrússia é um regime fraudulento, cúmplice da Rússia e de práticas terroristas.Juntei o meu voto à esmagadora maioria dos deputados na aprovação de uma resolução que lamenta a não inclusão da Bielorrússia no 10.º pacote de sansões da UE contra a Rússia.
Adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion (B9-0099/2023, B9-0116/2023)
A crise social que vivemos, em grande parte resultante da guerra da Ucrânia, está a obrigar os países a recorrerem a instrumentos que combatam as consequências do brutal aumento do custo de vida. Um desses instrumentos é o rendimento mínimo.Em boa hora a Comissão Europeia propôs que este mecanismo de combate à pobreza e exclusão seja modernizado, tornando-o mais eficaz e acessível.Naturalmente votei favoravelmente esta resolução.
Energy efficiency (recast) (A9-0221/2022 - Niels Fuglsang)
A redução de 11,7 % no consumo de energia a nível da UE é o essencial da Diretiva de Eficiência Energética que acaba de fixar novos objetivos de poupança para 2030.Com esta nova Lei, que votei favoravelmente, o Parlamento Europeu demonstra que continua a agir no combater às alterações climáticas, ao mesmo tempo que reforça a segurança energética.Esta Diretiva aponta medidas de caráter local, regional e nacional, abarcando diferentes setores, particularmente o setor público. É também por isso que está fixada a meta de, pelo menos, 3% de edifícios públicos dos Estados-Membros a transformar, todos os anos, em edifícios com necessidades quase nulas de energia ou edifícios com emissões nulas.São decisões no sentido certo.
Ecodesign Regulation (A9-0218/2023 - Alessandra Moretti)
Num mundo onde tudo parece ser cada vez mais instantâneo, o Parlamento Europeu aprovou a sua posição sobre uma nova lei destinada a tornar os produtos mais sustentáveis e duradouros.O princípio é claro: os produtos devem durar mais tempo e a sua reparação, a sua atualização e a sua reciclagem devem ser facilitadas.Uma vida útil mais longa dos produtos e melhor informação para os consumidores são duas recomendações oportunas e acertadas deste relatório que votei favoravelmente.
Nature restoration (A9-0220/2023 - César Luena)
O Regulamento relativo à Restauração da Natureza foi aprovado. São boas notícias para a Europa, más notícias para a direita e para a extrema-direita do Parlamento Europeu, que o tentaram derrubar.Restaurar os ecossistemas para combater as alterações climáticas e a perda de biodiversidade;Reduzir os riscos para a segurança alimentar;Propor práticas ambientalmente sustentáveis na agricultura e nas pescas e mecanismos de regeneração de pelo menos 20 % das zonas terrestres e marítimas da UE;Tudo isto até 2030, tudo isto com o pressuposto de ter em conta as condições socioeconómicas existentes.Foi uma vitória da Europa e do planeta.
Establishment of the EU Ethics Body (RC-B9-0312/2023, B9-0312/2023, B9-0314/2023, B9-0315/2023, B9-0316/2023, B9-0317/2023)
As regras do Parlamento Europeu sobre transparência, integridade, responsabilização e luta contra a corrupção têm de ser reforçadas.Com a aprovação deste relatório, adotamos uma série de medidas de reforço das instituições, nomeadamente com o maior escrutínio da relação com as atividades de lóbi, bem como a revisão do Código de Conduta dos Deputados.Que sejam rapidamente postas em prática todas estas mudanças, pois defender a integridade do PE é também defender a democracia.
COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future (A9-0217/2023 - Dolors Montserrat)
Votei favoravelmente o relatório da Comissão Especial do Parlamento Europeu sobre a Pandemia de COVID-19.Este relatório, com o duplo objetivo de analisar o impacto da pandemia e de apontar recomendações destinadas a fazer face às insuficiências e lacunas que todos verificámos, assentou em quatro grandes temas de análise: saúde; democracia e direitos fundamentais; aspetos sociais e económicos; e a resposta mundial à pandemia.Esperemos que este meritório trabalho possa mesmo redundar num futuro Tratado Internacional sobre Pandemias.
Empowering consumers for the green transition (A9-0099/2023 - Biljana Borzan)
Quantas vezes já nos deparamos com informação enganosa, nomeadamente em rótulos que posteriormente verificamos estarem muito longe de corresponder à verdade ou que constituem mesmo mentiras grosseiras?Votei, por isso, favoravelmente uma diretiva destinada a tornar os rótulos dos produtos fiáveis, claros e certificados por organismos públicos, sem a possibilidade de se referirem ao impacto neutro, reduzido ou positivo no ambiente por via dos regimes de compensação de emissões.
Cultural diversity and the conditions for authors in the European music streaming market (A9-0388/2023 - Ibán García Del Blanco)
Os avanços tecnológicos têm consequências em todo o mundo, em todas as indústrias, em todas as dimensões das nossa vidas.Nas artes, a música sofreu um dos maiores impactos.A venda de CD transformou-se num mercado residual. Vivemos numa realidade nova em que dominam as plataformas digitais, algumas com capacidade para disponibilizarem 100 milhões de faixas musicais. O streaming representa 67 % da receita global do setor, estimada anualmente em mais de 22 mil milhões de dólares. A primeira e mais gravosa consequência desta realidade verifica-se nos ganhos dos autores, «obrigados» a aceitar remunerações baixas ou inexistentes em troca de visibilidade.Por tudo isto, esta resolução apela à UE para que obrigue as plataformas a terem práticas transparentes – algoritmos, mecanismos de recomendação, manipulação de números de transmissão, uso abusivo da imagem –, cuja ausência contribui para diminuir as receitas dos artistas.Obviamente, mereceu o meu voto favorável.
Extending the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime (A9-0377/2023 - Maite Pagazaurtundúa)
O radicalismo e a proliferação de uma extrema—direita cada vez mais populista trouxeram—nos um cada vez maior nível de crimes e discursos de ódio, baseados na cor da pele, religião, ascendência ou origem nacional ou étnica.Há dois anos a Comissão apresentou uma proposta para travar o aumento deste fenómeno na Europa.Do Conselho não nos chegou qualquer novidade.Votei, por isso, favoravelmente o relatório que procura garantir que o Conselho classifique o discurso e os crimes de ódio como infrações penais, havendo uma colaboração ativa do Parlamento Europeu na definição de penas e de sanções.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation (RC-B9-0068/2024, B9-0068/2024, B9-0069/2024, B9-0071/2024, B9-0073/2024, B9-0075/2024, B9-0077/2024)
A guerra Israel- Hamas é uma tragédia.O Hamas é um grupo terrorista que fez um ataque bárbaro.Mas Israel está a responder de forma absolutamente desproporcionada, gerando uma catástrofe humanitária. É por isso que é urgente um cessar fogo imediato.Votei favoravelmente a resolução porque, apesar de colocar condições ao cessar-fogo, o mais importante é que faz claramente esse apelo.
Written questions (23)
Damage from Hurricane 'Lorenzo' in the Autonomous Region of the Azores
VP/HR - Turkey/north-east Syria
Turkey/north-east Syria
2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework
Just Transition Fund
Bankruptcy of Thomas Cook
Banking Union
Deadline for institutions to comply with the relevant MREL requirements (1 January 2024)
Implementation issues related to the Platform to Business Regulation
EU and NATO military and defence relations
Legislation on online hate speech
Strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030
Digital Green Pass
Digital Green Pass
Support for the hotel sector
Combating child poverty
Ban on European citizens entering the UK
COP26
EU financial support to Palestinian non‑governmental organisations declared as terrorist organisations by Israel
Curbs on Hungary
Curbs on Hungary
Urgent review of financial assistance for Palestine announced by the Commission
Challenges for 2024
Amendments (2784)
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 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 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 4 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Global Health Strategy, adopted on 30 November 2022,
Amendment 9 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to Japan’s Global Health Strategy, launched in May 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
– having regard to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), released at the 34th ASEAN Summit, held in June 2019,
Amendment 13 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
– having regard to the Communiqué adopted by the health ministers of the G7 summit in Nagasaki, adopted on 14 May 2023,
Amendment 15 #
2023/2107(INI)
– having regard to the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 19 December 2022,
Amendment 27 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas it is of paramount importance for the EU to cooperate with Japan given the Indo-Pacific’s growing economic, demographic, and political weight and its geopolitically and geo- economically strategic position; whereas both, the EU and Japan, are confronted with similar socio-economics challenges, notably with regard to the ageing of population, gender equality, competitiveness vis a vis emerging markets, real wages’ decline, and dependency on imported raw materials and energy;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges the fundamental role of the EU-Japan economic partnership agreement and the EU-Japan SPA in the relationship; urges the remaining three EU Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the SPA; calls for the full implementation of both agreements; welcomes the development of an increasingly dense network of bilateral dialogues, consultations, memoranda and agreements with the annual EU-Japan Summit at the centre; welcomes also ever closer relations between Japan and individual EU Member States; underlines the meaning of multilateral trade-policy network and applauds Japans for its leading role in the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and also points to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and recommends the EU to seek close cooperation and, where possible, integration;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Observes with interest Japan’s efforts to promote a stable architecture in the Indo-Pacific, for instance through its participation in the Quad, its engagement with Pacific island states or the recent Camp David Agreement with Korea and the US; continues to note Japan’s concerns about North Korea; intends to corecalls that the EU and Japan maintainuously cooperate with Japan in order to oppose China’s aggressive policies toward only diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and maintain good relations with Taiwan in many areas; highlights the support for Taiwan to be involved in specific matters in international organisations wits neighbours; shares Japan’s positiohin the framework of the One-China policy; emphasises that a change of the status quo in thate Taiwan is an important partner and a precious friend; shares, furtherStrait must only take place by peaceful means and with mutual consent; underlines the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, as stated in the joint statement of the EU-Japan Summit on 13th of July 2023; fully shares, in this context, Japan’s high regard for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and reiterates the full support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality and to supporting the mainstreaming of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), contributing to the region’s stability, prosperity and sustainable development; welcomes the fact that some new vice- ministerial formats also include the EU (in groupings such as Japan/Australia/Korea/EU and Japan/Korea/US/EU); recalls the EU’s and Japan’s aim for constructive and stable relations with China, enabling a balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade and economic environment, which is based on transparency, predictability, sustainability, safe and fair business practices, and avoiding non-market policies and practices;
Amendment 89 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is grateful forStrongly appreciates the USD 7.6 billion of robust and unwavering support Japan is providing to Ukraine for its self- defence in Russia’s war of aggression; agrees with Japan that it is crucially important to promote the alignment of all international actors that support the UN principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity against imperialist revisionism or hegemonic coercion; expresses the EU’s clear commitment to supporting efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, and to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure and supports the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP);
Amendment 106 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note of the shift in Japan’s national security strategy, including a budget increase to 2 per cent of GDP; welcomes at the same time Japan's efforts to stabilising diplomatic relations with China in order to reduce friction and to leave room for economic cooperation and exchange on common interests; underlines the importance of being vigilant, while at the same time promoting peace and stability and contributing to de- escalation of tensions; continues to support Japan’s engagement for a world without nuclear weapons; calls for a comprehensive security partnership between the EU and Japan as the basis for enhanced consultations, common exercises, shared defence research and development and work on joint contingency planning for dangerous crises; welcomes Member States’ 2+2 dialogue formats with Japan; welcomes NATO’s Individual Tailored Partnership Programme with Japan, but regrets the fact that the opening of a NATO liaison office in Japan has been delayed; proposes the creation of an EU/NATO/AP4 (Japan/Korea/Australia/New Zealand) security dialogue format; encourages the European External Action Service to post a military attaché in Tokyo; would welcome the negotiation of an EU-Japan Framework Participation Agreement; is critical of the fact thatwelcomes the opportunity of an effective cooperation through the Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA) project is not very substantive; calls for enhanced maritime awareness cooperation on the basis of the Critical Maritime Routes Indian Ocean (CRIMARIO) initiative; insists onrecommends to including non-conventional security issues such disinformation, cyber, space and climate change, climate change, biodiversity loss, disaster risk reduction and response to humanitarian crises;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Shares the Japanese emphasis on economic security and welcomes its support for the de-risking paradigm; takes note, in this context, of the G7 Coordination Platform on Economic coercion; points out the huge relevance of international cooperation on governance and standardization of digital services and trade in digital goods, including binding international rules, in particular with view to data security, and in order to create fair competitive opportunities; welcomes in this context the EU-Japan Digital Partnership; values the G7 Framework for Collaboration on Digital Technology Standardisation, cooperation with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) on critical raw materials, the Industrial Policy Dialogue and the Hiroshima AI Process for responsible artificial intelligence (AI); regrets Japan’s reluctance to participate in Horizon Europe and supports the Council and the Commission in promoting this aim; believes that Japan joining Horizon Europe would be mutually beneficial, in particular with view to many common areas of research interest; underlines, that while there is a general interest for cross-border cooperation and research funding, Horizon Europe is often perceived as overly complicated; calls on the Commission to carry out consultation amongst stakeholders, including scientists and researchers on the one hand and participating third countries on the other, in order to propose a lean and more attractive version of Horizon Europe; welcomes the Communiqué that was adopted by the G7 health ministers on 13 and 14 May 2023 in Nagasaki; underlines that the document recognises the need for research into long Covid and calls for the EU and for Japan, also with view to Japan's and the EU's 2022 Global Health Strategies, to recognize post-acute infection syndromes such as long Covid, Post Vac and ME/CFS as public health crisis following infectious diseases and to collaborate on research for diagnostics and treatment;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Regrets the fact that the EU-Japan Green Alliance of 2021 still remains a largely unfulfilled promise; notes that Japan has committed to releasing water from the Fukushima power plant only on the basis of scientific standards, transparency and independent supervision; calls for the EU and Japan to support independent international scientists from different disciplines, to perform long-term monitoring and research on the impact of tritium from atomic plants that is released with wastewater into the sea, on humans, animals and eco-systems; hopes for a more proactive Japanese role on loss and damage, as well as climate finance, at the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 28); in this regard, points to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as climate and biodiversity protection are intrinsically linked;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the importance of bilateral cooperation and people-to-people contacts for sharing and comparing experiences on issues such as gender equality, an ageing society, new cultural developments or labour practises; values parliamentary exchanges and the human rights dialogue, where we can discuss the issue of death penalty; reiterates its total opposition to death penalty and regrets that it still exists in Japan; proposes the creation of an EU-Japan young leaders forum on global partnership; reiterates its concerns about parental child abduction; welcomes the Japanese government’s Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains of 2022 and welcomes its efforts to adopt legislation equivalent to the EU’s corporate sustainability due diligence directive in 2024;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the ECB Occasional Paper Series 'The Road to Paris: stress testing the transition towards a net-zero economy',
Amendment 2 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision on the prudential treatment of crypto-asset exposures, of 16 December 2022,
Amendment 3 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the ECB recommendation of 15 December 2020 on dividend distributions during the COVID- 19 pandemic,
Amendment 4 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 25 March 2021 on strengthening the international role of the euro,
Amendment 12 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Banking Union (BU), which currently encompasses the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Mechanism, needhas to be supplemencompleted by the creation of a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) in order to mitigate risk exposure of the financial sector;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas an agreement was reached in 2020 on the creation of a backstop for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), but has still not been implemented;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a completed BU would improve the competitiveness and stability of the banking sector and consumer choice and facilitate access to financing whilst ensuring that public funds are not used to bail out the banking sector;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a decade and a half after the financial crisis, banks are still ‘too big to fail’ and ‘too interconnected’ to fail;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas climate change, environmental degradation and the transition to a low-carbon economy are factors to be taken into account when assessing the sustainability of banks’ balance sheets, as a source of risk potentially impacting investments across regions and sectors;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas consumers of banking services should be better protected by granting them access to transparent fee structures, fair lending practices, and enhanced customer data protection;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the rise in interest rates has positively impacted the profit margins of banks but had also lead to a deterioration of the balance sheet of certain banks due to unrealised capital losses;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas EU legislators negotiated rules tothe EU should ensure timely, full and faithful implementation of Basel III standards in a way that preserves banks’ competitiveness and takes into account the specificities of the EU banking sector;
Amendment 64 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas risks stemming from interest rate hikes have been properly addressedhad a negative impact on the borrowing capacity of households and the capacity of borrowers to repay debt;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the completion of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) requires the establishment of common rules and effective tools to reduce internal market fragmentation and facilitate access to alternative financing;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights that the Banking Union remains an essential complement to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and therefore the internal market;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Encourages the use of profits to build buffers, thus safeguarding the stability of the financial system; notes that the temporary suspension of dividend distribution and share buy back was effective in safeguarding banks’ resilience during the COVID-19 crisis; calls for the introduction of a binding limitation of dividend distribution and buy back in times of crisis;
Amendment 102 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 110 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls the IMF's World Financial Stability Report published in April 2023, which identifies three possible sources of risk to the financial sector: these include the interconnection of Non- Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) with banks, the functioning of NBFI themselves, through a mismatch of liquidity, and the risk of incurring losses greater than anticipated; emphasises that the latter point accelerated the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank; notes that the interconnection of NBFI with banks increases the risk of transferring difficulties from one to the other, ultimately limiting the financing capacity for the real economy, potentially causing a significant slowdown;
Amendment 119 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Warns that high exposures to fossil fuels will become a risk for companies, with those fossil fuel assets becoming stranded assets; underlines that in order to fight this new systemic risk fossil fuel assets should be treated as ’higher risk’ assets and assigned a risk weight of 150% in line with the Basel framework;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Restates the importance of a European safe asset in the euro area as a way to help stabilise financial markets and allow banks to reduce the exposure of their balance sheets to national sovereign debt; considers that NextGeneration EU provides high-quality, low-risk European assets, allowing for a rebalancing of sovereign bonds on banks’ balance sheets; highlights the importance of preserving the availability of safe assets in a permanent manner;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights that the limited impact of the recent failure of midsized US banks proves the resilience of the EU banking sector; underlines that EU supervisors efficiently addressed risks arising from changes in the interest rate landscape; calls on supervisors to continue assessing exposures to further interest rate hikes; recalls that the ECB's 'Financial Stability Review 2023' emphasises the importance of taking into account the deterioration of bank balance sheets associated with the increase in interest rates and emphasises that macroprudential authorities will need to gradually strengthen capital and/or borrower-related measures; and underscores the need for continued work to enhance the regulatory framework for banks;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Acknowledges the progresses made over the last 15 years through the establishement of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) ; calls for the total completion of the Banking Union, particularly through the setting up of a fully-fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS);
Amendment 150 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Recalls the need, as expressed by the chair of the European Union’s Single Resolution Board, to fully and entirely respect the write-down hierarchy in case of bank failure;
Amendment 151 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Recalls that the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, during her hearing on 20 March 2023 in the ECON Committee demanded the full application of Basel III in terms of bank capital requirements;
Amendment 153 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. WelcomesTakes note of the agreement reached at interinstitutional level to implement Basel III standards in the EU; highlights that the framework will not increase prudential requirements for banks or damage their competitivenese concerns expressed by the EBA and the ECB that many deviations from the international agreement have been introduced in the final text of the regulation; recalls that EU banks’ specificities were already taken into account in the calibration of Basel capital requirements; notes that the implementation of the Basel standards to crypto-assets is still pending;
Amendment 180 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Amendment 189 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the proposal to reform the CMDI framework following calls by Parliament; calls for the scope of resolution to be expanded, clarification of public interest assessments and for the scope of State aid to be limited; considers that financial stability is better preserved if small and medium-size banks with a positive public interest assessment have access to the EU-level resolution framework;
Amendment 190 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the proposal to reform the CMDI framework following calls by Parliament; calls for the scope of resolution to be expanded, clarification of public interest assessments and for the scope of State aid to be limited; recalls that the CMDI framework must not preclude the establishment of EDIS;
Amendment 193 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses that financial institutions benefitting from direct State aid measures must refrain from dividend distribution, share buybacks and variable remuneration payments; calls for this temporary limitation to be established in a legally binding form;
Amendment 209 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the Commission’s efforts to clarify the scope of depositor protection and increase convergence through a reform of 2014/49/EU on deposit guarantee schemes3 ; warns that the CMDI review cannot be considered a replacement for EDIS; considers that this review should pave the way toward the establishment of EDIS; _________________ 3 OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 149.
Amendment 214 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Underlines the need for risk-based contributions to EDISa fully-fledged EDIS that enables loss absorption; calls for institutional protection schemes to be taken into account, while preserving the level playing field within the Single Market; calls for an assessment of bank asset quality; recommends starting with the pooling of liquidity and a gradual build-up of funds;
Amendment 221 #
2023/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that effective risk reduction is key for EDISWelcomes the significant progress in risk reduction; regrets, on the other hand, the limited progress regarding risk sharing; reminds the analysis of the SSM, stating that ‘the implementation of EDIS should not be linked to further risk reduction benchmarks’; highlights that the CMDI review provides co-legislators with an opportunity to resume negotiations on EDIS;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
Amendment 10 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 19 May 2022 on the social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine – reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act (2022/2653(RSP)),
Amendment 11 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– having regard to the Paris Agreement adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,
Amendment 12 #
2023/2064(INI)
– having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights,
Amendment 14 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, according to the June 2023 Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections, the growth of the euro area economy is expected to slow down from 3.5 % in 2022 to 0.9 % in 2023, before rebounding to 1.5 % in 2024 ; whereas, according to a Eurostat flash estimate, the euro area grew by just 0.6 % in 2023; whereas this represents the worst performance since the recession of 2020;
Amendment 20 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, according to the June 2023 Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, headline inflation is expected to average 5.4 % in 2023, 3.0 % in 2024 and 2.2 % in 2025, despite falling energy prices and easing supply bottlenecks; whereas core inflation has been more persistent, with an inhile decreaseing to 5.54.3 % in JuneSeptember 2023, and is projected to overtake headline inflation in the near term and to remain above it until early 2024, mainly owing to strong wage growth;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the ECB is politically independent, which means that neither from EU institutions and agencies norand Member State governments should seek to influence it;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas central bank independence is not without democratic accountability, namely to the European Parliament as the sole democratically- legitimised institution representing European citizens, particularly but not exclusively when it comes to the appointment of officials to the ECB’s highest bodies; whereas legal and political accountability is the necessary counterpart for the legitimacy, independence and transparency of the ECB’s supervisory decisions;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the ECB’s primary objective isand secondary objectives are, respectively, to maintain price stability, which it has defined as 2 % inflation over the medium term, and to support the general economic policies in the Union, which include full employment, social progress and environmental protection; whereas the ECB’s mandate, as defined by its objectives, is laid down in Article 127 TFEU and thus legally binding;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the role of the ECB in safeguarding euro stability; underlines that the statutory independence of the ECB, as laid down in the Treaties, is a prerequisite for it to fulfil its mandate of maintaining price stability, and that its concomitant accountability is important in the fulfilment of its primary and secondary mandates;
Amendment 56 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that price stability is a prerequisite for the ECB to deliver on its mandate to support the EU’s general economic policies, such as the green and digital transitions; stresses that price stability is essential for attracting long term investments; emphasizes that, by the same token, the ECB must take account of environmental, social and economic sustainability goals in line with its secondary mandate;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Fears that, without properly delivering on its mandate of maintaining price stability, the ECB risks losing its legitimaccredibility;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2064(INI)
4. Is deeply worried about the persistently high inflation rates, especially core inflation rates, and their detrimental impact on competitiveness, investments, job creation and the purchasing power of consumers; recalls that quantitative inflation targets are to be met over a medium-term horizon; calls, therefore, on the ECB to reflect on and guide its decision-making process in relation to the size and speed of increases in interest rates in line with a medium-term orientation; underlines the need for the ECB to provide information in regards to the monitoring and setting of the neutral interest rate;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes with concern the mounting sovereign debt distress driven by the unrelenting rise of interest rates in the euro area, which may significantly constrict future public investments and economic growth; reflects upon the IMF’s 2023 World Economic Outlook findings suggesting that high inflation, while playing a role in reducing debt ratios, is not a desirable policy tool to the extent that it can lead to losses on the balance sheets of sovereign debt holders and damage the credibility of central banks; calls on the ECB to closely monitor the EU central banks’ secondary market purchases of debt instruments;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses concern about the high levels of debt and government deficits within the Member States and the risks that this entails; notes that the situation is worse urges a swift outcome of the Commission’s legislative proposals on revising the euro area EU’s economic governance rules, which seek to strengthaen in non-euro area Member States; looks forward to the outcome of the Commission’s legislative proposals on revising the EU’s economic governance rules and welcomes the ECB’s opinion in this regardpublic debt sustainability and foresee the permanent mobilisation of resources for investments and financing of European structural and social policies, and welcomes the ECB’s opinion in this regard; recalls that said revision of the current economic governance framework must provide the EU with stable, transparent, reasonable and flexible rules that could be implemented and respected by all Member States with the due democratic accountability;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. RegretDenounces Russia’s unprovoked invasion and ongoing aggression against Ukraine; agrees with member of the Executive Board Isabel Schnabel on the risk the war entails in terms of negative supply side shocks; is deeply concerned about its enduring, unpredictable and severe repercussions for the European economy and society, particularly for the most exposed and vulnerable groups, such as lower-income households and SMEs;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that not only do persistent high levels of inflation, the ongoing war in Ukraine and high levels of debt in the Member States threaten the competitiveness of the European economy, and thus the international role of the euro as well, but also the upward price pressure following the implementation of the European Green Deal, the rise of fragmentation and protectionism in global trade, and an impending subsidy race between states;
Amendment 97 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the ECB to look into the strengthening of the international role of the euro with a view of raising its attractiveness as a reserve currency; recalls that the creation of a well-designed European safe asset could facilitate financial integration and help mitigate negative feedback loops between sovereigns and domestic banking sectors; stresses the need for deepening and completing the Economic and Monetary Union as a pre-requisite for a strong international euro; underlines the importance that co-legislators remain in charge throughout the design of the digital euro;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Echoes President Lagarde’s warning that fiscal support should be targeted and limited and should not hinder the task of monetary policy; points out thatnotes, nevertheless, the limited influence of traditional monetary policy tools in tackling inflation that is mainly supply- driven; highlights the consequent need for a closer coordination between fiscal, budgetary, monetary and structural policies as a means to maintain price stability and support the most exposed and vulnerable groups; commends the efforts that Member States' governments, as well as the Commission, canundertake to support citizens and industries not only through fiscal measures, but also by focusing on growth-enhancing reforms; prompts the ECB to respond to the ongoing crisis and tackle its social, economic and financial impacts with bold and forward-looking solutions on monetary policy that are conducive to sustainable and inclusive growth, along with broader coordination with fiscal policy at EU and national levels;
Amendment 107 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that according to the most recent economic forecast, the Euro Area economy is expected to growth much less than what was predicted last spring, while there is a certain inertia in the price level; emphasizes that, as a consequence, the so- called “sacrifice ratio” to bring inflation back to 2% is becoming higher than the it was expected some time ago; recognizes that inflation is a painful and harmful phenomenon, and that ECB is using every tools at its disposal to cope with that; underlines, however, that social tensions, economic crisis and political instability are also equally dangerous for the future of the Union; warns that inflation, social, economic and political tensions might feed each other and could create a dangerous spiral; calls for a proper assessment on how to make the fight against inflation economically, socially and politically sustainable, and therefore possible.
Amendment 109 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Emphasises the ineptness of conventional monetary policy alone in achieving price stability, sustainable growth and financial resilience, especially in consideration of the limited influence of monetary policy tools in tackling inflation that is mainly supply-driven; highlights the key role of supportive and discretionary fiscal policy and socially balanced and productivity-enhancing reforms and investments in this regard; calls for closer and more strategic coordination between fiscal, monetary and structural policies;
Amendment 111 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the ECB’sPresident Lagarde’s statement that the current geopolitical crisis requires us to progress on EU fiscal integration; welcomes the ECB’s long- standing support for a well thought out completion of the bEconomic and Monetary Union, the Banking uUnion and the c, namely with the establishment of a fully- fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme, and the Capital mMarkets uUnion; recalls that this would contribute to a larger spread of risks within and the enhanced financial stability of the monetary union, as well as it would further strengthen the international role of the euro and amplify its attractiveness as a reserve currency;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that headline inflation has come down from 8.4 % in 2022 to 5.4 % in 2023, mainly driven by lower energy prices and the easing of supply bottlenecks; observes, however, that inflation remains well above the target level of 2 %; is concerned about second-round effects and implications for growth and employment, as well as the extraordinary burden placed on lower-income strata;
Amendment 127 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Expresses its uneasiness with the persistently high rate of core inflation; understands that wage growth is expected to remain more than double its historical average, driven by inflation compensation and the tight labour market; encourages the ECB, furthermore, to look into and report on the inflationary effect of the green transition;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Fully supports President Lagarde’s statement on fighting inflation for as long as necessary; applauds President Lagarde’s plea for humility and to regularly update the ECB’s models; invites the ECB, however, to fundamentally review its models and their role in its policymaking, while emphasising that monetary policy normalisation cannot be achieved at any cost and by itself, but rather by converging towards a closer coordination between fiscal, monetary and structural policies; applauds President Lagarde’s plea for humility and to regularly update the ECB’s models; invites the ECB, however, to fundamentally review its models and their role in its policymaking, taking into account the lessons learned from the ongoing and previous crises and the challenges posed to monetary policy-making, especially when disruptive supply-side driven inflation is concerned;
Amendment 150 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Trusts that the ECB will deliver on its mandate to safeguard price stability; notes that real interest rates are still negative; is deeply concerned about the implications of increasingly higher interest rates for strategic and sustainable investments; calls on the ECB to ponder the feasibility of applying differentiated rates to tilt investment patterns away from brown technology and support investments that contribute most to reducing inflationary pressures such as those in energy efficiency and renewables;
Amendment 155 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the inflation target level of 2 % in the medium term; observes that inflation has, thus far, either been well below or far above this target level; questions the scientific evidence for this 2 % target level, as well as the meaning of ‘medium term’; invitesalso takes note that inflation is on a downward trend, nearing the ECB's medium-term objective; reflects on the commitment to symmetry, if price stability is best maintained by aiming at this 2 % target level; calls on the ECB to look into a more qualitative approach to price stability;
Amendment 165 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Supports the ECB’s decision to scale back its asset-purchasing programmes, in view of the excess liquidity in the market; notwelcomes the ECB’s announcement to decarbonise its corporate bond holdings by ‘tilting’ its portfolio; stresses the importance of the quality of the collateral;
Amendment 192 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Underlines that climate change and extreme weather phenomena could lead to greater variability in prices, especially in the agri-food sector; notes that sudden tightening conditions on the supply side might become very frequent, leading to new inflationary episodes in the coming years; emphasizes that this is an issue that evidently poses serious difficulties for the ECB, which have adequate tools to stabilize demand-driven inflation, but can do little when price instability is mainly due to variations in supply conditions; expresses concern that the Union do not have a proper toolkit to deal with such episodes.
Amendment 209 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes note ofWelcomes the ECB’s progress on the digital euro project and welcomes its dialogue with Parliament in this regard; reiterates that a digital euro must respect competition in the banking landscape, must not endanger the existence or use of cash and must respect the privacy and security of citizens and businesses;
Amendment 212 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Shares the ECB’s concern regarding the rise of the shadow banking sector and the risk it may pose to financial stability; calls on the ECB to step up its monitoring of the development of crypto- currencies and of the related risks and emerging threats in terms of cybersecurity, money laundering, terrorism financing and other criminal activities; stresses the need for adequate regulation in this field;
Amendment 220 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Evokes the crucial role of the ECB in supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights as the beacon of equality and social justice guiding the EU towards greater socio- economic convergence;
Amendment 223 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges the ECB’s openness and availability to Parliament; welcomes the formalisation, in writing, of the current accountability practices between the ECB and Parliamenthighlights, nevertheless, the need to further enhance the ECB’s accountability and transparency arrangements in light of the magnitude of the responsibilities assumed by the ECB in the recent years and amidst the ongoing economic and financial crisis; calls for the formalisation, in writing, of the current accountability practices between the ECB and Parliament; endorses, to this end, the relaunch of negotiations on a formal Inter- Institutional agreement as a means to re- anchor the ECB’s credibility and reinforce the standing accountability mechanisms;
Amendment 224 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls for the enhancement of the ECB’s internal whistleblowing framework;
Amendment 225 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Calls for the ECB to create an internal evaluation office for ex post assessment of its policy decisions;
Amendment 226 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the ECB’s substantial and detailed feedback on Parliament’s resolution on the 2021 ECB annual report; calls on the ECB to maintain this commitment to accountability and transparency, and to continue publishing its written feedback on Parliament’s resolutions on the ECB annual reports every year;
Amendment 232 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the ECB’s new communications policy, which includes more accessible ways to explain and present ECB policy decisions to citizens and stakeholders; encourages the reinforcement of the ECB’s communication about central bank policy objectives and crisis responses in order to stabilise euro area inflation expectations and allow families and business to better manage the higher interest rates environment stimulated by the substantial tightening of monetary policy;
Amendment 233 #
2023/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Notes the recent appointment of the new Chair of the Supervisory Board and calls on the ECB to take better account of the position of the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on such appointments in the future;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recitals A and Aa (new)
Recitals A and Aa (new)
A. whereas the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (‘the Instrument’) entered into force on 14 June 2021 and consolidated a merged previous instruments under a single instrument; whereas this instrument, with an overall budget of EUR 79.5 billion, constitutes a historic change in the EU’s external and development policies; Aa. whereas the Commission is responsible for the identification, formulatitude of previous instruments under a single instrumenton, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU assistance; whereas the EEAS has the responsibility to ensure the continuity and coherence of EU external policies in line with the integrated approach which includes this Instrument; whereas Parliament is responsible for democratic oversight and scrutiny and as co-legislator under the co- decision procedure; whereas the creation of the Team Europe approach should contribute to a single strategic coordination framework for the EU’s external response to major challenges; whereas this approach enables further cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States and the EIB, continuously increasing the EU’s collective effectiveness and visibility; whereas the Instrument is to be implemented through a mix of modalities including bilateral cooperation, grants to a diversity of partners and an investment framework;
Amendment 2 #
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;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recitals C and Ca (new)
Recitals C and Ca (new)
C. whereas due to limited resources, the external financing instruments have often been stretched to their limits; whereas, since the adoption of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, events such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine (which triggered a food, energy and cost of worsened the food crisis in the world, triggered an energy, cost of living and debt crises globally and created economic uncertainty, potentially further destabilivsing crisis)Member States and third countries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the situation to such a degree that an early mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the Instrument and a mid-term revision (MTR) of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) are necessary; Ca. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the already significant SDGs financing gap and caused an overall decline in resources of USD 700 billion, and at the same time a significant increase is needed to respond to the pre- pandemic gap in developing countries; whereas 80% of the cushion has already been used and an increase of it should be considered; whereas the current political and financial leadership of and efforts by the EU are not sufficient for achieving the European Consensus on Development, SDGs, and the goals of the Paris Agreement and addressing other acute global challenges, in particular worsening climate change, the consequences of COVID-19 and violent conflicts, and therefore joint engagement at international level is required to ensure that the Instrument is able to respond to these emerging challenges;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recitals D, Da (new), Db (new) and Dc (new)
Recitals D, Da (new), Db (new) and Dc (new)
D. whereas project implementation under the Instrument cannot yet be evaluated fully, as it is still in its early stages; whereas the MTE expected in 2024 should assess whether the Instrument contributes to the EU’s strategic priorities and effectively promotes its values in partner countries, promotes human rights and contributes to poverty and inequalities reduction along with the promotion of the sustainable development of third countries and whether it is allocated based on third countries’ needs and development strategies; Da. whereas the European Court of Auditors concluded in 2023 that there are deficiencies in the methods for allocating funds and impact monitoring and that the wide scope of the Instrument may limit the impact, and that improvements are needed in the way development aid is allocated and monitored; Db. whereas the Instrument should be used to form closer and more effective partnerships with third countries that deliver tangible results, based on mutual interests, strategic priorities, structured and effective cooperation, and clear-long term goals; whereas EU-Africa and Neighbourhood relations are of particular strategic importance; whereas the Instrument should be used to ensure a fair green transition, promoting local added values and respecting the “do no significant harm principle”; whereas efficiency, effectiveness and the development impact of the Instrument are key indicators to track; Dc. whereas since the adoption of the Instrument, geopolitical competition has evolved and increased; whereas this places the Instrument in a new and more urgent light; whereas the Global Gateway is a response to this challenge, aiming to provide a viable and attractive alternative for partner countries that delivers lasting benefits for local communities; whereas there is a need to better communicate and raise the visibility of EU actions in partner countries; whereas, despite the Global Gateway’s focus on the EU’s geopolitical objectives, the Instrument’s ODA must serve long-term sustainable development in partner countries;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communica’s proposal for a revision of the MFF 2021- 2027 with additional funding for Heading 6, since the current financial programming is insufficient and underfunded for the Instrument that should better reflect the geopolitical ambitions on the mid-term revision of the MFF 2021-2027f the EU and its global commitments; takes note of the additional funds proposed by the Commission for Heading 6 out of which EUR 10,5 billion for responding to external dimension of migration, including external challenges, EUR 3 billion for the Instrument’s emerging challenges and priorities cushion and EUR 2,5 billion for the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR);
Amendment 6 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the need to review the EU’s external and development policies in the light of geopolitical changes; recogniseslight of the funding gap, the increasing inequalities between and within countries and global food insecurity; recognises the impact of geopolitical changes, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s new priorities and the enhanced importance of strategic partnerships with partner countries, aligned with the principle of Policy Coherence for Development (PCD), and the specific role of EU investments, which have to reflect both the values and interests of the EU and the interests of our partners; further stresses the need for this review to assess whether the Instrument’s objectives of reduction of poverty and inequalities, promotion of human rights and long-term sustainable development of partner countries are being met;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine; stresses, however, that this support should not come at the expense of other partners and third countries, whose EU funding should not be cut; calls, therefore, for a thorough evaluation of the Instrument’s resources, which should also assess whether they are sufficient to meet the Instrument’s objectiveIn the face of the ongoing Russian war of aggression, reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine, in all its dimensions, including humanitarian assistance, recovery, reconstruction and modernisation; stresses, however, that this support should not come at the expense of official development assistance (ODA), other partners and third countries who are adversely affected by the Russian war of aggression and whose EU funding should not be cut; calls, therefore, for a thorough evaluation of the Instrument’s resources, which should also assess whether they are sufficient to meet the Instrument’s objectives as per the Regulation and to raise the resources accordingly, as well as ensure that they continue to be relevant in the context of on-going geopolitical challenges and allow the EU to be seen as a trustworthy partner and counteract the influence of other global powers;
Amendment 8 #
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 and transparency; underlines, in this regard, that measures can only be considered effective when this can be proven by clear and comparable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; recalls the findings of the ECA’s Special Report 14/2023, which points out that, in more than 20% of the sampled indicators, baseline indicators have been missing or unclear and 24% had either no targets or unclear targets, and furthermore data sources in the multiannual indicative programmes (MIPs) were fragmented or missing; calls on the Commission to make the use of ‘Global Europe Results Framework’ (GERF) indicators compulsory, that should be the norm, for measures throughout the entire implementation cycle of MIPs, that is planning, implementation and reporting of results, and to considerably increase EU delegations capacities; emphasises that the Instrument should provide for 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 and the priorities of partner countries; reiterates its call on the Commission to publish, at least biannually, an aid effectiveness progress report, that consistently includes standardised, 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 9 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CExpresses deep concern about the escalation of geopolitical turmoil, authoritarian trends and recent global attacks globally on the foundations of democracy and the rule of law; calls for the MTE to evaluate in depth the Instrument’s capacity to achieve the EU’s overall external policy goals, and particularly the objective of contributing to the promotion of multilateralism, sustainable development and of protecting, promoting and advancing democracy, the rule of law and human rights and fundamental freedoms; stresses that the EU's external democracy action, implemented under the Instrument, must adjust to a new geopolitical reality marked by competing governance models, in order to better prevent and respond to democratic backsliding; calls on the Commission to assess through a critical lens with an appropriate level of informative granularity in evaluating the progress in the implementation of the Instrument, across programmes, spending targets and benchmarks, abstaining from repeating shallow policy positions; reaffirms that according to the treaties and the New European Consensus on Development, the primary objective of development cooperation should be the eradication of poverty and to foster sustainable economic, social and environmental development of developing countries; stresses that ‘policy first’ should be guided by the principles and objectives set out in the European Consensus on Development, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 6 and 6a (new)
Paragraphs 6 and 6a (new)
6. Calls, in particular, for an honest and thorough assessment of the use of Article 42(4) and recital 40 of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, the latter of which states that assistance could be suspended in the event of degradation in democracy, human rights or the rule of law in third countries; calls for ex ante assessments to determine the possible implications and risks of projects with regard to human rights, in line with Article 25 (5) of the Regulation; calls for human rights monitoring throughout the implementation of projects in third countries, especially in relation to projects entailing a high risk of violations; calls for a suspension or modulation of projects that contribute to human rights violations in third countries; calls on the Commission to share all human rights related assessments with Parliament in a proactive manner; underlines the necessity for the EU to take a more principled approach to partner countries that go in the opposite direction when it comes to central values and principles; upholds the suspension of budget support as a good example in this regard; 6a. Worries that the financing of assistance for Ukraine through the mobilisation of the Instrument’s cushion, rather than through the appropriate budgetary instrument, has exhausted much of it, leaving the Instrument with limited ability to respond to unforeseen challenges; welcomes the proposal for establishing the Ukraine Facility, which should ensure sustainable long-term financing for Ukraine while preserving the Instrument’s ability to cope with future challenges;
Amendment 11 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Requests that the MTE provide legal and political clarity with regard to the listing of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia as beneficiaries under the neighbourhood chapter of the Instrument; notes that these countriesUkraine and the Republic of Moldova have become candidates for accession to the EU andwhile Georgia is considered a potential candidate for EU membership; against this background, underlines that Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia should therefore be listed as beneficiaries with the adequate budgetary transfer of bilateral financial envelopes to the Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance (IPA III) Regulation10 ; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Ukraine facility, having a distinctive legal basis and policy framework different from the Instrument and the European Neighbourhood Policy, which would reduce the pressure lying on the Instrument, welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a new and dedicated Ukraine facility by combining future support in a separate single instrument under Heading 6 of the MFF to meet immediate needs, but stresses the importance of using a long- term instrument; __________________ 10 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 12 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the European Union and the 27 EU Member States together remain the world’s biggest provider of external assistance, responsible for approximately 43% of the total ODA provided by all OECD ODA members to developing countries; whereas external financing instruments are the main mechanism for supporting the EU’s action on the global scene, and whereas the EU’s external action is of increasing importance to European citizens;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the MTE to assess, in particular, the extent to which funding has delivered tangible results in Africa, in line with the Instrument’s objectives, the EU- Africa Strategy as well as the outcomes of and priorities set at the 6th AU-EU Summit in 2022, and whether a review of priorities and objectives is necessary; stresses that the analysis of tangible results of the assistance provided, based on clear indicators, is particularly important for adequately assessing the effectiveness of the use of funds; invites the Commission to make better use of the possibility to combine geographic envelopes for the benefit of Pan-African programmes as provided for in Article 4(2), in support of EU-AU commitments; underlines the necessity for the EU to continue to actively support the new African Continental Free Trade Area, also through this Instrument, building on its own experience in developing the European Single Market, to spur sustainable economic development, boost job creation, reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity in Africa; stresses the need to support African partner countries by harnessing its great untapped renewable energy potential and accelerate progress on SDG7 in Africa, which will not only boost economic growth, job creation and social development, but also significantly increase the global share of renewables;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (‘the Instrument’) entered into force on 14 June 2021 and consolidated a multitude of previous instruments under a single instrument; whereas this instrument, with an overall budget of EUR 79.5 billion, constitutes a historic change in the EU’s external and development policies;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the importance of meeting all the Instrument’s spending and programmatic 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 substantial deficit in reaching the Instrument’s 30% climate target, in contributing to the 10% biodiversity target under the MFF for 2026 and 2027 as well as in ensuring to fulfil its global financial commitments under the UN framework and in particular the contribution to the Loss and Damage Fund; recalls that climate change will increasingly put pressure on food production and access, especially in vulnerable regions, undermining food security and nutrition; further recalls that biodiversity is a crucial factor in combatting climate change and that the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services will undermine progress in approximately 80% of the assessed targets for the SDGs; calls for a detailed plan outlining how the Commission intends to meet the climatespending and gender targets by the end of the MFF;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 10, 10a (new) and 10b (new)
Paragraphs 10, 10a (new) and 10b (new)
10. RStrongly reaffirms the commitment set out in the Instrument to eradicating poverty, fighting inequalities and discrimination and promoting human developmente poverty, fight climate change and food insecurity, fight inequalities and discrimination and promote sustainable human development; recalls the commitment made by the EU and the Member States to increase their ODA to 0.7% of gross domestic product by 2030, including contributing with the NDICI- GE to at least 20% of the ODA funded under the Instrument to social inclusion and human development, such as in health, education, nutrition and social protection, and 0.2% of the EU’s gross national income for ODA to the least developed countries; underlines that the EFSD+ should aim to support investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the SDGs; emphasises the importance of following a holistic approach to human security as a new guiding paradigm; calls, in the context of the forthcoming programming process, for the full implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan III, with a strong commitment on gender perspective and mainstreaming, 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, welcoming the mid-term review of the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; highlights the importance of a strong anti-corruption perspective in all EU development efforts and supports the Council conclusions of 4 May on corruption as an obstacle to development; 10a. Stresses that investments in human development are crucial for the fight against inequalities and for education, including vocational training, should remain a clear priority in the forthcoming programming process, given that it enables developing partner countries to unlock the human capital potential of their young populations and boost human development, economic growth and employment in their countries; calls on the Commission to introduce a child policy marker that builds on existing methodology developed in the areas of gender, climate, migration and digitalisation, in order to allow EU institutions and partners to measure and monitor investments in children; stresses that tracking and monitoring of the EU's investment in children is fundamental to show the EU's added value and effectiveness; underlines that COVID-19 was a wake-up call for low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) to accelerate progress towards building universal, publicly financed health systems; requests that grants and public sector promotion are prioritised in the health sector to assure development aid reaches people first in the programming of the Instrument; stresses the importance of continuing to commit enough budget for improving social outcomes and addressing systemic issues; 10b. Expresses concern about the state of LGBTIQ+ rights worldwide as well as the general backlash against women’s rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in developing countries; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to address the setback in the recognition and protection of these rights; underlines, in this regard, that targeted support to CSOs and communities advocating for the respect of SRHR, women’s rights, gender equality and the LGBTIQ+ community and other marginalised populations, including enhanced measures to decriminalise homosexuality, should be prioritised; recalls that at least 85% of new actions implemented under the Instrument should have gender equality as a principal or a significant objective and at least 5% of these actions should have gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment as a principal objective;
Amendment 15 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Commission is responsible for the identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU assistance; whereas the EEAS has the responsibility to ensure the continuity and coherence of EU external policies in line with the integrated approach which includes this Instrument; whereas Parliament is responsible for democratic oversight and scrutiny and as co-legislator under the co- decision procedure; whereas the creation of the Team Europe approach should contribute to a single strategic coordination framework for the EU’s external response to major challenges; whereas this approach enables further cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States and the EIB, continuously increasing the EU’s collective effectiveness and visibility;
Amendment 15 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 11 and 11a (new)
Paragraphs 11 and 11a (new)
11. Reaffirms the commitment outlined in the Instrument to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement; is of the opinion that, without prejudice to unforeseen circumstances, the commitment within the Instrument to dedicate an indicative 10 % of the Instrument’s financial envelope to actions supporting the management and governance of migration and forced displacement within the objectives of the Instrument should be respected and that this clause should not be reopened; notes, however, that 14% of the funds committed in 2021 contributed to the migration spending target; expects to receive regular substantial updates on the state of play; 11a. Regrets that the current use of the rapid response pillar does not visibly and effectively contribute to promoting EU interests in the world; therefore requests to reconsider re-establishing programmatic support to EU’s foreign and security policy objectives during the 2024 MTE;
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 16 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that under no circumstances should the 2024 MTR of the MFF result in the Instrument’s funds being cut or reallocated between programmes; underlines the key role of the Instrument, the EFSD+ and the EAG in providing a strategic framework for blended finance, de-risking investments and guarantees and in mobilising resources from the private sector with the support of the EU budget, particularly in the light of increasing geopolitical and economic competitionthe long-term thematic and geographic programmes dedicated to sustainable development; worries that the Instrument was underfunded since the start of the MFF 2021-2027 and that its geographisation has come at the expense of important thematic funding lines, such as the people’s Global Challenges budget line, which was even more under pressure due to COVID-19, leaving little to no room for manoeuvre to fully honour the EU’s commitments to supporting multilateral health initiatives in the coming years; underlines that the lack of funds creates a dangerous gap between the EU’s ambition and its ability to deliver on its promises; recalls that insufficient funding will also create damaging competition between short-term needs and long term investments, and between core development sectors, ultimately hampering the effectiveness of EU aid and its contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda; underlines the key role of the Instrument, the EFSD+ and the EAG in providing a strategic framework for blended finance, de-risking investments and guarantees and in mobilising resources from the private sector with the support of the EU budget, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical and economic competition; stresses that blended finance projects and effective partnerships with the private sector in developing countries must focus on maximising development outcomes and be consistent with the SDGs, the Paris agreement and national development priorities; recalls that private sector is an addition, rather than a replacement, to public investments, in particular in critical services, such as health, education and social protection, which provide crucial long-term prospects for the graduation from poverty; calls for the EFSD+ not to finance investments that have a negative impact on the SDGs, particularly as regards combating climate change; asks that the long-term budget must be adapted to protect the EU’s positive impact, influence and credibility on the global stage;
Amendment 17 #
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;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the specific role of EU investments, which must reflect the strategic interests and development objectives of both the EU and our partner countries as well as the EU's values, and underlines the important part played by the budgetary guarantees in delivering them under the ‘policy first’ principle as referred above; highlights the importance of ensuring that the guarantees counterbalance the risk involved in the highest-risk countries for investment so that relevant investment is also directed to them; stresses that the EU should lead by example in this regard, in view of the ongoing debate on the reform of multilateral development banks;
Amendment 18 #
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 EUR 300 billion commitment under the Global Gateway strategy; calls on the EIB to prioritise a sustainable development agenda; calls on the EIB to take higher risk in financing projects with high social returns; calls on the EIB to continue strengthening 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; 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 19 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the ‘open architecture’ of the EFSD+, which was established to support private-sector investments, and calls on the Commission, the EIB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Member States and development finance institutions (DFIs) to fully utilise the options provided by the EAG and the relevant investment windows to promote sustainable private-sector investments; underlines the need to leverage private sector financing, with a particular focus on SMEs, and calls for increased efforts to address bottlenecks and obstacles to investment; recognises additionally the important role of the private sector in generating new investments, employment and financing for development where possible; recalls Parliament's power of scrutiny and the need for transparency in the implementation of the EFSD+;
Amendment 20 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Global Gateway strategy aims at increasing EU’s geopolitical weight in the global arena, by boosting smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport and strengthening health, education and research systems across the world, in the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs;
Amendment 20 #
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 the Court of Auditors’ observation that individual Member States’ contributions to TEIs are not indicated in the MIPs, bringing uncertainty over the Member States’ financial support which contributes to making the future of TEIs unclear as a collective initiative; calls on the Commission and Member States 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 initiatives; further calls for joint action by the EU and Member States to increase effectiveness and maximise resources; encourages the Member States and development financing institutions as well as the EIB and EBRD to play a more active role in Team Europe with financial commitments and joint actions, steered by the Commission;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 17 and 17a (new)
Paragraphs 17 and 17a (new)
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 prioritiesis of the opinion that in times of new geostrategic challenges, EU foreign policy and security policy and development cooperation actors have to better coordinate to increase the EU’s presence and visibility worldwide by means of infrastructure investment that creates national value in partner countries, in line with the SDGs; recalls that Global Gateway is to be understood as a strategic concept in which foreign, economic and development policy are integrated; 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 consultation with the business sector and CSOs through a light 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; calls on the Commission to update the joint communication to clarify the governance framework, including Parliament’s scrutiny role, 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; calls for a faster pace of implementation of the strategy in light of existing and emerging global challenges; 17a. 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; calls on the Commission to involve CSOs more systematically in Global Gateway and TEIs and to consider actively involving local CSOs under each country programming;
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 22 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 19 and 19a (new)
Paragraphs 19 and 19a (new)
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 Instrumentpowers of political and budgetary control and consultation and stresses the role of the high-level geopolitical dialogue in providing general orientations for the implementation of the Instrument; stresses the importance of having detailed information on the budget executed, or to be executed; underlines that Parliament needs full and timely access to documents and has to be able to monitor the impact and progress of projects in order to better evaluate their scope and impact, which is why it needs full access to standardised baseline and target indicators, as well as data sources; calls on the Commission to provide a consistent inter-institutional information flow with the Parliament being kept informed about investment projects including Global Gateway projects and to make the Result Management Framework (ReMF) fully available; 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; urges the Commission to significantly improve the timely provision of documentation to Parliament in advance of the high-level geopolitical dialogue, as well as the way in which it takes into account the EP’s recommendations, notably by engaging in a written procedure after each dialogue indicating the follow-up on each specific EP recommendation; 19a. Calls on the Commission to take advantage of the MFF revision to refine the nomenclature of the NDICI-Global Europe by including more budget lines in order to allow the budgetary authority to exercise its scrutiny powers, particularly as regards the neighbourhood budget lines, to strengthen the transparency to achieve a data-driven policy which can be audited regarding its objectives, and to reflect better a strategic approach, as well as to improve long-term programming; 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; calls on the Commission to provide the budgetary authority with quarterly updates, including on the use and amounts of budgetary guarantees together with the estimated provisioning and future forecasts, as well as the state of play as regards the spending and programmatic targets;
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 23 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the importance of the programming process, underlining the crucial role of the EEAS and EU delegations in this regard, as well as in ensuring the proper inclusion of partner countries and other development actors throughout the process, including by fostering close and transparent consultation of and association with regional and local authorities, in order to identify common priorities and enhance partner countries’ sense of ownership; stresses, furthermore, the important role of civil society organisations in the programming processunderlines the importance of guaranteeing an effective needs-based and people-centred approach in the EU’s external action and highlights the essential role that local partners and civil society should have in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes; stresses the importance of CSOs and, where relevant, the private sector in the implementation of the Instrument, in particular in the programming process; reaffirms the need to step up support to civil society worldwide;
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 24 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 21 and 21a (new)
Paragraphs 21 and 21a (new)
21. Regrets the rushed programming process that took place in the second half of 2021, preventing adequate scrutiny by Parliament; notes with concern the findings of the ECA’s Special Report 14/2023, which concluded that the programming process could be improved; expects the Commission and the EEAS to act on the recommendation made by ECA and draw the lessons learnt for the next programming exercise; calls on the Commission to ensure a more predictable and transparent programming exercise, to develop a standardised, comparable and transparent methodology for allocating funds to neighbourhood countries, to ensure rigorous application for non- neighbourhood countries and to clarify the methodology for assessing the impact of EU’s support and ensure its relevance in a developing geopolitical context; 21a. Welcomes the recent Macro- financial assistances adopted to support several countries and notably Ukraine to face the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; regrets the lack of information given to the budgetary authorities on the management of the financing of the interest costs of the MFA; worries that the current financing of the interest costs of the MFA through the mobilisation of the emerging challenges and priorities cushion, rather than through fresh appropriations, risks to exhaust most of it, if not all, for the remaining period, leaving the Instrument with no ability to respond to unforeseen challenges, and therefore, underlines the need to find sustainable long-term financing solutions, while preserving the ability to cope with future challenges;
Amendment 25 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 22, 22a (new) and 22b (new)
Paragraphs 22, 22a (new) and 22b (new)
22. Regrets the Commission’s failure to always notify Parliament before the cushion is mobilised and deplores the practice of sending letters that arrive after mobilisation; calls on the Commission to always inform Parliament in detail before the cushion funds are mobilised and to take its observations into account, de facto undermining Parliament’s right of scrutiny and impeding the Commission from fully taking into consideration its observations on the nature, objectives and financial amounts envisaged; calls on the Commission to always inform Parliament in detail before the cushion funds are mobilised and to take its observations into account, in line with Recital 71 of the Regulation; 22a. Regrets that the Commission’s use of the cushion does not respect the spirit of Article 17 of the regulation, in particular as concerns the financing of new legislative initiatives; worries that already 80% of the funding available in the Instrument’s cushion for 2021-2027 has been earmarked, with only EUR 1.9 billion (21%) left until 2027; regrets the pre-allocation of 60% of funds for the remaining cushion without considering future anticipated needs has not been taken into account yet, such as the Syrian refugee package; 22b. Recalls the condition of better involvement of Parliament at all stages of governance and implementation of the Instrument laid out for accepting the merge of previous EFIs under the Instrument (2018 Schaake report and 2019 NDICI-Global Europe negotiating mandate); recalls that the Instrument offers the possibility to make legislative amendments to the Regulations, and suggests an in-depth assessment of Parliament’s role in providing strategic steer and scrutiny, or with regard to Parliament’s insufficient involvement in suspension of aid or use of the cushion, as well as regular comitology, which have unrealised potential;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 24 and 24a (new)
Paragraphs 24 and 24a (new)
24. Considers that the current arrangements for reporting on what the EU is doing in any given country, region or thematic area are insufficient and excessively legalistic; calls for pragmatic and swift improvements with regard to updating useful data and for examples of best practices in implementation to be provided to Parliament flexibly and in good time, applying appropriate confidentiality rules where needed; considers the public projects database not to be user friendly and not to help with updated information; underlines that EU investment projects should be subject to evaluation, monitoring and reporting in order to determine their effectiveness and avoid unintended negative impacts; 24a. 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 on the Commission to follow-up environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards of all investment projects; calls on the Commission to make the EFSD+ Results Management Framework accessible in order to facilitate scrutiny on progress towards more accountable development finance;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Requests that the MTE be used to the fullest extent possible in order to update either the Instrument or its delegated acts on priority areas and to reassess the validity of the geographic and thematic MIPs, including more prominent conditions relating to compliance with international law, human rights, rule of law and democracy and alignment with the EU’s foreign policy and the application of the associated suspension mechanism, as a last resort, where the foreign policy of an Instrument beneficiary country diverges completely from EU foreign policy; stresses the importance of increasing the visibility of EU actions, notably for its development cooperation efforts; calls therefore for equipping the EEAS and EU delegations with the tools to develop their strategic communication capabilities to better explain EU actions to decision makers and the general public in third countries, and to counter disinformation; calls on the EU to oppose any support to aggressor states and their policies, in particular the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 28 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that the MTE should be accompanied by the necessary legislative changes to the Instrument and the IPA III so that the relevant regulations reflect Ukraine and Moldova’s new status as EU candidate countries, and by a new delegated act setting out the specific objectives and priority areas of cooperation for each region; stresses the importance of providing funding through development financing institutions and EIB that targets access to critical raw materials and related actions on skills, infrastructure and regulatory framework in compliance with EIB’s environmental and social standards, as part of shared planning for the development of renewable energies between Europe and its partners in the context of achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the already significant SDGs financing gap and caused an overall decline in resources of USD 700 billion, and at the same time a significant increase is needed to respond to the pre- pandemic gap in developing countries; whereas 80% of the cushion has already been used and an increase of it should be considered; whereas the current political and financial leadership of and efforts by the EU are not sufficient for achieving the European Consensus on Development, SDGs, and the goals of the Paris Agreement and addressing other acute global challenges, in particular worsening climate change, the consequences of COVID-19 and violent conflicts, and therefore joint engagement at international level is required to ensure that the Instrument is able to respond to these emerging challenges;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that the geopolitical challenges that emerged with the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing malign influence and assertiveness of the People’s Republic of China require the Instrument’s budget to be increased considerably; highlights that the challenges are spread all over the world, meaning the EU must increase its geopolitical influence while remaining committed to its values and principles; stresses that it will only be possible to respond to these challenges in a balanced way if the proportion of allocations for each area of the Instrument is kept the same; expresses concern that the EU is losing influence and visibility to alternative offers made by China and Russia; urges the EU to respond to the expectations of and deliver quickly on the political agreements made with partner countries, such as on the Post-Cotonou Agreement, to reinforce its status as a reliable ally in development cooperation and to demonstrate that the international rules-based system can meet contemporary challenges;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas project implementation under the Instrument cannot yet be evaluated fully, as it is still in its early stages; whereas the MTE expected in 2024 should assess whether the Instrument contributes to the EU’s strategic interests and effectively promotes its values in partner countries;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the European Court of Auditors concluded in 2023 that there are deficiencies in the methods for allocating funds and impact monitoring and that the wide scope of the Instrument may limit the impact, and that improvements are needed in the way development aid is allocated and monitored;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the Instrument should be used to form closer and more effective partnerships with third countries that deliver tangible results, based on mutual interest, strategic priorities, structured and effective cooperation, and clear-long term goals; whereas EU-Africa and Neighbourhood relations are of particular strategic importance; whereas efficiency, effectiveness and the development impact of the Instrument are key indicators to track;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas since the adoption of the Instrument, geopolitical competition has evolved and increased; whereas this places the Instrument in a new and more urgent light; whereas the Global Gateway is a response to this challenge, aiming to provide a viable and attractive alternative for partner countries that delivers lasting benefits for local communities; whereas there is a need to better communicate and raise the visibility of EU actions in partner countries;
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 57 #
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; emphasises that the Instrument should provide for 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, covering joint planning, joint implementation and joint results frameworks; calls on the Commission to present this progress report to Parliament;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the MTE to evaluate in depth the Instrument’s capacity to achieve the EU’s overall external policy goals, and particularly the objective of contributing to the promotion of multilateralism and of protecting, promoting and advancing democracy, the rule of law and human rights and fundamental freedoms; calls on the Commission to assess through a critical lens with an appropriate level of informative granularity in evaluating the progress in the implementation of the Instrument, across programmes, spending targets and benchmarks, abstaining from repeating shallow policy positions; stresses that ‘policy first’ should be guided by the principles and objectives set out in the European Consensus on Development, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda;
Amendment 68 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls, in particular, for an honest assessment of the use of Article 42(4) and recital 40 of the Regulation establishing the Instrument, the latter of which states that assistance could be suspended in the event of degradation in democracy, human rights or the rule of law in third countries; underlines the necessity for the EU to take a more principled approach to partner countries that go in the opposite direction when it comes to central values and principles; upholds the suspension of budget support for Ethiopia as a good example in this regard;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Worries that the current financing of assistance for Ukraine through the mobilisation of the Instrument’s cushion, rather than through the appropriate budgetary instrument, risks to exhaust most of it, leaving the Instrument with no ability to respond to unforeseen challenges, and therefore, underlines the need to find sustainable long-term financing solutions, while preserving the ability to cope with future challenges;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Requests that the MTE provide legal and political clarity with regard to the listing of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia as beneficiaries under the neighbourhood chapter of the Instrument; notes that these countries have become candidates for accession to the EU and should therefore be listed as beneficiaries with the adequate budgetary transfer of bilateral financial envelopes to the Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance (IPA III) Regulation10 , having a distinctive legal basis and policy framework different from the Instrument and the European Neighbourhood Policy, which would reduce the pressure lying on the Instrument; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Ukraine facility to meet immediate needs, but stresses the importance of using a long- term instrument; _________________ 10 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 82 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the MTE to assess, in particular, the extent to which funding has delivered tangible results in Africa; invites the Commission to make better use of the possibility to combine geographic envelopes for the benefit of Pan-African programmes as provided for in Article 4(2), in support of EU-AU commitments; underlines the necessity for the EU to continue to actively support the new African Continental Free Trade Area, also through this Instrument, to spur sustainable economic development, boost job creation, reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity in Africa;
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 99 #
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; 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 118 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reaffirms the commitment outlined in the Instrument to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement; is of the opinion that, without prejudice to unforeseen circumstances, the commitment within the Instrument to dedicate an indicative 10 % of the Instrument’s financial envelope to actions supporting the management and governance of migration and forced displacement within the objectives of the Instrument should be respected and that this clause should not be reopened; notes, however, that 14% of the funds committed in 2021 contributed to the migration spending target; expects to receive regular substantial updates on the state of play;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that at least 85 % of new actions implemented under the Instrument should have gender equality as a principal or a significant objective and at least 5 % of these actions should have gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment as a principal objective;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Regrets that the current use of the rapid response pillar does not visibly and effectively contribute to promoting EU interests in the world; therefore, requests to consider re-establishing programmatic support to EU’s foreign and security policy objectives during the 2024 MTE;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the specific role of EU investments, which must reflect the strategic interests of both the EU and our partner countries, and underlines the important part played by the budgetary guarantees in delivering them under the ‘policy first’ principle as referred above; highlights the importance of ensuring that the guarantees counterbalance the risk involved in the highest-risk countries for investment so that relevant investment is also directed to them;
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 143 #
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;
Amendment 150 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. 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 154 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the ‘open architecture’ of the EFSD+, which was established to support private-sector investments, and calls on the Commission, the EIB, the Member States and development finance institutions (DFIs) to fully utilise the options provided by the EAG and the relevant investment windows to promote sustainable private-sector investments; underlines the need to leverage private sector financing, with a particular focus on SMEs, and calls for increased efforts to address bottlenecks and obstacles to investment;
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 179 #
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 prioritiesstresses 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 consultation with the business sector and CSOs through a light 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;
Amendment 184 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for clarity as to how the EU financial regulation and public procurement rules apply in the funding of Global Gateway for 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;
Amendment 185 #
2023/2029(INI)
17b. 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 186 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls for joint action by the EU and Member States to increase effectiveness and maximise resources; encourages the Member States and development financing institutions as well as the EIB and EBRD to play a more active role in Team Europe with financial commitments and joint actions, steered by the European Commission;
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 191 #
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; 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 201 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Regrets the Commission’s failure to always notify Parliament before the cushion is mobilised and deplores the practice of sending letters that arrive after mobilisation; calls on the Commission to always inform Parliament in detail before the cushion funds are mobilised and to take its observations into account, in line with Recital 71 of the Regulation;
Amendment 203 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls the condition of better involvement of Parliament at all stages of governance and implementation of the Instrument laid out for accepting the merge of previous EFIs under the Instrument (2018 Schaake report and 2019 NDICI-Global Europe negotiating mandate); recalls that the Instrument offers the possibility to make legislative amendments to the Regulations, and suggests an in-depth assessment of Parliament’s role in providing strategic steer and scrutiny, or with regard to Parliament’s insufficient involvement in suspension of aid or use of the cushion, as well as regular comitology, which have unrealised potential;
Amendment 204 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Considers that the current arrangements for reporting on what the EU is doing in any given country, region or thematic area are insufficient and excessively legalistic; calls for pragmatic improvements with regard to updating useful data and for examples of best practices in implementation to be provided to Parliament flexibly and in good time, applying appropriate confidentiality rules where needed; considers the public projects database to be useless in this regard as it is not user friendly and does not help with updated information provision;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Requests that the MTE be used to the fullest extent possible in order to update either the Instrument or its delegated acts on priority areas and to reassess the validity of the geographic and thematic MIPs, including more prominent conditions relating to compliance with international law, alignment with the EU’s foreign policy and the application of the associated suspension mechanism, as a last resort, where the foreign policy of an Instrument beneficiary country diverges completely from EU foreign policy; stresses the importance of increasing the visibility of EU actions, notably for its development cooperation efforts; calls therefore for equipping the EEAS and EU delegations with the tools to develop their strategic communication capabilities to better explain EU actions to decision makers and the general public in third countries, and to counter disinformation;
Amendment 218 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Stresses the importance of providing funding through development financing institutions and EIB that targets access to critical raw materials and related actions on skills, infrastructure and regulatory framework;
Amendment 233 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Amendment 44 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Any processing of personal data carried out within the framework of this Directive should comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council31 . Financial intermediaries and Member States may process personal data under this Directive solely with the objective of serving a general public interest, namely for the purposes of combating tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, safeguarding tax revenues and promoting fair taxation, which strengthen opportunities for social, political and economic inclusion in Member States. Only entities participating in the WHT relief procedures under this Directive will have access to this data. Only the minimal amount of personal information required to identify underreporting, non-reporting, tax fraud, or abuse would be sent. Lastly, personal information will only be retained for as long as required for this purpose. To allow the effective pursuit of this objective, it is necessary to restrict certain rights of individuals provided by the aforementioned Regulation, especially the right to be notified on the processing of their data and the scope thereof as well as the right to consent on certain types of data processing. _________________ 31 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and The rights of the data subjects shall be restored as soon as the conditions the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1)at supported the restriction cease to exist.
Amendment 56 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g
Amendment 69 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
(d a) Information on the fees charged for the provision of services under this Directive.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State that removes a certified financial intermediary from its national register shall inform without delay all other Member States that maintain a national register according to Article 5, indicating the reasons for such removal.
Amendment 83 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Member States shall update their national registers to reflect the status of financial intermediaries no longer holding certification. In cases where the removal as a certified financial intermediary results from a decision by a Member State, the specific reasons for such action shall be clearly indicated in the register.
Amendment 108 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. By [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Directive], the Commission shall adopt recommendations for the fulfilment of the requirements laid down in paragraph 2.
Amendment 129 #
Amendment 135 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. a) the establishment of a common and standardised withholding tax framework in the EU that reduces complexity for investors, stems the practice of treaty shopping and ensures that all dividends, interest, capital gains, royalty payments, professional service payments and relevant contract payments generated in the EU are taxed at a minimum effective tax rate;
Amendment 136 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. b) an EU-wide withholding border tax to ensure that all payments generated within the Union are taxed at least once before leaving it;
Amendment 137 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. c) the enhancement of coordinated defensive measures against countries listed as non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, including withholding taxation, given the discretionary application by individual Member States of defensive measures;
Amendment 138 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1 e (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. d) further measures required at EU level within the field of withholding taxes to combat tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, including subjecting capital gains upon disposal of shares and security lending fees to taxation equivalent to dividend to deter and mitigate dividend arbitrage;
Amendment 140 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission relevant information for the evaluation of the Directive in improving withholding tax relief procedures to reduce double taxation as well as combat tax abusereferred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a, in accordance with paragraph 3.
Amendment 147 #
2023/0187(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall restrict data subject’s rights under Articles 15 to 19 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council45 only to the extent and only as long as it is strictly necessary for their competent authorities to mitigate the risk of tax fraud, evasion or avoidance in Member States, in particular by verifying that the correct withholding tax rate is applied for the registered owner, or by verifying that the registered owner obtains the relief if so entitled in a timely manner. The rights of the data subjects shall be restored as soon as the conditions that supported the restriction cease to exist. _________________ 45 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 153 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The involvement ofIn order to increase the democratic accountability of the fiscal governance framework, the effective involvement of the European Parliament is key as well as the structured involvement of national parliaments, local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the European Semester is keyand in the economic governance process as a whole to ensure ownership and transparent and inclusive policy-making.
Amendment 158 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted to better take into account the growing heterogeneity and challenges of fiscal positions, and public debt challenges and other vulnerabilities acrossacross the Member States, national public investment gaps and needs to achieve the priorities of the Union, together with other vulnerabilities. The framework should also provide enough flexibility and be capable of quickly adapt to unexpected and structural shocks with asymmetric impact on Member States. The strong and coordinated policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by bold, innovative and common instruments at EU level, proved highly effective in mitigating the economic and social damage of the crisis, but tturning the EU economy more resilient and credible to financial markets. The crisis resulted in a significant increase in public- and private-sector debt ratios, underscoring the importance of reducing debt ratios to prudent levels in a gradual, sustained, and growth-friendly and inclusive manner and addressing macroeconomic imbalances, while paying due attention to employment and social objectives and upward social convergence. At the same time, the economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted, to helpprovide, with a level playing field, the necessary fiscal space - at EU and Member State level to address the medium- and long-term challenges facing the Union including achieving a fair digital and green transition, including the Climate Law22 , ensuring energy security, open strategic autonomy, addressing demographic change, strengthening social and economic resilience and implementing the strategic compass for security and defence, all of which requires reforms and sustained high levels of investment in the years to come. _________________ 22 The European Climate Law sets a Union-wide climate neutrality objective by 2050 and requires Union institutions and Member States to progress in enhancing adaptive capacity, requiring significant public investment to reduce the negative socio-economic impacts of climate change on the EU and its Member States, including negative impacts on growth and fiscal sustainabilitystrengthening social and economic resilience, including the implementation of the Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring energy security, open strategic autonomy, addressing demographic.
Amendment 171 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The economic governance framework of the Union should put debt sustainability, investment and reforms, the common priorities of the Union and sustainable and inclusive growth at its core on equal footing and therefore differentiate between Member States by taking into account their public debt challenges and allowing country-specific fiscal trajectories, and ensure consistency among the Union as a whole, including the euro area.
Amendment 180 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) To achieve the central objective of the reform of this framework - to strengthen public debt sustainability while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in all Member States and respond fully to the sustained high levels of investment needed to finance EU public goods to address the current and future strategic priorities of the EU - , this framework would be better equipped, if supported by a central and permanent investment instrument. The lessons learned from the implementation of EU instruments, such as SURE or NextGenerationEU, could serve as constructive models for forthcoming investment and macroeconomic stabilisation mechanisms aimed at strengthening the fiscal governance framework.
Amendment 181 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) In order to increase the legitimacy of the European semester, in order to account for the far-reaching consequences of measures adopted in the context of the European semester on the economic and fiscal course of action and the social fabric of the Member States and in order to ensure appropriate public scrutiny, the European semester should only be launched by a legislative act in the form of a decision on a proposal made by the Commission, based on Article 121(6) TFEU, and promptly adopted jointly by the European Parliament and the Council. In this decision, the European Parliament and the Council define, in the recitals, their benchmarks for the outcome of the European semester that is to be launched. The European Commission has to take due account of this decision and its recitals when adopting its communication on the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey. By the same token, the Commission takes due account of the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey, the Council’s conclusions and the European Parliament’s resolutions thereon when drafting the recommendations for the draft broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and the Union pursuant to Article 121(2) TFEU and the proposal for the guidelines for employment pursuant to Article 148(2) TFEU. The European Parliament evaluates the Commission's role in the previous European semester against the benchmark of launching decision, the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey and the Parliament’s resolution thereon when adopting the decision to launch the subsequent European semester.
Amendment 182 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 c (new)
Recital 6 c (new)
(6 c) In order to set out the detailed arrangements of the interinstitutional relationship between the European Parliament and the European Commission in the context of the European semester, both institutions should conclude an interninstitutional agreement between each other on the involvement of the European Parliament in the drafting and approval of the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey, of the broad economic policy and employment guidelines, of the reference trajectory, of the medium-term fiscal- structural plans, of the country-specific recommendations. In order to increase the personal accountability of the Commissioner responsible for the implementation of the European semester, the President of the Commission should commit itself, as a rule, to request that Commissioner to resign, in accordance with Article 17(6) TEU and Point 5 of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the Commission, if Parliament asks the President of the Commission to withdraw confidence in that Commissioner on the basis of a negative assessment of the outcome of the European semester. If the President refuses exceptionally to require resignation, she/he explains his/her refusal to do so before Parliament in the following part-session.
Amendment 183 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 d (new)
Recital 6 d (new)
(6 d) In order to promote upward social convergence, the multilateral surveillance procedure set out in Article 148(4) TFEU is complemented with an early warning system within the European Semester (Social Convergence Framework). Within the Social Convergence Framework, the Commission - pursuant to Article 148 TFEU - first identifies risks to upward convergence for Member States in the Joint Employment Report based on the Social Scoreboard headline indicators. In the second stage, the Commission identifies Member States requiring further examination and publishes the ‘Social Convergence Reports’ for those Member States identified as facing risks to upward social convergence. The country-specific conclusions of the multilateral surveillance activities under the new framework should provide input to the Commission’s reflection on CSR proposals.
Amendment 199 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Cohesion policy funds are also synchronised with the European Semester process. As the long-term investment policy of the EU budget, strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, cohesion policy investments and reforms should also be duly taken into account in the drawing of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans. Each Member State should also explain how its national medium-term fiscal-structural plan will ensure consistency with the expenditure on EU programmes fully matched by EU funds revenue and the relevant national co- financing.
Amendment 217 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) To provide guidance to the Member States ininitiate the drafting of theirits national medium-term fiscal-structural plan, the Commission should put forward a technicaleach Member State, having a public debt above the 60% of GDP reference value or a government deficit above the 3% of GDP reference value, should put forward a proposal for a reference trajectory to the Commission. The trajectory should be based on the minimum fiscal adjustment that brings the debt trajectory of the Member State on a plausibly downward path leading to sustainable debt reduction or maintains debt at a prudent level. It should also ensure that the public debt ratio at the end of the planning horizon declines below its level in the year before the start of the technical trajectoryis reduced by at least [0,1] p.p of debt to GDP on average over the adjustment period plus 10 years. The sustainability of that debt reduction should result from appropriate fiscal policies.
Amendment 272 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) To inform enforcement actions, in particular a report under Article 126(3) TFEU, the Commission should set up a control account for each Member State to keep track of annual deviations of the net expenditure observed in the Member State from the net expenditure path set by the Council, summing those deviations over time. A Member State will be deemed not to be in compliance of its net expenditure path where the cumulated balance of the control account during the adjustment period is higher than [X% of GDP] in the years of positive GDP growth. It should be netted out from the control account, the years where Member States implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union, the years where Member States suffer exceptional circumstances outside its control that lead to a major impact on the public finances, the years where the structural primary balance remains above X% during the adjustment period.
Amendment 276 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Independent fiscal institutions have proven their capacity to foster fiscal discipline and strengthen the credibility of Member States’ public finances. In order to enhance national ownership, the role of independent fiscal institutions, traditionally mandated to monitor compliance with the national framework, should be expanded to the economic governance framework of the Union with an appropriate balance with the role of the European Parliament in order to increase the overall democratic accountability of the framework.
Amendment 297 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34 a) The existence of a common currency area, as the Economic and Monetary Union, requires the establishment of common investment tools at the European level in order to counterbalance the investment gap created by the budgetary requirements applicable to national governments. Building on the successful experience of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), and in order to ensure sufficient investment is allocated to EU common priorities beyond the implementation timeframe of the RRF, the Commission will integrate an EU investment instrument in its proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Amendment 312 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
It lays down detailed rules concerning the content, submission, assessment and monitoring of national medium-term fiscal- structural plans as part of multilateral budgetary surveillance by the Council and the Commission so as to promote debt sustainability, with involvement of the European Parliament, so as to promote debt sustainability, investments and reforms, common priorities of the Union, and sustainable and inclusive growth and upward social convergence in the Member States and prevent the occurrence of excessive government deficits, by medium- term planning ensuring consistency among the Union, including the euro area.
Amendment 403 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article3a Launching the European Semester 1. The European Semester is launched by a decision of the European Parliament and Council, on a proposal by the Commission, based on Article 121(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. 2. Following the adoption of the decision pursuant to paragraph 1, the European Commission shall adopt a communication on the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey taking due account of the decision referred to in paragraph 1. 3. When drafting the recommendations for the draft broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and the Union pursuant to Article 121(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and when drafting the proposal for the guidelines for employment pursuant to Article 148(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union the European Commission shall take due account of Annual Sustainability Growth Survey referred to in paragraph 2.
Amendment 452 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the government deficit is brought and maintained below, on average, the 3% of GDP reference value;
Amendment 460 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the fiscal adjustment effort over the period of the national medium-term fiscal- structural plan is at least proportional to the total effort over the entire adjustment period; If a Member State plans to implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12, that year will be exempted from this rule, meaning that the year will be taken out of the proportionality calculations;
Amendment 470 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 471 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the public debt ratio at the end of the planning horizon is below the public debt ratio in the year before the start of the technical trajectory; andis reduced by at least [0,1] p.p of debt to GDP on average over the adjustment period plus 10 years.
Amendment 504 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
If a Member States deficit is above 3% while the public debt is below the 60% of GDP reference value, the rules in Article 6(1), points (c) and (d), shall not apply.
Amendment 534 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Following the negotiations, in case of no agreement between the Member State and the Commission on the reference trajectory, the Council may recommend the Member State concerned that the technical trajectory proposed by the Commission be the net expenditure path of the Member State or request a new proposal.
Amendment 535 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. In case a Member State does not submit its proposal for a reference trajectory by [1 March] of the same year referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall put forward a reference trajectory meeting the requirements set out in Article 6 in its own motion.
Amendment 555 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
To assess plausibility and sustainability that the projected public debt ratio of the Member State concerned is on a downward path or remains at a prudent level, the Commission shall use thea methodology referred to in Annex V. The Commission shall make public its analysis of plausibility and the underlying data. based on the following conditions: (a) public debt ratio should be declining, or stay at prudent levels, under the deterministic scenarios of the Commission’s medium-term public debt projection framework based on the debt sustainability analysis methodology; (b) the risk of the public debt ratio not decreasing in the 5 years following the adjustment period of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plan is sufficiently low, according to the Commission's analysis.
Amendment 561 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
For the purpose of the delegated act on debt sustainability analysis, the Commission shall identify the relevant factors to assess the sustainability of debt, taking into consideration, in particular the future evolution of sustainable growth, interest rates, the level of inflation, liquidity risks, the structure of the debt, contingent liabilities, the potential growth impact of the reforms and investments underpinning the implemented national medium-term fiscal-structural plans, as well as social convergence risks and climate risks.
Amendment 584 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Prior to submission, Member States shall discuss its draft national medium-term fiscal-structural plan with its respective parliaments. The Member State shall make its national medium-term fiscal- structural plan public, including all the data and documents related to the negotiations and assumptions used for the reference trajectory.
Amendment 644 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) explain how it will eEnsure the delivery of investment and reforms responding to the main challenges identified within the European Semester, in the country-specific recommendations, correct the identified macroeconomic imbalances under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure if applicable, and address the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI of this Regulation, including the European Green Deal, European Pillar of Social Rights and the Digital Decade while being consistent with the updated National Energy and Climate Plans and the National Digital Decade Roadmaps;the social convergence reports under the Social Convergence Framework and correct, if applicable, the identified macroeconomic imbalances under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure, the warnings by the Commission, or the recommendations by the Council, made pursuant to Article 121(4) TFEU.
Amendment 660 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) address the following common priorities of the Union: (a) The European Green Deal, including the transition to climate neutrality by 2050 and the translation at national level through the National Energy and Climate Plans; (b) The European Pillar of Social Rights, including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030; (c) The Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, and reflected at national level through the National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmaps; (d) A Strategic Compass for Security and Defence - For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security.
Amendment 671 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) explain how it will ensure consistencEnsure consistency and where appropriate complementarity with the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Member State concerned during the period of availability of the Recovery and Resilience Facility in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and with any EU investment instruments that address the EU common priorities or serve the same purpose as the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Amendment 680 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
(d b) ensure progress in addressing national public investment gaps in alignment with each of the priorities of the Union as stated in Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, recognising that these investments play a pivotal role in supporting the fulfilment of Union objectives and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth, upward social convergence and fiscal stability;
Amendment 685 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
(d c) ensure consistency and, where appropriate, complementarity with the EU funds, namely cohesion policy funds the Member State concerned benefits from;
Amendment 686 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d d (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d d (new)
(d d) ensure consistency with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and with the employment guidelines in accordance with Article 121(2) and Article 148(2) TFEU;
Amendment 687 #
2023/0138(COD)
When calculating the budget balance, Member States shall be allowed to use alternative accounting views on public investments replacing gross investment expenditure with depreciation on investments in calculating public deficit. This shall apply particularly for those member states whose budget position exceeds the 3% of deficit/GDP reference value.
Amendment 707 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point i
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point i
(i) be growth enhancing and boost resilience and upward social convergence;
Amendment 730 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point iv
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point iv
(iv) address relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to the Member State concerned, under Article 121(4) and Article 148(4) TFEU including, where applicable, recommendations issued under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure as well as under the Social Convergence Framework;
Amendment 751 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4
Article 13 – paragraph 4
4. DCommitments included in the approved Recovery and Resilience Plan during the lifetime of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, commitments included in the approved Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Partnership Agreement in Multiannual Financial Framework of the Member State concerned canshould be taken into account and be consistent with the overall set of reforms an d investments for an extension of the adjustment period.
Amendment 817 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) whether the government deficit is maintained below, on average, the 3% of GDP reference value throughout the duration of the plan or whether the government deficit returns swiftly below the 3% of GDP reference value at the latest by the end of the adjustment period when the deficit is above this reference value at the time of submission of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plan;
Amendment 849 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) whether the public debt ratio at the end of the planning horizon is below the public debt ratio in the year before the start of the technical trajectory.is reduced by at least [0,1] p.p of debt to GDP on average over the adjustment period plus 10 years
Amendment 943 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
The years where Member States implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12, with a combined size of at least ]x%] of GDP, that lead to a deviation from the net expenditure path, shall not be recorded as deviation from the control account and shall be included among the relevant factors to be assessed when opening an Excessive Deficit Procedure as specified in the Article 126(3)
Amendment 944 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 b (new)
The same procedure applies for the years where a Member State suffers exceptional circumstances outside its control that lead to a major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned, as specified in article 25.
Amendment 945 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 c (new)
If the structural primary balance remains above X% during the adjustment period, the Member State would be exempt from the debt-based EDP triggered by deviations on control account.
Amendment 952 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Each national independent fiscal institution referred to in Article 8 of Council Directive […]32 [on the national budgetary frameworks] shall provide an assessment of compliance of the budgetary outturns data reported in the progress report referred to in Article 20 with the net expenditure path, including of non quantifiable targets and an assessment of the social impact of fiscal adjustment policy choices involving social experts in the process. Where applicable, each national independent fiscal institution shall also analyse the factors underlying a deviation from the net expenditure path. _________________ 32 Council Directive […] of […] [amending Council Directive 2011/85/EU on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States] (OJ …., …, p,…)
Amendment 954 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall establish the European Advisory Fiscal Board (EFB), an independent expert group, which shall have an advisory role in respect of the Union’s economic policy coordination and shall include economic and social experts. The Commission shall have no voting rights. European social partners should be invited as observer members.
Amendment 955 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall establish the European Advisory Fiscal Board (EFB), an independent expert group, which shall have an advisory role in respect of the Union’s economic policy coordination. The Commission shall have no voting rights. European social partners should be invited as observer members.
Amendment 973 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall orally inform the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the competent committee of the European Parliament of the progress made in the preparation of the draft Commission recommendation referred to in paragraph 2. That information shall be treated as confidential.
Amendment 1008 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Where Member States face a negative GDP growth or must implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12, with a combined size of at least (X)% of GDP, shall be considered as exceptional circumstances and shall allow Member States to deviate from its net expenditure path.
Amendment 1010 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a (new)
Amendment 1019 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26a Medium-term structural-fiscal plan dialogue 1. In order to enhance the dialogue between the European Parliament and the Commission, and to ensure greater transparency and accountability, the Commission shall appear before the competent committees of the European Parliament every two months to discuss the content, submission, assessment and monitoring of its medium-term fiscal- structural plans as part of multilateral budgetary surveillance, including the information listed in Article 25a(7). 2. In order to enhance the dialogue between the Union institutions, in particular the European Parliament and the Council, and to ensure greater transparency and accountability, the competent committees of the European Parliament may invite the President of the Council and, where appropriate, the President of the European Council or the President of the Eurogroup to appear [at least twice a year] before its competent committees to discuss the matters referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 1023 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 a (new)
Article 28 a (new)
Article28a European Parliament and the European Semester An agreement shall be concluded between the European Parliament and Commission on the detailed arrangements for organising the Parliamentary scrutiny of the European Semester and the involvement of the European Parliament in the drafting and approval of the Annual Sustainability Growth Survey, of the broad economic policy and employment guidelines, of the reference trajectory, of the medium-term fiscal- structural plans, of the country-specific recommendations, and for organising the accountability of the Commission and the responsible Commissioner for their activities in implementing this Regulation.
Amendment 1055 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may undertake in- depth surveillancemonitoring missions in Member States which are the subject of recommendations issued pursuant to Article 23 for the purposes of on-site monitoring.
Amendment 1057 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. European Commission may invite social partners or other relevant stakeholders to offer their views on the socio-economic situation in the Member State and the identification of any risks or difficulties in complying with the objectives of this Regulation.
Amendment 1062 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The report referred to in paragraph 1 shall assess and review:
Amendment 1070 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 36 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall submit the report to the European Parliament and to the Council, together with, where appropriate, a legislative proposal for an EU investment instrument to ensure that the central objective of the reform of this framework - to strengthen public debt sustainability while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth and upward social convergence in all Member States and respond fully to the sustained high levels of investment needed to address the current and future strategic priorities of the EU - can be met, or if the framework needs to be complemented by the establishment of a central and permanent investment instrument
Amendment 1071 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 a (new)
Article 36 a (new)
Article 36a EU Investment Instrument With the view to incorporate it into the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Commission shall propose the establishment of a permanent EU investment instrument that addresses the EU common priorities, boosts investment in new strategic and political priorities, and provides a stabilisation function to the European economy.
Amendment 1087 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 1107 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) Progress in addressing national public investment gaps in alignment with each of the priorities of the Union as stated in Article 12;
Amendment 1135 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q
(q) Information on the public consultations of social partners, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in view of the preparation of the plan and a summary of their contributions to the plan.
Amendment 1136 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(q a) Challenges identified in the social convergence reports under the Social Convergence Framework and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 1137 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
(q b) A quantification, as much as possible, of the expected impacts of reforms and investment referred to under point (k) on fiscal sustainability, sustainable and inclusive growth and quality employment as well as upward social convergence, where applicable in line with commonly agreed methodologies;
Amendment 1151 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(m a) Progress in addressing national public investment gaps in alignment with each of the priorities of the Union as stated in Article 12;
Amendment 1153 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) Information on labour market, skills and social policy developments, and on the implementation of policy measures taken that foster upward social convergence among Member States towards better working and living conditions, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Employment Guidelines under Article 148 TFEU. That includes the expected impact of measures, in relation to progress on the national targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030 and if applicable the expected impact of measures to address the challenges identified under the Social Convergence Framework.
Amendment 1154 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) A quantification, as much as possible, of the expected impacts of reforms and investment referred to under point (k) on fiscal sustainability, sustainable and inclusive growth and quality employment as well as upward social convergence, where applicable in line with commonly agreed methodologies
Amendment 15 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The economic governance framework of the Union should put debt sustainability and sustainable and inclusive growth at its core and therefore differentiate between Member States by taking into account their public debt challenges and allowing country-specific fiscal trajectories.
Amendment 22 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to simplify the Union fiscal framework and increase transparency, a single operational indicator anchored in debt sustainability should serve as a basis for setting the fiscal path and carrying out annual fiscal surveillance for each Member State. That single indicator should be based on nationally financed net primary expenditure, that is to say expenditure net of discretionary revenue measures and excluding interest expenditure as well as cyclicalexpenditure on programmes of the Union fully matched by Union funds revenue, national expenditure on co- financing of programmes funded by the Union cap with a limit of 0.25% of GDP, cyclical elements of unemployment benefit expenditure, and expenditure on Union programmes fully matched by revcosts related to the borrowing of funds for the loans related to the national plans in accordance with the Recovery and Resilienuce from Union fundsFacility in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241. This indicator allows for macro-economic stabilisation as it is not affected by the operation of automatic stabilisers, including revenue and expenditure fluctuations outside the direct control of the government.
Amendment 35 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In accordance with Articles 24 and 25 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], the Council, following a recommendation from the Commission, can allow Member States to deviate from the net expenditure path set by the Council under that Regulation in the event of a severe economic downturn in the euro area or the Union as a whole, or in the event of exceptional circumstances outside the control of the government with a major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned, provided that it does not endanger fiscal sustainability in the medium term or where Member States implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], and adhering to the reforms and investments outlined in national plans, including those of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Funds, and future EU investment instruments designed to serve similar purposes. As a consequence, such a deviation should not lead to the opening of a debt-based EDP.
Amendment 57 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) A strong track record of commitments and implementation rate of reforms and investments approved under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Member State, as well on its Partnership Agreement for the Cohesion Funds, should be taken into account for the Commission to halt its proposal to the Council to suspend all or part of the commitments or payments of these two instruments as stated in Article 10(1) and Article 19(7) of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation , respectively.
Amendment 67 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) ‘net expenditure’ means government expenditure net of interest expenditure, discretionary revenue measures and other budgetary variables outside the control of the government, as defined in Annex II, point (a) of Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council [on the preventive arm]*; , expenditure on programmes of the Union fully matched by Union funds revenue, national expenditure on co- financing of programmes funded by the Union cap with a limit of 0.25% of GDP, cyclical elements of unemployment benefit expenditure, and costs related to the borrowing of funds for the loans related to the national plans in accordance with the Recovery and Resilience Facility in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241;
Amendment 76 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) ‘technical'reference trajectory’ means the net expenditure trajectory put forward by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm]each Member State and negotiated after with the Commission to provide guidance to Member States with public debt above the 60% of gross domestic product (GDP) reference value or government deficit above the 3% of GDP reference value when drawing up their national medium- term fiscal-structural plans;
Amendment 83 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
The excess of a government deficit over the reference value shall be considered exceptional, in accordance with Article 126(2), second indent, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), where the Council has established the existence of a severe economic downturn in the euro area or the Union as a whole in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm] or of exceptional circumstances outside the control of the government with a major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned, or where Member States implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], and adhering to the reforms and investments outlined in national plans, including those of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Funds, and future EU investment instruments designed to serve similar purposes in accordance with Article 25 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm].
Amendment 85 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
In addition, the excess over the reference value shall be considered temporary where budgetary forecasts as provided by the Commission and the Member State indicates that the deficit will fall belowis on a downward path towards the reference value following the end of the severe economic downturn or the exceptional circumstances referred to in the first subparagraph.
Amendment 90 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 1a
Article 2 – paragraph 1a
1a. When it exceeds the reference value, the ratio of the government debt to gross domestic product (GDP) shall be considered sufficiently diminishing and approaching the reference value at a satisfactory pace in accordance with Article 126(2), point (b), TFEU if the Member State concerned respectsfollows within a sustainable range its net expenditure path.
Amendment 105 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission, when preparing a report under Article 126(3) TFEU, shall take into account as a key relevant factor the degree of debt challenges in the Member State concerned. In particular, where the Member State faces substantial public debt challenges according to the most recent Debt Sustainability Monitor, it shall be considered a key factor leading to the opening of an excessive deficit procedure as a rule, national public investment gaps and needs to achieve the common priorities of the Union as stated in the Article 12 of Regulation (EU) on the preventive arm], in the Member State concerned.
Amendment 121 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The Commission shall take into account as a key relevant factor to prevent the opening of a EDP the delivery and commitment by the Member State on the implementation of the investments and reforms to address the common priorities of the Union as stated in the Article 12 of the Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], but also the reforms and investments committed in the national plans of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Funds and future EU investments instruments that serve the same purpose.
Amendment 129 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 – point b
(b) the developments in the medium- term budgetary positions, including, in particular, the size of the actual deviation from the net expenditure path, in annual and cumulative terms as measured by the control account, and the extent to which the deviation is due to a severe economic downturn in the euro area or in the Union as a whole or to exceptional circumstances outside the control of the government with a major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned in accordance with Articles 24 and 25 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm]. Where relevant, the deviation compared to the technical trajectory shall also be taken into account when considering the size of the deviation;
Amendment 134 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) the progress in addressing national public investment gaps in alignment with the priorities of the Union as stated in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], recognising that these investments play a pivotal role in supporting the fulfilment of Union objectives and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth and fiscal stability;
Amendment 139 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(d) the implementation of reforms and investments including, in particular policies to prevent and correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances and policies to implement the common growth and employment strategy of the Union and the European Pillar of Social Rights, including those supported by NextGenerationEU, Cohesion Funds and EU investments instruments that serve the same purpose, and the overall quality of public finances, in particular the effectiveness of national budgetary frameworks.
Amendment 147 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
The Commission shall give due and express consideration to any other factors which, in the opinion of the Member State concerned, are relevant in order to comprehensively assess compliance with deficit and debt criteria and which the Member State has put forward to the Council and the Commission. In that context, particular consideration shall be given to financial contributions to fostering international solidarity and, achieving the policy goals of the Union. The opinion submitted to the Commission by the Member State concEU common priorities of the Union, the size of the public investment committed to address the priorities refernred shall include the opinion of its national independent fiscal institution on relevant factorsin Article 12ba) of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 and any other relevant factors outside of the control of the Member State.
Amendment 156 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The Council and the Commission shall make a balanced overall assessment of all the relevant factors, specifically, the extent to which they affect the assessment of compliance with the deficit and/or the debt criteria as aggravating or mitigating factors.
Amendment 161 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 165 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 170 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Article 2 – paragraph 5
5. Where Member States are allowed to deviate from their net expenditure path in the event of a severe economic downturn in the euro area or in the Union as a whole pursuant to Article 24 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], the Commission and the Council, in their assessment, mayshall decide not to conclude on the existence of an excessive deficit.
Amendment 173 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Article 2 – paragraph 6
If the Council, acting under Article 126(6) TFEU, decides that an excessive deficit exists in a Member State, the Council and the Commission shall, in the subsequent procedural steps of that Article of the TFEU, take into account the relevant factors referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, as they affect the situation of the Member State concerned, including as specified in Article 5(2) of this Regulation, in particular in establishing a deadline for the correction of the excessive deficit and eventually extending that deadline. However, those relevant factors shall not be taken into account for the decision of the Council under Article 126(12) TFEU on the abrogation of some or all of its decisions under Article 126(6) to (9) and (11) TFEU.’;
Amendment 183 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The Council recommendation made in accordance with Article 126(7) TFEU shall establish a maximum deadline of sixtwelve months for effective action to be taken by the Member State concerned. WThen warranted by the seriousness of the situation, the deadline for effective action may be three months. The Council recommenda Council recommendation may also establish a deadline for the correction of the excessive deficit ensuring a sustainable and balanced correction sthall also establish a deadlint does not endanger sustainable and inclusive growth, social convergence for the correction of the excessive defimplementation of significant investments and social policites. In its recommendation, the Council shallmay also request that the Member State implements a correctivenew net expenditure path, which ensures that the general government deficit remains or is brought and maintained below the reference value within the deadline set in the recommendation. For the years when the general government deficit is expected to exceed the reference value, the corrective net expenditure path shall be consistent with a minimum annual adjustment of at least 0,5% of GDP as a benchmark.is declining towards a reference value
Amendment 193 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The corrective net expenditure path shall also put the debt ratio on a plausibly and sustainable downward path or keep it at a prudent level having regard to the criteria established in Annex I of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm]. The corrective net expenditure path shall ensure that the average annual fiscal adjustment eff and prevent the occurrence ort in the first three years is at least as high as the average annual fiscal effort of the total adjustment periodcentives to pro-cyclical policies.
Amendment 198 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 3 – paragraph 5
Article 3 – paragraph 5
5. Within the deadline provided for in paragraph 4 of this Article, the Member State concerned shall report to the Council and the Commission on action taken in response to the Council’s recommendation under Article 126(7) TFEU. The report shall include the targets for government expenditure and revenue and for the discretionary measures on both the expenditure and the revenue side consistent with the Council’s recommendation, as well as information on the measures taken and the nature of those envisaged to achieve the targets. The report shall also include the opinion of the independent fiscal institution of the Member State concerned on the adequacy of the measures taken and envisaged with respect to the targets. The Member State shall make the report public.
Amendment 205 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Amendment 214 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Any Council decision to give notice to the participating Member State concerned to take measures for the deficit reduction in accordance with Article 126(9) TFEU shall be taken within two months of the Council decision under Article 126(8) TFEU establishing that no effective action has been taken. In the notice, the Council shall request that the Member State implements a corrective net expenditure path which ensures that the general government deficit remains or is brought and maintained belowclose to the reference value within the deadline set in the notice. For the years where the general government deficit is expected to exceed the reference value, the corrective net expenditure path shall be consistent with a minimum annual adjustment of at least 0,5% of GDP as a benchmark.
Amendment 224 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The corrective net expenditure path shall also put the debt ratio on a plausibly and sustainable downward path or keep it at a prudent level having regard to the criteria established in Annex I of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm]. The corrective net expenditure path shall ensure that the average annual fiscal adjustment effort in the first three years is at least as high as the average annual fiscal effort of the total adjustment period. The Council shall also indicate measures conducive to the achievement of the corrective net expenditure path.;
Amendment 230 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Where effective action has been taken in compliance with a notice under Article 126(9) TFEU or where exceptional circumstances outside the control of the government with major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned, including on the respect of the corrective net expenditure path referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, or where Member States implement, within a defined timeframe, justifiable and strategically significant investments addressing the common priorities of the Union as outlined in Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, and adhering to the reforms and investments outlined in national plans, including those of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Funds, and future EU investment instruments designed to serve similar purposes, occur after the adoption of that notice, the Council may decide, on a recommendation from the Commission, to adopt a revised notice under Article 126(9) TFEU. The revised notice, taking into account the relevant factors referred to in Article 2(3) of this Regulation may, in particular, extend the deadline for the correction of the excessive deficit by one year as a rule. In case the Council has established the existence of a severe economic downturn in the euro area or in the Union as a whole in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) [on the preventive arm], the Council may also decide, on a recommendation from the Commission, to adopt a revised notice under Article 126(9) TFEU, on condition that it does not endanger fiscal sustainability in the medium term. The revised notice may, in particular, extend the deadline for the correction of the excessive deficit by one year as a rule.’;
Amendment 241 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. A Council decision shall only be taken pursuant to Article 126(12) TFEU where budgetary forecasts as provided by the Commission and the Member State indicate that the deficit has been brought durably belowclose to the reference value and, where the excessive deficit procedure was opened on the basis of the debt criterion, the Member State concerned respectfollowed the corrective net expenditure path set by the Council in accordance with Article 3(4) or Article 5(1) of this Regulation over the previous 2 years and is projected to continue to do so in the current year on the basis of the Commission forecast.;
Amendment 245 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point ba (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point ba (new)
(ba) where the participating Member State returns to its original net expenditure path as assessed in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation EU [on the preventive arm];
Amendment 255 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 10a – paragraph 2
Article 10a – paragraph 2
2. Following the adoption by the Council of a notice under Article 126(9) TFEU, the Commission shall carry out a dedicated surveillance mission to the Member State concerned to discuss the measures that the Member State intends to take in response to the measures judged necessary following the notice under Article 126(9) TFEU. Upon invitation by the parliament of the Member State concerned, the Commission may present its assessment of the economic and fiscal situation in the Member State. Enhanced surveillance may be undertaken for Member States which are the subject of recommendations and notices issued following a decision pursuant to Article 126(8) TFEU and decisions under Article 126(11) TFEU for the purposes of on-site monitoring. The Member States concerned shall provide all necessary information for the preparation and the conduct of the surveillance mission.;
Amendment 260 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
(9a) Article 11 is replaced by the following: "Article 11 "Whenever the Council decides under Article 126(11) TFEU to impose sanctions on a participating Member State, a fine shall, as a rule, be required. The Council may decide to supplement such a fine by the other measures provided for in Article 126(11) TFEU. A strong track record of commitments and implementation rate of reforms and investments approved under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Member State, as well on its Partnership Agreement for the Cohesion Funds, should be taken into account for the Commission to halt its proposal to the Council to suspend all or part of the commitments or payments of these two instruments as stated in Article 10(1) of the RRF regulation and Article 19(7), respectively. "
Amendment 264 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The amount of the fine shall amount to up to 0,051% of GDP for a 6- month period and be paid every 6 months until the Council assesses that the Member State concerned has taken effective action in response to the notice issued under Article 126(9) TFEU.
Amendment 269 #
2023/0137(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The cumulated amount of the fines referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not exceed 0,52 % of GDP.;
Amendment 16 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Biased and unrealistic macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts for the annual and multiannual budget legislations can considerably hamper the effectiveness of fiscal planning and consequently impair commitment to budgetary discipline. To improve baseline assumptions and provide unbiased assessments of the fiscal impact of various policy measures, the macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts of the Member States should be endorsed or producproduced or supported by an independent fiscal institution.
Amendment 20 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Independent bodies charged with monitoring public finances in the Member States are an essential building block ofcan be a support to develop effective budgetary frameworks. Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council28 requires Member States whose currency is the euro to have independent fiscal institutions tasked with the endorsement or productionproduction or support of macroeconomic forecasts and establishes specific safeguards regarding their independence and technical capacity. Given the positive contribution to public finance of independent bodies, those requirements should be extended to all Member States. In order to foster fiscal discipline and strengthen the credibility of fiscal policy, such bodies should also contribute to budgetary planning by either producing or endsupporsting the forecasts and debt analyses used by the government, and by carrying out independent assessments of fiscal policies and monitoring compliance with the fiscal framework. __________________ 28 Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area (OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 11).
Amendment 38 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that annual and multiannual fiscal planning is based on realistic macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts using the most up-to- date information. Budgetary planning shall be based on the most likely macrofiscal scenario or on a more prudent scenario. The macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts shall be either produced or endorsed by independent fiscal institutions established in accordance with Article 8. They shall be compared with the most updated forecasts of the Commission. Significant differences between the macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts of the Member State and the Commission’s forecasts shall be explained, including where the level or growth of variables in external assumptions departs significantly from the values contained in the Commission’s forecasts.
Amendment 47 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall specify which institution is responsible for producing macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts. At least annually, the Member States and the Commission shall engage in a technical dialogue concerning the assumptions underpinning the preparation of macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts.
Amendment 50 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Amendment 54 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 56 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
If numerical fiscal rules contain escape clauses, such clauses shall set out a limited number of specific circumstances, consistent with the Member States’ obligations deriving from the TFEU and Regulation [XXX preventive arm of the SGP], and stringent procedures in which temporary non-compliance with the rules is permitted. Escape clauses shall have clear time limits.
Amendment 65 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that the iInstitutions referred to in paragraph 1 have the following tasks:
Amendment 66 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) producing or supporting the annual and multiannual macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts underlying the government’s medium-term planning or endorsing those used by the budgetary authorities;
Amendment 73 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) producing or supporting debt sustainability assessments underlying the government’s medium-term planning or endorsing those provided by the budgetary authorities;.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) producing or supporting assessments on the impacts of policies on fiscal sustainability and sustainable and inclusive growth or endorsing those provided by the budgetary authorities;
Amendment 79 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point d
Amendment 80 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 8 Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point e
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – point e
Amendment 82 #
2023/0136(NLE)
(f) conducting, on a regular basis, reviews of the national budgetary framework, in order to assess the consistency, coherence and effectiveness of the framework, including mechanisms and rules that regulate fiscal relationships between public authorities across sub- sectors of general government;.
Amendment 90 #
2023/0136(NLE)
Proposal for a directive Sole Article – Paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point ii Directive 2011/85/EU
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) a description of medium-term policies, including investment and reforms, and if applicable, specifying the investments and reforms in EU common priorities, envisaged with an impact on general government finances and sustainable and inclusive growth, broken down by major revenue and expenditure item, showing how the adjustment towards the national budgetary objectives over the medium term as referred to in Article 2, point (e), is achieved compared to projections under unchanged policies.;
Amendment 85 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) At present, the banking union rests on just two of its intended three pillars, namely, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). It therefore remains incomplete, due to the absence of its third pillar, the European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS). The completion of the banking union forms an integral part of economic and monetary union and of financial stability, most notably by mitigating the risks of so-called ‘doom loop’ that arise as a result of the bank-sovereign nexus.
Amendment 99 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Pursuant to Article 10(2) of Directive 2014/49/EU, Member States are to ensure that by 3 July 2024, the available financial means of a DGS reach a target level of 0,8 % of the amount of the covered deposits of its members. To objectively assess whether DGSs fulfil that requirement, a clear reference period should be set to determine the amount of covered deposits and DGSs’ available financial means. In consideration of the scope expansion for DGS use, the adequacy of the 0,8% target level should be subject to close monitoring and assessment.
Amendment 107 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) It is necessary to enhance depositor protection, while avoiding the need for a fire sale of the assets of a DGS and limiting possible negative pro-cyclical effects over the banking industry caused by the collection of extraordinary contributions. DGSs should therefore be allowed to use alternative funding arrangements that enable them to obtain at any time short- term funding from sources other than contributions, including before using their available financial means and funds collected through extraordinary contributions. Because credit institutions should primarily bear the cost and responsibility for financing DGSs, alternative funding arrangements from public funds should only be used as a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted.
Amendment 111 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) To avoid a DGS becoming insufficiently funded and unable to support a new intervention, robust and favourable alternative funding arrangements are required. Therefore, to prevent temporary financing by the Member States, and to ensure that it remains a last resort, the Single Resolution Board should be able to provide a guarantee based on the Single Resolution Fund to a DGS in order to facilitate its access to markets at favourable financing conditions. The Single Resolution Fund's guarantee should be provided when the DGS is required to intervene in resolution, yet available financial means are insufficient to satisfy the needs of such action.
Amendment 112 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 b (new)
Recital 22 b (new)
(22b) The provision of Single Resolution Fund guarantees to DGSs pursuing alternative funding arrangements must not preclude, nor delay, any progress in the establishment of a fully-fledged European deposit insurance scheme, which remains the optimal solution.
Amendment 116 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Measures to prevent failure of a credit institution through sufficiently early interventions can play an effective role in the continuum of crisis management tools to maintain depositor confidence and financial stability. Those measures can take various forms - capital support measures through own funds instruments (including Common Equity Tier 1 instruments) or other capital instruments, guarantees, or loans. DGSs have had heterogeneous recourse to those measures. To ensure the continuum of crisis management tools and recourse to preventive measures in a manner consistent with the resolution framework and the state aid rules, it is necessary to specify the timing and conditions for their application. Preventive measures are not appropriate for the absorption of incurred losses when the credit institution is already failing or likely to fail and should be used early to prevent deterioration of the financial situation of the bank. DesignatedCompetent authorities should therefore verify whether the conditions for such DGS intervention have been fulfilledconfirm that the circumstances for failing or likely to fail are not met and that preventive measures are needed to secure the financial soundness and long- term viability of the credit institution. DGSs, or where relevant, designated authorities should then verify that the conditions for using DGSs’ available financial means in the context of preventive measures are met. Finally, those conditions for the use of DGS available financial means should be without prejudice to the assessment by the competent authority of whether an IPS fulfils the criteria laid down in Article 113(7) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council41 . __________________ 41 Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 119 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) To ensure that preventive measures achieve their objective, credit institutions should be required to prepare a note outlining the measures that they commit to undertake. The preparation of such note should not be too burdensome and time- consuming for the credit institution to ensure the possibility for the DGS to intervene early enough. Therefore, the note accompanying preventive measures should take the form of a sufficiently short explanatory document. Such note should contain all elements which aim at preventing the outflow of funds and strengthening the capital and liquidity position of the credit institution, enabling the credit institution to comply with all the relevant prudential and other regulatory requirements on a forward-looking basis. Such note should therefore contain capital raising measures, including rules on the issuance of rights, the voluntary conversion of subordinated debt instruments, liability management exercises, capital generating sales of assets, the securitisation of portfolios, and earnings retention, including dividend bans and bans on the acquisition of stakes in undertakings. For the same reason, during the implementation of the measures envisaged in the note, credit institutions should also strengthen their liquidity positions and refrain from aggressive commercial practices, and from the repurchasing of own shares or call hybrid capital instruments. Such note should also contain an exit strategy for any support measures received. Competent authorities are best positioned to be consulted onassess the relevance and credibility of the measures envisaged in the note. To ensure that the designated authorities of the DGS that is requested to finance a preventive measure by the credit institution can assess that all the conditions for preventive measures are fulfilled, the competent authorities should cooperate with the designated authorities. To ensure a consistent approach to the application of preventive measures across the Union, the EBA should issue guidelines to assist credit institutions to draft such a note.
Amendment 120 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To ensure that credit institutions receiving support from DGSs in the form of preventive measures deliver on their commitments, competent authorities should request a remediation plan from credit institutions that failed to fulfil their commitments or to repay the amount contributed under the preventive measures. Where a competent authority is of the opinion that the measures in the remediation plan are not capable of achieving the credit institution’s long-term viability, the DGS should not provide any further preventive support to the credit institution and the relevant authorities should carry out an assessment on whether the institution is failing or is likely to fail, in accordance with Article 32 of Directive 2014/59/EU. The same consequences should apply in cases where the credit institution fails to comply with the remediation plan or fails to repay the preventive measures. To ensure a consistent approach to the application of preventive measures across the Union, the EBA should issue guidelines to assist credit institutions to draft such a remediation plan.
Amendment 123 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Since the main aim of DGSs is to protect covered deposits, DGSs should only be allowed to finance interventions other than payouts where such interventions are cheaper than payoutsmore efficient than payouts and are able to ensure, in a more effective way, the depositors’ access to their deposits . Experience with the application of that rule (‘least cost test’) has revealed several shortcomings as the current framework does not detail how to determine the cost of those interventions nor the cost of the payout. To ensure a consistent application of the least cost test across the Union, it is necessary to specify the calculation of those costs. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid excessively stringent conditions that would effectively disable the use of DGS funds for other interventions than payout. When carrying out the least cost assessment, DGSs should first verify that the cost to finance the selected measure is lower than the cost of reimbursement of covered deposits. The methodology for the least cost assessment should take into account the time value of money.
Amendment 126 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Credit institutions may change affiliation to a DGS because they move their headquarters to another Member State or convert their subsidiary into a branch or vice versa. Article 14(3) of Directive 2014/49/EU requires that the contributions of that credit institution paid during the 12 months preceding the transfer are transferred to the other DGS in proportion to the amount of covered deposits transferred. To ensure that the transfer of contributions to the receiving DGS is not dependent on divergent national rules regarding invoicing or actual date of payment of contributions, the DGS of origin should calculate the amount to be transferred on the basis of contributions due rather than contributions paidthe methodology to be developed by the EBA.
Amendment 135 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Directive 2014/49/EU allows Member States to recognise an IPS as a DGS if it fulfils the criteria laid down in Article 113(7) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 and complies with Directive 2014/49/EU. To take into account the specific business model of those IPSs, in particular the relevance of preventive measures at the core of their mandate, it is appropriate to provide for the possibility of Member States to allow IPSs to adapt to the new safeguards for the application of preventive measures within a 63-year period. This possibly longer compliance period takes into account the timeline for the build-up of a segregated fund for IPS purposes other than deposit insurance as agreed between the European Central Bank, the national competent authority and the relevant IPSs.
Amendment 138 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Directive lays down rules and procedures relating to the establishment and the functioning of deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs), the coverage and repayment of deposits, and the use of DGS funds for measures that aim to ensure the access of depositors to their deposits, and the rules governing DGSs’ access to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) guarantee, as provided in Article 79a of Regulation 806/2014.;
Amendment 146 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Members States shall ensure that where a credit institution does not comply with its obligations as a member of a DGS, that DGS shall immediately notify the designated authority and the competent authority of that credit institution thereof. Member States shall ensure that the competent authority, in cooperation with that DGSdesignated authority, uses the supervisory powers laid down in Directive 2013/36/EU, and promptly takes all measures to ensure that the credit institution concerned complies with its obligations, including where necessary by imposing administrative penalties and other administrative measures in accordance with the national laws adopted in addition to the implementation of provisions of Title VII, Chapter 1, Section IV, of Directive 2013/36/EU.;
Amendment 150 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall ensure that where the competent authority decides to withdraw the authorisation in accordance with Article 18 of Directive 2013/36/EU, the credit institution ceases to be a member of the DGS. Member States shall ensure that deposits held on the date on which a credit institution ceased to be a member of the DGS continue to be covered by that DGS. for a maximum period of six months. Member States shall ensure that depositors of a credit institution that ceased to be a member of the DGS are duly informed of the consequences thereof and can, without bearing any costs, transfer their deposits to another institution which is a member of the same DGS. ;
Amendment 152 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point e
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 13
Article 4 – paragraph 13
13. By… [OP – please add 3624 months after entry into force], the EBA shall develop guidelinedraft regulatory technical standards on the scope, contents and procedures of the stress tests referred to in paragraph 10.’; EBA shall submit those draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by … [24 months after the date of entry into force of this amending Directive]. Power is delegated to the Commission to supplement this Directive by adopting the regulatory technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph in accordance with Articles 10 to 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010. ;
Amendment 158 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point v a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point v a (new)
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(va) the point (ka) is added: (ka) deposits by persons or legal entities subject to targeted financial sanctions adopted by the Union.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
3. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States shall allow DGSs to apply a longer repayment period for the deposits referred to in Article 6(2), Article 7(3) and Article 8b, which shall not exceed 20 working days from the date on which those DGSs received the complete documentation they requested from a depositor or, where appropriate, an account holder, to examine the claims and verify that the conditions for repayment are met. For the deposits referred to in Article 6(2) and Article 7(3), where DGSs are not able to make the repayable amount available in less than seven working days, they shall ensure that depositors have access to an appropriate amount of their covered deposits to cover living costs within five working days of making a request for that amount. ;
Amendment 177 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point a – point i
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
When determining whether the DGS has reached that target level, Member States shall only take into account available financial means directly contributed by, or recovered from, members to the DGS, net of administrative fees and charges. Those available financial means shall include investment income derived from funds contributed by members to the DGS, but shall exclude repayments not claimed by eligible depositors during payout procedures, and loans, including between DGSs.;
Amendment 186 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point g
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point g
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 10 – paragraph 11
Article 10 – paragraph 11
11. Member States shall ensure that in the context of the measures referred to in Article 11(1), (2), (3) and (5), DGSs may use the funds originating from the alternative funding arrangements referred to in Article 10(9) which are not financed through public funds, before using the available financial means and before collecting the extraordinary contributions referred to in Article 10(8). Member States shall ensure that DGSs use alternative funding arrangements financed through public funds only as a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted.
Amendment 196 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that DGSs use the available financial means to finance the resolution of credit institutions in accordance with Article 109 of Directive 2014/59/EU. Member States shall ensure that resolution authorities determine the amount that a DGS is to contribute to the financing of resolution of credit institutions, after those resolution authorities have consulted the DGS on the results of the least cost test referred to in Article 11e of this Directive. Member States shall ensure that DGSs respond, without delay, to such consultation.
Amendment 198 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States may allow DGSs toshall ensure that a DGS may use the available financial means for preventive measures as referred to in Article 11a for the benefit of a credit institution where all of the following applies:
Amendment 201 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the competent authority has confirmed that none of the circumstances referred to in Article 32(4) of Directive 2014/59/EU are present;
Amendment 206 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) the DGS has confirmed that the intervention is necessary to preserve financial soundness and long-term viability of the credit institution;
Amendment 211 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) the need to repay depositors or to intervene in resolution arises and the available financial means of the DGS amount to less than two-thirds of the target level;
Amendment 215 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. Where a credit institution is wound up in accordance with Article 32b of Directive 2014/59/EU in order to exit the market or terminate its banking activity, Member States may allow DGSsshall ensure that a DGS may to use the available financial means for alternative measures to preserve the access of depositors to their deposits, including the transfer of assets and liabilities and a deposit book transfer, provided that the DGS confirms that the cost of the measure does not exceed the cost of repaying depositors as calculated in accordance with Article 11e of this Directive and that all the conditions laid down in Article 11d of this Directive are met.’;
Amendment 220 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11a – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 11a – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Where Member States allow the use of DGS funds for preventive measures as referred to in Article 11(3), Member States shall ensure that DGSs use the available financial means for the preventive measures referred to in Article 11(3), provided that all of the following conditions are met:
Amendment 226 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11a – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 11a – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the credit institution has consulted the competent authority onhas assessed the measures envisaged in the note referred to in Article 11b and confirmed that the measures are necessary to secure the financial soundness and the long-term viability of the credit institution;
Amendment 247 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11a – paragraph 4
Article 11a – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that the DGS which uses its available financial means for capital support measures, where the conditions under Article 11b are met, transfers its holdings of shares or other capital instruments in the supported credit institution to the private sector as soon as commercial and financial circumstances allow.
Amendment 256 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11b – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 11b – paragraph 2a (new)
2a. Where the financial means of a DGS are used for preventive measures in accordance with paragraph 3, the competent authority shall require the beneficiary credit institution to update the recovery plan referred to in Article 5 or 7 of Directive 2014/59/EU, as applicable. The competent authority shall direct the supported credit institution to implement the measures referred to in Article 6(6), third subparagraph, of Directive 2014/59/EU.
Amendment 259 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
3. Member States shall ensure that in the event of a capital support measure, the note referred to in paragraph 1 identifies all capital raising measures that can be implemented, including safeguards preventing outflows of funds, a forward- looking capital adequacy assessment, and, a subsequent determination ofs determined by the competent authority, the capital shortfall that the DGS has to cover.
Amendment 261 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11b – paragraph 3a (new)
Article 11b – paragraph 3a (new)
3a. In the event of a capital support measure, Member States shall ensure that shareholders and debt holders of the supported credit institution have contributed to reducing the capital shortfall to the maximum extent.
Amendment 262 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11b – paragraph 5
Article 11b – paragraph 5
5. Where relevant, Member States shall ensure that the measures envisaged in the note referred to in paragraph 1 are aligned with the capital conservation plan referred to in Article 142 of Directive 2013/36/EUcompetent authorities establish that no dividends, share buy-backs or variable remuneration are paid out and that no irrevocable commitment to pay out dividends, share buy-backs or variable remuneration is undertaken by the supported credit institution. Member States shall ensure that the restrictions under this paragraph remain in place until the supported credit institutions has replenished the DGS with the same amount used for such measures.
Amendment 272 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11b – paragraph 6a (new)
Article 11b – paragraph 6a (new)
6a. The competent authority shall provide the note to the resolution authority. The resolution authority may examine the note with a view to identifying any actions which may adversely impact the resolvability of the institution and make recommendations to the competent authority with regard to those matters. The resolution authority shall communicate its assessment and recommendations within the timeframe set by the competent authority.
Amendment 277 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11c – paragraph 2
Article 11c – paragraph 2
2. In the situation referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall ensure that the competent authority shall requests the credit institution to submits a remediation plan to the designated authority and the DGS describing the steps the credit institution will take to ensure or restore compliance with supervisory requirements, to ensure its long term viability and to repay the due amount contributed by the DGS to the preventive measure, as well as the associated timeframe. The designated authority and the DGS shall consult the competent authority as regards the measures envisaged in the remediation plan.
Amendment 278 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11c – paragraph 3
Article 11c – paragraph 3
3. Where the competent authority is not satisfied that the remediation plan is credible or feasible, the DGS shall not grant any further preventive measures to that credit institution or where the credit institutions fails to comply with the remediation plan foreseen in Article 11c(1) or fails to repay the amount contributed under the preventive measures at maturity, the DGS shall not grant any further preventive measures to that credit institution and the relevant authorities shall carry out an assessment of whether the institution is failing or is likely to fail, in accordance with Article 32 of Directive 2014/59/EU.
Amendment 285 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11d – paragraph 1
Article 11d – paragraph 1
1. Where Member States shall allow the use of DGS funds for the alternative measures referred to in Article 11(5), they shall ensureing that when DGSs finance such measures the credit institutions market, or make arrangements for the marketing of, the assets, rights and liabilities those credit institutions intend to transfer. Without prejudice to the Union State aid framework, such marketing shall comply with all of the following:
Amendment 298 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 11e – paragraph 5
Article 11e – paragraph 5
The EBA, taking into account the regulatory technical standards developed in accordance with Article 36(15) of Directive 2014/59/EU and adopted pursuant to Article 36(16) thereof, shall develop draft regulatory technical standards to specify:
Amendment 309 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 12a (new)
Article 12a (new)
Amendment 313 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point d
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that where a credit institution ceases to be member of a DGS and joins a DGS of another Member State, or if some of the credit institution’s activities are transferred to a DGS of another Member State, the DGS of origin shall transfer to the receiving DGS the contributions due for the last 12 monthan amount that reflects the additional potential liabilities borne by the receiving DGS as a result of the transfer, taking into account the impact of the transfer on the financial situation of both DGSs preceding the change of DGS membership, with the exception of the extraordinary contributions referred to inlative to the risks they cover. EBA shall develop draft regulatory technical standards to specify the methodology for the calculation of the amount to be transferred. EBA shall submit those draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by ... [12 months after the date of entry into force of this amending Directive]. Power is delegated to the Commission to supplement this Directive by adopting the regulatory technical standards referred to in the second subparagraph in accordance with Articles 10(8).; to 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 319 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 15a – subparagraph 1a (new)
Article 15a – subparagraph 1a (new)
The EBA shall issue guidelines specifying the circumstances in which designated authorities should approve the coverage of depositors at branches that have been set up in third countries by DGSs’ member credit institutions.
Amendment 323 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 16a – paragraph 3
Article 16a – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that, by 31 March each year, DGSs inform the EBA and the SRB of the amount of covered deposits in their Member State on 31 December of the preceding year. By the same date, DGSs shall also report to the EBA and the SRB the amount of their available financial means, including the share of borrowed resources, payment commitments and the timeline for reaching the target level in case of usefollowing a disbursement of DGS’s funds referred to in Article 10(2).
Amendment 325 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Directive 2014/49/EU
Article 16a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 16a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall ensure that the designated authorities notify the EBA and the Single Resolution Board, without undue delay, about all of the following:
Amendment 330 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. By way of derogation from Article 11(3) of Directive 2014/49/EU, as amended by this Directive, and Articles 11a, 11b, 11c and 11e in relation to preventive measures, until [OP – please insert the date = 7236 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive], Member States may allow IPS referred to in Article 1(1), point (c), to comply with the national provisions implementing Article 11(3) of Directive 2014/49/EU as applicable on [OP – please insert the date of entry into force of this Directive].
Amendment 331 #
2023/0115(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
They shall apply those provisions from … [OP – please insert the date = 24 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. However, they shall apply the provisions necessary to comply with Article 11(3), as amended by this Directive, and Articles 11a, 11b, 11c and 11e in relation to preventive measures from … [PO – please insert the date = 4836 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive].
Amendment 33 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) At present, the banking union rests on just two of its intended three pillars, namely, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). It therefore remains incomplete, due to the absence of its third pillar, the European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS). The completion of the banking union forms an integral part of economic and monetary union and of financial stability, most notably by mitigating the risks of so-called ‘doom loop’ that arise as a result of the bank-sovereign nexus.
Amendment 40 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Several years into its implementation, the Union resolution framework as currently applicable does not deliver as intended with respect of some of those objectives. In particular, while institutions and entities have made significant progress towards resolvability and have dedicated significant resources to that end, in particular through the build-up of the loss absorption and recapitalisation capacity and the filling-up of resolution financing arrangements, the Union resolution framework is seldom resorted to. Failures of certain smaller and medium- sized institutions and entities are instead mostly addressed through unharmonised national measures. TRegrettably, taxpayer money is still used rather than industry- funded safety nets, including resolution financing arrangements. That situation appears to arise from inadequate incentives. Those inadequate incentives result from the interplay of the Union resolution framework with national rules, whereby the broad discretion in the public interest assessment is not always exercised in a way that reflects how the Union resolution framework was intended to apply. At the same time, the Union resolution framework saw little use due to the risks for depositors of deposit-funded institutions to bear losses to ensure that those institutions can access external funding in resolution, in particular in the absence of other bail-inable liabilities. Finally, the fact that there are less stringent rules on access to funding outside resolution than in resolution has discouraged the application of the Union resolution framework in favour of other solutions, which often entail the use of taxpayers’ money instead of the own resources of the institution and entity or industry-funded safety nets. That situation, in turn, generates risks of fragmentation, risks of suboptimal outcomes in managing institutions and entities’ failures, in particular in the case of smaller and medium-sized institutions and entities, and opportunity costs from unused financial resources. It is therefore necessary to ensure a more effective and coherent application of the Union resolution framework and to ensure that it can be applied whenever that is in the public interest, including for certain smaller and medium- sized institutions primarily funded through deposits and witfalling shourt of the sufficient otheramount of bail-inable liabilities.
Amendment 43 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The current legislative review seeks to reinforce the conditions for an orderly bank resolution that provides more protection for depositors. It firmly upholds the insurance to covered deposits, while reinforcing the policy toolbox for resolution, thus allowing for smoother alternatives that provide additional safeguards to depositors and financial stability.
Amendment 44 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The intensity, and level of detail, of the resolution planning work needed with respect to subsidiaries that have not been identified as resolution entities varies depending on the size and risk profile of the institutions and entities concerned, the presence of critical functions, and the group resolution strategy. Resolution authorities should therefore be able to consider those factors when identifying the measures to be taken in respect of such subsidiaries and follow a simplified approach where appropriate, as long as the simplified approach does not, under any circumstances, result in a reduction of required standards.
Amendment 45 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) It is necessary to ensure timely action and early coordination between the competent authority and the resolution authority, when an institution or entity is still a going concern, but where there is a material risk that the institution or entity may fail. The competent authority should therefore notify the resolution authority as early as possible of such risk. That notification should contain the reasons for the competent authority’s assessment and an overview of the alternative private sector measures, supervisory action or early intervention measures that are available to prevent the failure of the institution or entity within a reasonable timeframe. Such early notification should not prejudice the procedures to determine whether the conditions for resolution are met. The prior notification by the competent authority to the resolution authority of a material risk that an institution or entity is failing or likely to fail, or the end of the defined timeframe for the implementation of the measures to address such material risk of failure of the institution or entity should not be a condition for, nor imply, a subsequent determination that an institution or entity is actually failing or likely to fail. Moreover, if at a later stage the institution or entity is assessed to be failing or likely to fail and there are no alternative solutions to prevent such failure within a reasonable timeframe, the resolution authority has to take a decision whether to take resolution action. In such a case, the timeliness of the decision to apply resolution action to an institution or entity can be fundamental to the successful implementation of the resolution strategy, in particular because an earlier intervention in the institution or entity can contribute to ensuring sufficient levels of loss absorption capacity and liquidity to execute that strategy. It is therefore appropriate to enable the resolution authority to assess, in close cooperation with the competent authority, what constitutes a reasonable timeframe to implement alternative measures to avoid the failure of the institution or entity. To ensure a timely outcome and to enable the resolution authority to prepare properly for the potential resolution of the institution or entity, the resolution authority and the competent authority should meet regularly, and the resolution authority should decide on frequency of those meetings considering the circumstances of the case.
Amendment 52 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The resolution framework is meant to be applied to potentiallymanage the failure of any institution or entity, irrespective of its size and business model, if that has a positive public interest assessment, in particular when the tools available under national law are not adequate to manage its failure. To ensure such outcome, the criteria to apply the public interest assessment to any failing institution or entity should be specified. In particular, it is necessary to clarify that, depending on the specific circumstances, certain functions of the institution or entity can be considered critical even if their discontinuance would impact financial stability or critical services only at regional level.
Amendment 57 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The assessment of whether the resolution of an institution or entity is in the public interest should reflect, among other factors, the consideration that depositors are better protected when deposit guarantee scheme (‘DGS’) funds are used more efficiently and the losses for those funds are minimised. Therefore, in the public interest assessment, the resolution objective of protectingprotection of depositors should be considered better achieved in resolution if opting for insolvency would be more or equally costly for the DGS.
Amendment 63 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The assessment of whether the resolution of an institution or entity is in the public interest should also reflect, to the extent possible, the difference between, on the one hand, funding provided through the prioritisation of using industry-funded safety nets (resolution financing arrangements or DGSs) and, on the other hand,deposit guarantee schemes) instead of funding provided by Member States from taxpayers’ money. Funding provided by Member States bears a higher risk of moral hazard and a lower incentive for market discipline. Therefore, when assessing the objective of minimising reliance on extraordinary public financial support, the Single Resolution Board or the resolution authorities should find funding through the resolution financing arrangements or the DGSdeposit guarantee scheme, preferable to funding through an equal amount of resources from the budget of Member States. For these purposes, funds provided by industry-funded safety nets shall not be considered as funds provided from the budget of a Member State.
Amendment 70 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) To ensure that the resolution objectives are attained in the most effective way, the outcome of the public interest assessment should be negative only whereconsider whether the winding up of the failing institution or entity under normal insolvency proceedings would achieve the resolution objectives more effectively than resolution, and not only to the same extent as resolution. . The assessment should include costs related to DGS payouts, such as the duration required for asset recovery and the income lost during the process.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) To preserve market discipline, protect public funds and avoid distortions of competition, precautionary measures should remain the exception and only be applied to address situations of serious disturbance in the market or to preserve financial stability, in particular in the event of a systemic crisis. Moreover, precautionary measures should not be used to address incurred or likely losses. The most reliable instrument to identify incurred or likely to be incurred losses is an asset quality review by the ECB, the European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority) (EBA), established by Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 or national competent authorities. Competent authorities should use such a review to identify incurred or likely to be incurred losses where such review can be carried out within a reasonable timeframe. Where that is not possible, competent authorities should identify incurred or likely to be incurred losses in the most reliable way possible under the prevailing circumstances, based on on-site inspections where appropriate. __________________ 34 Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/78/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 12).
Amendment 84 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Precautionary recapitalisation is aimed at supporting viable institutions and entities identified as likely to encounter temporary difficulties in the near future and to prevent their situation from deteriorating further. To avoid that public subsidies are granted to businesses that are already unprofitable when the support is granted, precautionary measures granted in the form of acquisition of own funds instruments or other capital instruments or through impaired asset measures should not exceed the amount necessary to cover capital shortfalls as identified in the adverse scenario of a stress test or equivalent exercise. To ensure that public financing is ultimately discontinued, those precautionary measures should also be limited in time and contain a clear timeline for their termination (exit strategy). Perpetual instruments, including Common Equity Tier 1 capital, should only be used in exceptional circumstances and be subject to certain quantitative limits because by their nature they are not well suited for compliance with the condition of temporarinesswhen strictly necessary.
Amendment 86 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Precautionary measures should be limited to the amount that the institution or entity would need to maintain its solvency in the case of an adverse scenario event as determined in a stress test or equivalent exercise. In the case of precautionary measures in the form of impaired asset measures, the receiving institution or entity should be able to use that amount to cover losses on the transferred assets or in combination with an acquisition of capital instruments, provided that the overall amount of the shortfall identified is not exceeded. It is also necessary to ensure that such precautionary measures in the form of impaired asset measures comply with existing State aid rules and best practices, that they restore the institution or entity's long-term viability, that State aid is limited to the minimum necessary and that distortions of competition are avoided. For those reasons, the authorities concerned should in case of precautionary measures in the form of impaired asset measures take into account the specific guidance, including the AMC Blueprint35 and the Communication on Tackling Non- Performing Loans36 . Those precautionary measures in the form of impaired asset measures should always be subject to the overriding condition of temporariness. Public guarantees granted for a specified period in relation to the impaired assets of the institution or entity concerned are expected to ensure better compliance with the temporariness condition than transfers of such assets to a publicly supported entity. To ensure the market exit of institutions and entities that prove not to be viable, despite the support received, it is necessary to lay down that non- comat institutions receiving support comply with terms of the support measure, competent authorities should request a remediation pliance by the from institution or entity concerned with the terms of the support measures specified at the time such measures were granted is to result in the institution or entity concerned being considereds that failed to fulfil their commitments. Where a competent authority is of the opinion that the measures in the remediation plan are not capable of achieving the institution’s long-term viability or where the institution failed to comply with the remediation plan, relevant authorities shall carry out an assessment of whether the institution is failing or is likely to fail, in accordance with Article 32 of Directive 2014/59/EU. __________________ 35 COM(2018) 133 final. 36 COM(2020) 822 final.
Amendment 98 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) It is necessary to ensure equalstablish incentives to build sufficient amounts of MREL for institutions and entities that would be subject to transfer strategies both in and outside resolution. The setting of level of the MREL for institutions or entities that may be subject to of measures in the context of national insolvency proceedings pursuant to Article 11(5) of Directive 2014/49/EU should therefore follow the same rules asrules that are proportionate to those applicable to the setting of the MREL for resolution entities whose preferred resolution strategy provides for the sale of business or transfer to a bridge institution leading to its exit from the market.
Amendment 114 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The ranking of all deposits should be fully harmonised through the implementation of a general depositor preference with a singletwo-tiered approach, whereby all deposits benefit from a higher priority ranking over ordinary unsecured claims, without any differentiation between different types of deposits. At the same time, the use of the deposit guarantee schemes in resolution, insolvency and in preventive measures should always remain subject to compliance with the relevant conditionality, in particular the so-called ‘least cost test’.
Amendment 121 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) A general depositor preference will contribute to reinforcing depositors’ confidence and to further prevent the risk of bank runs. Enhanced depositor protection is also aligned with the central role deposits play in the real economy, being the primary tool for savings and for payments, as well as in the banking activity, where the deposits represent an important source of funding and are a key driver of confidence in the banking system, which becomes of particular relevance in times of market stress. Moreover, a general depositor preference improves the resolvability of institutions and entities by increasing their ability to comply with the requirements to access the resolution financing arrangements and decreasing the amount of funding required from those arrangements, due to the lower risk of breaching the ‘no creditor worse off’ principle where bailing-in ordinary unsecured debt. In particular, the removal of deposits from the insolvency class of ordinary unsecured claims would increase the bail-inability of remaining ordinary unsecured claims by minimising the risk of breaches of the ‘no creditor worse off’ principle. By reducing the likelihood of deposits being written down or converted to ensure access to the resolution financing arrangements, the general depositor preference would contribute to making the bail-in tool more effective and credible and would lead to an increase of the transparency and legal certainty of the resolution framework. The general depositor preference would also contribute to the credibility of transfer strategies in resolution, as it would facilitate the inclusion of the entimore deposit contracts in the perimeter of liabilities to be transferred to a private purchaser or to a bridge institution, to the benefit of the customer relationship and the franchise value of the institution under resolution. Lastly, a full harmonisation of the insolvency ranking of depositors would be beneficial from the cross-border and level playing field perspective.
Amendment 126 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) A singletwo-tiered approach for the priority ranking of deposits under national laws governing normal insolvency proceedings contributes to a more efficient and less costly protection of all deposits. For covered deposits, that approach facilitates the financing by the DGS of measures other than the payout of covered deposits, which can beimproves the use of DGS in the context of resolution, thus enabling a more effective and less disruptive inoption which protectings access to the deposited funds as they do not lead to an interruption of access to bank accounts and payment services. For the deposits that are not covered, that approach facilitates their protection where necessary for the protection of financial stability and depositor confidence. Finally, by introducing flexibility in the use of thoseBy introducing potentially less costly mechanisms for depositor protection, thatis approach minimises the immediate disbursement needs of the DGSs, thereby ensuring a better preservation of their available financing means in case other crises occur and decreasing the burden on the banking sector, who are called to replenish those funds.
Amendment 139 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) The contribution of the DGS in resolution should be subject to certain limits. First, it should be ensured that any loss which the DGS may bear as a result of an intervention in resolution does not exceed the loss that the DGS would bear in insolvency if it paid out covered depositors and subrogated to their claims over the institution’s assets. That amount should be determined on the basis of the least cost test, in accordance with the criteria and methodology set out in Directive 2014/49/EU. Those criteria and methodology should also be used when determining the treatment that the DGS would have received had the institution entered normal insolvency proceedings when carrying out the ex-post valuation for the purposes of assessing compliance with the ‘no creditor worse off’ principle and determining any compensation owed to the DGS. Second, the amount of the DGS’s contribution aimed at covering the difference between the assets and liabilities to be transferred to a purchaser or to a bridge institution should not exceed the difference between the transferred assets and the transferred deposits and liabilities with the same or a higher priority ranking in insolvency than those deposits. That would ensure that the contribution of the DGS is only used for the purposes of avoiding the imposition of losses on depositors, where appropriate, and not for the protection of creditors that rank below deposits in insolvency. Nevertheless, the sum of the contribution of the DGS to cover the difference between assets and liabilities with the contribution of the DGS towards the own funds of the recipient entity should not exceed the cost of repaying covered depositors as calculated under the least cost test.
Amendment 176 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
(3) in Article 6, paragraph 5, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:
Amendment 210 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) the competent authority deems that remedial actions other than early intervention measures are insufficient to address the problems due inter alia to a rapid and significant deterioration of the financial condition of the institution or entity;
Amendment 215 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a – point f a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a – point f a (new)
(fa) the requirement for the management body of the entity to draw up a plan that the entity can implement in case the relevant corporate body decides to initiate the voluntary wind-down of the entity; the plan shall include at least analyses of the necessary capital and liquidity support for winding down and of the concrete relevant strategic options for a possible market exit.
Amendment 219 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) any of the measures referred to in Article 104(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU they require an institution or an entity referred to in Article 1(1), points (b), (c) or (d), of this Directive to take that aim to address a deterioration in the situation of those entities and groups;
Amendment 220 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Competent authorities shall closely monitor, in close cooperation with the resolution authorities, the situation of the institution or entity and their compliance with the measures referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a), that aim to address a deterioration in the situation of that institution or entity and with the early intervention measures referred to in the first subparagraph, point (c).
Amendment 231 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 30 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 30 a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Following the notification referred to in the first subparagraph, competent authorities and resolution authorities shall, in close cooperation with resolution authorities, monitor the situation of the institution or entity referred to in Article 1(1), points (b), (c) or (d), the implementation of the any relevant measures within their expected timeframe and any other relevant developments. For that purpose, resolution authorities and competent authorities shall meet regularly, with a frequency set by resolution authorities considering the circumstances of the case. Competent authorities and resolution authorities shall provide each other with any relevant information without delay.
Amendment 235 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 30 a – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 30 a – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Where, in the use of the power referred to in paragraph 4, the resolution authority decides to directly market to potential purchasers, it shall have due regard to the circumstances of the case and the potential impact that the exercise of that power might have on the entity's overall position;
Amendment 236 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 30 a – paragraph 5
Article 30 a – paragraph 5
Amendment 243 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 31 –paragraph 2 – point d
Article 31 –paragraph 2 – point d
(d) to protect depositors, while minimising losses for deposit guarantee schemes, and to protect investors covered by Directive 97/9/EC;;
Amendment 275 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 – point c
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 32 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall ensure that when carrying out the assessment referred to in the first subparagraph, the resolution authority, based on the information available to it at the time of that assessment, considers and compares all extraordinary public financial support that can reasonably be expected to be granted to the institution, both in the event of resolution and in the event of winding up in accordance with the applicable national law, including costs related to the reimbursement of depositors, where applicable.;
Amendment 282 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17 – point c a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 32 – paragraph 5 a (new)
(c a) The following paragraph 5a is added: 5a. EBA shall contribute to monitoring and promoting the effective and consistent application of the public interest assessment referred to in paragraph 5. By ... [two years after the date of entry into force of this amending Directive], EBA shall publish a report on the scope and application of paragraph 5 across the Union in order to assess the effectiveness of the measures outlined in paragraph 5 and their impact on the level playing field. Based on the outcomes of the review, the EBA may develop draft regulatory technical standards with the aim of converging practices and levelling the playing field among Member States.
Amendment 300 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) an acquisition of own funds instruments other than Common Equity Tier 1 instruments, or of other capital instruments or a use of impaired assets measures, at prices, duration and other terms that do not confer an undue advantage upon the institution or entity concerned, where neitherr a use of impaired assets measures provided that none of the circumstances referred to in Article 32(4), points (a), (b) or (c), nor the circumstances referred to in Article 59(3) are present at the time the public support is granted;
Amendment 305 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) where the extraordinary public financial support takes the form of an intervention by a deposit guarantee scheme to preserve the financial soundness and long-term viability of the credit institution in compliance with the conditions set out in Articles 11a and 11b of Directive 2014/49/EU, provided that none of the circumstances referred to in Article 32(4) are present;
Amendment 309 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 32c – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) where the extraordinary public financial support takes the form of an intervention by a deposit guarantee scheme in the context of the winding up of an credit institution pursuant to Article 32b and in accordance with the conditions set out in Article 11(5) of Directive 2014/49/EU;
Amendment 317 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the measures are of a precautionary and temporary nature and are based on a pre-defined exit strategy approved by the competent authority, including a clearly specified termination date, sale date or repayment schedule for any of the measures provided;
Amendment 321 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
For the purposes of the first subparagraph, point (a), an institution or entity shall be deemed to be solvent where the competent authority has concluded that no breach has occurred, or is likely to occur in the 12 following months, of any of the requirements referred to in Article 92(1) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, Article 104a of Directive 2013/36/EU, Article 11(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/2033, Article 40 of Directive (EU) 2019/2034 or the relevant applicable requirements under Union or national law.
Amendment 322 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2a (new)
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2a (new)
The competent authority may deem an institution or entity to be solvent where it determines that a breach of these requirements is temporary in nature, taking into account the specific circumstances of each case, and provided that the institution or entity can demonstrate a reasonable plan to remedy the breach within an appropriate timeframe as determined by the competent authority.
Amendment 327 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
Amendment 331 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
In case any of the support measures referred to in paragraph 1, point (a), is not redeemed, repaid or otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of the exit strategy established at the time of granting such measure, the competent authority shall conclude that the condition laid down in Article 32(1), point (a), is met in relation to the institution or entity which has received those support measures, and shall communicate that assessment to the resolution authority concernedrequest the institution or entity to submit a remediation plan describing the steps to be taken in order to ensure or restore compliance with supervisory requirements, its long-term viability and to repay the amount provided, as well as the associated timeframe.
Amendment 334 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6a (new)
Article 32c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6a (new)
Where the relevant national competent authority does not recognise the remediation plan as credible or feasible, or where the institution or entity fails to comply with the remediation plan, an assessment of whether the institution or entity is failing or likely to fail shall be conducted in accordance with Article 32.
Amendment 336 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point -a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 33a – paragraph 4
Article 33a – paragraph 4
(-a) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: "The period of the suspension pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be as short as possible and shall not exceed the minimum period of time that the resolution authority considers necessary for the purposes indicated in points (c) and (d) of paragraph 1 and in any event shall not last longer than the period from the publication of a notice of suspension pursuant to paragraph 8 to midnight in the Member State of the resolution authority: (a) where the notice of suspension pursuant to paragraph 8 is published outside of normal trading hours, the period from the publication of the notice to midnight in the Member State of the institution or entity at the end of the second business day following the day of the publication; (b) where the notice of suspension pursuant to paragraph 8 is published on a business day during normal trading hours, the period from the publication of the notice to midnight in the Member State of the institution or entity at the end of the business day following the day of the publication. Exceptionally, where necessary to choose the appropriate resolution actions or to ensure the effective application of one or more resolution tools, the resolution authority may determine a longer period of suspension. In any event, this period of suspension shall not last longer than the period from the publication of the notice of suspension pursuant to paragraph 8 to midnight in the Member State of the institution or entity at the end of the third business day following the day of the publication. At the expiry of the period of suspension referred to in the first subparagraph, the suspension shall cease to have effect. " Or. en (Directive 2014/59/EU)
Amendment 338 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22 – point b
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 339 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22 – point b a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 35 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
(b a) the following subparagraph is added at the end of paragraph 3: Member States shall ensure that the liability of the special manager for acts or omissions in the performance of his or her duties in accordance with this Article is limited to cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.
Amendment 345 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 25 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 25 a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 41 – paragraph 2
Article 41 – paragraph 2
(25 a) Article 41(2) is replaced by the following: "Subject to any restrictions imposed in accordance with Union or national competition rules, the management of the bridge institution shall operate the bridge institution with a view to maintaining access to critical functions and sellallowing the institution or entity referred to in point (b), (c) or (d) of Article 1(1)resolution authority to seek the sale of the bridge institution, its assets, rights or liabilities, to one or more private sector purchasers when conditions are appropriate and within the period specified in paragraph 45 of this Article or, where applicable, paragraph 6 of this Article. " Or. en (Directive 2014/59/EU)
Amendment 366 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 32
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 32
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 45ca – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 45ca – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. When applying Article 45c to a resolution entity whose preferred resolution strategy envisages primarily the use of the sale of business tool or the bridge institution tool and its exit from the market, and where its size and its ability to access the capital markets where it operates so justify in light of the princple of proportionality, the resolution authority shall set the recapitalisation amount provided in Article 45c(3) in a proportionate way on the basis of the following criteria, as relevant:
Amendment 400 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 55 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 55 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 402 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point a a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 55 – paragraph 1
Article 55 – paragraph 1
(a a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. Member States shall require institutions and entities referred to in points (b), (c) and (d) of Article 1(1) to include a contractual term by which the creditor or party to the agreement or instrument creating tha bail- inable liability recognises that that liability may be subject to the write down and conversion powers and agrees to be bound by any reduction of the principal or outstanding amount due, conversion or cancellation that is effected by the exercise of those powers by a resolution authority, provided that that liability complies with all of the following conditions: (a) the liability is not excluded under Article 44(2);[deleted] (b) the liability is not a deposit as referred to in Article 108(1), points (a) or (b); (c) the liability is governed by the law of a third country; (d) the liability is issued or entered into after the date on which a Member State applies the provisions adopted in order to transpose this Section. Resolution authorities may decide that the obligation in tThe first subparagraph of this paragraph shall not apply to institutions or entities in respect of which the requirement under Article 45(1) equals the loss-absorption amount as defined under point (a) of Article 45c(2)liquidation entities for which the resolution authority has not determined the requirement referred to in Article 45(1). Resolution authorities may decide that the obligation in the first subparagraph shall not apply to the following institutions or entities, provided that liabilities that meet the conditions referred to in the first subparagraph and which do not include the contractual term referred to in that subparagraph are not counted towards that requiremente requirement referred to in Article 45(1): (a) institutions or entities that are subsidiaries of a resolution entity or of a third-country entity, but are not themselves resolution entities; (b) liquidation entities for which the resolution authority has determined the requirement referred to in Article 45(1) in accordance with Article 45c(2a), second subparagraph. The first subparagraph shall not apply where the resolution authority of a Member State determines that the liabilities or instruments referred to in the first subparagraph can be subject to write down and conversion powers by the resolution authority of a Member State pursuant to the law of the third country or to a binding agreement concluded with that third country. " Or. en (Directive 2014/59/EU)
Amendment 403 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point b a (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 55 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 55 – paragraph 2a (new)
(b a) the following paragraph 2a is inserted: 2a. Institutions and entities referred to in Article 1(1), points (b), (c) or (d), shall report to the resolution authority on an annual basis the following: (a) the total outstanding amounts of all liabilities governed by the law of a third country; (b) for the items referred in point (a): (i) their composition, including their maturity profile; (ii) their ranking in normal insolvency proceedings; (iii) whether the liability is excluded under Article 44(2); (iv) whether they include in the contractual provisions the term required by paragraph 1; (v) where a determination has been made that it is legally or otherwise impracticable to include the contractual recognition of bail-in clause in accordance with paragraph 2, the category of the liability pursuant to paragraph 7. Where institutions and entities are part of a resolution group, the report shall be done by the resolution entity concerning the resolution group, to the extent required by paragraph 1, second and third subparagraphs.
Amendment 405 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 – point b b (new)
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 55 – paragraph 8a (new)
Article 55 – paragraph 8a (new)
(b b) the following paragraph 8a is added: 8a. EBA shall develop draft implementing technical standards to specify procedures and uniform formats and templates for the reporting to resolution authorities referred to in paragraph 2a. EBA shall submit those draft implementing technical standards to the Commission by [PO please insert the date = 1 year after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. Power is conferred on the Commission to adopt the implementing technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010.
Amendment 412 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 49
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 49
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 97 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 97 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Competent authorities shall conclude non- binding cooperation arrangements with the relevant third-country authorities referred to in paragraph 2 where appropriate. Those arrangements shall be in line with EBA framework arrangement and shall ensure that the information disclosed to the third- country authorities is subject to a guarantee that professional secrecy requirements at least equivalent to those referred to in Article 53(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU84 of this Directive are complied with.
Amendment 423 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 53 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 53 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 103 – paragraph 3
Article 103 – paragraph 3
3. The available financial means to be taken into account in order to reach the target level specified in Article 102 may include irrevocable payment commitments which are fully backed by collateral of low risk assets unencumbered by any third party rights, at the free disposal and earmarked for the exclusive use by the resolution authorities for the purposes specified in Article 101(1). The share of irrevocable payment commitments shall not exceed 530 % of the total amount of contributions raised in accordance with this Article. Within that limit, the resolution authority shall determine annually the share of irrevocable payment commitments in the total amount of contributions to be raised in accordance with this Article.;
Amendment 432 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that in their national laws governing normal insolvency proceedings the following have the same priority ranking, which is higher than the ranking provided for the claims of ordinary unsecured creditorstablish a general depositor preference, which grants all depositors a higher ranking than claims of ordinary unsecured creditors. Notwithstanding, the highest priority ranking shall be exclusively shared by the following deposits:
Amendment 438 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) depositscovered deposits, as defined in Directive 2014/49/EU;
Amendment 447 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) deposits made through branches located outside the Union of institutions established within the Unioneligible deposits, as defined in Directive 2014/49/EU, of natural persons and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 452 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point a
Directive 2014/59/EU
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 108 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 462 #
2023/0112(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 55 – point b
Article 2014/59/EU
Article 108 – paragraph 9
9. Member States shall ensure that the claims of the resolution financing arrangement referred to in paragraph 8 of this Article and in Article 37(7) have, in their national laws governing normal insolvency proceedings, a preferred priority ranking, which shall be higher thanequal to the ranking provided for the claims of deposits and of deposit guarantee schemes pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article.;
Amendment 120 #
2023/0111(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point - a(new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point - a(new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 24
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 24
Amendment 165 #
2023/0111(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 12k – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 12k – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
(aa) in paragraph 1, the following subparagraph is added: After 1 January 2024 or the transitional period ending after 1 January 2024 set by the Board pursuant to the third subparagraph, the Board, where duly justified and appropriate on the basis of the criteria referred to in paragraph 7, and taking into consideration the elements referred to in the third subparagraph, may determine an appropriate transitional period within which to comply with the requirements in Articles 12f or 12g or the requirements that result from the application of Article 12c(4), (5) or (7).
Amendment 227 #
2023/0111(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
For the purposes of the second subparagraph, participating Member States, deposit guarantee schemes and, where necessary, the designated authority within the meaning of Article 2(1), point (18), of Directive 2014/49/EU shall keep the Board informed of any preparatory measures for the granting of the measures referred to in Article 18a(1), points (c) and (d), of this Regulation, including any pre-notification contacts with the Commission.
Amendment 307 #
2023/0111(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 41 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 79 a (new)
Article 79 a (new)
Amendment 323 #
2023/0111(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 43 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 43 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 94 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 94 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(43a) in Article 94(1), the following point is added: (aa) the interplay between the existing framework and the establishment of the European Deposit Insurance Scheme;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Albania is a reliable foreign policy partner, including through its engagement in the UN Security Council, while maintaining its focus on the EU reform agenda;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas it is essential to increase resilience to malign foreign interference aiming to destabilise the region, boost cyber security and cyber defence capabilities and counter espionage and disinformation;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Albania’s steadfast and unwavering commitment to EU integration, reflecting the consensus among political parties and overwhelming support among citizens; commends its solidarity and consistent, full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy and promotion of the rules-based international order, including its clear-cut response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; commends its supportive commitment to multilateralism under its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council;
Amendment 68 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process, and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, while ensuring a coherent alignment with the EU’s policies; urges decision-makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process, including its parliamentary dimension;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need to strengthen the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process, including its parliamentary dimension, by ensuring inclusive participation and trust of citizens and integrating civil society and media in democratic governance and policy dialogue; underlines the importance of their effective involvement on the EU integration process and other consultative mechanisms, as legitimate partners in the process;
Amendment 74 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Encourages the Commission to speed up cross-cutting integration with enlargement countries in the fields of economy and single market, energy and transport, social policy, education, digitalisation, research and innovation, agriculture and rural development, justice and home affairs, civil protection, foreign affairs, security and defence, including cybersecurity;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends Albania’s commitment to completing its comprehensive justice reform; encourages the country to intensify steps aimed at finalising the vetting process, strengthening the independence, transparency, efficiency, accountability and public trust in the Albanian justice system; encourages the country to intensify steps aimed at finalising the vetting process, prosecute any criminal conduct in judiciary, fill in vacancies, reduce backlog of court cases and improve the country’s court efficiency under the new judicial map and ensuring universal access to justice through cross-cutting measures; recalls the need for effective mechanisms that enable the prevention and persecution of corruption through accountable, independent and fully functional judicial and governance institutions; 74Or. en
Amendment 88 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Deplores political confrontation and disruptive actions and underlines a joint political and social responsibility for reforms; invites political actors to step up their commitment to dialogue and to strengthen democratic institutions and procedures through constructive engagemeninterparty and intraparty engagement, mutual respect, inclusive consultations and transparent decision-making; recalls the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight capacities; stresses the need to improve governance and pluralism through increased digitalisation, transparency and equitable access to media;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Albanian authorities to address the outstanding electoral and party financing recommendations well ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections, in line with the OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections and preventing vote-buying and the misuse of administrative resources, including through digitalisation, transparency, data protection and equitable access to media;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Insists on adequate funding for and the effective and impartial functioning of independent bodies and agencies; recognises the contribution of independent civil society and the media in the fight against corruption;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the ongoing progress and looks forward to systematic improvements in the prevention, proactive investigation and prosecution of and non-selective final convictions for cases involving corruption and organised crime; calls for further progress in establishing a comprehensive, efficient, soundly coordinated and ac, including environmental, cyber and trafficking crimes; welcomes tangible results delivered by the strengthened Specialised Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK); urges to improve cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and collaboration with EU and its Member States’ agencies in the fight against organized crime and elimination of impunity; recognises the countable public administraribution of independent civil society and the media in the fight against corruption;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Encourages further police reform, ensuring its integrity, professionalism and full compliance with the international human rights standards;
Amendment 109 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls for further progress in establishing a comprehensive, efficient, soundly coordinated and accountable public administration, for improved monitoring of official’s assets and to eliminate corruption from all domains of public life; establishing a solid track record of corruption cases and continuing seizure, confiscation and recovery of criminal assets resulting from corruption and organised crime offences, including through a legislation targeting unjustified wealth, digitalisation of transactions and extended confiscation and freezing of illicit assets;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses its concern with theUnderlines that aspects of the draft lawinitiative on fiscal and criminal amnesty and the proposed plan citizenship by investment scheme that are incompatible with EU norms and its visa policy; welcomes the declared suspension of the citizenship by investment scheme; notes the expressed intention to request EU expertise for the drafting of the fiscal amnesty law;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on authorities to focus on modernisation of the fiscal system and tax administration, including asset declaration and compliance, strengthen anti money-laundering controls and setting up of an asset recovery office; invites authorities to prosecute possible instances of crimes against the EU budget under the Working Arrangement on the Cooperation between the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and the Prosecutor General's Office of Albania;
Amendment 123 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. CEncourages Albania to further align its visa policy with the EU’s list of visa-required third countries; calls for continued action to reduce unfounded asylum claims by Albanian nationals, while tackling criminal trafficking networks and increasing cooperation with the EU’s justice and home affairs agencies; welcomes successful international investigations and police operations to combat the trafficking of people, narcotics and firearms, and online fraud; urges authorities to strengthen domestic operational and asset recovery capacities;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the authorities’ obligation to ensure transparency and competition in public procurement, government contracts, privatisation, State aid and concession procedures; highlights the need to strengthen safeguards, transparency and conditionality under a strategic foreign investment screening process, and to prosecute incidents of fraud, abuse of office and money laundering, while simultaneously countering tax evasion, illegal construction and the circumvention of sanctions;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks, including disinformation, espionage, incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against Albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity and to accelerate efforts to align its legislation with the EU acquis on personal data protection; stresses the need for an effective implementation and enforcement of the National Cyber Security Strategy;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the legal steps taken to eliminate discrimination against minorities, and calls for practical steps in order to ensure their inclusion, namely the inclusion of LGBTI+, Roma and Egyptian minorities; recalls the need to combat gender-based violence, step up child protection, adopt and implement legislation on minority rights, strengthen property rights and conduct a population census; underlines the importance of removing barriurges the authorities to tackle the discrimination that these groups face through an effective and comprehensive institutional approach in all spheres to theof socioal, economic inclusion of persons with disabilitiesand political life;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recalls the need to combat gender- based violence, step up child protection and grant equal opportunities of integration for all, adopt and implement legislation on minority rights and conduct a population census; underlines the importance of removing barriers to the socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses the need to strengthen the means to safeguard property rights, complete transitional ownership processes and the registration of property, continue the restitution and compensation for property expropriated;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its concern with the lack of progress on achieving institutional transparency, freedom of expression and media freedom and stresses the role of political leaders in creating an enabling environment for the pursuit of these freedoms; condemns attempts to discredit reporters and arbitrarily withhold public information, as well as the failure to ensure the safety of journalists; condemns all violence against journalists and media organisations; urges the authorities to take immediate action against political and economic interference in the media and intimidation against reporters, undermining media independence and media freedom, its ability to cover issues of public interest and the quality of journalism; welcomes the withdrawal of the draft anti- defamation legislation; urges the government to ensure the independence of the public broadcaster and media regulator and the transparency of media ownership, financing and public advertising;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the authorities and the civil society to work together in order to counter disinformation and manipulative narratives by promoting media literacy, creating an enabling environment for independent media and improving the working conditions of journalists;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the importance of an inclusive framework for meaningful civil society engagement in decision-making processes, at national and local governmental level;
Amendment 199 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the need to complete the process of declassifying communist-era files and making them accessible to researchers and the wider public in order to advance justice and reconciliation and bringing justice to victims, and providing reparations to survivors and their families;
Amendment 200 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Urges the authorities to continue structural reforms in line with the Economic Reform Program 2023-2025 and that enable sustainable recovery and inclusive growth through improved public finance management and governance, rule of law, digitalisation and accessibility, reduced social exclusion, formalisation of the economy, education,improved education and health services; calls for further efforts regarding upskilling, improved labour conditions and social dialogue through meaning dialogue and collective bargaining;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines the importance of empowering the youth and fostering opportunities for the younger Albanian generations; notes the drafting of an action plan for the implementation of the Youth Guarantee in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the transformative nature of the substantial EU assistance provided under the IPA III and the Western Balkans Investment Framework, including the Youth Guarantee in the Western Balkans; recalls that, in line with IPA III conditionality, funding must be reduced or suspended in cases of backtracking or unjustified delays in the reform process, particularly in the fields of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 209 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes steps in accelerating the energy transition and energy diversification towards wind and solar power; applauds, in this regard, the speedy deployment of the EU energy support package for the Western Balkans and calls on the authorities to make the best use of this assistance in order to build a resilient and environmentally friendly energy market; in line with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans; recalls the importance of the EU investments into the Vau i Dejes solar power plant, the modernization of the Fierza hydropower plant, the renovation of the campus of Tirana University and the new Tirana- Durres railway; urges the authorities to step up efforts in mainstreaming environmental and climate action across the agriculture, energy, transport, and industry sectors; expresses support to Albania’s Presidency in the Office of the Energy Community in advancing region’s integration into the EU Energy market, along with the diversification under the REPowerEU and joint energy purchases under the EU Energy Platform; calls for further progress in the electricity reform;
Amendment 213 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for thoroughly planned measures on biodiversity, water, air, climate, regional waste management and industrial pollution; stresses the need to strengthen the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change; notes the initial steps taken to establish a Vjosa National Parkcommends the establishment of the Vjosa Wild River National Park ; urges the government to complete and adopt the river basin management plans as soon as possible; calls for a swift alignment with the EU water acquis and reduction of wastewater pollution;
Amendment 221 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for improved transparency, conduct, enforcement and monitoring of environmental and strategic environmental impact assessments, especially on projects with large environmental and socioeconomic repercussions such as the Skavica hydropower plant project; expresses concern with the economic and environmental impact of non-competitive foreign-funded development projects; calls on the authorities to take urgent action to fight environmental crimeurges the Albanian government to halt any construction work and project that risk violating national and international biodiversity protection norms; calls on the authorities to take urgent action to fight environmental crime, improve and expedite policy and law enforcement for nature and biodiversity protection, particularly in the protected areas;
Amendment 226 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Albania’s full adherence to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism; and, as a result, stepping up EU’s significant support to civil emergency preparedness and a coordinated crisis response following earthquakes, floods and wildfires; encourages the country to further modernise its crisis management capacities;
Amendment 227 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the swift adoption of the national transport strategy, including its action plan for 2021-2025; reiterates that significant efforts are needed for a structural transformation of digital, energy and transport connectivity;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) concluded between the EU and the UK is of unprecedented nature and scope and establishes preferential arrangements in areas such as trade in goods and in services, intellectual property, digital trade, road transport and aviation, public procurement, energy, social security coordination, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, fisheries, competition, mobility, investment, thematic cooperation and participation in EU programmes, along with a prudential carve-out;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Withdrawal Agreement and the TCA constitute a common framework for the UK’s relationship with the EU; whereas both agreements have been agreed on and ratified by the EU and the UK and are legally binding treaties under international public law; whereas the TCA is predicated on the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, now revised by the Windsor Framework;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that the Withdrawal Agreement and the TCA constitute a common framework for the UK’s relationship with the EU; notes that both agreements have been agreed on and ratified by the EU and the UK and are legally binding treaties under international public law; further recalls that the TCA is predicated on the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, now revised by the Windsor Framework;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the limited nature of the TCA in relation to financial services; recognises that this absence is a consequence of the UK’s unwillingness to discuss other areas of mutual interest as part of the TCA negotiations; notes that there arwelcomes the plans to establish a joint EU-UK financial regulatory forum to facilitate dialogue and cooperation on financial services issues3 ; recalls that this forum would not constitute a formal part of the TCA and willshould not provide the same level of access or cooperation as a comprehensive financial services agreement; _________________ 3 Reuters, ‘EU restarts work on EU-UK regulatory forum after Northern Ireland deal’, 8 March 2023.
Amendment 26 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates the fact that decisions on equivalence are not reciprocal and do not form part of the TCA; notes also the UK’s decisions on equivalence in respect of the EU and also in respect of other non-EU countries such as Switzerland, where mutual recognition status has been agreed; recalls that decisions on equivalence could benefit EU firms in terms of greater access to the UK market, including for banking and insurance; notes that the EU has only granted the UK equivalence status in one area – central counterparties – on a time- limited basis, recently extended until 2025; calls for further equivalence decisions to be considered; notes that as of October 2021, the EU had granted 22 equivalence decisions to the United States compared to one in the case of the UK4 ; supports the Commission’s position that decisions on equivalence should be made when they are in the EU’s interests; encourages the Commission to discuss further equivalence decisions in order to provide greater market access benefits to both EU and UK firms; expresses concern about the UK de- regulation trends in the field of financial services and their impact on equivalence decisions; _________________ 4 European Affairs Committee of the House of Lords, ‘1st Report of Session 2022–23: The UK-EUrelationship in financial services’, 23 June 2022.
Amendment 33 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the desire of the British Government to adopt divergent regulation from the EU in respect of financial services, including by way of the Financial Services and Markets Bill5 , which proposes to repeal, replace, or amend retained EU law in the area of financial services and to delegate greater responsibility to UK regulators; underlines that further regulatory divergences may have a negative impact on financial cooperation between the UK and the EU and could undermine financial flows and the activities of financial entities; welcomes the EU’s recent progress on legislation in respect of financial services, even where this may result in regulatory divergence from the UK, including with respect to cryptocurrencies, taxonomy, listing and anti-money laundering; acknowledges, however, that the UK and the EU may adopt different regulatory approaches in the area of financial services and may not necessarily maintain a harmonised regulatory regime; supports the EU’s legislative progress in this area, even where this may result in regulatory divergence from the UK; stresses, however,tresses the benefits of future regulatory cooperation; _________________ 5 UK Parliament, ‘Financial Services and Markets Bill’, 11 May 2023.
Amendment 37 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the TCA offers the EU an opportunity to develop and strengthen its own financial services infrastructure and expertise; strongly supports the completion of the capital markets union and the banking union, based on an approach that is regulated, outward-looking, innovative and competitive; recallnotes that the completion of the third pillar of the Banking Union will support the overall objectives of strengthening the Union’s positioning on financial and capital markets and calls for the establishment of a fully-fledged European Deposit and Insurance Scheme (EDIS); acknowledges that the City of London remains a major centre for financial services with a global reach6 ; recognises the importance of a strong financial services sector for both the EU and the UK and supports efforts to enhance the EU’s financial services infrastructure and expertise; _________________ 6 Reuters, ‘London is top global finance centre but lags in key areas, says study’, 27 January 2022.
Amendment 43 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Supports the aims of the Commission’s proposed review of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation in respect of improving EU-based capacity and infrastructure in the area of euro clearing; recognises that the majority of euro clearing taking place outside the EU represents a strategic risk; recognises also that any forced relocation could risk disruption, market fragmentation, retaliatory measures, loss of competitiveness and reduced liquidity; and be detrimental; is, however, concerned that close to 90% of euro clearing takes place in the city of London and calls for the co-legislators to support action in this area in a manner that is effective, and proportionate and without disruption; advocates for a balanced approach that addresses the strategic risks of euro clearing outside the EU, while minimising potential disruptions to the market;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 60 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises that the close economic links between Ireland and Northern Ireland will continue despite the latter being part of a designated third country; supports an acknowledgement of these economic links, including with respect to the supervision of transactions between both jurisdictions; calls for measures to ensure that such links are not disrupted by any changes in regulatory or legal frameworks; emphasises the importance of maintaining close economic ties and minimising disruption in the aftermath of Brexit, particularly with respect to this relationship;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recognises that following the entry into force of the TCA, a number of financial services firms based in London announced intentions to establish a new presence in and relocate some assets to the EU; notes that estimates suggest that 44 % of the UK’s largest financial services firms have announced plans to move some staff or operations7 , however only 7 000 jobs have been relocated outside of London thus far – far below the initial estimates of 75 0008 ; supports the efforts of the Member States to seek to attract post- Brexit business investment and notes that several EU cities have been the focus of post-Brexit financial service industry investment, including Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin; acknowledges that this fragmentation means that the benefits of a concentrated ecosystem and cluster effect that characterise London have not yet been recreated in the EU; _________________ 7 Study – ‘Recent trends in UK financial sector regulation and possible implications for the EU, including its approach to equivalence’, European Parliament, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies, 8 February 2023. 8 EY, ‘EY Financial Services Brexit Tracker: Movement within UK financial services sector stabilises five years on from Article 50 trigger’, 29 March 2022, London; European Affairs Committee of the House of Lords, ‘1st Report of Session 2022–23: The UK-EU relationship in financial services’, 23 June 2022.
Amendment 81 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Strongly reiterates the importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and supporting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland; recalls the UK Government’s threatened actions, which would be deemed to be in violation of the TCA, particularly with respect to the Northern Ireland Protocol as contained in the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill 2022, in which the UK Government proposed removing the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU over the Protocol, and for which the Commission commenced infringement proceedings against the UK; recognpraises that an agreement has been reached on the Windsor Framework10, which will ensure a flexible but effective implementation of the NI Protocol and respect for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement while safeguarding the integrity of the EU’s single market, and that the British Government has announced its intention to suspend work on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and to allow it to lapse. _________________ 10 His Majesty’s Government, ‘The Windsor Framework: A new way forward’, February 2023.
Amendment 84 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission, in coordination with the European Central Bank, the European Supervisory Authorities, the European Systemic Risk Board and the Single Resolution Board, to keep the Parliament fully informed on the monitoring of the implementation of the TCA and of all relevant market developments in financial services, in order to identify potential market disruptions and threats to financial stability, market integrity and investor protection in a timely manner.
Amendment 2 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the legally binding Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 foresees the implementation of a roadmap of new own resources, including a second basket of own resources to be proposed by June 2024;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the first basket of new own resources is based on the future EU Emissions Trading System, the future Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Pillar I ofon a share of revenue collected under Pillar I new set of rules designed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and to be finalized by the Inclusive Framework;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas thea second basket of new own resources is expected by the end of 2023; whereas the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 stipulates that the Commission could include a fFinancial tTransaction tTax and a financial contribution linked to the corporate sector or a new common corporate tax base in this second basket;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the revenue side of the Union budget must be aligned with central EU objectives and policies addressing the grand societal challenges the EU is facing; whereas the system of own resources in its current form contributes to a rather limited extent only to this objectives;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the need to repay Next Generation EU (NGEU) and mounting long-term challenges for the EU underline the need to reassess the EU system of own resources, by exploiting the full potential of genuine own resources to assure sustainable financing of the EU budget in the long-term;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas new own resources will ensure the NGEU repayment plan’s sustainability and strengthen the EU’s credibility on the financial markets, thus securing the best possible borrowing terms for the Union;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas innovative own resources promote important EU objectives and strategies, such as fair taxation, competitiveness, or stabilising financial markets;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Amendment 21 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Underlines that own resources are a key enabler for the Union to implement its policy priorities; stresses that the introduction of new own resources would assure sustainable financing of the EU budget on a long-term basis in order to avoid new EU priorities being financed to the detriment of valuable EU programmes and policies, thus avoiding cuts to Union programmes in the future that would undermine the very purpose of long-term planning;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. NotWelcomes that, according to the roadmap in the Interinstitutional Agreement of the 16 December 2020, the Commission needs to put forward a proposal for the second basket of new own resources by June 2024;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. NotWorries that none of the new own resources from the first basket are yet in place;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned that the first basket of own resources will not generate the revenues expected for several reasons; worries in particular that the expected resources from the Pillar I reform at global stage remains blocked; observes further that beyond the funding needed for NextGenerationEU, the Union may need additional resources to assist Ukraine financially and, to further mitigate the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the Union and to finance the digital and green transitions;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 54 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to consider, for its second basket of own resources, an EU-wide tax on the financial sector; recalls that a financial transaction tax based on its 2011 model, which should yield around EUR 41.5 billion per year; billion per year; draws attention to the growing repurchase of corporate stock (share buyback) in the EU; notes that the US Inflation Reduction Act foresees a tax equal to 1 percent of the fair market value of any stock of the corporation which is repurchased by such corporation during the taxable year and that it is expected to generate $79bn in ten years; calls on the Commission to assess the feasibility of a similar excise duty for the EU;1a _________________ 1a An excise duty on the repurchase of share, a practice called share buyback, would allow the EU to decentivise this growing practice that rewards shareholders while generating new resources. Returning value to shareholders can be done through a dividend payment or by repurchase the shareholder’s stock/shares. By increasing the cost of share buybacks, the objective is to ensure that firms invest their surplus in economic activities, rather than returning this value to shareholders. Before the pandemic, the repurchase of shares represented 32% of amounts distributed to shareholders, while it represented 68% in the US. This phenomenon is growing inside the EU.
Amendment 69 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to come forward with an own resource linked to eitherthe corporate sector and in particular either a share of revenues determined by the upcoming ‘Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation’ proposal or a share of revenues generated by to the proposal for a minimum tax directive1 implementing the OECD-led global tax deal, most in particular Pillar II; _________________ 1 Commission proposal for a Council directive on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational groups in the Union (COM(2021)0823).
Amendment 70 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 71 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that income from capital is often less taxed than income from labour in most Member States; notes that the variety of tax rates on capital gains has led to a fragmentation on the Single Market and created opportunity for aggressive tax planning strategies; considers that coordination of capital gains taxation would allow for more tax neutral investments decisions; calls on the Commission to assess the feasibility of a minimum capital gain tax at EU level as well as its potential for becoming an EU own resource;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that, if the negotiations regarding BEFIT are not concluded in a reasonable timeframe, the Commission should consider other sources of revenue from large corporations that operate in the single market; highlights, in this regard, the possibility of implementing a single market levy;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Suggests that the Commission and Member States come up with new own resources with similar design features as for to the non-recycled plastic contribution with the aim to fight inequality in the Union, to enhance the circular economy, and help to catalyse the implementation of the Green Deal. , as well as ensure a socially fair and just green and digital transition;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2172(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to come forward urgently with a new own resource linked to the measures recently introduced to redistribute the energy sector's surplus, namely the solidarity levy for the fossil fuel sector and the cap on market revenues for electricity generators and intermediaries that use inframarginal technologies; proposes that this new own resource consists of a share of the revenues generated by these levies; recommends that the proceeds of this new own resource are used to finance relief and income support measures for households across the Union;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU labour market has proved particularly resilient, with an additional two million people in employment, leading to a record low unemployment rate of 6.2 % in 2022; whereas according to the Commission’s autumn economic forecast the public sector was a key contributor to the increase in employment; whereas despite labour market tightness wage growth has remained moderate and has failed to keep up with inflation, implying real wage losses of, on average, 8% between Q4 2020 and Q2 2022 in the Euro Area according to ECB research13a; whereas the unemployment rate is expected to increase slightly in 2023 (6.5 %), before marginally coming down again in 2024 (6.2 %); _________________ 13a https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date /2022/html/ecb.blog221125~d34babdf3e.e n.html
Amendment 19 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas inflation has a differentiated impact across income groups, with low-income groups suffering proportionally more especially as inflation is mainly driven by price developments in essential goods that cannot be substituted and make up a relatively larger share of the consumption basket of low-income households; whereas such differentiated impacts cause a veritable cost-of-living crisis for parts of the population that poses challenges to social cohesion;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas inflation and economic forecasts are operating under the conditions of heightened uncertainty, with key risks, especially to growth, continuing to be pitched to the downside; whereas such uncertainty compels the EU and Member State governments to remain vigilant and to take rapid action if risks materialise;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the European Systemic Risk Board has issued a warning on 22 September 2022 calling for heightened awareness with regards to financial stability risks resulting from sharply falling asset prices; is concerned that rising mortgage rates and the deterioration in debt servicing capacity due to a decline in real household income may cause further distress for families and for financial markets;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that while the primary objective of the European Central Bank (ECB) is to maintain price stability, the primary objective of the Union as a whole should be to minimise the impact of current turbulences on the real economy, thereby defending the wellbeing of its citizens and preserving its production structure and the international competitiveness of its companies; underlines, in this regard, the importance of adequate and coordinated fiscal, structural and regulatory policies that complement the ECB’s monetary policy actions, which are also capable of supporting household incomes and providing targeted support to companies suffering from supply bottlenecks and high energy costs; notes that further increases of the ECB’s key policy rate or quantitative tightening may further contract economic activity;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the European Commission’s call on Member States to deliver targeted measures to offset the impact of high energy prices on vulnerable households and companies; agrees with the European Commission in stressing that such measures should maintain incentives for energy savings; recalls that Member States find themselves in starkly diverging positions regarding the fiscal space available to them; notes that this situation entails the risk of furthering divergence between Member States as the energy crisis continues;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Notes the increased need for fiscal space in most Member States; underlines that in periods of increasing interest rates, Member States should also consider raising more revenues on higher earners or on industries and firms that are highly profitable; notes how a healthy balance between government revenues and expenditures is also necessary to reduce legacy debt and to build up buffers in times of economic recovery;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Calls for the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth (SGP) pact to remain activated as long as Member States are recovering from the crises caused by the pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; notes that the policy leeway created by the general escape clause is necessary to allow Member States to strengthen their competitiveness as well as their economic and social resilience under the current circumstances and within the constraints of the SGP in its current form;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls that since 2017, some provisions in Member States’ bodies of national legislation were assessed to determine whether they facilitated aggressive tax planning and that, since 2019, six Member States received Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) aiming at addressing features of the tax system that may facilitate aggressive tax planning; notes that those Member States made commitments in their NRRPs to reform their tax policies in order to fight aggressive tax planning; welcomes the fact that some jurisdictions already implemented some of those changes; however regrets the delays in implementation in others; regrets that, in the Recommendations of the Commission for 2022, only two Member States still received a CSR on aggressive tax planning while some have not implemented any change yet but still did not receive the Recommendation;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – point a
Paragraph 7 – point a
(a) the six-pillar structure, ensuringwhich was developed as part of the ordinary legislative procedure and hence under the full involvement of the European Parliament and that ensures that Member States give adequate consideration in their reform and investment agendas to all the relevant dimensions for making EU economies and societies more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive, competitive and resilient;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 132 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Believes that future reforms of the European Semester should draw on the lessons learned as part of Next Generation EU and the RRF, especially as regards more transparent and democratic processes relating to the definition of policy objectives, the conduct of policy coordination as well as in relation to the collaborative approaches to the definition of reforms and investment projects that were pioneered between the European Commission and Member States; considers that such reforms should also incorporate lessons learned from the temporary establishment of the Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) instrument;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Stresses that the revised regulatory framework must ensure that Member States have sufficient leeway to deliver decisive crisis-resolution measures when they are needed; is of the opinion that implementation of such measures should not require the suspension of regulatory provisions by means of escape clauses; notes that, in the future, the activation of escape clauses should remain a measure of last resort;
Amendment 168 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Highlights the need for common criteria that ensure, despite more country- specific flexibility in debt reduction, that all Member States are assessed according to the same standards, are treated equally, and that policy outcomes are predictable; notes that such common criteria should include criteria for the definition of Member States’ debt reduction paths; stresses that debt reduction should be delivered in a growth-friendly way and that underlying regulatory criteria should be defined in relation to Member States’ output and expenditure growth;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Amendment 170 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11 d. Notes that the Commission's Communication puts debt sustainability analyses (DSAs) at the centre of the fiscal rules and suggests using them to determine multi-year fiscal-structural plans; expresses concerns that DSAs would not be able to project future debt developments with certainty; underlines that the usage of DSAs still requires estimating unobservable variables, thereby undermining transparency and hampering ownership and predictability, and thus leaving space for discretion; stresses that the result of a DSA may create self-fulfilling prophecies, by encouraging investors to buy/sell bonds of the respective Member States, thereby influencing outcomes; observes that since there is not one unique set of assumptions, they should be aligned with the objectives of the EU-Treaties as regards growth and convergence, and they should be agreed upon in a political process, ideally by the European Parliament and the European Council;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes that the Commission's communication acknowledges the potential inconsistencies between the application of the fiscal rules and the recommendations under the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure (MIP), and provides for the inclusion of reforms and investments required to correct the imbalances under the MIP in the national plans; regrets that the Communication does not encompass any instrument that allows for the correction of such inconsistencies;
Amendment 207 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Stresses that large parts of the success of the RRF are due to the mobilisation of financial support for reforms and investments undertaken by Member States; notes that the European Commission’s proposals for a revised EU economic governance framework seek to incentivise compliance by way of sanctions that apply automatically in the case of non-compliance;
Amendment 208 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Recalls that the RRF is expected to end in late 2026; recalls that there is a near-undisputed consensus on the need for a degree of fiscal centralisation for currency unions, such as the Economic and Monetary Union, to be viable in the long-run, which was most recently reiterated by the International Monetary Fund13d; _________________ 13d International Monetary Fund, DP/2022/014, Reforming the EU Fiscal Framework - Strengthening the Fiscal Rules and Institutions
Amendment 209 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Considers that a permanent fiscal capacity at EU level could, if designed appropriately, play a crucial role in maintaining sufficiently high levels of strategic investment, resolving the inconsistencies between the application of the fiscal rules and the MIP, and ensuring an appropriate fiscal stance at the aggregate level; calls for the timely establishment of a permanent instrument of a significant volume to succeed the RRF prior to its expiration at the end of 2026; considers that such an instrument should comprise both an investment and a stabilisation function;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13 d. Considers that such an instrument should support national reform and investment initiatives towards common EU priorities, especially in the context of the social-ecological transformation and with regard to MIP-related measures for which Member States lack the fiscal space at national level under the applicable fiscal framework;
Amendment 215 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Amendment 216 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recalls that the better law-making agreement reiterates that the European Parliament and the Council are to exercise their powers as co-legislators on an equal footing and that the Commission therefore needs to treat them equally; stresses that the European Parliament should therefore be fully involved in the reform of the economic governance framework as well as the future conduct of economic governance in the EU, including in the establishment and management of fiscal instruments; stresses the role and responsibility of national parliaments;
Amendment 221 #
2022/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Recognises the need for sufficient public revenue to ensure the sustainability of public finances in times of pressing investment needs and frequent economic shocks; highlights the various observations made by the European Commission as part of the European Semester on the tax mix; considers as necessary a shift from labour and consumption taxation towards the taxation of environmentally harmful practices, speculative behaviours, the windfall and/or excess profits of multinational corporations, and capital; stresses that further action to counter tax avoidance and evasion in the EU and in global fora is a necessary complement to the reform of the EU economic governance framework;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the outermost regions are especially vulnerable to negative impacts of climate change, like extreme weather events, rising sea levels or heat waves; whereas the outermost regions have an exceptionally high biodiversity value and focus should be put in protecting and restoring ecosystems;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the decarbonisation of the maritime and aviation sector is necessary to achieve the goals set out in the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law, sufficient time to adapt to such a transition should be given to the outermost regions;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the outermost regions are highly dependent on transport, especially air and maritime connections, with additional costs with regard to the import and export of goods and the transport of passengers, and that, in the case of archipelagos, double insularity exacerbates these challenges;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the blue economy sector plays a vital role in the economic growth and prosperity of outermost regions, that, due to their insularity, are especially dependent on blue economy-based activities, such as maritime transport, shipping, and tourism, with ports being important hubs for the transport of goods and passengers;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the tourism sector is highly important for the economies of these regions and that boosting this sector can have positive repercussions in terms of employment levels and economic growth;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic had severe negative impacts in the economies of the outermost regions, in particular sectors related with blue economy, of which outermost regions are highly dependent; whereas coastal and maritime tourism represents 60% of the employment in the blue economy and which needs highly qualified and skilled professionals; whereas the promotion of these “blue jobs” can boost the tourism sector and help in raising employment levels in the outermost regions;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the outermost regions, in the climate and energy transition, have great potential to develop key sectors such as sustainable mobility, renewable energy, and ecotourism;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Reiterates the need to ensure territorial cohesion of all outermost regions through maritime and air transport, which should not be affected by disproportionate high costs whether for passengers or goods;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. PHighlights that, due to their particularities and needs, outermost regions need additional support to guarantee a just green transition, especially in the policies of the Fit for 55 package; points out that, taking into account the dependence of the outermost regions on air connections, flights from thbetween an aerodrome located in an outermoset regions to the mainland of of a Member State and an aerodrome located in anotheir respective Member States should be exempt from the EU Emissions Trading System until 2030,gion of the EEA and flights performed between two aerodromes located within the same outermost region should be exempt from the EU Emissions Trading System until 2030; points out that, due to the dependence of these regions on maritime transport, a similar exemption until 2030 should apply to all voyages between a port located in an outermost region of a Member State and a port located in the same Member State, including ports within and between the outermost regions of the same Member State; and calls on the Commission to take into account the regions’ specific characteristics in the revision of all relevant legal acts, including the impacts of lifting such exemptions;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission to establish a specific transport programme of options, similar to the POSEI model, in addition to existing EU programmes, as a supplementary support to the outermost regions to face any potential negative impacts in the sector and increase in the costs of transport of passengers and goods;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to support the development of sustainable mobility in the outermost regions, promoting alternatives to fossil fuels and the modernisation and decarbonisation of port and airport infrastructures, including through an increase in investments;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Calls on the Commission, Member States and regional authorities to promote and ensure the diversification of transport modes, supporting the establishment of necessary infrastructures, such as bicycle and pedestrian lanes, taking into account outermost regions’ specificities, such as their orography;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Commission to support investments in tourism, to ensure EU funding for its recovery and sustainable development and to provide the sector with information on funding opportunities; recognises, in particular, the potential of ecotourism to reduce the environmental footprint of the sector, ensuring the protection of our climate and biodiversity, while contributing to the socioeconomic development of local communities in the outermost regions;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to present an EU common policy on tourism that should ensure the resilience of the sector against the impacts of future pandemics or any kind of events that put in risk tourism activities, such as climate change, and should take into account the particular case of outermost regions;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to unlock the potential of the outermost regions through appropriate investments and reforms and by supporting the green and digital transitions.; highlights that the outermost regions can be important players in these transitions, with the potential of being hubs for green and digital projects, towards an economic model that values sustainability and innovation;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the need to prepare contingency plans in the outermost regions for the transport sector, with a view to ensuring its resilience, especially in terms of infrastructure and public services, taking into account the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lessons learned, to avoid any future disruptions on essential services for passengers and goods, in particular in the case of sanitary crises, extreme weather events or conflicts such as the one on Ukraine;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Highlights that the potential of the outermost regions can only be achieved through the cooperation of different stakeholders, including European, national, regional and local authorities, economic and social agents, the civil society, the academic community and nongovernmental organisations; highlights, in this regard, the positive contribution of the Conference of Presidents of Outermost Regions to identify priorities and challenges faced by these regions and incentivise further action; points out that collaboration between outermost regions is also essential to ensure an holistic approach which answers to their specific needs and the sharing of best practices;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 15 January 2019 entitled ‘Commission launches debate on a gradual transition to more efficient and democratic decision-making in EU tax policy’14a _________________ 14a https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/IP_19_225
Amendment 2 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 22 December 2021 entitled ‘The Commission proposes the next generation of EU own resources’14b _________________ 14b https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/ip_21_7025
Amendment 3 #
2022/2146(INI)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 20 June 2023 entitled ‘EU budget: Commission puts forward an adjusted package for the next generation of own resources'15a _________________ 15a https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/ip_23_3328
Amendment 4 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices, which includes the temporary solidarity contribution15b _________________ 15b https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32022 R1854
Amendment 12 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2022 on a European Withholding Tax framework;19a _________________ 19a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/A-9-2022-0011_EN.html
Amendment 13 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2022 on national vetoes to undermine the global tax deal;19b _________________ 19b https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/TA-9-2022-0290_EN.html
Amendment 15 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
Amendment 16 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
– having regard to Commission report ‘Tax Policies in the European Union, 2016 Survey, raising concerns with respect to patent boxes in EU Member States tax regimes ,1a _________________ 1a European Commission, ‘Tax Policies in the European Union, 2016 Survey,’ p21” Patent boxes give a tax break on the output from R&D activities i.e. earned from exploiting intellectual property rights. Research shows that they do not stimulate R&D and may rather be used as a profit-shifting instrument, leading to high revenue losses”. Available from https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/site s/taxation/files/tax_policies_survey_2016. pdf
Amendment 17 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 c (new)
Citation 24 c (new)
– having regard to Council Regulation 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices,
Amendment 20 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Tax Observatory study of October 2021 entitled ‘Revenue effects of the global minimum tax: country-by-country estimates’20a; _________________ 20a https://www.taxobservatory.eu/wp- content/uploads/2021/10/Note-2- November-2021-1.pdf
Amendment 28 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Member States are free to decide on their own economic policies, in particular their own tax policies within the boundaries of the EU Treaties; whereas, although tax policy largely remains a responsibility of the Member States, the single market requires coordination and cooperation in setting tax policy in order to further single market integration and to avoid economic distortions;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas unanimity, as it appears in the Treaties, must be counterbalanced by a very high level of responsibility from Member States and must be in line with the principle of sincere cooperation based on Article 4(3) TEU; whereas national vetoes in tax matters have been abused by certain Member States to achieve concessions in other policy areas; whereas unanimity voting in the Council over tax policy, and corporate tax in particular, has often lead to delays and lack of progress in the harmonisation and coordination of tax rules across the Union that would be to the benefit of all; whereas the procedure laid down in Article 116 TFEU can be applied without altering the distribution of competences between the Union and the Member States;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas European citizens, the most vulnerable in particular, and some companies are battling strong headwinds as a result of the current adverse economic and social situations; whereas other companies, particularly MNEs, have increased their profits;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2146(INI)
C. whereas the BEPS action plan managed to establish a global consensus on manyseveral issues regarding the fight against aggressive tax planning; whereas loopholes prevail and must be addressed, notably concerning the digitalisation of the economy as well as the role of intangible assets; whereas the BEPS action plan was only decided by OECD developed countries in 2015;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 53 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU led by example in transposing international agreements into a high number of tax directives improving coordination and the EU’s fight against aggressive tax planning;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. Whereas the average statutory corporate tax rate in the European Union has declined significantly during the past several decades, from approximately 35% in 1995 to nearly 21% in 2021; whereas affiliates of large multinational enterprises (MNEs) have on average paid less than 20% of their profits in corporate tax in most member states in 2016 and 2017, whereas in 8 member states, the average effective tax rate (ETR) for affiliates of large MNEs was even estimated to be below 10% for 2016 and 2017, based on country-by-country data;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 59 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the average headline corporate income tax rate in EU countries has been on a downwards trend in recent decades, from 35 % in 1995 to 21.2% in 2023; whereas the effective tax rate is often well below the headline tax rate;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the Code of Conduct Group on Business Taxation did not manage to fully eradicate unfair tax arrangements offered by some Member States to large companies; whereas the Code of Conduct Group on Business Taxation has failed to reform its mandate, notably in the issue of economic substance;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas as of 16 DecemberJune 20223, 138 state43 jurisdictions, including all EU Member States, had agreed on the reform of the international tax system through a two- pillar solution;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU Tax Observatory has estimated that the implementation of the OECD/G20 agreement’s Pillar II will lead to an immediate increase of EUR 63.9 billion in tax revenue for the 27 Member States;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the inter-institutional agreement establishing NextGeneration EU also refers the need to create new own resources to finance the respective repayments; whereas, in December 2021, the Commission proposed an own resource derived from the companies in- scope for Pillar One of the OECD/G20 agreement; whereas, in June 2023, the Commission proposed an own resource linked to the corporate sector, which is to be replaced by a possible contribution from BEFIT;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the solidarity contribution applied to the windfall profits of some companies from the energy sector was an effective European approach to implement a top-up levy on their corporate income tax; whereas this approach was also successful in avoiding any fragmentation resulting from individual action by Member States; whereas some countries have applied similar taxes on windfall profits from other sectors;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the debt-incentives on equity bias financing corporate taxation allows for generous tax deductions on interest payments; whereas equity financing costs cannot be deducted in a similar mannersts still have an impact on the debt equity bias and have generated paths for corporate tax avoidance in some countries which have implemented it;
Amendment 85 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the debt-equity bias inmost corporate taxation systems in the EU allows for generous tax deductions on interest payments; whereas equity financing costs cannot be deducted in a similar manner; , up to a cost of EUR 245 billion20d; whereas equity financing costs, which include dividend payments, cannot be deducted in a similar manner; _________________ 20d Impact assessment accompanying the document proposal for a Council directive on laying down rules on a debt-equity bias reduction and on limiting the deductibility of interest for corporate income tax purposes, p.48.
Amendment 89 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas corporate income tax represents a higher share of tax revenues and gross domestic product in developing countries than in rich countries; whereas losses due to global corporate taxation in developing countries are estimated to range from 6 to 13 % of total tax revenue, compared with 2 to 3 % in member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD);1a _________________ 1a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report entitled ‘Tackling Illicit Financial Flows for Sustainable Development in Africa’, 2020, p. 21: https://unctad.org/system/files/official- document/aldcafrica2020_en.pdf.
Amendment 96 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the European Central Bank acknowledges current inflationary pressure is driven by some companies raising prices in excess of their costs at the expense of consumers and wage earners1a _________________ 1a https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/key/date/ 2023/html/ecb.sp230605~0aadd43ce7.en. html
Amendment 103 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that EU Member States’ cooperationg on corporate taxation is not a goal in itself, but rather a tool to complete, improve and further develop the single market; a tool to complete, improve and further develop the single market aswell as putting an end to the detrimental race to the bottom on corporate tax rates; takes the view that instead of competing by slashing rates, countries should compete by boosting infrastructure spending, investing in access to education, and funding research.
Amendment 104 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that EU Member States' cooperationg on corporate taxation is not a goal in itself, but rather a tool to complete, improve and further develop the single market; notes, in addition, that a common approach on tax policies is crucial to effectively curb tax evasion, avoidance and fraud, particularly by reducing loopholes arising from different national tax provisions;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the European Council conclusions of 23 March 2023 calling for the general regulatory environment to be simplified and for the administrative burden to be reduced, and the Commission communications of 16 March 2023 underlining that the EU tax framework is key in supporting growth and private investment, in particular by removing tax barriers to cross-border investment, and that the EU’s active role on tax policies seeks to address distortions, ensure the good functioning of the Single Market and prevent its fragmentation;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that it is paramount to fight aggressive profit shifting while promoting fiscal fairness, transparency and certainty, and while keeping taxes at levels that support sustainable economic growth;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that it is paramount to fight aggressive profit shifting while promoting fiscal fairness, transparency and certainty, and while keeping; highlights that addressing tax evasion, tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning will provide additional tax revenue that helps national governments to keep taxes at levels that support sustainable economic growth;
Amendment 123 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 124 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the remarks by Christine Lagarde, ECB President, in the Monetary Dialogue of 5th June 2023, acknowledging that some sectors’ firms increased their profit margins by pushing higher prices to the consumer, above the respective increases in costs; supports the comments by Ms Lagarde on the need to have better data on profits in order to fully appreciate their impact on inflation; encourages Member States to release statistics on profits margins and its impact on corporate taxation revenues;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of the numerous tax directives since 2011 that have led to fairer, simpler and more effective corporate taxation in the EU, and to a high number ofwhile stressing that loopholes prevail in the current framework; notes that benefits of said directives should outweigh its costs, and that tax compliance obligations on companies within the EU21 , particularly SMEs, should not be disproportionate; _________________ 21 See notably the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives (ATAD I and ATAD II), the amendments of the Directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (DAC 1 to DAC 7), the revision of the Parent Subsidiary Directive, the EU Dispute Settlement Directive, the Public Country-by-Country Reporting Directive, or the Pillar Two Directive.
Amendment 134 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DeploRegrets the fact that the Member States have implemented and applied tax directives in a divergent manner, undermining theat the implementation of some tax directives did not fully address divergences in national legislative framework, thus limiting its benefits; calls on Member States to ensure that tax directives are applied as closely as possible to its intention in order to ensure a proper functioning of the single market, and leading to misalignment in tax bases, more red tape and higher compliance costprevent unnecessary administrative and compliance costs, and the proliferation of tax schemes due to regulatory mismatches between EU jurisdictions;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Reducing the burden of compliance on EU companies, particularly SMEs
Amendment 148 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the estimated tax compliance costs for large multinational enterprises (MNEs) amount to about 2 % of taxes paid, while for SMEs the estimate is about 30 % of taxes paid; recalls that European companies, in particulardeplores how the significant disparity between effective tax rates between MNEs and SMEs creates a regressive tax system that harms the latter; recalls that SMEs, are the main enhancers of economic growth and job creation;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present an overall evaluation of actions taken on corporate taxation since 2011 and to immediately ease the burden on businesses by invoking a regulatory moratorium and delaying those tax acts that would unnecessarily increase costs for businesses already under strain; calls on the Commission to carry out competitiveness checks for new legislative tax proposals, as requested by the European Council for all new proposals onassess the best options towards easing the administrative burden on businesses, particularly SMEs; notes the European Council's request for competitiveness checks for all new proposals, aiming to simplify the general regulatory environment and to reduce the administrative burden, from 22 March 2023;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the proposal of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022 for a competitiveness check to analyse the impact, among other things, of new tax legislation on companies and their business environments; awaits impatiently the implementation of theharmonising and coordinating tax policies within the Member States of the EU in order to prevent tax evasion and avoidance, and for a competitiveness check; awaits the proposal announcementd by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ofn 19 October 2022 to introducinge a standard competitiveness check in EU regulation; warns that competitiveness checks cannot be used to undermine labour and social standards;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note of the renewed debate on tax incentives following the US Inflation Reduction Act; calls on the Commission to allow for experimentation with tax creditsadoption of Pillar Two Model Rules guaranteeing a minimum level of effective corporate income taxation at 15% and in the aftermath of the US Inflation Reduction Act; notes that any experimentation with tax credits, most notably within the revised framework of EU state aid, must be strictly conditional to safeguarding workers’ conditions, while prioritising green innovation and climate adaptation; insists, nevertheless, that all decisions should be taken in a coordinated manner to preserve the functioning of the single market;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Notes that tax credits are de facto limited by the global minimum tax under Pillar Two which could lead to increased competition on refundable tax credits and subsidies; recalls that the absence of common rules and procedures that ensure the effective taxation of intra-EU flows of dividends, interest and royalty payments, can also provide conduits for these flows to leave the EU untaxed for low-tax third jurisdictions, thus imposing significant losses in tax collection for Member States; invites the Commission to monitor the such developments and to publish its recommendations and observations in an annual report;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to engage in policies of full expensing for capital investments and to make capital allowance provisions permanent in Highlights full expensing for capital investments require a careful design and significant administrative diligence to prevent a vehicle for unwarranted tax subsidies or for tax abuse; stresses, therefore, that such policies should go hand-in-hand with regular and public monitoring of tax expenditure reporting and spillover analyses; notes that capital allowance provisions must be conditional to improving wordker to improve real investments and to assiss' conditions, while also increasing investments in the real economy, with a priority for green innovation and climate adaptation, and support Europe’s competitiveness;
Amendment 184 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States, in the light of high inflation rates, to use the additional revenues based on higher energy prices directly toto provide direct and targeted relievef to the burden on companies, especially SMEmost vulnerable citizens and the middle class;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2146(INI)
11a. Recalls that the solidarity contribution of the Union was designed as an appropriate mean to tackle surplus profits in the energy sector, in the event of unforeseen circumstances; requests that an automatic contribution on profits which do not correspond to any regular profits that Union companies or permanent establishments in the Union could have expected in the absence of a major unpredictable event affecting the EU as a whole should be levied according to similar design features;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 193 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes note ofWelcomes the two-pillar solution reached at the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on the allocation of taxing rights and the application of a minimum effective tax rate of 15 % on the global profits of MNEs; understands that the minimum rate should be subject to a periodic upwards review, also taking into account the proposal by the Biden administration of a 21% minimum effective corporate tax rate; considers that this agreement contributes to a fairer playing field between MNEs and SMEs; calls on Member States to assess other multilateral initiatives that can fix shortcomings in the EU tax framework, including at UN level;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Observes that, in addition to coping with a volatile business environment and an increasing number of EU tax directives, companies are focusing their financial and human resources on applying the Pillar Two rules; calls on the Commission to give companies breathing space and enough time to prepare for the possibl Pillar One and Pillar Two rules are only applicable for MNEs with a turnover above the thresholds, respectively, of EUR 20 billion and EUR 750 million; stresses that most companies, notably SMEs, are therefore exempt from this agreement, calls on the Commission to ensure full coherence and consistency of Pillar One and Pillar Two with the new BEFIT rules;
Amendment 213 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls for the introduction of Pillar Two in the criteria used for assessing third countries in the EU listing of non- cooperative jurisdictions; considers that the EU listing process needs to be reformed, including its formalisation in EU law, notably via a binding instrument;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Notes that since 1997 the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation has been the Union’s primary instrument to prevent harmful tax competition for companies; stresses that there need to be common principles on the extent to which Member States can use their tax regimes and policies to attract businesses and profits to end a "beggar thy neighbour" policies within the Single market;
Amendment 217 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Calls on the Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of patent boxes and other intellectual property (IP) regimes under the new nexus approach defined by Action 5 of the BEPS Action Plan on harmful tax practices, including the impact on revenue losses; calls on the Commission to come forward with proposals in the event that the evaluation establishes an absence of impact of IP regimes on real economic activity;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Amendment 219 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
13e. Recalls that the European Union is required to establish new own resources in order to repay the financing to NextGeneration EU; welcomes that a contribution from the corporate sector, most notably through Pillar One, has been proposed by the European Commission; stresses that, if the implementation of Pillar One is delayed beyond the current mandate, the Commission must put forward alternative proposals to fulfil this purpose, for instance, a single market levy or a digital levy that would restore fair competition between physical stores and e-commerce; welcomes the proposal of the Commission to create a temporary contribution from the corporate sector, to be replaced by a possible contribution via BEFIT;
Amendment 222 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Towards a simplified corporate tax regime (BEFIT)
Amendment 225 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to guide all the Member Stateswork towards a simplified tax system to reduce theunnecessary administrative burden for companies, especially SMEs; acknowledges that simplifying refund procedures, deductions and litigation are other solutions to reduce theunnecessary administrative burden, especially for SMEs; takes note, in this regard, of the Commission proposal from June 2023 aiming to boost cross-border investment and help fight tax abuse via a reform of withholding tax procedures;
Amendment 235 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that simplifyharmonising and reducing the complexity of the legal framework for corporate tax systems helps to attract foreign direct investment and reduces the risk of companies relocating to non-EU countries;
Amendment 243 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to work on a BEFIT proposal, expected in the third quarter of 2023, with a view to designing a new and single EU corporate tax rulebook, based on a fair, comprehensive and effective formulary apportionment and a common tax base of income taxation for businesses, which will provide clarity and predictability for companies; Notes that this proposal should provide more tax revenues for Member States, by targeting MNEs which currently use the differences in the EU tax systems to artificially pay less tax than they should; Calls on the Commission to ensure a BEFIT proposal addresses tax competition and tax avoidance, and to avoid introducing additional avenues for multinational corporations to reduce their tax payments, such as EU-wide corporate tax incentives, in addition to simplifying corporate tax rules in the EU;
Amendment 247 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that fixing loopholes that allow for tax evasion, avoidance and fraud should be a priority for legislative initiatives in the realm of taxation; notes that the corporate tax framework can also be improved in this regard; urges, therefore, the Commission to introduce strong safeguards against tax evasion, avoidance and fraud in BEFIT; stresses that such tax schemes undermine the law, the sustainability of public finances, and the sovereignty of Member States;
Amendment 252 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes note of the BEFIT objectives, as addressed in the Commission’s call for evidence for an impact assessment, to increase businesses’ resilience by reducing the complexity ofcaused by different sets of national tax rules and the respective compliance costs faced by EU businesses with cross-border operations, to remove obstacles to cross- border investment and make the single market a more attractive location for international investment, to create an environment conducive to fair and sustainable growth by paving the way for administrative simplification, and to provide sustainabled tax revenues, which is particularly important in the current challenging economic climate;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2146(INI)
18a. Considers that all very large firms operating in the EU should be in the scope of the future BEFIT proposal; welcomes, nonetheless, any proposal allowing smaller firms to rely on a simplified and harmonised corporate taxation framework; considers essential to ensure all sectors are covered by the future BEFIT reform, including the financial sector;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Suggests that any adjustments to financial statements should be aligned with Pillar Two and must not leave possibilities for further unilateral adjustments, at the risk of losing the benefits of tax base harmonisation;
Amendment 261 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Recalls the long standing demand of the Parliament to establish an allocation formula based on three criteria: (i) tangible assets (ii) labour (equally shared between personnel and salaries); (iii) sales by destination;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18d. Recalls that intangibles assets have the particularity of being highly mobile; considers that any future allocation formula must refrain from including intangible assets, in order not to incentivise rent-seeking business models;
Amendment 263 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18e. Highlights that harmonising the EU rules on corporate income taxation would not solve the complexities and vulnerabilities for base erosion related to transfer prices involving third countries; demands the Commission to propose an alternative methodology to transfer pricing, in order to limit its exploitation for base erosion and profit shifting, including the usage of formulary apportionment;
Amendment 264 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 f (new)
Paragraph 18 f (new)
18f. Highlight the prominent role of tax administrations in ensuring the implementation of a future BEFIT reform; advises that sufficient means, including training, is allocated by Member States and through the future FISCALIS program;
Amendment 267 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. HighlightNotes the idea of a one-stop- shop allowing for the filing of one consolidated tax return; calls on the Commission toacknowledges that the introducetion of a one-stop-shop for the application of the BEFIT rules in a test phase and torequires further harmonisation of the corporate tax base and the establishment of a formula for fair and effective allocation of taxing rights among Member States, and an expansion of reportable income to be exchanged between national tax authorities; notes that a one-stop-shop may be introduced via a test phase for a limited number of taxpayers, and only incorporate itd as a permanent feature of BEFIT if thesuch test phase is successful;
Amendment 271 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note ofStresses its reservations towards the Commission proposal of 11 May 2022 addressing the debt-equity bias; deplor, particularly the costs it could generate for Member States; notes the Council's decision of 6 December 2022 to suspend the examination of the proposal; recalls on the Council to relaunch negotiations on this proposalthat, in the past, allowances for corporate equity have been exploited as tax loopholes in the Union; supports the incorporation of strong anti- avoidance provisions to prevent any allowance on equity to be used as a new tool for base erosion if an allowance for corporate equity should be set up;
Amendment 278 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Amendment 284 #
2022/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Highlights that targeted tax incentives applied in a fiscally responsible manner for private research and development (e.g. via tax credits, enhanced allowances or adjusted depreciation schedules) can help lift an economy’s overall spending towards research and development, which often comes with positive externalitiescan help lift private spending towards these purposes, which often can come with positive externalities; stresses that regular analysis of such positive externalities should be conducted and, whenever appropriate, lead to the termination of incentives that failed to produce the intended results; highlights that such incentives are more effective for SMEs if they are expenditure-based21b; underlines that such tax incentives must be strictly conditional to safeguarding workers’ conditions, while prioritising green innovation and climate adaptation; recalls that corporate spending on research and development was equal to 1.5 % of EU GDP in 2020, compared to 2.6 % in the US and Japan, according to the European Investment Bank’s 2022/2023 investment report; calls on the Commission to present an assessment of the most effective and efficient tax incentives for private research and development; calls on the Commission to produce guidelines on how to design fair and transparent tax incentives while preventing a market distortion; _________________ 21b Subcommittee on Tax affairs, hearing on "The role of tax incentives and exemptions in the framework of the reform of corporate taxation and in the promotion of European economies' competitiveness" July 11 2022
Amendment 3 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that taxation is one of the few areas that remain subject to unanimity voting in Council; stresses that it has become increasingly evident over recent years that stronger coordination in the field of taxation is needed at EU and global levels in the light of economic developments and the new challenges created by digitalisation and globalisation; regrets, incalls thisat regard, Hungary’s misuse of its veto right tocent tax proposals were block theed in Council negotiations on the Commission proposal of 22 December 2021 for a Council directive on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational groups in the Union (COM(2021)0823)due to vetoes of single Member States for reasons which were unrelated to the content of the proposal; deplores the recourse to national vetoes as a bargaining tool;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the fact that the current situation often leads to delays and a lack of progress in the harmonisation and coordination of tax rules across the Union, even though such harmonisation and coordination would benefit everyone; notes that some legislative proposals, such as the debt-equity bias reduction allowance (DEBRA) or the Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT), will be key to supporting the competitiveness of European companies;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Believes the recourse to passerelle clauses could help reduce the negative interference of vetoes used as bargaining tools only;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recommends using the two general passerelle clauses for selected Treaty articles concerning the EU’s competences in the area of taxation; recalls that the Commission communication of 15 January 2019 entitled ‘Towards a more efficient and democratic decision making in EU tax policy’ (COM(2019)0008) and the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe both recommended moving from unanimity voting to QMV on tax matters; highlights that using QMV on tax matters would contribute to a more effective framework for tackling tax evasion, avoidance and fraud concerns, but also open the path to a more efficient tax collection, benefitting both sovereigns and companies.
Amendment 46 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recommends using the passerelle clauses following a sectorial approach and not for single files, as it would limit the benefit of lifting unanimity voting; proposes to trigger general passerelle clauses for largely integrated tax policies, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) in the area of indirect taxation, and/or for proposals aiming at implementing international agreements for which a large majority of Member States has participated into the negotiations;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 52 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Encourages the transition towards QMV for other initiatives in the tax area which are necessary for the single market, most notably tax policies that have long been awaiting finalisation, such as the creation of a common corporate tax system in the EU.
Amendment 13 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the leaks Panama Papers and Swiss Leaks suggest that the top 0.01 % of the wealth distribution owns about 50 % of the wealth placed in tax havens while the top 0.01 % evades about 25 % of its tax liability by concealing assets and investment income abroad, making tax evasion also a question about inequality1a; _________________ 1a Alstadsæter, A., Johannesen, N., & Zucman, G. (2019). Tax evasion and inequality. American Economic Review, 109(6), 2073-2103.
Amendment 16 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the practices described in the Pandora Papers further entrench social and economic inequalities in our societies, and strongly erode citizens’ trust in the rule of law and in our economic and democratic system; whereas fostering social and economic justice is ever more important in the crisis that the EU currently faces, following the war of aggression against Ukraine and the cost of living crisis that ensued;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas tax crimes are a predicate offence for money laundering under EU law and international standards; whereas the activities reported in the Pandora Papers are not all inherently illegal, but certainly amount to tax avoidance and abuse of corporate secrecy;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Regrets that the revelations of continuous data leaks with significant information of interest to the public still rely on whistleblowers and investigative journalists to access information; deems it necessary to protect the confidentiality of the sources of investigative journalism, including whistleblowers; stresses the importance of defending the freedom of journalists to receive confidential, secret or restricted documents, datasets or other materials, whatever their origin, and to report on those issues of public interest without the threat of costly legal action; highlights, in this regard, the Commission’s recent proposals to tackle abusive lawsuits against journalists and human rights defenders;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Notes that a general lesson learnt from several money laundering and tax leaks in recent years is that whistleblowers play a significant role in allowing these leaks to be known by the public; regrets the extended use of non- disclosure agreements (NDAs) for employees in the corporate sector without accurate legal advice;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the fact that only 10 Member States have passed legislation toat 24 Member States failed to transpose and communicate the transposeition of the Whistleblowers Directive7 , 15 are still in the process of doing so, and two have taken no or minimal action; _________________ 7 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17. within the deadline; welcomes that the Commission has initiated infringement procedures against at least 19 Member States for failure to transpose the Directive6a; _________________ 6a https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/inf_22_3768; https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/inf_22_5402
Amendment 48 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Deplores that a number of EU high-level decision-makers have been featured in the Pandora Papers; regrets that, according to the unanimity vote required to fight tax evasion and avoidance at the EU level, said individuals or the governments they integrated held the power to veto any EU legislation on those matters;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the Council to move towards the use of qualified majority voting in certain tax matters concerning tax evasion and avoidance, and for the implementation of international tax agreements; stresses that the lack of further tax coordination pressures Member States to engage in a detrimental race to the bottom, while also hampering cross-border economic activity;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Welcomes the proposed Anti- Money Laundering legislative package; stresses the importance of increasing the coordination between national legal frameworks to address loopholes, and the improvement to supervision provided by establishing a European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) with adequate resources and competences;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that global professional services firms s possess a capacity as ‘career hubs’, where 68 % of transfer pricing professionals in multinational corporations had worked in a global professional services firmGPSF before11 ; is aware of examples of tax authority officials going on to work in such firms or multinational corporationGPSFs or MNCs immediately after; calls on the Member States to regulate the phenomenon ofensure revolving doors regulation, including cooling- off periods, with regard to officials in tax administrations; to officials of tax administrations, and also to uphold these standards on international organisations they are members of, such as the OECD, so as to avoid conflicts of interest and revolving doors; calls on the OECD, in particular, to uphold its own 2010 Recommendation Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying; _________________ 11 Christensen, R.C., ‘Transnational Infrastructural Power of Professional Service Firms’, SocArXiv, 9 September 2022.
Amendment 67 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to recognise and address the risks of conflicts of interest stemming from the provision of legal advice, tax advice and auditing services when advising both corporate clients and public authorities; reiterates its call on the Commission to propose measures to clearlythe separateion of accountancying firms fromand financial or tax service providers as well as on all advisory services; welcomes the recently announced division of activities of one of the Big 4 major accounting firms into separate audit and advisory businesses, demonstrating that such separation is achievable11a; _________________ 11a https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 22/sep/08/ernst-young-splits-into- separate-audit-and-advisory-businesses
Amendment 87 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 109 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its future proposal on DAC 8 – among other previous recommendations related to DAC3 and outlined in Parliament’s resolution on the implementation of the EU requirements for exchange of tax information – the exchange of tax rulings concerning natural persons, which are often drafted by intermediaries, in order to ensure that the arrangements of high-net-worth individuals with a Member State’s tax authorities are shared with all Member States;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Deplores that the disparity of capital gains taxation across the EU might generate wealth shifting and tax avoidance behaviour across Member States; Calls on the Commission to assess the feasibility, economic impact of a minimum tax on capital gains at European level;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of the first final rule on beneficial ownership reporting under the USnited States (US) Corporate Transparency Act; regrets the lack of political will in the US to share information regarding the financial accounts of non-US citizens; reiterates its call on the US to join the OECD Common Reporting Standard as soon as possibleRS as soon as possible, thereby fully exchanging information with other countries on a reciprocate basis;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes that despites the implementation of European and national legislation on exchange of information and transparency, the quality of data exchanged as well as the quality of data in different public registers remains low, poor, incomplete or not sufficiently updated; urges Member States to dedicate the appropriate resources, including sufficient staff and technology, to process and make full use of the data; calls on the Commission to issue guidance or provide support to Member State and reporting entities to guarantee the quality of data sent; requests that the Commission provides an overall assessment of the quality of data provided in the context of exchange of information between Member States as well as the quality of data in compulsory public registers;
Amendment 132 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Recalls the importance of transparency of beneficial ownership information (BOI) across the world the EU’s leading role in this domain; regrets, however, the delay in the setting-up of the Beneficial Ownership Registers Interconnection System (BORIS) in the EU due to technical difficulties; highlights that access to adequate, accurate and up-to-date BOI and control of legal persons is a valuable tool in the fight against tax evasion and avoidance;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Stresses that the 5th AMLD requires Member States to set up registers of the beneficial owners of all legal entities established in the EU, including trusts, and grants public access to basic beneficial ownership information about companies; regrets the delays of implementation of these requirements in many Member States;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2080(INI)
15 d. Notes with concern that Member States have adopted BO registers in very divergent ways, with different access conditions, different search functions and different mechanisms for data verification, if any; stresses that, as a result, there has been a delay delay in the setting-up of the Beneficial Ownership Registers Interconnection System (BORIS) due to technical difficulties;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15 e. Reminds the Commission and the Member States that it is absolutely essential that beneficial ownership information is accessible for financial intelligence units (FIUs), law enforcement, obliged entities and the general public; deplores the fact that delays in Member States and the overall lack of coordination in the implementation process are undermining the effectiveness of an functioning interconnection system, and calls on all actors to address this delay as a matter of urgency;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)
Paragraph 15 f (new)
15 f. Welcomes the revision of the Recommendation 24 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which requires countries to prevent the misuse of legal persons for money laundering or terrorist financing; highlights that henceforth countries will have to require beneficial ownership information to be held by a public authority or body functioning as beneficial ownership registry or an alternative mechanism as efficient;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 g (new)
Paragraph 15 g (new)
15 g. Stresses that progress in tackling the use of anonymous companies can only be possible if information about beneficial owners is easily and available in a timely manner in all jurisdictions, and if authorities are able to make use of that information and cross-check data for investigative purposes;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2080(INI)
15 h. Welcomes further that the FATF is conducting a review of Recommendation 25 on the transparency and BOI of legal arrangements; considers, in this regard, that, similarly to what already is prescribed in EU law, the standard should determine that trusts or other similar legal arrangements be registered, that multi-pronged approach to trust ownership transparency should be required, including a trust register as a required component and that access to BO information on trusts be at least as comprehensive as it is currently determined by EU law;
Amendment 139 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 i (new)
Paragraph 15 i (new)
15 i. Recalls that the United Arab Emirates feature on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force, a global money laundering watchdog, since March 2002, since the FATF has concluded that the UAE have strategic deficiencies in their regime to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing; stresses that under the Commission’s methodology, where a third country is listed by the FATF, it should automatically be added to the EU list of high risk third countries without further autonomous assessment, through a Delegated Act; regrets that, in this case, the Commission has yet to propose to add the UAE to the EU list; calls for the United Arab Emirates to be identified as a high-risk third country without further delay;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 j (new)
Paragraph 15 j (new)
15 j. Reiterates its conclusions regarding the fact that, as exposed by the Pandora Papers, some U.S. states, such as South Dakota, Alaska, Wyoming, Delaware and Nevada, have become hubs of financial and corporate secrecy; regrets the lack of visible progress or political will in these states to enact necessary reforms since the revelations;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 k (new)
Paragraph 15 k (new)
15 k. Regrets that the US Congress has so far failed to pass the bill the Establishing New Authorities for Businesses Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security Act (ENABLERS), which would require the non-financial/ intermediary sector to carry out due diligence obligations on their customers, as recommended by FATF standards;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Commission proposal for a Council directive laying down rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes and amending Directive 2011/16/EU14 ; calls on the Council to swiftly adopt the proposal once Parliament has submitted its opinion; adopt the proposal swiftly after the Parliament emits its opinion; insists that such proposal can only deliver if it is accompanied by counter measures such as the denial of tax residence certificates; calls on the Commission and Member States to further promote global regulation on mandatory substance requirements for companies as a tool to prevent tax avoidance; _________________ 14 COM(2021)0565.
Amendment 151 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls for the creation of an EU Asset Register to provide public authorities with centralised access to information on the ownership of high value assets and goods throughout the EU and thereby effectively curb efforts to circumvent financial targeted sanctions, and fight money laundering and tax evasion and avoidance;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Amendment 155 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16 c. Reiterates, in this regard, the conclusions and recommendations of its resolutions of 21 January 2021 on reforming the EU list of tax havens and of 7 October 2021 on reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) and calls on the Council to relaunch discussions on comprehensive reform;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16 d. Calls on the Council in particular to include the automatic listing of third jurisdictions with a 0 % corporate tax rate or with no taxes on companies’ profits as a standalone criterion; notes with concern that third countries may repeal non- compliant tax regimes but substitute them with new ones that are potentially harmful to the EU;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
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 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 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 1 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal of 24 November 2015 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 in order to establish a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (COM(2015)0586),
Amendment 3 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 16 December 2020 on tackling non-performing loans in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0822),
Amendment 5 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to The Five Presidents’ Report of 22 June 2015 entitled ‘Completing Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union’,
Amendment 7 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
— having regard to the ECB recommendation of 15 December 2020 on dividend distributions during the COVID- 19 pandemic,
Amendment 14 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
— having regard to the European Supervisory Authorities’(ESAs)' ‘Joint Committee Report on Risks and Vulnerabilities in the EU Financial System’, JC 2022 09 of March 2022,
Amendment 15 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 b (new)
Citation 28 b (new)
— having regard to the EU Tax Observatory Working Paper 'Tax Planning by European Banks' of December 2022,
Amendment 16 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29
Citation 29
— having regard to the declaration signed by the Chair of Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, and the respective coordinators for six political groups (EPP, S&D, RE, Greens, ECR and The Left) of 7 December 2022 on the European deposit insurance scheme,
Amendment 17 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 a (new)
Citation 30 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 25 March 2021 on strengthening the international role of the euro,
Amendment 18 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 b (new)
Citation 30 b (new)
— having regard to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision standards on the Prudential treatment of crypto-asset exposures, of December 2022,
Amendment 24 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Banking Union (BU) currently consists of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM); whereas although the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive4 (DGSD) sets out high minimum standards in the area of deposit protection, the BU remains unfinished because thewhile lacking the establishment of its third pillar – the European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) – has not yet been establishexposing the financial sector to risks that could be avoided; _________________ 4 Directive 2014/49/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on deposit guarantee schemes (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 149).
Amendment 28 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas an agreement was reached on the creation of a backstop for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), but its actual implementation is still missing;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its economic and social consequences will havehas a direct and indirect impact on the EU banking sector;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas, despite the challenges caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the aggregate non-performing loans (NPL) ratio fell further to 2.29% in the third quarter of 2022; whereas this was supported by credit moratoria and renegotiation of credit with customers;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas fifteen years after the financial crisis, the ‘too big to fail’ and ‘too interconnected to fail’ problems remain insufficiently addressed;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the finalisation of the anti- money laundering (AML) package should strengthen AML rules, establish a European supervisory authority for AML purposes and ensure a consistent and effective implementation of these rules;
Amendment 68 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Amendment 69 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas the European banking sector largely remains the main provider of financing of companies, in contrast with other jurisdictions, where capital markets account for a considerable share of financing to companies;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas the development of a CMU requires the establishment of common rules and effective tools that reduce the internal market fragmentation, facilitate access to alternative financing means, and prevent capital flight and tax avoidance schemes;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2061(INI)
J. whereas completing the BU will breakstrongly contribute to reduce the sovereign-bank doom loop;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas the Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI) established by the ECB can mitigate risks of fragmentation and financial instability;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
J b. whereas a more stable, competitive and convergent Economic and Monetary Union requires the completion of the Banking Union with its third pillar of a fully-fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme, a deep and fully functional Capital Markets Union, a permanent euro area budgetary instrument, a revised fiscal framework and more effective cooperation and coordination on tax affairs;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
J c. whereas the raising of interest rates by the ECB has been immediately reflected in the interest paid by households and companies to banks, thus significantly increasing banks’ profits, while it negatively affected households’ and companies’ capacity to pay their loans;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the banking sector, in conjunction with public support measures, haspublic support measures coupled with the ECB's monetary policy decisions and regulatory adjustments - which allowed for loan repayment moratoria and credit renegotiation - acted as a shock absorber for the economic crisis triggered by the COVID- 19 pandemic; acknowledges that strengthening the prudential requirements implemented after 2008 has improved the EU banking sector’s resilience;
Amendment 101 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that the Banking Union (BU) is an essential complement to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the internal market, which aligns responsibility for supervision, resolution and funding at EU level and forces banks across the euro area to abide by the same rule book; welcomes the significant progress made since the financial crisis of 2008 through the establishment of the SSM and the SRM; highlights that Europe’s banks are in a stronger position to withstand financial shocks, and resolution mechanisms are in place to ensure that failing banks can be wound up without the use of taxpayers’ money; calls for the completion of the Banking Union, most notably through the implementation of the European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS);
Amendment 111 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the EU should fairly and fully implement the Basel III reform in a timely manner; stresses the need for the EU to transpose the Basel agreement as close as possible to these standards, in order to remain a credible and reliable international partner; welcomes the European Parliament’s political agreement on the CRR and CRD;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the ECB has decided to raise its main interest rates from 0 % to 23 % for the main refinancing operation rate; alerts to the negative impact that such hikes have on the capacity of households and companies to pay their loans; reminds the social and economic downsides of a strict monetary tightening, and calls on the ECB to take such downsides into account when making monetary policy decisions; encourages banks to reflect increases in interest rates more accurately in their deposit interest, thus encouraging citizens to make savings;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reminds that the inflationary environment was largely due to external factors, most notably the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, namely its impact on energy, fertiliser and grain prices, and the disruption of supply chains resulting from the Covid-crisis, and not from low interest rates or excessive liquidity in financial markets;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the climate stress test conducted by the SSM in 2022 and takes note of the targets set for 2024; reiterates its concern with financial exposures stemming from climate risks;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the ongoing work by the ECB on the digital euro; looks forward to the Commission’s legislative proposal and the ECB Governing Council’s decision on the digital euro; points out that the digital euro must prioritise a high level of privacy, data protection, confidentiality of payment data, cyber resilience and security;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Highlights the role of the banking system in supporting the transition to a carbon-neutral economy; considers that the new geopolitical environment increases the urgency of this transition, most notably on clean energy production; underlines the utmost importance of making a socially just transition; reminds that the costs of this transition will be lower than the cost of inaction, as acknowledged by the ECB; encourages the ECB to assess the possibility of a differentiated rate for sustainable investments that contribute most to reducing inflationary pressures, such as those in energy efficiency and renewable energy production;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages banks to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digitalisation of the economy, while maintaining a high level of consumer and investor protection, especially for vulnerable groups with low digital or financial literacy levels; calls on the EBA to assess the best options to tackle artificial complexity and the exclusion of vulnerable groups from using basic banking services; stresses the need for further investments and research to develop innovative ways to bolster the cybersecurity of the banking sector;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Welcomes the creation of Next Generation EU and emphasises its important role in the economic recovery after the Covid-crisis and how it must serve as an opportunity to enhance public and private investments and support the modernisation of the economy; stresses the importance of maintaining a macroeconomic stabilisation tool for the euro area;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Restates the importance of a European safe asset in the euro area as a way to help stabilise financial markets and allow banks to reduce the exposure of their balance sheets to national sovereign debt; considers that NextGeneration EU provides high-quality, low-risk European assets, allowing for a rebalancing of sovereign bonds on banks’ balance sheets; highlights the importance of preserving the availability of safe assets in a permanent manner;
Amendment 168 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Welcomes the recent approval of the directive on improving the gender balance among directors of companies listed on stock exchanges, and related measures, following several years without progress; encourages all EU financial institutions to comply with the objectives of this legislation as soon as possible, thus contributing to gender balance in this sector;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. calls on EU governments, institutions and bodies to achieve gender balance as soon as possible; reiterates the Parliament’s commitment not to take into account shortlists of candidates where gender balance has not been respected;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2061(INI)
9. Notes that since the beginning of 2022, the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of SSM banks has decreased to 14.9674 % and the liquidity coverage ratio has also decreased to 164.362.03 %5 ; welcomes that the stock of non-performing loans in banks’ balance sheets has continued to decrease; underlines that banks should keep sufficient capital and liquid assets on hand to cope with the economic repercussions of the Russian war; _________________ 5 ECB, ‘Publication of supervisory data’, accessed 15 December 2022.
Amendment 176 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes the ECB review of its supervisory priorities for the next three years, which are (1) Strengthening resilience to immediate macro-financial and geopolitical shocks, (2) Addressing digitalisation challenges and strengthening management bodies' steering capabilities, and (3) Stepping up efforts in addressing climate change;
Amendment 182 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the banking sector’s profitability has increased over the past year; highlights the importance of using these profits to build buffers and safeguard the stability of the financial system;
Amendment 184 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses that banks under the ECB's supervision significantly reduced the payment of dividends following the ECB’s recommendation for suspension and limitation of said payments for 2020 and 2021, respectively; calls on the ECB to issue a similar recommendation taking into account the need for the financial sector to build up buffers and to prevent a deterioration of banks’ balance sheets;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. NoteRecalls that banks’ exposuthe main objectives of the BU ares to domestic sovereign debt remain high; recalls that one of the main objectives of the BU is to break the link between bank and sovereign risksguarantee financial stability, protect the tax-payer and allow for a higher degree of European market integration; notes, in this regard, that banks' exposures to domestic sovereign debt remain high;
Amendment 222 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Reiterates that bank-like systemic risks can occur where credit intermediation takes place in an environment where regulatory standards and supervisory oversight are looser than for regular banks;
Amendment 226 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the risks stemming from banks’ exposures to the shadow-banking sector; underlines the systemic risks resulting from interconnections and complexity, underpinning the ‘too big to fail problem’; calls on the Commission to assess the need to better regulate the shadow-banking sector and to put forward, where appropriate, legislative proposals;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that crypto-assets create new challenges for banks; welcomes the forthcoming adoption of the regulation on markets in Crypto-assets in this regardand the provisional agreement on the regulation on information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets in this regard; notes the publication in December 2022 of the Basel standards for the prudential treatment of crypto-asset exposures; calls on the Commission to swiftly submit a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and the Council to adopt these standards into EU law, where appropriate;
Amendment 250 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Is concerned by the lack of a mechanism in the Banking Union to ensure that liquidity can be provided to a bank in the event of a resolution in order to ensure the smooth continuity of services and the stability of financial markets, and calls on the Commission to address this gap without further delay;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes note of the SRB’s work programme for 2023; emphasises that the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) should be fully filled up and that all banks should be fully resolvable by the end of 2023; highlights the SRF’s crucial role in preventing bank bailouts by tax payers; notes that further progress is needed by all banks;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Welcomes the Eurogroup agreement to introduce a backstop to the SRF, in the form of a revolving credit line from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM); regrets that its implementation was not reached in 2022, as envisioned by said agreement; recalls of its importance in strengthening the crisis management framework and as an important step towards completing the Banking Union; urges, therefore, the swift implementation of the SRF backstop;
Amendment 256 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Regrets that Member States continue to act outside the Community framework, undermining Parliament’s role as co-legislator; asks to be kept informed at all times of the ongoing discussions at the level of the Eurogroup and of the High-level Working Group on the EDIS;
Amendment 261 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Points out the need to address the loopholes identified in the resolution framework; asks that the public interest assessment be further specified and harmonised, so that the choice of the resolution strategy to be followed in case a bank faces difficulties follows a more consistent and predictable manner; calls for greater harmonisation of the treatment of small and medium-size banks; stresses that the resolution framework and State aid rules should be consistent; notes that currently the setting of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) level is decided by the SRB on a case-by-case basis;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. CRegrets that the Commission has failed to propose the legislative initiative on crisis management and deposit insurance framework (CMDI) in the timeframe it committed itself to the Commission Work Programme 2021; calls on the Commission to put forward an ambitious and comprehensive review of the crisis management and deposit insurance framework; recalls that protecting taxpayer money is one of the main objectives of the resolution framework;
Amendment 283 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Regrets that the BU is still incomplete owing to the absence of an EDIS; recognises that the EDIS would improve protection for depositors in the EU; recalls that the EDIS is the most tangible element of the BU for EU citizens; considers that the EDIS would provide an additional safeguard to host Member States and cwould therefore contribute to addressing home/host issues and foster deeper integration ;
Amendment 293 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. AHighlights that, despite the implication of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio decreased to 2.29%; acknowledges the significant progress made regarding the reduction of risks in the banking sector; regrets, on the other hand, the limited progress regarding risk sharing; calls for a risk sharing mechanism, while continuing the risk reduction trend; recalls the analysis of the SSM, stating that 'the implementation of EDIS should not be linked to further risk reduction benchmarks';
Amendment 301 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Points out that any EDIS should take into account clear rules for the participation of non-euro-area Member States; encourages the Eurogroup to work in inclusive format to finalise on a consensual basis a time-bound and action driven work plan on the way towards its completion;
Amendment 303 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Acknowledges the different concepts for a European deposit insurance framework; considers, nonetheless, that any short-term solution should not prevent the establishment of a fully mutualised EDIS as soon as possible;
Amendment 308 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the statement by the negotiation team of the Parliament announcing the reopening of discussions on the EDIS at Parliamentnd their call to the Commission that the CMDI should not be considered as a replacement for a EDIS; calls for the co-legislators to reach an agreement on the file before the end of the legislative period;
Amendment 310 #
2022/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Supports the joint declaration signed by the Chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, and the respective coordinators for six political groups (EPP, S&D, RE, Greens, ECR and The Left) of 7 December 2022 on the European Deposit Insurance Scheme; reiterates its call for the Commission not to retract its 2015 EDIS proposal, which should remain on the table as the basis for restarting discussions; reiterates its call urging the Council to end the stalemate that has blocked progress for years and to work constructively with the Parliament to reach an agreement on EDIS;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the final report on the final outcome of the Conference which includes 49 proposals1a and which was presented to the Presidents of the three institutions on 9 May 2022; notes that several proposals are to be considered of an economic nature and highlights that some recommendations could also be followed up in the framework of the current Treaties; notes that some of them would require treaty change to be fully implemented; _________________ 1a Conference on the Future of Europe - Report on the Final Outcome, May 2022
Amendment 2 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Amendment 6 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Insists on more democratic legitimacy, accountability and scrutiny of the Union economic policies; stresses for thenotes that the Eurogroup and the Euro Summit are informal forums of discussion within the Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) Council; Calls on the Member States to act within the Community framework stresses the need for the decision-making framework, institutions and tools for EU economic governance to be under the Community method; calls for any Treaty revision to grant the Parliament its role as co-legislator its right to and democratic oversight in these policies; Calls for a broader participation, including EP, MS and Social Partners in the definition of economic policy priorities to further ownership of the reforms;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Supports an economic governance framework that ensures stability, full employment, strategic and sustainable investments, democratic accountability and ownership, and fiscal policies and instruments to counteract shocks; Notes that the Conference on the Future of Europe discussions highlighted the strong demand of a deep review of EU's economic governance and the European Semester, in order to ensure that the green and digital transitions, social justice and social progress go hand in-hand with economic competitiveness; reminds that the Parliament3a agreed to an urgent reform of the Union’s economic governance architecture, including simpler and clearer fiscal rules and a framework more conducive to long-term economic growth; _________________ 3a European Parliament INI report of 8 July 2021 on the review of the macroeconomic legislative framework for a better impact on Europe’s real economy and improved transparency of decision- making and democratic accountability (2020/2075(INI))
Amendment 25 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses the importance of the EU economic governance framework to enable governments to promote public investment and ensure debt sustainability; recalls that the Economic and Monetary Union cannot function smoothly without a fiscal capacity at European level capable of providing a counter-cyclical stabilisation function and timely and adequate support in the event of economic shocks, calls for further consideration to common borrowing at EU level, with a view to creating more favourable borrowing conditions, while maintaining responsible fiscal policies at Member State; calls to transform the SGP into a Sustainable Development Pact, imbedded in a Sustainable Development cycle and enable the just, green and digital transition; calls for the development and completion of the Capital Markets Union and Banking Union, including a fully- fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS);
Amendment 26 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls for an assessment on the Maastricht criteria, including the deficit and public debt targets, benefiting from the experience accumulated over these last two decades of the single currency, namely on economic growth and public investment, and from the lessons learned from previous and current crisis, namely the most disruptive ones, such as the financial and sovereign crisis from early 2010´s, COVID pandemic and the War in Ukraine;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the economic governance to be redesigned taking into account lessons learned from the NGEU and SURE processesPoints out the importance of common tools to respond to economic shocks on an European level as learned from the previous financial crisis, the COVID-19 crisis and as well in the current economic shock due to the Russian aggression in Ukraine; Calls for the economic governance to be redesigned taking into account lessons learned from the NGEU and SURE processes; Calls for a stronger involvement of the European Parliament, on equal footing with the Council in defining the EU common priorities, and to ensure a proper scrutiny of its implementation;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights the positive impact and record of accomplishment of new EU instruments such as SURE and the design and operating model of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), that made it possible to maintain jobs and business and support the relaunch of the EU economy; calls for an assessment on the creation of a common permanent instrument, focused on investment and convergence, which can also act with a counter cyclical purpose, and based on a contractual basis for reforms; suggests the Treaties changes to be inspired by the SURE model for short term and targeted interventions and the RRF for long-term investment capacity to support structural strategic investments in Europe;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges that the framework of the ECB’s accountability to Parliament be improved; Calls for a more comprehensive definition of the price stability and the ways to achieve it; Highlights the secondary mandate of the ECB to support the general economic policies in the Union; calls for a clarification into Article 127 TFEU so as to ensure the primary objective of the European System of Central Banks to maintain price stability is without prejudice to the achievement of the objectives of the Union as laid down in Article 3 of the TEU;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Emphasizes the importance of placing the European Parliament on equal footing with the European Commission and the European Council regarding its participation on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council meetings (Article 284 (ex Article 113TEC)) and the General Council meetings;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the numerous impediments to essential EU tax initiatives over the past decades; calls for gradual change that would allow QMV in certain tax questionsStresses that, for the long term, Member States should consider the added value of transitioning to qualified majority voting, as recommended by the Conference on the Future of Europe.; underlines the numerous impediments to essential EU tax initiatives over the past decades; calls for gradual change that would allow QMV in certain tax questions, such as highly integrated tax policies (VAT) or tax reforms that are approved by Member States in the framework of international negotiations; demands that no country should be granted a permanent veto of proposed legislation on its own, notably on tax issues; and calls to refine the concept of qualified majority in Art.16 TUE in this framework, as well as the passerelle-clause rules, notably ART 48(7);
Amendment 88 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the new challenges for Union’s competition policy (Art101-109 TFUE), which require that the Treaty be amended to align it with the goals of the Green Deal and the pEuropean Pillar of sSocial rRights and support the Union´s strategic autonomy in key sectors, calls for a level playing field in the single market in order to promote a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive EU global competitiveness; stresses the need for the Parliament to play an active role in the political debate on competition policy, via proper involvement in experts groups and working parties and by shaping and assessing the Commission’s enforcement priorities;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates that the EU needs to address its lack of political weight at international level due, inter alia, to the lack of coherence of its representation in international organisations, which could be improved by implementing measures to ensure the unified representation of the EU and the euro internationally in all its dimensions and policies;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Communication of 27 May 2020 entitled ‘Europe’s moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)456),
Amendment 4 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Communication of 4 March 2021 entitled ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’ (COM(2021)102),
Amendment 5 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
— having regard to the Porto Social Commitment of 7 May 2021 of the Council, the Commission, the Parliament and social partners,
Amendment 7 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 27 May 2020 ‘Identifying Europe’s recovery needs’,
Amendment 8 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 6 June 2021 entitled ‘European Parliament’s Scrutiny on the ongoing assessment by the Commission and the Council of the national recovery and resilience plans’,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Semester plays an important role in coordinating economic, employment, social and budgetary policies in the Member States, thereby safeguarding the macroeconomic stability of the Economic and Monetary Union; whereas the Semester has been expanded to include, among other aspects, issues related to the financial sector and taxation, as well as objectives of the UN SDGs;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas according to the Commission’s autumn economic forecast, the GDP growth rate for 2022 is expected to be 4.3 % of GDP per capita for both the euro area and the EU-27, but is expected to fall to 2.4 % and 2.5 % respectively in 2023;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in social, territorial, economic and gender- based inequalities, resulting in extreme poverty, high unemployment rate and social disparity that affect vulnerable groups in particular;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in social, territorial, economic and gender- based inequalities and unemployment, affecting vulnerable groups in particular;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas a determined, coordinated and solidarity-based European economic policy approach remains essential to foster EU economic integration and to mitigate the negative economic and social consequences of the crisis, the fragmentation of the internal market and the further deepening of macroeconomic divergence and structural polarisation between regions and countries;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas according to the Commission’s autumn economic forecast, the average rate of unemployment fell to 7.9 % in the euro area and 7.1 % in the EU- 27 in 2021, with further decreases to 7.5 % and 6.7 % expected in 2022; whereas young people have experienced the sharpest increase in unemployment;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas according to the Commission’s autumn economic forecast, general government deficit narrowed slightly in 2021 to 7.1 % of GDP in the euro area and 6.6 % in the EU-27 on the back of the still high and necessary level of support provided to households and firms; whereas it is forecasted to decrease to 3.9% and 3.6% respectively in 2022, thanks to the unwinding of the emergency support measures and the rebound in revenues;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European recovery is being robust and strong but supply disruptions, labour shortages, pandemic- related closures, rising energy and commodity prices and a scarcity of some key materials risk of holding back growth and adding to cost pressures;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU is estimated to lose between €160 and €190 billion each year due to corporate tax avoidance10a; __________________ 10a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2016/558776/EPRS_STU(2 016)558776_EN.pdf
Amendment 47 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas during the Porto Social Summit held on 7 and 8 May 2021, the EU’s leaders recognised the European Pillar of Social Rights as a fundamental element of the recovery; whereas in the Porto declaration they underlined their determination to continue deepening its implementation at EU and national level;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the efforts of a transition to a neutral carbon economy demand significant public and private investment and may bring negative supply shocks, thereby demanding that the Union is equipped with the necessary tools to be able to deal with challenges of the green transition;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the EU and its Member States have committed to the Treaty-based fundamental values, the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Paris Climate Agreement;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas the ECB predicted that a lack of action on climate change and an insufficiently orderly climate transition could result in falls of up to 20% in global GDP by the end of the century10b; __________________ 10b https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/other/ ecb.climateriskfinancialstability202107~8 7822fae81.en.pdf
Amendment 69 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about emerging new variants, localised pandemic lockdowns, increased energy prices, inflationary pressures, supply-side disruptions and emerging labour shortages; notes that these risks create a significant level of uncertainty and could hamper economic growth prospects in the coming months and delay the transition to a more sustainable and future-proof economy;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that both public and private sector investment were already clearly insufficient before the crisis, and that the projections reveal the need for additional annual public investment in the three digit billion rang to address the challenges of digital transformation, green and just transition and social recovery; underlines that an increased level of investment must be stabilised and upward convergence in the EU enhanced for many years to come;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Points out that restoring the growth potential will be a key element for the structural transformations needed to adapt to current and future challenges and to achieve the EU’s policy objectives;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is alerted by the fact that the speed of the recovery varies across Member States and regions, with significant differences and a disparity of between 2.7 % and 14.6 % betweenin GDP growth among the Member States in 2021, according to the Commission’s autumn economic forecast;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the successful roll- out of the RRF will help to make EU economies and societies more sustainable, inclusive, resilient and better prepared for the green and digital transitions; considers that, in light of the success of the RRF and the existing needs for massive investments in the ecological and social transition, the European Commission should propose a new investment plan to continue the transformation of our societies towards a greener and more inclusive model;
Amendment 98 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the successful roll- out of the RRF will help to make EU economies and societies more sustainable, inclusive, resilient and better prepared for the just, green and digital transitions; as well as to foster economic, social and territorial cohesion, bring convergence and help the Member States to mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis;
Amendment 106 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that building a resilient economy calls for reinforcing the social dimension of the European governance, aiming at providing adequate protection to all people without excluding the possibility of setting EU minimum standards, including the European minimum wage, in order to boost upward convergence of living and working conditions;
Amendment 107 #
Amendment 110 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact will continue to be applied in 2022 and is expected to be deactivated as of 2023; expects that it will remain activated as long as the underlying justification of the activation exists in order to support the efforts of the Member States to recover from the pandemic crisis and strengthen their competitiveness, as well as economic and social resilience;
Amendment 118 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the review of the EU’s economic governance framework is necessary; agrees with the European Fiscal Board on the importance of having a clear pathway towards a reviewed fiscal framework, preferably prior to the deactivation of the general escape clause; recalls the scientific consensus that climate change and the deterioration of biodiversity will, with a significant probability, trigger disruptive events, unknown until now, with major and irreversible economic and social consequences; stresses that the tax base, the stability of financial markets are closely linked to the ecological and social sustainability of the economy and its resilience Considers that, there view and reform of the budgetary framework should aim for a sustainable increase in investment in the social and ecological transition, with an emphasis on health and education;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the review of the EU’s economic governance framework is necessary and should be done taking into account the Report on the review of the macroeconomic legislative framework for a better impact on Europe’s real economy and improved transparency of decision- making and democratic accountability; agrees with the European Fiscal Board on the importance of having a clear pathway towards a reviewed fiscal framework, preferably prior to the deactivation of the general escape clause;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is convinced that the coordination of national fiscal policies remains crucial in underpinning the recovery; notes that the overall fiscal stance, taking into account national budgets and the RRFexpected acceleration in spending financed by RRF grants, is projected to remain supportive in 2022 to sustain the recovery and should remain supportive as long as necessary; agrees with the Commission that Member States with low or medium levels of debt should pursue or maintain a supportive fiscal stance, and that Member States with high levels of debt should use the RRF to finance additional investment to support the recovery, while pursuing a prudent fiscalresponsible fiscal and sustainable policyies; agrees with the Commission that all Member States should preserve or broadly preserve their national financed investment and ensure a socially just recovery;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recalls that the Commission, in the context of the European Semester and the assessment of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans, found that more reforms are needed in order to address aggressive tax planning in six Member States; encourages the Commission to insist on the implementation of recommendations addressing aggressive tax planning given its negative impact on both the economic recovery and public accounts of other Member States and third countries;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recalls that public funding is key to achieving the 2030 climate objectives and addressing other social and economic challenges; considers that all options to incentivise Member State investments to tackle those challenges should be on the table, notably the revision of the Stability and Growth Pact to promote a future- oriented economy and the extension of lending and borrowing capacities at Union level, building on NGEU;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that sustainable public revenues are essential to guarantee fiscal sustainability; supports governments’ efforts to increase revenues through the closing of loopholes for tax avoidance, addressing harmful tax practices and the increasing of capital-gains, wealth and corporate income taxes;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recalls that the European Semester cycle is a well-established framework for EU Member States to coordinate their budgetary, economic, social and employment policies, and after the COVID-19 crisis, a functioning European Semester will be needed more than ever to coordinate these policies across the European Union; but also notes that the Semester, since the inception, has been expanded to include, among other aspects, issues related to the financial sector and taxation, as well as objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN SDGs, giving due consideration to the people of our planet in our economic policy;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recognises the role that the Commission has allotted to the European Semester in the Recovery Plan and its importance for policy coordination at EU level; stresses, however, that the effectiveness and success of the alignment of Member States’ investment and reform programmes will depend on the review of the Semester and, according to the outcome, its adaptation as well as the increased ownership by the Member States of the implementation of the CSRs;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Calls on the Commission to improve the European Semester process in order to create a governance framework that enables inclusive and sustainable growth, structural changes for a sustainable economy, integrating the principles of well-being and sustainability, and reflecting actual economic and budgetary realities of Member States;
Amendment 152 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Growth-enhancing, socially-balanced, inclusive and sustainable structural reforms and investment
Amendment 161 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that it is crucial to coordinate national reform and investment efforts and the exchange of best practices in order to increase the convergence and resilience of our economies, promote sustainable and inclusive growth, and improve institutional frameworks; Recalls that the European Union, committed to fulfilling the Paris agreements, should adopt new social and environmental indicators to assess its public policies and make sure they respect the social floor and environmental ceiling;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that it is crucial to coordinate national reform and investment efforts and the exchange of best practices in order to increase the convergence and resilience of our economies, promote sustainable and inclusive growth, and improve institutional frameworks; in order to further strengthen economic and social resilience the EU must deliver on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls for a committed coordination with social partners and other relevant stakeholders at both national and European level, with a view to strengthening democratic accountability and transparency, and scrutinizing the role of civil society;
Amendment 182 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that the RRF presents an unprecedented and unique opportunity for all Member States to address key structural challenges and investment needs andwhile embracing the just, green and digital transitions; insists that all recovery and resilience plans address all requirements of the RRF Regulation, in particular the six pillars, namely: green transition; digital transformation; smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; social and territorial cohesion; health, economic, social and institutional resilience; and policies for the next generation, children and the youth; highlights the interplay between the European Semester and the RRF; calls on the Member States to make the most of this opportunity and to use it to transform their economies and make them sustainable, more competitive and more resilient to future shocks; highlights the role of the European Parliament in the implementation of the RRF, as enshrined in the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that the RRF presents an unprecedented and unique opportunity for all Member States to address key structural challenges and investment needs and insists that all recovery and resilience plans address all requirements of the RRF Regulation, in particular the six pillars; Underlines, therefore, that future CSRs should address the existing challenges in light of the crisis, support the just, green and digital transitions and be coherent with the general and specific objectives of the RRF regulation, and should not contradict them; highlights the interplay between the European Semester and the RRF; calls on the Member States to make the most of this opportunity and to use it to transform their economies and make them sustainable, more competitive and more resilient to future shocks; highlights the role of the European Parliament in the implementation of the RRF, as enshrined in the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Invites the Commission and the Member States to draw conclusions from the RRF exercise and improve the mechanisms driving the economic governance framework especially when it comes to establishing a more transparent and democratic coordination process, defining underlying political guidelines, cooperation between the institutions and increased ownership of the Member States, developing the national reform programmes and implementing socially- balanced structural reforms;
Amendment 194 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States to build up the necessary administrative and monitoring capacity to provide the involvement of the general democratic public, firm guarantees of the proper use of funds and the respect for the principles of rule of law; calls on the European Commission to insist on the implementation of these measures;
Amendment 197 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers Next Generation EU to be a valuable and reliable blueprint for the European growth strategy for the next decade; calls, in that regard, for the establishment of a new fund on strategic investments in key technologies, as part of the EU industrial strategy;
Amendment 198 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Believes that the renewed and simplified EU Semester could profit from the lessons learned from the RRF process in regards to establish a more transparent and democratic coordination process when it comes to defining the policy objectives of the European Semester and the CSRs with full involvement of the European Parliament and the Member States as well as in regards to the reciprocal process between Commission and the Member States in developing the needed reforms and investment to achieve those policy objectives; therefore, calls on the Commission to closely assess the RRF exercise and draw conclusions for the review and adaptation of the European Semester cycle and the CSRs;
Amendment 201 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Is concerned that, without a coordinated effort to invest in the transition to a sustainable economy, European economies will suffer long- lasting damage, undermining any efforts to promote sustainable fiscal policies;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on women both in paid and unpaid work with far reaching consequences; emphasises the importance of increasing women’s participation in the economy, including inclusive participation in the digital economy and transformation, and ensuring more inclusive growth, ensuring equal pay for equal work and reducing the poverty gap as part of the solution to the post-pandemic recovery, which will help to increase jobs, economic prosperity and competitiveness across the EU; calls therefore on the Commission and the Council to ensure that gender equality and equal opportunities for all, and the mainstreaming of those objectives, are addressed effectively in the country- specific recommendations and promoted in the implementation of investment and reforms;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses that the recovery efforts must go hand in hand with a lasting increase of public and private investment beyond the RRF in order to be able to address current and future challenges and to achieve the EU policy objectives;
Amendment 213 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that the recovery must be based on upward social and economic convergence, social dialogue and improved social rights and working conditions for workers, employees and the self-employed;
Amendment 231 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned that the Commission identified macroeconomic vulnerabilities related to imbalances and excessive imbalances in 12 Member States; is worried that the nature and source of Member States’ imbalances remain largely the same as before the pandemic and that the pandemic could also be exacerbating imbalances and economic divergences; calls on the Member States to take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity provided by the RRF to significantly reduce existing macroeconomic imbalances, in particular by including ambitious reform measures in the national plans of all Member States; stresses that sound execution is essential to make full use of this opportunity;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Invites the Commission to revamp the comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take the principles of NGEU as a basis for a modernisation of the common European fiscal architecture; invites the Commission therefore to consider the possibility of a permanent investment fund for the euro area and the non-euro area aligned to European priorities and with the aim to finance future-oriented investments, create European added value, to effectively tackle economic shocks and manage the economic cycle;
Amendment 247 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Invites the Commission to revamp the comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take the principles of NGEU as a basis for a modernisation of the common European fiscal architecture;
Amendment 248 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Reiterates the European Parliament’s call for strengthening its democratic role in the economic governance framework;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for committed coordination with social partners and other relevant stakeholders at both national and European level, with a view to strengthening democratic accountability, transparency and enhancing social dialogue;
Amendment 68 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance represent a major challenge for the Union and at global level. It is estimated that EU Member States lose up to EUR 170 billion per year1a as a result of tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, which significantly undermines the capacity to provide quality public services. Exchange of information is a pivotal part in the development of a well- functioning and effective EU framework to fight against such harmful practices. __________________ 1a Polish Economic Institute, Tax unfairness in the European Union: https://pie.net.pl/wp- content/uploads/2018/07/PIE_Report_Tax _Havens_EU.pdf
Amendment 70 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) In order to ensure the proper implementation of this directive, Member States should communicate to the Commission, on an annual basis, relevant information about obstacles encountered. Furthermore, the exchange of national best practices among tax authorities should also be encouraged.
Amendment 72 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2b) Given the free circulation of capital, national stand-alone approaches do not provide efficient answers to tax abuse. The implementation of EU-wide policies and, whenever possible, international agreements remains, therefore, a crucial dimension in efforts to improve the fairness of tax systems.
Amendment 95 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) While several countries, including many Member States, are releasing anonymised and aggregated information per country - extracted from the country- by-country reports required under DAC 4 or Action 13 from the BEPS Action Plan - , it is regrettable that some Member States are not publishing this information in international databases. A harmonised approach in this regard is required, with the objective of having the publication of aggregated data per country, and should be object of the next revision of the DAC.
Amendment 98 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) The Tax Identification Number (‘Proper identification of taxpayers is essential to effective exchange of information between tax administrations. A European taxpayer identification number (TIN) should be created to provide the best means for this identification. It would allow any third party to quickly, easily and correctly identify and record TINs in cross-border relations and serve as a basis for effective automatic exchange of information between Member States tax administrations. A European TIN’) is essential for Member States to match information received with data present in national databases. It by increases Member States’ing the capabilcity of identifying the relevant taxpayers and correctly assessing the related taxes. Therefore, it is important that Member States require that TIN is indicated in the context of exchanges related to financial accounts, advance cross-border rulings and advance pricing agreements, country-by- country reports, reportable cross-border arrangements, and information on sellers on digital platforms.
Amendment 103 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 a (new)
Recital 33 a (new)
(33a) The Union legislative framework on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing is currently being reviewed. In order to ensure uniform standards for reporting entities, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to adapt the present Directive on requirements regarding the identification of beneficial owners, especially in Annex I. Member States are encouraged to keep developing their respective national registries, giving particular consideration to the regularity of information updates, accuracy of content, accessibility and user- friendliness.
Amendment 104 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Directive 2011/16/EU provides for the possibility to use the information exchanged for other purposes than for direct and indirect tax purposes to the extent that the sending Member State has stated the purpose allowed for the use of such information in a list. However, the procedure for such use is cumbersome as the sending Member State need to be consulted before the receiving Member State can use the information for other purposes. Removing the requirement for such consultation should alleviate the administrative burden and allow swift action from tax authorities when needed. It should therefore not be required to consult the sending Member State where the intended use of information is covered in a list drafted beforehand by the sending Member State. Such list can include the use of information of non-tax related data by local authorities in the framework of thresholds and limitations attached to the delivery of certain services such as services provided via an online platform in particular.
Amendment 107 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to enhance the efficient use of resources, facilitate the exchange of information and avoid the need for each Member States to make similar changes to their systems for storing information, a central directory should be established, accessible to all Member States and only for statistical purposes to the Commission, to which Member States would upload and store reported information, instead of exchanging that information by secured email. This effort should also enhance the exchange of best practices on how to implement digital tools in tax administrations to reduce compliance costs and bureaucracy, while improving effectiveness and efficiency, and taking into account the need to qualify human resources. The practical arrangements necessary for the establishment of such central directory should be adopted by the Commission.
Amendment 108 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36a) The Commission is entitled to produce reports and documents, using the information exchanged in an anonymised manner, so as to take into account the taxpayers’ rights to confidentiality and in compliance with Regulation (EC)1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents. The publication of anonymised and aggregated country- by-country report statistics, including on effective tax rates, on an annual basis for all Member States contributes to improve the quality of public debates on taxation affairs.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44 a (new)
Recital 44 a (new)
(44a) The successive revisions of the EU legislative framework on exchange of information should be reflected in the agreements with third countries. Therefore, where there is a signed agreement, the Union and the Member States shall seek its review.
Amendment 122 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Amendment 123 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 16
Article 3 – point 16
(ab) point 16 is deleted.
Amendment 128 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
34a. 'beneficial owner' means beneficial owner as defined in Article 2, point 22, of [please insert reference - Regulation on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering and terrorist financing - COM 2021/420 FINAL].
Amendment 131 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
(1a) In Article 6, paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: "4. When specifically requested by the requesting authority, the requested authority shall communicate original documents provided that this is not contrary to the provisions in force in the Member State of the requested authority. ." Or. en (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02011L0016-20230101)
Amendment 132 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
(1b) The following paragraph is added: "4a. Where upon the receipt of the requested information, the requesting authority submits a follow-up request, the requested authority shall provide that further required information as soon as possible, and no later than one month from the date of receipt of the follow-up request."
Amendment 133 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ownership of and incomebeneficial ownership, income and capital gains from immovable property;
Amendment 135 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) beneficial ownership, income and capital gains from financial assets;
Amendment 136 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(eb) beneficial ownership, income and capital gains from high-value non- financial assets, such as precious commodities, art, and other goods held in free ports, customs warehouses, safe deposit boxes;
Amendment 137 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
(ec) beneficial ownership, capital gains and lease income of certain goods, as defined in Article 16b of [Please insert reference to AMLD - Directive on mechanisms to be put in place by the Member States for the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing];
Amendment 143 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(ba) In paragraph 2, the following subparagraph is added : "The automatic exchange of information shall be deemed to be respected for points h to k, paragraph 1, first subparagraph, if competent authorities of any other Member States can access such information either through the national registries or data retrieval systems or interconnected registries as provided in [please insert reference – proposal for a directive on the mechanisms to be put in place by the Member States for the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and repealing Directive (EU) 2015/849]."
Amendment 145 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
(ba) paragraph 3 is deleted.
Amendment 146 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 3a – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 3a – subparagraph 2 – point a
(bb) in paragraph 3a, second subparagraph, point a is replaced by the following: "(a) the name, address, TIN(s) and date and place of birth (in the case of an individual) of each Reportable Person that is an Account Holder of the account and, in the case of any Entity that is anthe ultimate beneficial Account Holder and that, after application of due diligence rules consistent with the Annexes, is identified as having one or more Controlling Persons that is a Reportable Person, the name, address, and TIN(s) of the Entity and the name, address, TIN(s) and date and place of birth of each Reportable Person; (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02011L0016-20230101)" Or. en
Amendment 149 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 8a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
(ba) in paragraph 3 the following subparagraph is added: "The competent authority shall not negotiate and agree new bilateral or multilateral advance pricing arrangements with third countries that do not permit its disclosure to competent authority of other Member States as from 1 January 2024."
Amendment 150 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – point i a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d – point i a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 8a – paragraph 6 – point b
(ia) point b is replaced by the following: "(b) a summary of the advance cross- border ruling or advance pricing arrangement, including a description of the relevant business activities or transactions or series of transactions, the resulting effective tax rate of the tax payer in the requested Member State and any other information that could assist the competent authority in assessing a potential tax risk, without leading to the disclosure of a commercial, industrial or professional secret or of a commercial process, or of information whose disclosure would be contrary to public policy; (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02011L0016-20230101);" Or. en
Amendment 152 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8aa – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1a
Article 8aa – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1a
Amendment 155 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8ab – paragraph 14 – point c
Article 8ab – paragraph 14 – point c
(c) a summary of the content of the reportable cross-border arrangement, including a reference to the name by which it is commonly known, if any, and a description of the relevant arrangements, the expected impact on the effective tax rate of the tax payer in the requested Member State and any other information that could assist the competent authority in assessing a potential tax risk, without leading to the disclosure of a commercial, industrial or professional secret or of a commercial process, or of information whose disclosure would be contrary to public policy;
Amendment 156 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8ab – paragraph 14 – point h a (new)
Article 8ab – paragraph 14 – point h a (new)
(4a) in Article 8ab, paragraph 14, the following point is added: "(ha) the list of beneficiaries, updated on a yearly basis."
Amendment 172 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8ad – paragraph 11 a (new)
Article 8ad – paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. The provisions laid down by paragraph 11 shall not be applicable if the non-Union jurisdiction is currently listed in Annex I or Annex II of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, or identified in the list of third countries which have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes, or if it has been part of either in the previous 12 months. Furthermore, any future listing in Annex I or Annex II of the EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or identification as a third country which has strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime shall suspend the effect of any existing implementing acts regarding that specific jurisdiction.
Amendment 175 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 12a – paragraph 1
Article 12a – paragraph 1
(6a) Article 12a, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. "The competent authority of one or more Member States may request the competent authority of another Member State (or other Member States) to conduct a joint audit. The requested competent authorities shall respond to the request for a joint audit within 630 days of the receipt of the request. The requested competent authorities may reject a request for a joint audit by the competent authority of a Member State on justified grounds. (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02011L0016-20230101)" Or. en
Amendment 180 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 16 – paragraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 3
3. Where a competent authority of a Member State considers that information which it has received from the competent authority of another Member State is likely to be useful for the purposes referred to in paragraph 1 to the competent authority of a third Member State, it may transmit that information to the latter competent authority, provided that transmission is in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in this Directive. It shall inform the competent authority of the Member State from which the information originates about its intention to share that information with a third Member State. The Member State of origin of the information may oppose such a sharing of information within 15 calendar days of receipt of the communication from the Member State wishing to share the information.;
Amendment 183 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
(7a) in Article 17, paragraph 4 is amended as follows: "4. The provision of information may be refused where the requested Member State demonstrates it would lead to the disclosure of a commercial, industrial or professional secret or of a commercial process, or of information whose disclosure would be contrary to public policy. " Or. en (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02011L0016-20230101)
Amendment 186 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 21 – paragraph 8
Article 21 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, issue a standard form allowing Member States to use a European TIN. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 26(2). In addition, the Commission, acting on behalf of Member States, shall develop and provide Member States with a tool allowing an electronic and automated verification of the correctness of the TIN provided by a reporting entity or a taxpayer for the purpose of automatic exchange of information.
Amendment 196 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 23a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 23a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
(11a) Article 23a, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following: "Reports and documents produced by the Commission, referred to in the first subparagraph, may be used by Member States only for analytical purposes, and shall not be published be accessible to all interested parties and subsequently the public, insofar as the infor made available to any otion they contain is not attributable to a single taxpayer, and their person or body without the express agreement of the Commission.disclosure complies with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents."
Amendment 211 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 25a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 25a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
In cases of failure to report after 2 administrative reminders or when the provided information contains incomplete, incorrect or false data, amounting to more than 2510 % of the information that should have been reported in accordance with the information set forth in Annex VI, Section II, subparagraph (B), Member States shall ensure that the penalties that can be applied include at least the following minimum pecuniary penalties.
Amendment 232 #
2022/0413(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall take such reporting from Member States into account for the purposes of advancing with further legislative reviews to address persisting loopholes and weaknesses of the present directive.
Amendment 117 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In certain cases, the prospectus or its related documents may reach massive sizes, harming the readability of the document and becoming unfit for investors to take an informed investment decision. To improve the readability of the prospectus and make it easier for investors to analyse it and navigate through it, it is necessary to set out a maximum page limit. However, such page limit should only be introduced for offers to the public or admissions to trading on a regulated market of shares. A page limit would not be appropriate for equity securities other than shares or non- equity securities, which include a broad range of different instruments, including complex ones. Furthermore, the summary, information incorporated by reference or information to be provided when the issuer has a complex financial history or has made a significant financial commitment should be excluded from the page limit.
Amendment 124 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Risk factors that are material and specific to the issuer and his or her securities should be mentioned in the prospectus. For that reason, risk factors are also to be presented in a limited number of risk categories depending on their nature. However, issuers should no longer be required to rank the most material risk factors, which is complicated and burdensome for issuers. To improve the comprehensibility of the prospectus and make it easier for investors to take informed investment decisions, it is necessary to specify that issuers should not overload the prospectus with risk factors that are generic, that only serve as disclaimers, or that could obscure the specific risk factors that investors should be aware of.
Amendment 137 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62
Recital 62
Amendment 143 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) In order to avoid an undue requirement for persons discharging managerial responsibilities to report and for companies to disclose transactions which would not be meaningful to investors, it is appropriate to raise the threshold for reporting and related disclosure from EUR 5 000 to EUR 210 000, while allowing competent authorities to increase that threshold further, where justified.
Amendment 152 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point da
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point da
(da) an offer of securities to be admitted to trading on a regulated market or an SME growth market and that are fungible with securities already admitted to trading on the same market, provided that they represent, over a period of 12 months, less than 4025 % of the number of securities already admitted to trading on the same market;
Amendment 157 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point i – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point i – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) securities fungible with securities already admitted to trading on the same regulated market, provided that they represent, over a period of 12 months, less than 4025 % of the number of securities already admitted to trading on the same regulated market;
Amendment 160 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point i – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point i – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1– point (b)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1– point (b)
(b) shares resulting from the conversion or exchange of other securities or from the exercise of the rights conferred by other securities, where the resulting shares are of the same class as the shares already admitted to trading on the same regulated market, provided that the resulting shares represent, over a period of 12 months, less than 4025 % of the number of shares of the same class already admitted to trading on the same regulated market, subject to the third subparagraph;;
Amendment 164 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point ii
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c – point ii
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – second subparagraph
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – second subparagraph
The requirement that the resulting shares represent, over a period of 12 months, less than 4025 % of the number of shares of the same class already admitted to trading on the same regulated market as referred to in the first subparagraph, point (b), shall not apply in any of the following cases:;
Amendment 166 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 1 – paragraph 6
Article 1 – paragraph 6
6. The exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus that are set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 may be combined together. However, the exemptions in paragraph 5, first subparagraph, points (a) and (b), shall not be combined together where such combination could lead to the immediate or deferred admission to trading on a regulated market over a period of 12 months of more than 4025 % of the number of shares of the same class already admitted to trading on the same regulated market, without a prospectus being published.;
Amendment 181 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point c
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. A prospectus that relates to shares or other transferrable securities equivalent to shares in companies shall be of maximum length of 30250 sides of A4-sized paper when printed and shall be presented and laid out in a way that is easy to read, using characters of readable size.
Amendment 262 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Amendment 268 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
Article 18 – paragraphs 1a and 1b
Article 18 – paragraphs 1a and 1b
Amendment 277 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point d
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Amendment 286 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
Article 19 – paragraph 8
Article 19 – paragraph 8
8. Paragraph 1 shall apply to any subsequent transaction once a total amount of EUR 210 000 has been reached within a calendar year. The threshold of EUR 210 000 shall be calculated by adding without netting all transactions referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 291 #
2022/0411(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
9. A competent authority may decide to increase the threshold set out in paragraph 8 to EUR 520 000 and shall inform ESMA of its decision and the justification for its decision, with specific reference to market conditions, to adopt the higher threshold prior to its application. ESMA shall publish on its website the list of thresholds that apply in accordance with this Article and the justifications provided by competent authorities for such thresholds.;
Amendment 45 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
(-1) The current EU VAT system which was introduced in 1993 is similar to the European customs system. However, equivalent checks are lacking, which makes it a target for cross-border fraud.
Amendment 46 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The current VAT system would perform better if intra-community supplies were taxed as if they were domestic transactions. A Council Directive proposal amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the introduction of the detailed technical measures for the operation of the definitive VAT system for the taxation of trade between Member States was released in 2018 and remains under discussion. The provision included in the amended Council Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 strengthen both the current system and a definitive VAT system.
Amendment 53 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) To fight VAT fraud, Member States’ Eurofisc liaison officials as referred to in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 should be able to access and analyse VAT information on intra- Community transactions. To monitor the correct application of VAT laws, Member States’ officials who check whether the exemption of VAT for certain imported goods, which is laid down in Article 143(1), point (d), of Directive 2006/112/EC, applies, should also be able to access VAT identification information that is stored in the central VIES. Moreover, for the same reasons, Member States’ competent authorities should select other officials who need to have direct access to the central VIES and grant them such access where needed. Finally, duly accredited persons of the Commission should be able to access the information contained in the central VIES, but only to the extent that such access is necessary for the development and maintenance of that system. In 2022, 47% of European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) resulted from VAT fraud.1 For this reason, it is essential to grant direct access to the central VIES system to authorized officials of the EPPO. Following the same logic a similar authorisation is granted to OLAF authorized officials. 1. EPPO Anuual report 2022, https://www.eppo.europa.eu/sites/default/f iles/2023- 02/EPPO_2022_Annual_Report_EN_WE B.pdf
Amendment 58 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) The mechanism by which carousel fraud functions has been clearly laid out by the European Commission in a document published on 16 April 2004: Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the use of administrative cooperation arrangements in the fight against VAT fraud.
Amendment 61 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25a) In keeping with the public interest and the financial interests of the Union, whistle blowers should enjoy effective legal protection, in order to facilitate the detection and prevention of all forms of fraud.
Amendment 64 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point v a (new) – point v b (new) and point v c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point v a (new) – point v b (new) and point v c (new)
(1a) in Article 2(1), the following points are added: ‘(va) “European Delegated Prosecutors” means officials employed by the EPPO referred to in Article 13 of Council Regulation 2017/1939; (vb) “officials of the EPPO” means officials employed by the EPPO as defined in Article 2 point 4 of Regulation 2017/1939; (vc) “officials of the OLAF” means officials employed by the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) as set up by Regulation 883/2013 and to whom the Director General granted investigations powers.’
Amendment 67 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
(3a) in Article 17, the following paragraph is inserted: '1a. The information referred to in paragraph 1 collected through e-invoicing and e-reporting shall not be stored outside the territory of the Union.'
Amendment 68 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Amendment 70 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 c (new)
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 33 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(3c) in Article 33(2), the following point is added: ‘(da) cooperate with the EPPO and OLAF, within their respective mandate and competences according to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2223 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013, as regards cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the effectiveness of the European Anti-Fraud Office investigations’
Amendment 73 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 d (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 d (new)
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 36 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 36 – paragraph 5 a (new)
(3d) in Article 36, the following paragraph is added: ‘(5a) In so far as necessary for the performance of their tasks, European Delegated Prosecutors may request relevant information from any Eurofisc working field coordinator located in the same Member State as the European Delegated Prosecutor. In so far as necessary for the performance of their tasks, staff of the EPPO which has been designated by the EPPO for that purpose may request information from any Eurofisc working field coordinator located in one of the Member States that participate in enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the EPPO. To that end, Eurofisc may conclude a working arrangement with EPPO setting out the details of the cooperation between Eurofisc and the EPPO.’
Amendment 82 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 24g – paragraph 1
Article 24g – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall develop, maintain, host and technically manage an electronic, central VAT information exchange system (“central VIES”) for the purposes referred to in Article 1. The Commission should provide for a secured connexion to the central VIES by the officials authorized in Article 24k (1).
Amendment 92 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 24h – paragraph 6
Article 24h – paragraph 6
6. The information referred to in Article 24g(2) shall be available in central VIES for 5 years from the end of the year in which the information was transmitted to it and by the taxpayer for 10 years.
Amendment 99 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 24k – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 24k – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) European Delegated Prosecutors and officials of the EPPO which have been designated by the EPPO for that purpose and whom shall be granted a personal user identification for the central VIES and and where that access is in connection with an investigation into suspected VAT fraud or is to detect VAT fraud;
Amendment 100 #
2022/0409(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 904/2010
Article 24k – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Article 24k – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
(bb) officials of the OLAF as authorized by the Director General of the Office and and where that access is in connection with an investigation into suspected VAT fraud or is to detect VAT fraud;
Amendment 94 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) VAT revenue loss, known as the ‘VAT Gap’, was in 2020 estimated at EUR 93 billion61 in the Union, a significant part of which consists of fraud, in particular missing trader intra-Community fraud62 , estimated in the range of EUR 40-60 billion63 . In the final report of the Conference on the Future of Europe citizens call for ‘Harmonizing and coordinating tax policies within the Member States of the EU in order to prevent tax evasion and avoidance’, ‘Promoting cooperation between EU Member States to ensure that all companies in the EU pay their fair share of taxes’. The VAT in the Digital Age initiative is consistent with these goals. The current VAT Gap demonstrates the need of tackling VAT cross-border fraud and carousel fraud through the proper implementation of efficient exchange of information mechanisms and adequate means (both human, financial, technical and technological). _________________ 61 The VAT Gap is the overall difference between the expected VAT revenue based on VAT legislation and ancillary regulations and the amount actually collected: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/busi ness/vat/vat-gap_en 62 Europol: https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime- areas-and-statistics/crime-areas/economic- crime/mtic-missing-trader-intra- community-fraud 63 European Court of Auditors: https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocu ments/SR15_24/SR_VAT_FRAUD_EN.pd f
Amendment 96 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Member States still have diverging minimum thresholds for qualifying a taxable person for VAT purposes which leads to a difference of treatement according to where the economic activity is located. To foster the level playing field and ease the understanding of reporting obligations of smaller firms operating cross-border, taxable person for VAT purposes means any person (natural or legal) who, independently, carries out any economic activity consisting of a total value of more than EUR 30 000.
Amendment 100 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) VAT fraud is often linked with organised crime and a very small number of those organised networks can be responsible for billions of euro in cross- border VAT fraud, affecting not only revenue collection in Member States but also having a negative impact on the Union’s own resources. Therefore, Member States have a shared responsibility for the protection of the VAT revenue of all Member States.
Amendment 102 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To facilitate the automation of the reporting process for both taxable persons and tax administrations, the transactions to be reported to tax administrations should be documented electronically. The use of electronic invoicing should become the default system for issuing invoices. Nevertheless, Member States should be allowed to authorise other means for domestic supplies for transactions below a threshold of €1000, amount above which the risk of fraud and avoidance at domestic level could have indirect repercutions on other Member States (relocation of businesses, etc) . The issuance of electronic invoices by the supplier and its transmission to the customer should not be conditional on a prior authorisation or verification by the tax administration.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to achieve the necessary harmonisation in the reporting of data on intra-Community transactions, the information to be reported should be the same in all Member States, without the possibility for Member States to request additional data. The collection of this data will also make it possible to have better statistics as to the extent of VAT fraud and should make it possible to reduce it.
Amendment 128 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Member States should not be obliged to implement a digital reporting requirement for supplies of goods and services of a low amount for consideration between taxable persons within their territory. However, if they are to implement such a requirement in the future for domestic transactions below EUR 10 000 , they should align it with the digital reporting requirements for intra- Community transactions. Member States which already have a reporting system for these transactions in place should adapt such systems to ensure that the data are reported in accordance with the digital reporting requirements for intra- Community transactions.
Amendment 149 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The margin scheme operates by allowing taxable dealers to pay VAT on the difference between the sale price and the purchase price of goods covered by the scheme namely second-hand goods, including capital goodssuch as buildings, machinery, tools and equipment, works of art, collectors' items and antiques. To ensure that the taxation of those specific supplies occurs in the Member State where the customer is established, has his or her permanent address or usually resides, Directive 2006/112/EC should be amended to introduce a new place of supply rule. In addition, Directive 2006/112/EC should be amended to specifically exclude supplies of margin scheme goods from the mandatory application of the reverse charge mechanism. However, to support the objective of a single VAT registration in the Union, and to minimise compliance burdens, taxable dealers that operate under the margin scheme can opt to register to use the Union OSS scheme to declare and pay the VAT due on certain supplies of margin scheme goods via that scheme, without the need to register in multiple Member States.
Amendment 154 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41 a (new)
Recital 41 a (new)
(41a) This proposal encompasses several changes in the way VAT revenues will declared. It might have a serious impact on the nature of the work of employees working in the tax administrations. Tax authorities should provide for the necessary training capacity of their employees before the entry into force of the present proposal.
Amendment 159 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 218 – paragraph 1
Article 218 – paragraph 1
1. For the purposes of this Directive, Member State shall accept documents or messages on paper or digital format or in electronic form as invoices if they meet the conditions laid down in this Chapter.
Amendment 167 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Amendment 168 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point 1 – point a
Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point 1 – point a
(a) the supply of goods is carried out for a taxable person, or a non-taxable legal person, whose intra-Community acquisitions of goods are not subject to VAT pursuant to Article 3(1) or for any other non-taxable person; or the supply is a supply of second-hand goods of a minimum value of EUR 1000 , including capital goods such as buildings, machinery, tools and equipment, works of art, collectors’ items or antiques, supplied by a taxable dealer to any other taxable person, where the goods are subject to VAT in accordance with the special arrangements provided for in Title XII Chapter 4, Section 2, of this Directive.;
Amendment 177 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 135 – paragraph 3
Article 135 – paragraph 3
3. The following shall be regarded as having a similar function to the hotel sector: a) The uninterrupted rental of accommodation for a maximum of 45 day31 nights with or without the provision of other ancillary services shall be regarded as having a similar function to the hotel sector.;; b) The provision of 3 or more ancillary significant services during the rental of accomodation.
Amendment 180 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 143 – paragraph 1a
Article 143 – paragraph 1a
For the purposes of the exemption provided for in paragraph 1, point (ca), the Commission shall adopt an implementing act to introduce special measures to prevent certain forms of tax evasion or avoidance by, inter alia, linking the unique consignment number with the corresponding VAT identification number as referred to in Article 369q. It shall inform the European Parliament, EPPO, Eurofisc, OLAF, Eurojust and Europol thereof.
Amendment 188 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 284
Article 284
(15a) Article 284 is deleted
Amendment 189 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 285
Article 285
(15b) Article 285 is deleted
Amendment 190 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 c (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 286
Article 286
(15c) Article 286 is deleted
Amendment 191 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15 d (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 287
Article 287
(15d) Article 287 is deleted
Amendment 202 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 218
Article 218
For the purposes of this Directive, invoices shall be issued in a structured electronic format. However, Member States may accept documents on paper or other formats as invoices for transactions below a threshold of EUR 1000 or the equivalent in national currency and not subject to the reporting obligations laid down in Title XI Chapter 6. Member States shall allow for the issuance of electronic invoices which comply with the European standard on electronic invoicing and the list of its syntaxes pursuant to Directive 2014/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. The Commission shall adopt an implementing act establishing any necessary supplementary specification regarding the European standard. The issuance of electronic invoices by taxable persons and their transmission shall not be subject to a prior mandatory authorisation or verification by the tax authorities.;
Amendment 213 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 223
Article 223
(5) Article 223 is deleted;replaced by the following : ‘Member States shall allow taxable persons to issue summary electornic invoices which detail several separate supplies of goods or services provided that VAT on the supplies mentioned in the summary invoice becomes chargeable during the same calendar month’
Amendment 217 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 226 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 226 – paragraph 1 – point 17
(17) the IBAN number of the supplier’s bank account to which the payment for the invoice will be credited. If the IBAN number is not available, any other identifier which unambiguously identifies the bank account to which the invoice will be credited; In case of multiple IBANs at the disposal of the taxpayer, the taxpayer should indicate to the customer to which IBAN the payment should be done;
Amendment 223 #
2022/0407(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 263 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 263 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Member States may allow, free of charge for the transmission of the data from electronic invoices using other data formats which ensure interoperability with the European Standard on electronic invoicing.
Amendment 40 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) To reinforce the attractiveness of SME growth markets and to reduce inequalities for companies seeking admission to trading in the single market, it is necessary to address obstacles to the access to such markets that stem from regulatory barriers. Companies should be able, subject to strong appropriate safeguards, to choose governance structures that suit best their development stage, including by enabling controlling shareholders of those companies to retain control of the business after accessing SME growth markets, while enjoying the benefits associated to trading on those markets, as long as the rights of minority shareholders continue to be safeguarded.
Amendment 42 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Fear of losing control over a company constitutes one of the maina deterrents for controlling shareholders to access SME growth markets. Admission to trading usually entails dilution of ownership for controlling shareholders, thus reducing their influence over important investment and operating decisions in the company. Maintaining control of the company may in particular be important for start-ups and companies with long-term projects that require significant upfront costs, because they may wish to pursue their vision without becoming too exposed to market fluctuations.
Amendment 47 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Multiple-vote share structures are an effective mechanism to enable controlling shareholders to retain decision- making power in a company, while raising funds from the public. Multiple-vote share structures are a form of a control enhancement mechanism involving at least two distinct classes of shares with a different number of voting rights. Under such structures, at least one of the classes of shares has a lower voting value than another class (or classes) of shares with voting rights. The share carrying the superior amount of votes is a multiple-vote share.
Amendment 63 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Due to a diminished voting power of non-controlling shareholders in the company relative to their investments, multiple-vote share structures may provide controlling shareholders of that company with perpetual control and thereby lead to controlling shareholder entrenchment. That may increase the risk that controlling shareholders extract private benefits from control. To address those risks, the adoption of multiple-vote share structures should be subject to harmonised safeguards to protect minority shareholders.
Amendment 66 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Member States that allow multiple- vote shares provide for safeguards to protect minority shareholders and the interests of the company. However, the existing safeguards vary between Member States due to national specificities and diverging company law systems. Having regard to the objectives of the internal market as set out in particular in Article 50(2), point (g) of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, Member States should ensure a coordinated approach in their national laws on multiple-vote share structures with respect to the protection of the interests of minority shareholders and of the company. This includes protection against decisions creating risks for or resulting in adverse human rights, climate change, and environmental consequences. Under that coordinated approach, aAll Member States should ensure that any decision to adopt a multiple-vote share structure, or to modify that structure where there is an impact on voting rights, is taken by a qualified majority at the general shareholders’ meeting. Furthermore, Member States should limit the voting weight of multiple- vote shares by introducing restrictions either on the design of the multiple-vote share structure orand on the exercise of voting rights attached to multiple-vote shares for the adoption of certain decisions. The restriction on the exercise of voting rights may be implemented by requiring that an approval by qualified majority necessitates both a qualified majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders and of the share capital represented at the general meeting of shareholders.
Amendment 70 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Member States should be given discretionalso be required to introduce additional safeguards, where needed, to ensure adequate protection of minority shareholders’ interests and the interest of the company. Member States should assess the appropriateness of additional safeguards in light of their effectiveness in protecting the interests of minority shareholders and of the company, while, including a transfer-based sunset clause, a time-based sunset clause of five years, an event-based sunset clause, and a safeguard to ensuringe that such safeguards do not defeat the purpose of multiple-vote share structures, i.e. the possibility for a company’s controlling shareholders to influence important decisions, including the appointment of directorthe enhanced voting rights cannot be used to block the adoption of decisions by the general shareholders’ meeting concerning human rights and environmental issues related to the company’s operations.
Amendment 73 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The disclosure of accurate, comprehensive and timely information about issuers strengthens investor confidence and allows for informed investment decision-making. Such informed investment decision-making enhances both investor protection and market efficiency. Member States should therefore require companies with multiple- vote share structures to publish detailed information on their share structure and corporate governance system at the moment of the admission to trading, as well as periodically in the annual financial report. Such information should mention whether there are any limitations on the holding of securities, including whether any transfer of securities requires the approval either of the company, or of other holders of securities. It should also mention whether there are any restrictions on voting rights, including limitations of the voting rights of holders of a given percentage or number of votes, deadlines for exercising voting rights, or systems whereby the financial rights attached to securities are separated from the holding of securities. Furthermore, those companies should disclose the identity of holders of multiple- vote shares as well as of the natural persons entitled to exercise voting rights on their behalf and of persons exercising special control rights to provide investors, as members of general public, with transparency on ultimate ownership and de facto influence on the company. This would allow investors to make informed decisions and thereby strengthen their confidence in well-functioning capital markets. Such information will need to be updated periodically and after significant changes in the ownership or control of the shares holding multiple voting rights.
Amendment 112 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) limit the voting weight of multiple- vote shares on the exercise of other shareholders’ rights, in particular during general meetings, by introducing either of the following safeguards:
Amendment 113 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) a maximum weighted voting ratio and a requirement on the maximum percentage of the outstanding share capital that the total amount of multiple- vote shares can representdifferential of one to five;
Amendment 121 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
(i a) a requirement on the maximum percentage of the outstanding share capital that the total amount of multiple- vote shares can represent;
Amendment 140 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States mayshall also be required to provide for further safeguards to ensure adequate protection of shareholders and of the interests of the company. Those safeguards mayshall include in particular:
Amendment 147 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a provision to avoid that the enhanced voting rights attached to multiple-vote shares are transferred to third parties or continue to exist upon the death, incapacitation or retirement of the original holder of multiple-vote shares (transfer- based sunset clause);
Amendment 154 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a provision to avoid that the enhanced voting rights attached to multiple-vote shares continue to exist after a designated period of time (time-based sunset clause)five year period;
Amendment 161 #
2022/0406(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) a provision to avoid that the enhanced voting rights attached to multiple-vote shares continue to exist upon the occurrence of a specified event (event- based sunset clause);
Amendment 11 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
Amendment 12 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
Amendment 14 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
Amendment 37 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 2014/65/EC
Article 24 – paragraph 9 a – point c
Article 24 – paragraph 9 a – point c
Amendment 45 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 2014/65/EC
Article 24 – paragraph 9 a – subparagraph 2 (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 9 a – subparagraph 2 (new)
Amendment 49 #
2022/0405(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Directive 2014/65/EC
Article 24 – paragraph 9 b (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 9 b (new)
Amendment 197 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The clearing system must benefit from more clearing options and alternatives to ensure banks and the real economy have continuous access to safe and efficient clearing solutions. The EU must make a significant contribution by developing and offering safe, efficient and innovative clearing infrastructures. The evolution of clearing markets brings with it new product offerings, risk profiles and approaches to risk management. This requires supervisory and regulatory approaches to be adapted and regulators and the industry to work closely together
Amendment 198 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) The clearing system is evolving quickly. New financial products that support hedging activities by market participants and the real economy are being made available for clearing. New market participants are entering the clearing space, seeking to benefit from efficient and resilient post-trade mechanisms.
Amendment 201 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Given the fact that entities that are established in countries that are listed as high-risk third countries that have strategic deficiencies in their regime on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, as referred to in Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council32 , or in third countries that are listed in Annex I and Annex II to the Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes33 are subject to a less stringent regulatory environment, their operations may increase the risk, including due to increased counterparty credit risk and legal risk, for the Union financial stability. Consequently, such entities should not be eligible to be considered in the framework of intragroup transactions. __________________ 32 Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC (OJ L 141, 5.6.2015, p. 73). 33 Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes and the Annexes thereto (OJ C 413 I, 12.10.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 206 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
Amendment 211 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) It is necessary to ensure that the calibration of the level of the clearing activity to be maintained in accounts at Union CCPs can be adapted to changing circumstances. ESMA has an important role in the assessment of the substantial systemic importance of third-country CCPs and their clearing services. ESMA, in cooperation with the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and the ESRB, and after having consulted the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), should therefore develop draft regulatory technical standards specifying the details of the level of substantially systemicTo reduce financial stability risks and ensure that a sufficient level of clearing services to be maintainare cleared in the in active accounts in Union CCPs by, financial and non-financial counterparties subject to the clearing obligation. Such calibration should not go beyond what is necess should be required to cleary and proportionate to reduce clearing in the identified clearing services at Tier 2 CCPs concerned. In that regard, ESMA should consider the costs, risks and the burden such calibration entails for financial and non-financial counterparties, the impact on their competitiveness, and the risk that those costs are passed on to non-financial firms. Furthermore,t least 40 per cent in active accounts in Union CCPs. Two years after the entry into force of this Regulation, ESMA, in cooperation with the EBA, EIOPA and the ESRB and after consulting the ESMACB should also ensube required that the envisaged reduction in clearing in those instruments, identifieo undertake an assessment whether this quantitative threshold has of substantial systemic importance, results in them no longer being considered ofled to a sufficient reduction of excessive exposures in substantially systemic importance when ESMA reviews the recognition ofclearing services offered by the relevant CCPs which according to Article 25(5) of that Regulation and where such a review should be done at least every five years. In addition, suitable phase-in periods for the progressive implementation of the requirement to hold a certain level of the clearing activity in the accounts at Union CCPs Tier 2 CCPs to the extent necessary to safeguard financial stability. Following this assessment, the European Commission may be empowered to adopt a delegated act to increase this quantitative threshould be foreseen.
Amendment 217 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) To ensure that clients are aware of their options and can take an informed decision as where to clear their derivative contracts, clearing members and clients that provide clearing services in both Union and recognised third-country CCPs should inform their clients about the option to clear a derivative contract in a Union CCP so that clearing in those services identified as of substantial systemic importance is reduced in Tier 2 CCPs in order to ensure the financial stability of the Union. However, this obligation to inform clients should be distinct from the active account requirement. Relevant clearing members should also systematically propose Union clearing alternatives to clients even for services that are not determined as being of substantial systemic importance by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
Amendment 231 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) ESMA should have the means to identify potential risks to the Union’s financial stability. ESMA should therefore, in cooperation with the ESRB, EBA, EIOPA, and the ECB in the framework of the tasks concerning the prudential supervision of credit institutions within the single supervisory mechanism conferred upon it in accordance with Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/201336 , identify the interconnections and interdependencies between different CCPs and legal persons, including shared clearing members, clients and indirect clients, shared material service providers, shared material liquidity providers, cross-collateral arrangements, cross-default provisions and cross-CCP netting, cross-guarantee agreements and risks transfers and back-to-back trading arrangements. __________________ 36 […]
Amendment 247 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) where the third country is listed in Annex I and Annex II to the Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes*2 and their subsequent updates which are specifically approved twice a year, customarily in February and October, and published in series C of the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 250 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 4 a – paragraph 3 − subparagraph 1
Article 4 a – paragraph 3 − subparagraph 1
Amendment 258 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 1
Article 7 a – paragraph 1
1. Financial counterparties or a non- financial counterparties that are subject to the clearing obligation in accordance with Articles 4a and 10 on the [OP: please insert date of entry into force of this Regulation] or become subject to the clearing obligation thereafter and clear any of the categories of the derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 2 shall clear at least a proportion40 per cent of such contracts at accounts at CCPs authorised under Article 14.
Amendment 259 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 a – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Financial counterparties belonging to a group shall fall under the obligation set out in paragraph 1 if any entity in the group clears any of the categories of the derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 2
Amendment 260 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 7 a – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Financial counterparties and non- financial counterparties that become subject to the obligation set out in paragraph 1 shall remain subject to this obligation as long as they clear the derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 2.
Amendment 261 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 7 a – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) any other categories of derivatives contracts that have been identified by ESMA as being of substantial systemic importance for the financial stability of the Union or one or more of its Member States pursuant to Article 25(2c).
Amendment 265 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 3
Article 7 a – paragraph 3
3. A financial counterparty or a non- financial counterparty that is subject to the obligation set out in paragraph 1 shall calculate its activities in the categories of derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 12 at CCPs authorised under Article 14 and, separately, at CCPs recognised under Article 25.
Amendment 271 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
4. A financial counterparty or a non- financial counterparty that is subject to the obligation set out in paragraph 1 shall report to its respective competent authority and the competent authority of the CCP or CCPs it uses the outcome of the calculation referred to in paragraph 23 on an annual quarterly basis, confirming their compliance with the obligation set out in that paragraph 1. The CCP’s competent authority shall immediately transmit that information to ESMA and the Joint Monitoring Mechanism referred to in Article 23c.
Amendment 277 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 7 a – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) the methodology for calculation under paragraph 3. , ensuring that (i) financial counterparties include the categories of derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 2 entered into by themselves or entered into by other entities within the group to which they belong; (ii) there is no double counting of the positions of clearing members and clients.
Amendment 285 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 7 a – paragraph 5 a (new)
(5a) ESMA shall, in cooperation with the EBA, EIOPA and ESRB and after consulting the ESCB, develop draft implementing technical standards specifying the format of the information to be submitted to the competent authorities referred to in paragraph 4. ESMA shall submit those draft implementing technical standards to the Commission by [PO: please insert the date = 12 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation]. Power is conferred on the Commission to adopt the implementing technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010.
Amendment 286 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 a – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 7 a – paragraph 6 a (new)
(6a) ESMA in cooperation with EBA, EIOPA and the ESRB and after consulting the ESCB shall undertake [two years after the entry into force of this Regulation] whether the quantitative threshold referred to in paragraph 1 has led to a sufficient reduction of excessive exposures in substantially systemic clearing services offered by the relevant Tier 2 CCPs to the extent necessary to safeguard financial stability. Following this assessment, the European Commission may be empowered to adopt a delegated act to increase the quantitative threshold referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 287 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 b – paragraph 1
Article 7 b – paragraph 1
1. Clearing members and clients that provide clearing services both at a CCP authorised under Article 14 and at a CCP recognised under Article 25 shall, when one of their clients submits a contract for clearing, inform that client about the possibility to clear such contract at the CCP authorised under Article 14. Clearing members and clients that provide clearing services shall also provide information to their clients, for a given client portfolio, on the costs associated with the provision of client clearing services and the costs associated with clearing at either CCP.
Amendment 288 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 7 b – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 b – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. ESMA shall, in consultation with the EBA, develop draft regulatory technical standards specifying the type of information to be provided by clearing members and clients providing clearing services on costs to their clients.
Amendment 289 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Clearing members and clients that are established in the Union or are part of a group subject to consolidated supervision in the Union and that clear in a CCP authorised under Article 14 or recognised under Article 25, shall report to their respective competent authority the scope of their clearing activity in such CCP on an annual quarterly basis, specifying all of the following:
Amendment 305 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 10 − paragraph 3
Article 10 − paragraph 3
3. In calculating the positions referred to in paragraph 1, the non-financial counterparty shall include all the OTC derivative contracts that are not cleared in a CCP authorised under Article 14 or recognised under Article 25 entered into by the non-financial counterparty which are not objectively measurable as reducing risks directly relating to the commercial activity or treasury financing activity ofentered into by the non-financial counterparty or by other non-financial entities within the group to which the non-financial counterparty belongs.
Amendment 308 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
Amendment 311 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
A non-financial counterparty becoming subject for the first time to the obligations laid down in the first subparagraph shall set up the necessary arrangements to comply with those obligations within four months following the notification referred to in Article 10(1), second subparagraph, point (a). A non-financial counterparty shall be exempted from those obligations for contracts entered into during the four months following that notification.;
Amendment 314 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 11 − paragraph 3– subparagraph 1 a
Article 11 − paragraph 3– subparagraph 1 a
Counterparties shall notify to ESMA the models used for initial margin calculation at least three months prior to their usage. ESMA may object to the use of a specific initial margin model by the counterparty if the model does not meet the conditions laid down in the regulatory technical standards referred to in paragraph 15. Where ESMA objects to the use of a specific initial margin model, the counterparty is entitled to continue using the initial margin model up to 6 months following receipt of the objection. Where counterparties cease using such models, they shall notify ESMA by the end of the quarter in which they ceased using the model. Financial counterparties shall report information on the risk- management procedures mentioned in the first subparagraph, including, where relevant, in relation to initial margin models used, to ESMA and shall disclose key information on these risk- management procedures.
Amendment 317 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 11 – paragraph 3– subparagraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 3– subparagraph 2
A non-financial counterparty becoming subject for the first time to the obligations laid out in the first subparagraph shall set up the necessary arrangements to comply with those obligations within four months following the notification referred to in Article 10(1), second subparagraph, point (a). A non-financial counterparty shall be exempted from those obligations for contracts entered into during the four months following that notification.
Amendment 318 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 11 – paragraph 3– subparagraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3– subparagraph 3
Amendment 321 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 11 – paragraph 15 – subparagraph 1– points (aa) and (ab)
Article 11 – paragraph 15 – subparagraph 1– points (aa) and (ab)
(c) in paragraph 15, first subparagraph, point (aa) is deleted. is amended as follows: (i) point (aa) is replaced by the following: “(aa) the supervisory requirements for counterparties in connection with initial margin models additional to those specified in point (a);”; (ii) the following point (ab) is inserted: “(ab) the data standards, formats and type of information to be reported and disclosed on risk-management procedures, including where relevant on initial margin models, in accordance with the supervisory requirements referred to in point (aa);
Amendment 331 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
The CCP’s competent authority shall, within 2ten working days after such application has been received, acknowledge receipt of the application, stating to the CCP whether it contains the documents required pursuant to Article 14(6) and (7) or, where the CCP has applied for an extension of its authorisation, pursuant to Article 15(3) and (4).
Amendment 343 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 – paragraph 3 a
Article 17 – paragraph 3 a
3a. During the risk assessment period referred to in paragraph 3, the CCP’s competent authority, ESMA or any of the college members may submit questions directly to the CCP. Where the CCP does not respond to such questions within the time period set by the requesting authority, the CCP’s competent authority, ESMA or the college may take a decision in the absence of the CCP’s response or may decide to extend the assessment period by a maximum of 120 working days, if, in their view, the question is material for the assessment.
Amendment 345 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 – paragraph 3 b – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 3 b – subparagraph 1
Within 120 working days of receipt of both the ESMA opinion and the college opinion, the CCP’s competent authority shall adopt its decision and transmit it to ESMA and the college.
Amendment 357 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 – point e
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
ESMA shall maintain a central database providing access to the CCP’s competent authority, ESMA, and the members of the college for that CCP (‘registered recipients’), to all documents registered within the database for that CCP. The CCP shall submit the application referred to in Article 14, Article 15(1), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 49 via that database. Questions submitted by the CCP’s competent authority, ESMA, and the members of the college during the risk assessment period referred to in Article 17(3a) shall be included in the central database.
Amendment 362 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 b – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 17 b – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 366 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 a – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 17 a – paragraph 2 a (new)
1a. ESMA shall, in close cooperation with the ESCB, develop draft regulatory technical standards further specifying the elements to be considered when assessing the conditions referred to in points (a) to (e) of this paragraph. ESMA shall submit those draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by … [PO: please insert the date = 12 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation]. Power is delegated to the Commission to adopt the regulatory technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with Articles 10 to 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010.
Amendment 373 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(ea) Power is delegated to the Commission to adopt the regulatory technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with Articles 10 to 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010.
Amendment 376 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 b – paragraph 3
Article 17 b – paragraph 3
Amendment 379 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 b – paragraph 4
Article 17 b – paragraph 4
4. Within 10 working days of receipt of an application pursuant to paragraph 2, the CCP’s competent authority shall, after considering the input of the joint supervisory team set up for that CCP pursuant to Article 23b, decide whether the application shall be subject to the non- objection procedure set out in this Article or, if the CCP’s competent authority has identified material risks as a result of the proposed extension of the CCP’s business to additional clearing services or activities, that the procedure set out in Article 17 shall apply. The CCP’s competent authority shall notify the applicant CCP of its decision. Where the CCP’s competent authority has decided that the procedure set out in Article 17 shall apply, the CCP shall, within 5 working days after receipt of such notification, cease providing such clearing service or activity.
Amendment 380 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 a – paragraph 4
Article 17 a – paragraph 4
4. Within 120 working days of receipt of an application pursuant to paragraph 2, the CCP’s competent authority shall, after considering the input of the joint supervisory team set up for that CCP pursuant to Article 23b, decide whether the application shall be subject to the non- objection procedure set out in this Article or, if the CCP’s competent authority has identified material risks as a result of the proposed extension of the CCP’s business to additional clearing services or activities, that the procedure set out in Article 17 shall apply. The CCP’s competent authority shall notify the applicant CCP of its decision. Where the CCP’s competent authority has decided that the procedure set out in Article 17 shall apply, the CCP shall, within 5 working days after receipt of such notification, cease providing such clearing service or activity.
Amendment 381 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 17 a – paragraph 5
Article 17 a – paragraph 5
5. Where a CCP’s competent authority, after considering the input of the joint supervisory team set up for that CCP pursuant to Article 23b, has not expressed its objection to the CCP’s proposed additional services or activities within 120 working days of receipt of the application where paragraph 1 applies or of receipt of the notification referred to in paragraph 4, where that paragraph applies, confirming that the non-objection procedure set out in this Article applies, the authorisation shall be deemed as granted.
Amendment 416 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 23b – paragraph 1
Article 23b – paragraph 1
1. A joint supervisory team shall be established for the supervision of each CCP authorised under Article 14. Each joint supervisory team shall be composed of staff members from the CCP’s competent authority, ESMA and the members of the college referred to in Article 18, points (c), (g) and (h). Other members of the college may also request to participate in the joint supervisory team. Joint supervisory teams shall work under the coordination of a designated competent authority staff member. Joint supervisory team members shall follow the JST coordinator’s instructions as regards their tasks in the joint supervisory team. This shall not affect their tasks and duties within their respective competent authorities. Unless justified, the JST coordinator shall not be from the country where the CCP has its headquarter. The CCP Supervisory Committee shall ensure that the JST is composed of staff with sufficient degree and diversity of knowledge, background, expertise and experience.
Amendment 422 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 23c – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 23c – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) the central banks of issue of the currencies other than the euro in which the derivative contracts referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 7a are denominated.
Amendment 427 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 23c – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 23c – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) contribute to the development of Union-wide assessments of the resilience of CCPs focussing on liquidity, credit and operational risks concerning CCPs, clearing members and clients;
Amendment 428 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 23c – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 23c – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) monitor and identify concentration risks, in particular in client clearing, due to the integration of Union financial markets, including where several CCPs, clearing members or clients use the same service providers, including when client clearing services are concentrated in a small number of clearing members, or to clients accessing the same CCP via different clearing members of that CCP, or due to clients maintaining large positions in markets of products that the CCP clears;
Amendment 434 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – point f (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – point f (new)
(e a) the relevant central bank of issue.
Amendment 435 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Where a meeting of the CCP Supervisory Committee is held pursuant to an emergency situation as specified in point c of subparagraph 1, the relevant central banks of issue shall be invited to the meeting.
Amendment 439 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 24a – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 24a – paragraph 1 – point e
(ii a) 1) point (e) is added: ‘(e) the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of the three clearing members with the largest contributions, calculated on an aggregate basis over a one-year period, to the default fund, referred to in Article 42 of this Regulation, of each of the CCPs authorised in accordance with Article 14 or recognised in accordance with Article 25 of this Regulation, including, where relevant, the ECB in the framework of the tasks concerning the prudential supervision of credit institutions within the Single Supervisory Mechanism conferred upon it in accordance with Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013, who shall be non-voting.’
Amendment 441 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 24a – paragraph 3
Article 24a – paragraph 3
3. The Chair may invite as observers to the meetings of the CCP Supervisory Committee, where appropriate and necessary, members of the colleges referred to in Article 18, representatives from the relevant authorities of clients where they are known and from the relevant Union institutions and bodies.;
Amendment 444 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point -a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point a
(-a) (aa) in paragraph 2, the following point (point (point (ca)) is inserted after point (c): ‘(ca) the CCP has provided ESMA with a written statement, signed by its legal representative, expressing the unconditional consent of the CCP to pay the applicable fees in accordance with Article 25d’;
Amendment 445 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 25 – Paragraph 6
Article 25 – Paragraph 6
Amendment 453 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – point e
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 25 – paragraph 7b – point e
Article 25 – paragraph 7b – point e
(e) the procedures for third-country authorities to promptly inform ESMA of the following n aspects set out in points (i) and (ii) and to consult ESMA on aspects set out in point (i)with a focus on aspects relevant for the Union or one or more of its Member States:
Amendment 460 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 25p (1) – point f
Article 25p (1) – point f
(23 a) in Article 25p(1), the following point (f) is added: (f) the CCP concerned has not paid the applicable fees in accordance with Article 25d and has not remedied to the situation within an appropriate timeframe set by ESMA.
Amendment 465 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 37 – paragraph 1 a – subparagraph 2
Article 37 – paragraph 1 a – subparagraph 2
The competent authority of a CCP accepting non-financial counterparties as clearing members shall regularly review such arrangements and report to ESMA and the college on their appropriateness.
Amendment 466 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point b a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 35 – paragraphs 4 and 5
Article 35 – paragraphs 4 and 5
Amendment 468 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 29 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 37 – paragraph 7
Article 37 – paragraph 7
ESMA shall, after having consulted the EBA and the ESCB, develop draft regulatory technical standards further specifying : (i) the elements to be considered when laying down the admission criteria referred to in paragraph 1; (ii) the participation requirements for accepting non-financial counterparties as clearing members in accordance with paragraph 1a.
Amendment 473 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 41 – paragraph 2
Article 41 – paragraph 2
2. A CCP shall adopt models and parameters in setting its margin requirements that capture the risk characteristics of the products cleared and take into account the interval between margin collections, market liquidity and the possibility of changes over the duration of the transaction. The models and paramaters shall be validated by the competent authority and subject to an opinion in accordance with Article 19 and an opinion by ESMA in accordance with Article 24a(7), first subparagraph, point (bc), issued in accordance with the procedure under Article 17b.
Amendment 474 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 31 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 41 – paragraph 3
Article 41 – paragraph 3
3. A CCP shall call and collect margins on an intraday basis, at least when predefined thresholds are exceeded. In doing so a CCP shall consider the potential impact of its intraday margin collections and payments on the liquidity position of its participants and on the resilience on the CCP. A CCP shall strive to the best of its ability not to hold intraday variation margin calls after all payments due have been received.;
Amendment 480 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 46 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 46 – paragraph 1 – point a
1. A CCP shall accept highly liquid collateral with minimal credit and market risk to cover its initial and ongoing exposure to its clearing members. A CCP may accept public guarantees or public bank or commercial bank guarantees,guarantees under specific conditions. For non-financial counterparties only, a CCP may accept commercial bank guarantees under specific conditions. Any guarantee a CCP accepts as collateral shall be committed and provided that they are unconditionally available upon request within the liquidation period referred to in Article 41. Where bank guarantees are provided to a CCP, that CCP shall take them into account when calculating its exposure to the bank that is also a clearing member. The CCP shall apply adequate haircuts to asset values and guarantees to reflect the potential for their value to decline over the interval between their last revaluation and the time by which they can reasonably be assumed to be liquidated. It shall take into account the liquidity risk following the default of a market participant and the concentration risk on certain assets that may result in establishing the acceptable collateral and the relevant haircuts. When revising the level of the haircuts it applies to the assets it accepts as collateral, the CCP shall take into account any potential procyclicality effects of such revisions.;
Amendment 484 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point b – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point b – introductory part
(b) in paragraph 3, first subparagraph, points (b) isand (ba) are replaced by the following:
Amendment 485 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 33 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 46 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) the conditions under which public guarantees, public bank guarantees and commercial bank guarantees may be accepted as collateral under paragraph 1.
Amendment 491 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 49 – paragraph 1
Article 49 – paragraph 1
A CCP shall regularly review the models and parameters adopted to calculate its margin requirements, default fund contributions, collateral requirements and other risk control mechanisms. It shall subject the models to rigorous and frequent stress tests to assess their resilience in extreme but plausible market conditions and shall perform back tests to assess the reliability of the methodology adopted. The CCP shall obtain independent validation, shall inform its competent authority and ESMA of the results of the tests performed and shall obtain their validation in accordance with paragraphs 1a, to 1e before adopting any significant change to the models. and paramaters
Amendment 525 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 35 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 35 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 81 – paragraph 3 – point s (new)
Article 81 – paragraph 3 – point s (new)
1 a. In Article 81(3), the following point (s) is inserted: ‘(s) the designated national macroprudential authorities entrusted with the conduct of macroprudential policy referred to in Recommendation B1 of the Recommendation of the the Recommendation of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) of 22 December 2011 on the macroprudential mandate of national authorities (ESRB/2011/3).
Amendment 531 #
2022/0403(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 37 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012
Article 85 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 85 – paragraph 1 – point b
1b. By [PO: please insert the date = 1 year after the entry into force of this Regulation] ESMA shall, in cooperation with the ESRB, submit a report to the Commission on the possibility and feasibility to require the segregation of accounts across the clearing chain of non- financial and financial counterparties. The report shall be accompanied by a cost- benefit analysis.; Based on this report, the Commission shall, where appropriate, submit legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council;
Amendment 6 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that Croatia fulfils theall the accession criteria as a result of ambitious, determined, credible and sustainable efforts by the Croatian Government and the Croatian people;
Amendment 7 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the accession of Croatia to the euro area as it represents a strong political signal for Europe. It´s the first EU integration process since Brexit. It reinforces the image and attractiveness of the single currency in the EU and at the global stage, as well as it enhances the European resilience and unity. As the first Western Balkan euro area member, Croatia´s successful accession and deeper integration in the EU is likely to increase the EU´s image, credibility and attractiveness in the region and the EU as a whole.
Amendment 8 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights, that adopting the euro will strengthen Croatia’s economy and benefit its people and companies, as it will make the country´s economy more resilient, attract more foreign investment, increase the confidence of international investors and cut down currency exchanges, that will have a relevant effect in the country´s vital tourism sector;
Amendment 9 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the positive assessments of the Commission and the ECB have taken place against the background of a, longer than initially expected, COVID-19 shock and the subsequent economic recovery in 2021; notes, however, that Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine which began on 24 February 2022 had a limited impact on the historical data used to prepare the convergence reports; is convinced, therefore, of the full readiness of Croatia to adopt the euro as from 1 January 2023;
Amendment 10 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that despite fulfilling all the convergence criteria, the recent deterioration of several key indicators, due to the current circumstances, used in the convergence reports, demands a reflection on how the full implementation of the current framework and criteria for accession during extraordinary crisis, like COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or future crisis with large asymmetric shocks still applies;
Amendment 12 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that, notwithstanding the difficult socio-economic situation generated by the health crisis and the most recent increase in energy prices, Croatia’s introduction of the euro and the fulfilment of the necessary criteria represent a strong political signal of the viability and attractiveness of the single currency of the Union; welcomes therefore the sustained efforts undertaken by the Croatian Government in this regard;
Amendment 16 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes Croatian government’s work on strengthening Croatia’s institutional capacity, efforts to improve the business environment, and the effective and efficient implementation of structural reforms that contribute to economic growthsustainable and inclusive economic growth. Calls on Croatian authorities to continue strengthening the institutional framework to ensure regulatory quality, support the social welfare sector and prevent corruption;
Amendment 19 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the convergence in banking supervision contributes to safeguarding financial stability by ensuring the application of uniform supervisory standards; highlights furthermore, that joining the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) of the Banking Union via close cooperation with the ECB proved to be a successful framework for the accession process and a blueprint for the future; reflects, in this regard, that lessons for future crises could be drawn as Croatia´s accession process was marked by two major disruptive events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 20 #
2022/0179(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for the swift and effective implementation of reforms and investments of Croatia´s Recovery and Resilience Plan to boost sustainable and inclusive growth, to contribute to economic and social cohesion, and to tackle key socio-economic and institutional challenges;
Amendment 24 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Russian invasion of Ukraine constitutes not only a military attack against a European country but also an attack against the European peace order itself and thereby threatens the foundations on which the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy was built;
Amendment 25 #
2022/0000(INI)
Bb. whereas Russia’s persistent attempts to create instability in the EU’s neighbourhood and globally, and to undermine and forcefully revise the European security order require to substantially and determinedly enhance the cohesion and effectiveness of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy in order to preserve peace and international security, defend the rules- based international order and the principles of multilateral cooperation and protect and defend the Union, its citizens, values and principles;
Amendment 38 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 47 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital G
Recital G
Amendment 54 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 60 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas there is an urgent need to end the humanitarian and security crises Europe is encountering and better prepare for the full spectrum of crises to comeincrease preparedness in order to be better able to cope with the full spectrum of crises, notably humanitarian and security crises; whereas the Union needs to utilise all the instruments at its disposal, with an emphasis on timely engagement, to protect the Union and its residents and its values and interests, and to contribute to international peace and security;
Amendment 80 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas Parliament is the only institution that can legitimately exercise the function of political controloversight over the executive at Union level;
Amendment 83 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas deepening defence cooperation among Member States at Union level should go hand in hand with the strengthening of parliamentary oversight and controlscrutiny by both the European Parliament and national parliaments;
Amendment 84 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas the Union aims, in particular, to strive to establish new EUengthen the European peace and security architectureorder providing the continent and its residents with the peace and security they deservand must therefore be able to contribute as actively and effectively as possible to the work of the institutions established for cooperation and security in Europe;
Amendment 88 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital X a (new)
Recital X a (new)
Xa. whereas the Strategic Compass was adopted by the Council in March 2022; whereas the Strategic Compass aims to give the Union the tools to be an effective security provider in a hostile environment and a more assertive global actor for peace and human security;
Amendment 89 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) urgently demonstrate their political will tobuild upon the resolve and unity demonstrated at the surge of the war against Ukraine and urgently deliver on their joint Level of Ambition, make genuine progress in foreign policy and defence cooperation at the EU level, as expressed in the Versailles Declaration and the Council’s conclusions of 24 and 25 March;
Amendment 102 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) agree that the VP/HR should will be present ex officio in some negotiating formats in whichitiated or led by EU Member States participate;
Amendment 128 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) work together withintensify cooperation with Allies and like-minded partners around the globe, in order to defendmaintain the strongest possible unity in defence of the rules-based international order, thus promoting and defending peace, human security, sustainable prosperity, democratic principles and respect for human rights, multilateralism and international law;
Amendment 146 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
Amendment 163 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) fight and counter propaganda and disinformation campaigns in Europe, its neighbourhood and around the world; boost cooperation with partners in the field of proactive strategic communication and countering malign foreign interferences; strengthen the capacities of the EEAS StratCom Task Force; have a pro-active, multilingual, strategic communication policy;
Amendment 176 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) draw lessons from the use of the European Peace Facility in order to support Ukraine, increase its funding and build on the clearing house mechanism which wasevaluate its funding, so as to be able to also support other partners, in full respect of the EU Common Position on Arms export, International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, with effective safeguards and transparency provisions, and build on the clearing house mechanism that matched the needs of the recipient country with the capabilities providing by the EU, and on the set-up of logistical hubs, which were first implemented with Ukraine;
Amendment 186 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) improve intelligence sharing and cooperation among the Member States and; improve the financial and technical resources of EU IntCen and EUMS INT; explore the possibilities to set up an EU intelligence agency; engage in a systematic, regular and frequent updates of the threat analysis included in the Strategic Compass;
Amendment 194 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) make the EU Satellite Center (EU SatCen) benefit from permanent Union funding to be able to maintain its contributions to the Union’s actions in the fields of space imagery and intelligence- gathering, including in support of CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 199 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) work swiftly on the implementation of the most urgent aspects of the sStrategic cCompass, including the operationalisation of Article 42(7), concrete steps to strengthen the resilience of our critical infrastructure, precise and firm commitments from Member States as regards defence spending, enhanced efforts to promoteboost strategic communication, a strengthened toolbox to tackle hybrid and cyber threats and to fight disinformation and the establishment of rRapid dDeployment cCapacity by 2025;
Amendment 208 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) immediately present and agree on a detailed plan on how to operationalise the mutual defence provisions contained in Article 42(7) TEU, taking into account the special position on non-NATO EUfic constitutional framework and security arrangements of all Member States;
Amendment 212 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) further develop the EU cyber defence policy; work on establishing collective attribution for malicious cyber- attacks; make full use of the EU cyber sanctions regimes against individuals, entities and bodies responsible or involved in the various cyber-attacks targeting Ukraine; enhance the protection and security of our own institutions from cyber-attacks, at EU and member states level; urgently reinforce cyber defence capacities of bodies playing a strategic role in the immediate conflict response;
Amendment 213 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(kb) support the crucial work of the IAIE (International Atomic Energy Agency) in securing the safety of the Ukrainian nuclear facilities; strengthen the global WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control architecture; further strengthen its CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) preparedness;
Amendment 214 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point k c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k c (new)
(kc) in order to foster the creation of a joint strategic culture and to have skilled top-level experts, enhance joint training programmes, such as those conducted by the European Security and Defence College, which should benefit from permanent Union funding;
Amendment 226 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) review, without delay, the mandate of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine, in line with the needs expressed by the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities; acknowledge and commend the adaptability shown by the EUAM Ukraine and EUBAM Moldova/Ukraine in promptly and efficiently redefining its support to the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities in their most pressing needs;
Amendment 228 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) improve force generation and strengthen the staffing, resources and strategic communication of all CSDP missions in Bosnia Herzegovina and Georgia and reinforce the EU’s diplomatic presence in the Eastern Partnership countries and in the Western Balkansand operations, particularly those affected by a deteriorated threat landscape, notably Operation Althea in Bosnia Herzegovina and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia;
Amendment 232 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) reinforce the EU’s diplomatic presence and engagement in countries that show their interest in enhanced cooperation with the EU, in particular in the Eastern Partnership countries and in the Western Balkans, and in countries where Russian interference threatens their stability, security or democratic path;
Amendment 238 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) improve intelligence capacity for CSDP operations on the ground and reinforce situational awareness; set up the Joint Situational Awareness Center, a crucial tool to improve strategic foresight and the EU strategic autonomy;
Amendment 243 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) make full use of EU capability development initiatives, notably the EDF and PESCO, to enhance air and missile defence capacities, especially for vulnerable regions in the European Union;
Amendment 249 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(oa) new work on ensuring the renewal of UNSCR enabling EU CSDP operations to perform critical tasks for global security;
Amendment 250 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point o b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o b (new)
(ob) demand countries in which EU CSDP mission and operations are deployed to support their capacity- building to terminate their contract with PMSCs allegedly involved in Human Rights violations;
Amendment 256 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) work on a substantial third EU- NATO jJoint dDeclaration and ensure that the objectives and priorities of the Strategic Compass are duly taken into account when the NATO sStrategic cConcept is drafted and adopted at the Madrid Summit;
Amendment 267 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) engage within the EU, and togethenr with NATO, on a reflection on the nature of possible security guarantees that can be provided toincreased security cooperation with neighbouring countries, notably Ukraine;
Amendment 272 #
2022/0000(INI)
(s) expect EU Member States which are also NATO Allies to increase defence spending in order to meet the target of 2 % of GDP;
Amendment 279 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) encourage the further strengthening of NATO enhanced Forward Presence in the EU Member States geographically closest to the Russian aggressor and to the conflict;
Amendment 280 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
(sb) make full use of the joint EU defence capabilities development efforts, notably the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund, which will increase the security of NATO Allies and Member States alike
Amendment 283 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) involve Parliament and national parliaments in the proper further implementation and scrutiny of the European Peace Facility and key aspect, which is an off- budget instrument; ensure Parliament is meaningfully involved in the scrutiny, implementation and regular reviews of the Strategic Compass;
Amendment 295 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point y
Paragraph 1 – point y
(y) ensure that the budget proposal for 2023 includes appropriate funding for the European Defence Agency, the Permanent Structured Cooperation, the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity and NATO support capacities under the CFSP budget and, under that same title and under other titles as appropriate, funding for the initiatives referred to above;
Amendment 302 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) strengthen the European Defence Fund and increase the number and relevance of collective defence industry projects, making sure they match gaps identified by CARD;
Amendment 306 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point aa
Paragraph 1 – point aa
(aa) streamline and coordinate the Member States’ announced efforts to increase defence spending, in order to reach the best level of consistency and impact for Europe’s collective security and avoid duplication and fragmentation; bearing in mind the single-set-of-force principle and complementarity with NATO, in full respect of the security arrangements of all EU Member States;
Amendment 314 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – point ab
(ab) provide, without delay, weapons in line with the needs expressed by the Ukrainian authorities, through the clearing house mechanism, using the European Peace Facility and under the bilateral agreements of Member States with Ukraine;
Amendment 317 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ac
Paragraph 1 – point ac
(ac) issue a statement acknowledging Ukraine’s EU aspirations, stating that the Union stands in solidarity with Ukraine and ensuring that under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, solidarity and cohesion will be ensured to support Ukraine as much as possible during the ongoing war, and work towards granting EU candidate status to Ukraincontinue the work towards granting EU candidate status to Ukraine as a clear political signal of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their strong aspirations to transform their country into a democratic and prosperous European state;
Amendment 323 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad
Paragraph 1 – point ad
(ad) reinforce that Ukraine, like any other country, has the sovereign right to make decisions about its political and economic alliances and seconomic integrationurity arrangements on its own, without interference from other countries;
Amendment 324 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
(ada) support the investigation of war crimes committed in Ukraine, including by calling for a special UN tribunal for the crimes in Ukraine to be set up, as an example for the EU’s efforts to strengthen transnational justice;
Amendment 325 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad b (new)
(adb) give the Union the means to fulfil its ambition to be a global actor for peace; strengthen the EU internal policies and cohesion to make it a more credible, more effective and more relevant global player in the increasingly confrontational strategic environment it is in; engage into a strategic discussion over the long-term objectives of the EU’s foreign, neighbourhood and enlargement policies, including their interlinkage, instruments and resources;
Amendment 326 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad c (new)
(adc) review the European Neighbourhood Policy with the aim to thoroughly assess the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on cooperation within the Eastern Partnership and develop proposals on how to continue strengthening ties with the Eastern Partnership countries in a context marked by outright military aggression and other tangible security threats, targeted disinformation campaigns, as well as economic and social consequences of the confrontation with Russia;
Amendment 327 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad d (new)
(add) advance enlargement policy with a view to giving a credible accession perspective to the Western Balkans and sincerely responding to the European aspirations of the EU’s Eastern neighbours while ensuring that enlargement policy, accession prospects and the accession process contribute to strengthening security and stability, democracy and rule of law, economic and social prosperity as well as internal cohesion and effectiveness of EU action;
Amendment 328 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad e (new)
(ade) develop stronger partnerships with and improve the capacity-building of our closest partners, notably in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood, notably in the field of CBRN, cyber security and resilience of critical entities;
Amendment 329 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad f (new)
(adf) notes with concern that the level of implementation of targeted sanctions against Kremlin-linked individuals continues to be uneven across Member States, with several Member States lagging due to the opaque nature of Russian financial assets, divergent legal frameworks, a lack of dedicated institutional capacity, or political will; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the credibility of its sanctions mechanisms and effectiveness of sanctions implementation through the further centralization of tracing and identification of assets held by sanctioned individuals, the enhanced dedication of resources, and the weekly publication of key statistics, including the nature, ownership and value of individual assets frozen and the total value of identified and frozen assets, broken down by Member State;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan signed in Baku on 18 July 2022,
Amendment 22 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
— having regard to the United Nations resolutions on the ongoing war in Ukraine, namely the ES-11/1 and ES-11/2 of March 2022, ES-11/3 of April 2022 and ES-11/4 of October 2022,
Amendment 24 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by Azerbaijan in 2002,
Amendment 35 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the conflictNagorno-Karabakh conflict and the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan hasve resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, immense destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people while the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not been resolved yet;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armeniathe trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 has not been fully implemented and the ceasefire continues to erupt periodicallybe repeatedly violated;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the high-level meetings were held in Brussels between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, mediated by President Charles Michel, resulted in encouraging developments;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a sustainable normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan requires that all violence cease and that all the root causes of conflict be addressed in particular guaranteeing the rights and security of all the population of Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Azerbaijan is a reliable and trustworthy supplier of fossil fuels to the EU and whereas it is becoming increasingly important in this role;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Azerbaijan’s record in terms of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is still unsatisfactoryvery negative;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas, in defiance of the First Article of the Azerbaijani Constitution and the law on freedom of assembly, the Azerbaijani authorities have imposed a ban on street protests by opposition and civil groups; whereas the citizens’ rights to free assembly are severely suppressed by the police and routinely end with the arrests of activists, in particular, those belonging to the political opposition;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas Russia´s war of aggression against Ukraine has had implications for the South Caucasus and has further complicated the security situation in the region;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict which over the years has caused immense suffering and destruction has significantly hampered the development and stability of the whole South Caucasus region; is convinced that a sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be achieved through military means but requires a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with international law, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Minsk Group’s 2009 Basic Principles; recalls that the root cause of the conflict, which is the situation and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the status of the formerly autonomous region, remains unresolved;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly condemns the clashes that erupted on 12 Septemberlatest large- scale military aggression by Azerbaijan in September 2022 against multiple targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia which constituted a serious breach of the ceasefire and contradicted earlier commitments, including those made in the framework of EU-mediated talks; Condemns military incursions over non- delimited border since May 2021, urges the return of all forces to positions held before 12 May 20221 and their consequences for the peace processstresses that the latest September aggression has no link to the long-lasting conflict over Nagorno- Karabakh; denounces any attempts at undermining the peace process and urges all conflict parties to refrain from further use of force; reiterates that the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be fully respected and underlines the EU’s readiness to be more actively involved in settling the region’s protracted conflicts;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully implement the tripartite ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric and to implement measures to prepare their respective populations for peaceful coexisteninsists on the urgent need to refrain from any hostile rhetoric or actions that may be perceived as inciting hatred or outright violence or as supporting impunity, or that risk undermining the efforts to establish and promote an atmosphere conducive to trust and reconciliation, cooperation and sustainable peace;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty that should address the security of all the population in Nagorno- Karabakh, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees and the protection of cultural, religious and historical heritage; welcomes in this regard the meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined and accepted by both Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to secure the lasting settlement of the conflict; in this context underlines the need for such negotiations to take place under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group with active participation of its co-chairs and in close cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the EU’s passive stance during and immediately after the 2020 war gave other regional actors, such as Russia and Turkey, the opportunity to gain influence; strongly supports, therefore, the initiative taken by the President of the European Council Charles Michel to convene and mediate bilateral meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels and encourages the work of the EU’s special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty and welcomes in this regard the meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries on 30 September in Geneva;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the initial progress made on the process of border delimitation and encourages both sides to continue the work; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission to build trust and contribute to the border commissions; monitor the situation in the border regions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to support confidence- building by monitoring adherence to the ceasefire and to support the work of the border commissions; welcomes Armenia’s willingness to facilitate the mission on their territory and calls on Azerbaijan to allow the presence of EU monitors on its side of the border as well; calls on the EU to consider prolonging and strengthening the mission as it contributes to increase security in the region while at the same time increases visibility of the EU in the region;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the humanitarian assistance provided by the EU for the conflict-affected population in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and its assistance for humanitarian demining in the areas affected by the conflict; calls on the Commission to increase EU assistance to people in need, including in Nagorno- Karabakh, facilitate the implementation of more ambitious confidence-building measures and enhance people-to-people contacts between citizens on both sides of the border;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Continues to be concerned about the fate of Armenian prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict and still held by Azerbaijan and welcomes the release of some of them; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detaineesWelcomes the release of some of the Armenian prisoners taken by Azerbaijan and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and for them to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Condemns the footage that has appeared depicting the torture, mutilation and killing of an Armenian servicewoman and unarmed Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani armed forces; calls for a full and impartial investigation of the videos to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from destroying cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for the and calls for accountability regarding such actions; calls for the preservation and restoration of damaged sites in accordance with UNESCO standards and indications; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to quickurgently allow and facilitate a UNESCO mission to visit both countries without preconditions;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages increased bilateral contacts between the political authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan; as well as between their civil societies and therefore calls on the Commission to support civil society organisations in Armenia and Azerbaijan that genuinely contribute to reconciliation;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the strategic role played by Azerbaijan as a provider of fossil fuels to the EU and welcomes its willingness to contribute even more to the EU’s objectives in terms of security and diversification of energy supply and climate neutrality; regrets that Azerbaijan’s ambition to be a strategic partner in the field of energy is not matched by its efforts on democratic reforms and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the unblocking of regional transport and communication links will present a significant opportunity for socio-economic development in the entire South Caucasus region; stresses that this needs to be done in full respect of the sovereignty of both countries and based on the principle of reciprocity; underlines that, as part of the trilateral ceasefire agreement, both countries agrees to unblock connections between Nakhitchevan and Azerbaijan and to secure connections between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomNotes the new mMemorandum of uUnderstanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan signed by President Aliyev and Commission President von der Leyen in Baku on 18 July 2022, which lays the groundwork for future cooperation on green energy; regrets, however, that the Memorandum was signed without any conditionality based on the respect of fundamental freedoms, democracy and human rights and contributes to the EU dependence for energy supply, again, on a country that does not fully respect the European values and principles it has itself subscribed to, inter alia, as a member of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the Eastern Partnership;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises Azerbaijan’s potential as a producer and provider of renewable energy, noting that further deepening of cooperation should also be subject to the respect of European values;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the progress made on the negotiation of a new bilateral cooperation agreement and calls on the negotiating parties to envisage enhanced cooperation outside the energy sector in the new agreement, particularly with regard to rule of law, democracy and human rights;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remainsmust be conditional on the country making substantial , effective and tangible progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is strongly concerned about the pressure put upon citizens exercising their constitutional rights in Azerbaijan; calls on the government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deeply regrets the current state of press freedom in Azerbaijan; expresses its concern at the new law on media adopted in December 2021; calls for a swift review of that law in accordance with the recommendations included in the opinion of the Venice Commission of 17-18 June 2022; urges Azerbaijan to stop persecuting bloggers and journalist, journalists and media organisations;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan to cease all persecution and repression of political opposition activists, students, human rights defenders and civil society organisations and representatives; reiterates its position that the release of all political prisoners is an indispensable condition for a new Partnership Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes with regret the fact that Azerbaijan has not fully complied with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of gender equality and the representation of women at all levels of governmentsocial and political life;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Deeply regrets Azerbaijan’s failure to fully implement the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Protection of the National Minorities, ratified by Azerbaijan, which violates Azerbaijan’s commitment to protect the rights of the ethnic minorities such as Lezgins, Talysh, Armenians, Kurds and others;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Is strongly concerned that the draft Law On Political Parties may further limit the freedom of association of Azerbaijanis by making it more difficult to register political parties; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to consult with international experts, including the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, and take into account their feedback on the draft law;
Amendment 315 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Condemns the censorship on the access to information in Azerbaijan and calls on the authorities to improve access to the internet and communications coverage;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Expresses its concern at the persistent lack of independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary as well as transparency of its decisions;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Takes good note ofRegrets the limited progress made by Azerbaijan on the prevention ofand fight against corruption; calls on Azerbaijan to address the lack of an effective system of asset disclosure for members of parliament, judges and prosecutors;
Amendment 336 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Condemns the persecution of political opponents and calls for elections in accordance with international standards and in respect of Azerbaijan’s commitments as an OSCE participating state;
Amendment 340 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Emphasizes the need to make any further cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, conditional on the country´s respect for international standards and its international commitments, in particular related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Underlines that good governance and respect for international law and standards are paramount to achieve long- lasting peace with Azerbaijan´s neighbours and in the wider region;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Strongly welcomes Azerbaijan’s repeatedNotes the lack of support, shown by Azerbaijan to the resolutions voted in the UN General Assembly on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in support ofor the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as; welcomes however the humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine during the ongoing warby Azerbaijan;
Amendment 351 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls the important coordination role played by Azerbaijan in multilateral organizations in relation to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas - according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) - 2022 was the deadliest year since 2006 for Palestinians residing in the occupied West Bank;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas EU funding includes a multiannual contribution to UNRWA,; whose workereas the agency continues to face very serious challenges in upholding its essential mandate and remains a critical lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions; whereas the Parliament continually supports and advocates for the Agency’s work to be continued;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the UN Committee against Torture called for justice and expressed regrets that the PA has so far failed to ensure accountability for Nizar Banat’s death;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas it remains the EU’s firm position that settlements, demolitions and evictions are illegal under international law; whereas the settlement policy has altered the demographic composition of the population in the oPt, with a more fragmented Palestinian population encircled by settlements and related infrastructure; whereas Israel treats the settlements as permanent and as its integral part, which is tantamount to de facto annexation; whereas this has severely undermined the possibility to establish a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution; whereas this is entrenching an undemocratic one-state reality of unequal rights, enduring occupation and conflict;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2022 calling on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give an opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) urge the PA to immediately release all political prisoners and drop all charges, call on a credible investigation into the killing of Nizar Banat that meet international standards and ensure that all those responsible for his death are held accountable;
Amendment 315 #
2021/2207(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r – point i (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r – point i (new)
i) support the ICC in its ongoing investigation of the situation in Palestine and the advisory opinion by the ICJ; express concern regarding the Israeli government’s decision to impose punitive measures against the Palestinian people, leadership and civil society following the request by the General Assembly of an advisory opinion by the ICJ;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the public consultation document of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development released on March 22 2022 entitled ‘Crypto-asset Reporting Framework and Amendments to the Common Reporting Standard’,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the use of new technologies in the EU single market and the digitalisation of tax administrations across Europe is transforming relations between citizens and companies, as taxpayers, along with national tax authorities, arend facilitating better compliance;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas tax authorities face many challenges nowadays regarding effective tax collection and cross-border cooperation, given the acceleration of digital transactions, the increasing mobility of taxpayers, the number of cross-border transactions and, the internationalisation of economic operations and business models and the design of complex aggressive tax planning schemes by an industry of enablers;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas new technological solutions, such as blockchain, can be used by tax administrations to better serve the needs of tax payers while such technologies can also be abused and serve as a vehicle for illicit activities, with the criminal intent to avoid paying taxes;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas tax administrations across Europe, within differentalthough to varying degrees, are taking important steps towards the digitalisation of processes, making tax compliance easier, faster and more effective; whereas the use of new technologies is significantly different between Member States; whereas national tax administrations, in general, need a further push to realise the potential in the field of technological and digital transformation;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the increasing use of crypto-assets is forcing tax administrations to adapt current taxing practices within the single market; whereas the crypto-asset market makes the identification of tax- relevant activities very difficult because it relies less on traditional financial intermediaries, who typically provide information for tax purposes;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there is an international effort and commitment to better regulate the fair taxation of the digital economy; whereas crypto-assets could be exploited to undermine existing international tax transparency initiatives, as recognised by the OECD; whereas, in this context, it is crucial that the EU take a leading role, namely on strong cooperation between Member States to tax, crypto-assets in a fair and transparent way, crypto-assets;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Union has already taken important steps towards a clear definition of crypto-assets and this definition must facilitate the fair and simple taxation of these assets; and whereas definitions of such crypto-assets must be highly aligned with international standards, namely with the Financial Action Task Force;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas certain fields of tax policy isremain a national competence, but strong cooperation and coordination between Member States is essential to respond to the challenges posed to the integrity of the single market, namely by the increasing the use of crypto-assetsn those fields is essential to mitigate distortions to the single market and prevent tax evasion and avoidance; whereas a framework of 27 significantly different approaches to crypto-assets taxation could lead to significant obstacles forto the fulfilment of the objectives of the European digital single market;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas crypto-assets are a fast- moving environment and policymakers are still at an early stage in considering their implications and elaborating the proper tax regime; whereas so far, the tax policy and evasion implications have been largely unexplored, although forming an important aspect of the overall regulatory framework;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that national tax administrations should be better equipped with the adequate resources to facilitate efficient tax collection, better serve taxpayers and ensure compliance and that, in the context of digital transition, this means proper commitment from Member States with investment in human resources training, digital infrastructures and specialised personnel and equipment;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that adapting the IT capacities of tax authorities through new emerging technologies, such as potential distributed ledger technologies like blockchain or artificial intelligence, promises to foster intelligent, effective and efficient tax and administrative procedures, facilitate tax compliance by citizens and businesses, and increase the traceability and identification of taxable transactions in a globalised environment where cross- border transactions have increased; asks the Commission to analyse and evaluate the possibility of implementing a tax on personal data storage in order to protect the European citizens’ privacy and to reduce the leverage of companies over consumers;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights, however, that the use of blockchain, AI and other digital tools by tax administrations is not without risks, which must be properly mitigated, notably to prevent violations of privacy and biased and discriminatory treatment of tax payers;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights in particular, the risks associated with data quality, notes in this regard that a permissioned blockchain, with controlled permission by intermediaries is crucial in the context of tax administrations and may help improve the integrity of the system as it allows tax information, among other data, to be shared in a secured environment;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to promote an assessment of the ways in which different Member States tax crypto- assets and of different national policies regarding the combafight against tax fraud and evasion in the field of crypto-assets, underlining best practices and potential loopholes, and taking advantage of cooperation platforms in the field of taxation, namely the Fiscalis programme;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Invites the Commission to evaluate the creation of a new platform for training and best-practice sharing between national tax authorities in the field of combatting against tax fraud and evasion in the digital economy, notably the use of crypto-assets; understands that this new platform could be integrated in current initiatives, such the Fiscalis programme;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the Commission to continue evaluating the operational impact and tax governance aspects of blockchain and other distributed ledger technology, notably through the Fiscalis programme;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines the potential of distributed ledger technology to make the withholding system more efficient in each country, but also to facilitate seamless procedures between different national systems and prevent fraudulent activity; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to take account of existing digital solutions in Member States, to assess how to leverage blockchain technologies to prevent tax evasion and avoidance, while fully respecting EU data protection rules;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that crypto-assets must be subject to fair, transparent and effective taxation, in order to guarantee a level playing field, prevent a race to the bottom and ensure fair competition between businesses in the area of financial services; understands that decisions on the taxation of crypto-assets lie with Member States, according to the Treaties; stands for an innovation-friendly environment in the digital single market, where entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups can thrive, generate growth, create jobs and contribute to economic recovery through tax revenues under an effective regulatory framework;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that each country tends to use their own terminology when designing their national regulatory solutions to crypto-assets, which could cause legal uncertainty for citizens and companies, and at the same time emerge as a threat to the integrity ofin advertently create loopholes, providing opportunities for tax abuse and avoidance in the European single market;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points out that the taxation of crypto-assets in cross-border situations is linked to several dimensions of tax policy and that currently such dimensions are distributed between national and European competences, but that the benefit of a common European approach is concentrated in instruments linked to administrative cooperation and corporate taxation;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Considers that it is necessary to have a clear, broadly accepted definition of crypto-assets for tax purposes ;underlines that this definition should be aligned with that of the MiCA regulation;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States to consider the dimensionspecificities of the use of crypto-assets in their national tax reforms, and to consider implementing more effective systems that ensure less compliance costs and administrative burden, but that guarantee, at the same time, the fair, transparent and effective taxation of crypto-assets; underlines the role of tax incentives and exemptions in promoting technological innovation and development;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls on Member States to align the tax treatment of crypto-assets with other policy objectives, notably the European Green Deal; highlights that crypto-assets based on proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain are energy-intensive and cause enormous amounts of pollution and damage to the environment; calls, in this regard, for Member States to determine higher taxation on certain crypto-assets, such as those which are based on proof of work blockchain, above and beyond the taxation of other financial instruments;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the crypto-asset landscape is global and requires an coordinated international approach; understands, in this regard, the need to further negotiate international instruments on the matter;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the Commission to elaborate a comprehensive list of major taxable events and income forms associated with crypto-assets, the tax consequences of a number of key operations such as issuance of crypto- assets; exchange with crypto-assets, fiat currencies and for goods and services including valuation; disposal via gift or inheritance; loss or theft etc;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Asks the Commission to assess how to fairly and effectively tax all crypto- assets users, whether they decide to use crypto-assets services providers or not;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls on the Commission to evaluate and determine to what extent crypto-assets fit within the existing tax framework, in order to promote clarity and certainty for taxpayers; takes the view that tax policy should be integrated within a sound regulatory framework for crypto- assets, and to be coherent with other policy aspects including tax transparency and legal, financial and consumer protection requirements;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that it is necessary to amend the scope of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation5 (DAC8) so that European legislators can further assess if other categories of income and assets such as crypto-assets are to be included; _________________ 5 Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation, OJ L 64, 11.3.2011, p. 1.the exchange of information framework in the field of taxation can include crypto-assets and e-money;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Asks the Commission to reevaluate whether the tax treatment of crypto-assets compared to the tax treatment of other assets is consistent and fair, especially regarding the VAT treatment of those assets, in order to enhance the level playing field between crypto-assets and traditional assets. While exchanges are often exempt or outside the scope of VAT, the treatment of mining, forging or other types of services, should be reviewed against the broader VAT framework for payment instruments and future VAT reforms;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and national public authorities to ensure that the use of blockchain technology can be further developsed in full compliance with the rules on the processing of personal data, onfundamental rights, cybersecurity and on anti-money laundering/combatting the financing of terrorism standards;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages the Commission to take account of existing digital solutions, legal provisions and administrative guidance used in Member States in order to assess how to leverage blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies and to prevent tax fraud and avoidance; supports the development of a European blockchain services infrastructure;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Asks the Commission to evaluate how to support improved tax compliance, taking into account the high volatility and fast moving values of crypto-assets, the lack of obvious translation into fiat currency in some cases, but also the challenge for tax administrations to obtain reliable and timely information on these transactions;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Considers that, insofar as the universe of cryptos is currently in full expansion and is not expected to stabilise in the near future, the necessary assessment of the situation should not prevent the European institutions from legislating on better supervision and better taxation of crypto-assets;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18 c. Points out the need for frequent reviewing and adapting of tax policy in order to be able to respond to the evolutions of the sector and to ensure that it remains relevant in the face of technological and market developments related to virtual currencies and other emerging asset-types;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the European Committee of the Regions Opinion (ECON-VII/015) to the European Commission Report of 7 July 2021on Competition Policy 2020 (COM(2021)0373),
Amendment 8 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 to empower the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market5,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
Amendment 10 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
- having regard to the Special Advisors Report on “Competition Policy for the Digital Era” commissioned by DG Competition, 1b __________________ 1bEuropean Commission, Directorate- General for Competition, Montjoye, Y., Schweitzer, H., Crémer, J., Competition policy for the digital era, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2763/407537
Amendment 11 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
Amendment 12 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 d (new)
Citation 8 d (new)
- having regard to the Final 1c Report for DG Justice on "Consumer vulnerability across key markets in the European Union"1d, __________________ 1cEuropean Commission, Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency, Consumer vulnerability across key markets in the European Union : final report, Publications Office, 2016, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2818/056024 1dEuropean Commission, Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency, Consumer vulnerability across key markets in the European Union : executive summary, Publications Office, 2017, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2818/165625
Amendment 13 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 e (new)
Citation 8 e (new)
- having regard to the “Online platforms and digital advertising” Market Study1e of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom, __________________ 1eCompetition and Markets Authority (CMA), "Online platforms and digital advertising market study", Market Study Final Report, 1 July 2020, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/m edia/5fa557668fa8f5788db46efc/Final_re port_Digital_ALT_TEXT.pdf
Amendment 14 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 f (new)
Citation 8 f (new)
- having regard to the Digital Advertising Services Inquiry Report1f of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), __________________ 1fAustralian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), "Digital advertising services inquiry", Final report, August 2021, https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Digit al%20advertising%20services%20inquiry %20-%20final%20report.pdf
Amendment 15 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the Communication (C(2021) 8838final) from the Commission on Guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons of December 9th 20217,
Amendment 17 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to Communication C(2021) 9817 final of December 21st 2021 from the Commission on the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy 2022 (CEEAG)10,
Amendment 19 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
- having regard to the joint motion for a resolution by the European Parliament on the climate, energy and environmental State aid guidelines (CEEAG) (2021/2923(RSP))of October 20th 2021,2a __________________ 2a Texts Adopted, P9_TA(2021)0441.
Amendment 20 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 c (new)
Citation 13 c (new)
- having regard to the European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) Special Report 24/2020 entitled "The Commission’s EU merger control and antitrust proceedings: a need to scaleup market oversight",
Amendment 29 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas one of the purposes of Union rules that seek to ensure that competition is not distorted in the internal market, is to increase the well-being2b of consumers, and that competition law and competition policy therefore have an undeniable impact on the specific economic interests of final customers who purchase goods or services as acknowledged by the General Court of the European Union Judgment of June, 7 2006 in Joined Cases T-213/01 and T- 214/01; __________________ 2bJoined Cases T-213/01 and T-214/01 Österreichische Postsparkasse and Bank für Arbeit und Wirtschaft v Commission [2006] ECR II-1601, para 115.
Amendment 31 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas one of the aims of the Union's competition rules is to protect competition in the market as a means of enhancing consumer welfare2c and of ensuring an efficient allocation of resources in accordance with the European Commission’s Guidelines on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty; __________________ 2c OJ C, 27.4.2004, p. 97, para. 33.
Amendment 33 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas EU competition policy must safeguard a fair labour market, including the digital labour market, with concrete actions to address existing and emerging challenges, such as skills gaps, inequalities in the workforce, and disparities between the functions of traditional and digital labour markets;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas EU competition policy must be adapted to address new vulnerabilities, as well as socio-economic and territorial inequalities and disparities identified across Member States, in order to preserve cohesion in the Single Market;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas EU competition policy must stimulate businesses to invest and deploy more advanced digital infrastructure and tools (e.g. cloud, microprocessors, artificial intelligence) and less polluting and more efficient manufacturing technologies;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Commission needs an appropriate and effective set of instruments to enforce competition rules, methods, and tools to adapt competition law enforcement and competition rules to the digital market and properly ensure their uniform implementation and full alignment with the Union’s environmental and social goals;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas digital markets are becoming more concentrated and demonstrate lower levels of investment in innovation and overall disruption as a consequence of deteriorating market dynamics and increased market power;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas EU competition rules and the enforcement thereof as regards digital markets have to be reassessed in order to appropriately address the borderless characteristic that defines digital markets;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas EU competition policy should be fit for the sustainable transition and should be aligned with the climate, energy, circularity, zero-pollution, and biodiversity goals and ambitions of the Union;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas international cooperation and new instruments such as the Foreign Subsidies Regulation are essential to ensure third countries are disincentivised from subsidising undertakings that are active in the Union, in line with the rules of the single market, which prohibit such practices for Member States and European businesses;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas competitive advantages may be established and unfair competitive practices may be employed, as a result of typically legitimate and highly sophisticated tax avoidance schemes, involving several jurisdictions;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas such tax schemes may be effective through EU based subsidiaries of non – EU legal entities, thus creating a competitive disadvantage of European entities within the single market;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas significant tax differences between Member States regarding digital service providers and digital market participants may result in creating unfair competitive advantages;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the EU should observe and closely monitor third countries’ and non-EU entities’ policies and practices, which directly or indirectly distort competition within the EU, and proceed with appropriate measures to prevent such policies and practices for the benefit of EU citizens and businesses;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic need to be adequately taken into account and addressed, and that the guiding principle should be the reasonable phasing out of specific support measuressolidarity, fairness, and the reasonable and progressive phasing out of specific support measures, when the economic situation allows it; stresses the need to avoid cliff-edge effects and avert an asymmetric recovery and risk of an even greater economic divergence within the single market; highlights that the future of the pandemic cannot be safely predicted;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that companies should respect international standards on social, economic and environmental well-being and climate change along its value chain, in line with OECD guidelines; calls on the Commission, in this light, to present a legal framework for a mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence instrument without delay;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to issue guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons; urges the Commission to clarify that collective agreements of solo self- employed persons fall outside the scope of competition law, while respecting existing collective bargaining systems and fundamental labour rights; calls for the broadest possible approach, in order to ensure access to collective bargaining for all solo self-employed workers, offline as well as online;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for the development of an effective system of well-adjusted and complementing regulatory and enforcement instruments fit for the digital economy, in light of the inherent differences of digital markets to traditional markets for which several competition rules and enforcement tools were initially drafted and provided so as to facilitate the digital and green transition;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for a synchronisation of EU competition law with the broader constitutional values and programmatic aims regarding sustainability, at the international, EU and national levels;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reaffirms the need for an in-depth review and effective implementation of existing competition instruments, and the adoption of new ones based on digital technologies fit for investigations in digital markets;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the need to adequately meet the new circumstances, increasing the effectiveness of the investigations through the use of new techniques stemming from computational means (big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning/deep learning) in competition law enforcement, considering in particular tailor-made solutions for competition law monitoring and enforcement in digital markets;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1 into national law in Member States, empowering national competition authorities (NCAs) to be more effective enforcers of competition policy; emphasises that NCAs’ strengthened investigation and decision-making capacities as well as sufficient levels of human and financial resources allow for a better enforcement of competition rules independently and impartially; recommends increasing the analytical capacity of NCAs to enable them to better address the complexities arising in the enforcement of competition law in digital markets; further recommends NCAs to collaborate on sharing of best practices and work together with other competent authorities taking a multi-disciplinary approach in breaking down enforcement silos as anti-competitive conduct may also break areas of data protection or consumer law;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of theNotes with appreciation the six month renewal of the temporary framework for State aid measures, which was established in response to the COVID- 19 crisis and is designed to accelerate the recovery; emphasises that the prolongation of the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis on several core industries with the emergence of new virus variants need be taken into consideration for possible future renewals of the temporary framework; reminds that State aid schemes are devised at the Member State level; is concerned with possible distortions to the cohesion of the internal market as a result of the temporary measures contributing to an uneven playing field with undertakings based in Member States with different spending power take advantage of the exceptional measures and the divergent fiscal spaces; urges the Commission monitor any such effects;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises that a smooth, timely, and proportionate exit from the Temporary State aid Framework is necessary to progressively reduce the flexibility granted under the temporary measures in alignment with the evolution of the COVID-19 crisis; reiterates that the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) are appropriate vehicles to accelerate the recovery of national economies; reminds that NRRP spending at the Member State level should incorporate European goals to deliver on the digital and green transitions; highlights the possible distortive effects to competition in national markets stemming from NRRPs pending should be monitored; calls on the Commission to maintain its coordinating role in ensuring that NRRPs are synchronised with the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); urges the Commission to closely monitor possible fragmentations of the European Industrial strategy stemming from diverging national industrial policies in order to deliver a coherent, sustainable, and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis; further calls on the Commission to introduce a post COVID-19 roadmap for targeted State aid in order to promote competitiveness and safeguard jobs, in particular in areas where employment levels are abnormally low;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates the importance of the Commission and the Member States launching a post-COVID-19 roadmap for better targeted State aid in order to promote competitiveness and growth and ensure high-quality jobs; calls on the Commission and Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap to tackle fragmentation, market distortions and a possible unlevelled playing field in the single market caused by Member States’ asymmetric application of State aid; further calls on the Commission to introduce guidance on the appropriate use competition policy tools to foster a recovery cantered on sustainable jobs and sustainable transition of market participants; recommends the roadmap encompassed an assessment on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on EU competition policy;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the need to take into account particularly the SMEs from rural and less developed areas in the post- COVID-19 roadmap which need to be provided access to wider markets and eliminate spatial problems resulting from geographical disadvantages, aiming to provide them with equal support, fair opportunities and a balanced development across the single market;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a new regulation on foreign subsidies in order to curtail potentially distortive effects on the single market, close the enforcement gap, and level the playing field for European companieall undertakings active in the internal market including non-EU undertakings by using EU competition law instruments and their key building blocks;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that national tax policies and measures can impact tax collection of other Member States and can have a distortive effect on both fair competition and investments in the single market; recalls that some Member States’ schemes taxing profits made in an international context at a lower rate than the national nominal rate or artificially lowering marginal rates risk putting SMEs at a competitive disadvantage;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Welcomes the adoption of the public country-by-country reporting (pCBCR) proposal in November 2021 and urges Member States to transpose the obligations into their national laws as soon as possible; looks forward to the Commission legislative proposal to extend corporate tax transparency to all countries where an undertaking or group of undertakings operates in, based on the methodology for calculating effective tax rates established under Pillar 2 of the OECD negotiations; repeats its call for a minimum effective corporate tax rate; welcomes the Commission’s “Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation”(BEFIT) proposal and calls on Member States to swiftly agree on an ambitious proposal for a European corporate tax rulebook;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates that limited access to relevant data may hinder participants’ entry into the market, and inhibit the overall rate of expansion and innovation in a given market; notes with concern that gatekeepers that develop a data advantage over rivals can achieve critical economies of scale therefore contributing to the further tilting of competitive balances in digital markets;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses that digital transformation is exacerbating the need for adaptation of competition policy and adjustments to the enforcement thereof; reminds that the characteristics of digital markets such as higher returns to scale and strong network externalities, particularly in the platform economy, enable incumbent market participants to establish advantageous competitive positions and create lock-in effect for categories of users; reminds that participants in the digital market can collect, store, process, combine, and accumulate vast amounts of data, and that differential access thereto may enable possible barriers to market entry and distortions to competition; highlights that data concentrations are increasingly relevant and appropriate identifiers for relevant markets and potential distortions to competition;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Takes note of the Commission’s opening of antitrust investigations into possible anticompetitive conducts in the online advertising technology sector; reminds that the investigations are aimed at assessing whether EU competition rules have been violated by favouring own online display advertising technology services in the ad tech supply chain, and for using advertising data gathered from advertisers to compete with them in the classified ads market; takes note of the CMA’s 2020 market study into online platforms and digital advertising, and the ACCC’s 2021 report of its inquiry into the markets for the supply of ad tech services and ad agency services; urges the Commission to build on the momentum and early indications of the recent antitrust investigations into possible anticompetitive conduct in the online advertising technology sector, and commence a market study of the sector in the EU to investigate issues that have an impact on competition, the functioning of the market, and consumer-specific issues such as choice, quality, safety, privacy, and information, as well as consumer understanding, behaviour and decision making;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the recent judgment by the General Court of the EU3 , which confirms the Commission’s assessment as regards a dominant market position and is proof and an example of the effective application of traditional EU competition rules in the context of a digital economy; notes with concern that Case T-612/17 started in November 2010, and that the digital market is a fast-moving market; emphasises the need for new instruments to respond more swiftly to actual or potential market dominance and the potential distortions to competition thereof, as well as any negative impacts on consumer welfare and choice they create; __________________ 3Judgment of the General Court of 10 November 2021, Google and Alphabet v Commission, T-612/17, ECLI:EU:T:2021:763.
Amendment 187 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses that the rise of exploitative and exclusionary practices such as self- preferencing, exploitation of upstream providers, and excessive data collection enables digital platforms to determine market dynamics and control the ecosystem; notes with concern that excessive data processing whether through direct or third-party tracking which is non-compliant with data protection and privacy legislation can be viewed as a form of quality degradation by dominant providers and negatively impact consumer welfare;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Reaffirms the need to redefine the concept of consumer welfare and well- being within the scope of application of EU competition law based on appropriate benchmarks, values and a range of variables that account for the impact thereto; emphasises that a novel concept of consumer welfare in competition policy should encompass sustainability, social progress and economic resilience goals to the same extent as the goals of effective competition; notes with concern that short-term consumer price effects are insufficient indicators of economic welfare and social progress; reminds that a price-centric approach to consumer welfare is incompatible with the zero monetary price norms in the digital ecosystem and where possible consumer harm may not be easily demonstrable in price and output effects;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Emphasises the importance of developing accurate and appropriate new theories of harm to take account of the evolution of business models and enforcing competition law thereto; calls on enforcement authorities and agencies to incorporate the intricacies of evolving business models when exploring novel theories of harm in order to avoid situations where infringement procedures may result in unintended consequences such as increased business uncertainty or possible chilling effects on competition;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Considers the introduction of the concept of consumer vulnerability in competition assessments an appropriate measure to adapt the enforcement of EU competition law to evolving market dynamics; emphasises that established concepts from consumer law can enable the creation of an intervention benchmark in competition cases; stresses that enhanced protection to vulnerable groups of consumers is pivotal in digital markets, where the information asymmetry between the consumer and the provider as regards data processing and analytic processes employed to influence consumption behaviour may result in exposure to vulnerability and increased switching costs for consumers; further considers that the identification of consumer vulnerabilities in competition assessments could provide relevant insights to assessing restrictive practices or designing consumer-facing remedies;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls the Council's call on the Commission to consider how to tackle distortive effects resulting from a participation of bidders using tax havens outside the EU for tax avoidance purposes, giving a potential unfair advantage to multinational companies participating in such activities3a; recalls the European Parliament’s call on the Commission to consider the development of certain conditions to be applied to corporations and aggressive tax planning enablers and facilitators in public procurement procedures3b; urges the Commission to evaluate whether current legal standards allow the exclusion of undertakings or groups of undertakings using tax havens to reduce their tax bill based on the possible exclusion of bidders based on their integrity; invites the Commission to provide legal clarity in the form of guidelines to its Public Procurement Framework in this regard; calls on national governments to integrate this in their national frameworks; __________________ 3aCouncil Conclusions: Public Investment through Public Procurement: Sustainable Recovery and Reboosting of a Resilient EU Economy (13352/20), 25 November 2020, General Secretariat of the Council, para. 20, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4 6905/st13352-en20.pdf 3b P9_TA(2021)0022, para. 23 - 26.
Amendment 218 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the Commission’s revised Climate, Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines (CEEAG) and its efforts to strengthen the 2014 guidelines and to aim for a higher level of environmental protection, which includes the decarbonisation of the energy sector; recalls the Union’s climate objective of reducing green house gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, as laid down in the European Climate Law, and the target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest; welcomes the increased focus on fighting climate change and reducing green house gas emissions in the draft CEEAG; maintains that environmentally sustainable State aid is key to meeting the EU climate, energy and environmental protection objectives, while ensuring a just transition;
Amendment 220 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Welcomes the new chapter in the CEEAG on aid for the closure of coal, oil shale and peat activities; underlines that the phasing out of coal is one of the most important drivers for decarbonisation and recalls that the European Parliament in its resolution of 20 October 2021 called for introducing clear safeguards on the phasing out of fossil fuels, and that these safeguards may include mandatory closure dates; recalls furthermore that this resolution states that state aid rules should not cause or contribute to lock-in effects of green house gas emissions or the creation of stranded assets, and asks the Commission to monitor and apply measures to avoid lock-in effects where possible, in a way that is fully in line with the Union’s climate objectives;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Welcomes European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Vestager’s remarks at the Conference of Europe Ministers of the German Länder on January 30, 2020 regarding the EU’s State aid rules for the future, enabling governments to support companies to decarbonise and electrify production4a; highlights that the results of the “fitness check” of the State aid rules confirms that adjustments would be necessary to align State aid rules with the objectives of the European Green Deal; __________________ 4aConference of Europe Ministers of the German Länder, Brussels, European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, "State aid and a green, digital future", 30 January 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissi oners/2019- 2024/vestager/announcements/state-aid- and-green-digital-future_en
Amendment 222 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18d. Reaffirms that individual State aid rules require further adaptation to be aligned with recent environmental and energy legislation, political and sustainability priorities, and developments in both technology and markets; emphasises that State aid rules should also be aligned with future challenges, in particular through the revision of the energy and environmental rules aimed at facilitating measures to further promote a modern decarbonised and circular economy;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18e. Welcomes the European Commission’s introduction of common assessment principles in a number of State aid guidelines to determine the compatibility of State aid with the internal market, including the proportionality test to ensure the consistent application of the rules; recommends that adjustments may be necessary to the common assessment principles to ensure that the objectives of the European Green Deal are met; notes with regret the Judgement of the European Court of Justice of September in case C-594/18 P, according to which the Commission did not have to take into account environmental protection principles in its State aid decision4b; calls on the Commission to update the common assessment principles and develop new guidelines on how sustainability considerations should be incorporated in the assessment of compatibility of aid to facilitate competitiveness based on high social and environmental standards; __________________ 4bCase C-594/18 Austria v Commission [2020] ECLI:EU:C:2020:742, para. 102.
Amendment 236 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Urges the Commission to accelerate its commitment to reviewing its notice on the definition of relevantthe notice on the definition of relevant market for the purposes of Community competition law (“Notice”); recalls that the Notice is an important tool the Commission uses in its enforcement of those rules to identify the boundaries of competition between companies; emphasises that the Notice needs to be updated to reflect technological change, the evolving market characteristics of the digital market ecosystem, multi-sided markets, the importance of data, and zero-price markets;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Is of the opinion that the accelerating speed of market entry and exit, and that of innovation, in combination with shorter innovation cycles, requires more dynamic analyses as regards market definition in digital markets; recalls that in dynamic market contexts, high market shares may not necessarily be indicative of market power as demonstrated by Case T-79/125a, and Commission decision in Case M.62815b; highlights that in digital markets where boundaries are becoming increasingly more blurred, ecosystem-specific aftermarkets may need to be defined where market players’ lock-in strategies are successful and consumers find it difficult to leave the ecosystem; __________________ 5aCase T-79/12, ECLI:EU:T:2013:635, para. 69. 5bCommission decision of 7 October 2011 in Case M.6281 Microsoft/Skype para. 78.
Amendment 243 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Emphasises that price is not an all-encompassing parameter for market definition in all cases in the digital economy; highlights that in zero-price markets, consumers access products and services in exchange for their data and are, in return, exposed to profiling and advertising where functionalities such as quality, privacy, data processing, and attention are more fitting parameters; reminds that the Small but Significant Non-transitory Increase in Price (SSNIP) is not the only method available to the Commission when defining the relevant product market; calls on the Commission to consider the Small but Significant Non- transitory Decrease in Quality (SSNDQ) method employed in Case AT.400995c as an alternative tool, where appropriate, for market definition in the review of the Notice; __________________ 5c Commission decision of 18 July 2018 in Case AT.40099, para. 263 - 267
Amendment 244 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Emphasises that technological means and the large amounts of personal data relevant for online personalisation and price discrimination are extensive, developing rapidly, and difficult to detect; recalls that online marketplaces, platforms, and social media may use data analytics and profiling techniques to improve the efficiency of advertising up to the level of individual consumers, personalise the ranking of the offers, or vary prices to reflect the cost of serving individual customers; reiterates that personalised pricing practices including but not limited to ranking and nudging may present a challenge for consumers and prevent them from getting the best deal on the market; calls on the Commission to further investigate the impact of personalised pricing and integrate this practice in the product dimension of the evidence relied on to define relevant markets in the review of the Notice;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Reaffirms that the possession of data which is not available to market entrants, and may result in a competitive advantage, can also lead to market dominance; notes with concern that the development of such dominance over market rivals can extend to adjacent markets where the possession of data may result in a competitive advantage in providing complimentary services; urges the Commission to coordinate the development of an analytical framework as regards access to data, and the sustainability of differential access to data, and provide guidance to competition authorities to objectively, and on a case- by-case basis, incorporate such assessments in measuring market power;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to review its merger and acquisition rules when it comes to assessing personal data; calls, in particular, on the Commission to fully consider and assess personal data assets as all other traditional physical assets when it decides on digital mergers and acquisitions; urges the European Commission to take a broader view when evaluating digital mergers and assess the impact of data consolidation; notes that the acquisition of targets with specific data resources can bring about a concentration in control over valuable and non-replicable data resources and result in better data access for the merging parties than for their competitors; stresses that data consolidation via mergers may strengthen a dominant position or allow the acquiring entity to leverage market power, and sometimes raise foreclosure concerns;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Considers in particular antitrust proceedings as too lengthy, slowing down much needed market corrections and consequently negatively impacting effectiveness of competition law enforcement, especially in the case of rapidly growing digital markets; calls therefore for faster antitrust proceedings and asks for cooperation on this not only from the Commission but also from the companies under investigation; condemns in that context that some companies under investigation artificially prolong investigations by systematically requesting prolongations of deadlines and by replying to requests for information only with substantial delays or by submitting ineffective proposals for commitments they would take;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Points out that while the level of fines that can be imposed by the Commission is amongst the highest in the world, nearly two-thirds of the fines imposed by the Commission in cartel cases since 2006 stayed below 0.99% of global annual turnover, thus well below the ceiling of 10% of a company’s annual worldwide turnover allowed; notes that while the ECA rightly points out that the amount of fines alone does not allow conclusions on whether they are effective deterrents, the ECA also underlines that the ceiling itself of possible fines can limit the deterrent effect in “serious cases”;
Amendment 110 #
Amendment 111 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Suggests that the Financial Regulation be revised to guarantee the appropriate implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which is a fundamental element of the EU. In order to contribute to the development of socially sustainable use of the EU budget through better awareness, on the part of beneficiaries, of the employment and social standards, a new mechanism integrating social dimension/conditionality concerns should be introduced; considers that such a mechanism should link full receipt of payments from the EU budget to the compliance of beneficiaries with basic standards concerning working and employment conditions for workers and occupational safety and health; considers that, for those beneficiaries of the EU Budget who do not comply with those requirements, Member States should ensure that proportionate, effective and dissuasive penalties are applied;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to Articles 12, 45, 49, 58, 63, 64, 65, 113, 115 and 116 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Tax Observatory's study "Revenue effects of the global minimum tax: country-by- country estimates"18a _________________ 18aEU Tax Observatory, 2021, "Revenue Effects of the Global Minimum Tax: Country-by-Country Estimates"
Amendment 6 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regards to the study ‘New forms of tax competition in the European Union: An empirical investigation’ published by the EU Tax Observatory on November 22 2021,
Amendment 14 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas some Member States have very high financial activity, notably passive income, in proportion to the size of the economy, which may be an indication that their legal system is used by multinationals for tax avoidance; whereas high flows of royalty, interest or dividend payments through a certain jurisdiction indicate that profits are being rerouted with the sole purpose of reducing the tax burden;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU Tax Observatory has estimated that the implementation of the G20/OECD agreement's Pillar II will lead to an immediate gain of EUR 63.9 billion in tax revenues for the 27 Member States;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas complex refund procedures increase the administrative burden for cross-border investments and may create an obstacle to market integratmarket fragmentation, thus representing an obstacle to the development of a proper Capital Markets Union;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the Commission has introduced non-binding measures to ease tax refund claim procedures in the past; whereas this is the case for the 2009 recommendation that outlined how EU Member States could simplify procedures for claiming cross-border withholding tax relief and which contained measures to eliminate the tax barriers that financial institutions faced in their securities investment activities, while at the same time protecting tax revenues against abuse; whereas, in 2017, the Commission also published a Code of Conduct which put forward new guidelines on withholding tax to help Member States reduce costs and simplify procedures for cross-border investors in the EU, whose application by Member States was voluntary;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the European Commission considers that the transposition of Pillar 2 of the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework on BEPS should pave the way for agreeing the pending proposal for recasting the IRD20a _________________ 20a Communication from the Commission to the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council "Business Taxation for the 21st Century"
Amendment 40 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas the Commission has pledged to propose a legislative initiative for introducing a common, standardised, EU-wide system for withholding tax relief at source, accompanied by an exchange of information and cooperation mechanism among tax administrations20b; whereas, in addition, the Commission has committed to assess the need for exchange of information and cooperation between tax authorities and financial markets supervisory authorities; _________________ 20bCommission Action Plan for Fair and Simple Taxation supporting the Recovery Strategy
Amendment 43 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas in its inception impact assessment on “New EU system for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax abuse in the field of withholding taxes”, the Commission outlines three options to ensure the proper functioning of the Capital Markets Union, to facilitate cross-border investment and to prevent tax abuse; whereas option 1 consists of improving withholding tax refund procedures to make them more efficient; whereas Option 2 determines the establishment of a fully-fledged common EU relief at source system; whereas Option 3 focuses on enhancing the existing administrative cooperation framework to verify entitlement to double tax convention benefits;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the cum-ex and cum-cum schemes both involve reclaims of dividend withholding tax to which the beneficiaries were not entitled and are estimated to have imposed a total cost to taxpayers of about EUR 55 billion between 2001 and 2012 in the 11 Member States concerned; whereas new revelations in 2021 concerning these practices estimate that they have cost 10 governments, including those of Germany, Spain, France and the US, a total of €141bn;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is pleased that 1367 countries and jurisdictions have supported the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework agreement on a two-pillar reform; regrets the fact that one Member State is not part of the Inclusive Frameworkwelcomes the European Commission's intention to put forward a legislative proposal for the implementation of Pillar II until the end of 2021; believes that the issue of putting a floor to tax competition in the area of passive income is part of the implementation of the international deal on minimum effective taxation;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is pleased that 1367 countries and jurisdictions have supported the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework agreement on a two-pillar reform; regrets the fact that onewelcomes that all Members State is not part of the Inclusive Frameworks committed to such international reform and is convinced this will ease and speed up implementation;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reminds that withholding taxes can be a defensive measure that Member States take against countries mentioned in the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes; recalls its request for the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal that contemplates coordinated defensive measures against listed countries, given that discretionary application by individual Member States is undermining this toolbox; highlights that the implementation of the G20/OECD agreement, notably Pillar II, must also be taken into account;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to give stronger weight to the implementation of recommendations addressing aggressive tax planning given its negative impact on tax revenues of neighbouring countries, particularly other Member States;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2097(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up a harmonised withholding tax framework that ensures that all dividend, interest and royalties payments flowing out the EU are taxed at a minimum effective tax rate; recalls its previous demand on the Commission to present a legislative proposal for an EU- wide withholding tax in order to ensure that profits generated within the Union are taxed at least once before leaving it20c; _________________ 20cEuropean Parliament resolution of 6 July 2016 on tax rulings and other measures similar in nature or effect (TAXE 2), para. 26
Amendment 87 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up a harmonised withholding tax framework that ensures that all dividend, interest and royalties payments flowing out the EU are taxed at a minimum effective tax rate; urges the Commission to include strong anti-abuse measures that prevents taxpayers to change their residence to third countries to avoid taxation at the border, by for instances including an exit tax on retained dividends as currently proposed in the Dutch parliament;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the proposal by 10 Member States to include an effective minimum tax rate for royalties and interest in the context of the IRD; urges the Council to swiftly resume and conclude the negotiations on the IRD and encourages the inclusion of such a measurean effective minimum tax rate on payments to third countries in the announced directive for the implementation of Pillar II;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the lack of an effective minimum tax rate on dividend payments to non-group shareholders has triggered a race to the bottom in this field; calls for the adoption of an effective minimum tax rate for dividend payments to non-group shareholders in the EU, thereby reducing harmful tax competition in this realm;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highlights the recent attempts by the Dutch government to scrap the withholding tax on dividend payments in order to appease the Royal Dutch Shell, which is proof not only of said race to the bottom environment, but also of the leverage that multinational corporations currently hold over tax policy of sovereign countries;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Encourages the Commission to review the signature status of the MLI among EU Member States to ensure compliance with global minimum standards; calls upon the Commission to include these MLI standards in the reform of the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and its criteria;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Encourages the Commission to review all tax treaties in force and signed by Member States with third countries to ensure compliance with new global standards; asks the Commission to release recommendations to Member States regarding their existing bilateral tax treaties to ensure that they include general anti-abuse rules;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Invites the Commission to assess the development of EU guidelines for the negotiation of tax treaties between an EU Member State and a developing country that would incorporate a minimum withholding tax on passive income at source to prevent base erosion of developing countries;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that in October 2018, an investigation disclosed that 11 Member States had lost up to EUR 55.2 billion in tax revenue as a result of cum-ex and cum- cum schemes, but that new estimates set the amount of loss of public revenue at much higher numbers, with these schemes continuing to take place;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the inquiry and final report by the European Securities and Markets Authority into cum-ex, cum-cum and withholding tax reclaim schemes, as requested by Parliament; calls on the Commission to propose measures to link tax reclaims to the underlying distribution of dividends, or tonotably through a unique identifier, and/or by entrusting a single entity in each Member State with responsibility for collecting the withholding tax and issuing the relevant tax certificate; to ensure that multiple tax reclaims over a single distribution cannot take place and that abuse of reclaim procedures is easily detected by tax administrations;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to propose measures to enhance cooperation and mutual assistance between tax authorities, financial market supervisory authorities and, where appropriate, law enforcement bodies regarding the detection and prosecution of withholding tax reclaim schemes; calls on the Commission, in particular, to propose legislation removing the current legal limitations for exchange of information between financial market supervisory authorities and tax authorities which was obtained through cooperation with other authorities within the EU, and to provide a legal basis for financial market supervisory authorities to exchange relevant information with tax authorities, notably to flag suspicious activities;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Highlights the importance of ensuring that financial market supervisors are mandated to use transaction reporting data and other regulatory information they receive not only to detect market abuse and short selling violations but also to detect financial crime in a broader sense, and WHT reclaim schemes; calls on the Commission to include this mandate in forthcoming reviews of EU legislation on the regulation of financial markets;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that Directive (EU) 2018/822 (DAC 6) introduced mandatory disclosure rules for cross-border arrangements, creating obligation on intermediaries to report potentially harmful tax arrangements; calls on the Commission to evaluate to what extent these rules have contributed to revealing harmful tax arrangements such as cum-cum and cum- ex schemes and to what extent they have had a deterrent effect;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2097(INI)
13 a. Notes that labour experiences a higher tax burden than capital; questions the favourable Union treatment of capital over labour, such as the free movement of capital; is concerned that the free movement of capital is misused in situations involving third countries and aggressive tax planning; is of the opinion that misusing this freedom by means of tax avoidance causes damage to the internal market; calls upon the Commission to protect the integrity of the internal market and tax bases of EU Member States against tax avoidance, by putting forward a proposal to the Council to withdraw the free movement of capital to taxpayers residing in jurisdictions that are listed on the EU list of non- cooperative tax jurisdictions as defensive measure;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Reiterates its call for DAC 6 to be strengthened in order to require the mandatory disclosure of dividend arbitrage schemes and all information on capital gains, including the granting of dividend and capital gains tax refunds;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Requires that such proposal addresses the need for a harmonised implementation that should cover tax treaties between Member States; calls on the Commission to develop an EU tax treaty model which could be used by Member States in their bilateral agreements with third countries;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Encourages the development of a harmonised EU procedure for withholding tax refunds for all Member States, thereby addressing the concerns about regulatory discrepancies; highlights that such harmonisation would be particularly helpful for retail investors, who are often deterred from completing refund procedures due to excessive burden caused by said discrepancies, thus improving the level playing field;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Points out that the Commission estimates costs related to withholding tax refund procedures, foregone tax relief and opportunity costs to be EUR 8.4 billion per year; highlights that such issues can particularly impact pension funds and collective investment funds (CIF), which are often unable to obtain their lawful treaty relief; notes that developing a register listing all pension funds and CIFs entitled to treaty relief could provide a reliable reduction of unwarranted withholding taxes in the short-term;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. NReckons that repayments of withholding taxes remain predominantly a paper driven process, which is not only slower and more burdensome for taxpayers, but also more prone to fraud; notes that digitalising these procedures and improving cooperation between national tax administrations could reduce the administrative burden and uncertainty in cross-border investments;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 167 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of the option to establish an EU system for relief at source; highlights that a move towards this type of system cannot be detrimental to the fight against tax abuse; stresses that, in all circumstances, compliance by the destination state with the agreement reached by the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework, or with the equivalent EU legislation implementing said agreement, must be a prerequisite for relief at source;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Takes note of the OECD Treaty Relief and Compliance Enhancement (TRACE) initiative, which empowers authorized intermediaries to reclaim withholding tax claims on portfolio investments; reminds that only one Member State has implemented TRACE; encourages others to assess the results, both in terms of administrative burden reduction, impact on tax revenue and fraud risks;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas the outermost regions and islands have the potential to help ensure a sustainable future for Europe in strategic sectors such as clean energy, biodiversity and ecotourism;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Regrets the EU’s lack of vision for European islands, bearing in mind the major importance of these regions for the EU in expanding its geopolitical, economic and geoenvironmental sphere of influence;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses the growing impact of desertification in the islands of the European Union;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that many islands have a fragile environment and endemic marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and that the development of tourism, in particular on certain Mediterranean islands, is further increasing the pressure; calls for a strengthening of biodiversity protection and restoration capacities, the promotion of sustainable tourism, sustainable fisheries and seabed research; calls on the Commission to assess the impact of climate change on islands;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that islands are on the front line of climate change, particularly with rising water levels and the warming of seas and oceans; notes with concern the risks associated with overfishing and marine and coastal pollution; calls, in the context of the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, for specific support for islands, to combat and adapt tohis being essential to make them suitably adaptable, resilient and foresighted in the face of climate change;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets, particularly water resources; calls, in this context, on the Commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges and high cost connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy, which must be extended to encompass the collection and economic recycling of marine waste;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all European islands through the phasing out of fossil fuels and measures to increase the potential of sustainable and renewable energies;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that the sustainable management and conservation of agricultural and forest land play an essential role in containing the increasingly frequent natural disasters caused by climate change;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life, support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted, especially in the health sector;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses the importance of encouraging local initiatives through support for all manufacturing companies, especially micro and small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); emphasises the need for innovative, sustainable and resilient investment;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the need for increased support for the sustainable development of island agriculture and aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, crafts and the blue economy, including through European cooperation programmes; calls on the Commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stresses that the blue economy sectors, in particular fisheries and aquaculture, play a crucial role in island communities and can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote nature-based solutions and improve the use of marine and aquatic resources;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls, therefore, on the Commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands, supporting innovatory pilot projects to promote more ecological and digital solutions in line with European Green Deal objectives, and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that culture and development of the cultural sector in islands are fundamental; considers that islands’ cultural and linguistic identities should be protected and promoted as they contribute to their enhancement, and that of the entire EU, on many levels;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers it necessary to shorten distribution chains in order to reduce emissions from the transport of raw materials and promote the circular economy, this being of great importance in making island regions more competitive and self-sustaining;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the need for EU islands to participate in all Erasmus+ initiatives so as to encourage close cooperation, mobility and exchanges of knowledge between education, research and technological innovation institutions, businesses, individual citizens, etc.;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Stresses the need to ensure the digital connectivity of islands, in line with the European digital agenda, as a tool for economic development and equal opportunities;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for the development of sustainable and less pollutant transport in island countries and regions to be fostered, thereby promoting alternatives to fossil fuels, and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity and cohesion of all islands through maritime and air transport, to reduce the costs of both passenger and goods transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the Commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the Connecting Europe Facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of improving the health infrastructure on European islands and of mobilising the necessary funds to offset delays in the provision of health care;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
20a. Believes it necessary to introduce a transport policy fully tailored to the realities of life in the islands and outermost regions, with measures that take into account their insularity, lack of connectivity and dependence on ports and airports;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the Commission to set up a European Institute for Disadvantaged Territories to collect reliable, aggregated and current data at all administrative levels;
Amendment 198 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Stresses the need for a more flexible approach to ensure the more effective deployment of European funding in island territories and ORs, without compromising the relevant quality standards and monitoring procedures;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of Article 174 TFEU and to build on that article to create a European strategy for islands that is in line with local needs and realities on the ground and takes into account the specific features of each of the EU’s sea basins; calls on the Commission to carry out a study on the situation of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for an Islands Pact to be drawn up and implemented with the participation of the principal stakeholders, namely national, regional and local authorities, economic and social operators, civil society, academia and non-governmental organisations, along the lines of the Urban Pact and the future Rural Pact;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Emphasises that dialogue with and between island communities is essential to foster proximity to the European project, build bridges between cultures, stimulate interest in decision-making processes and promote the construction of the European Union itself;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Stresses that respect for the well- being and dignity of the individual should be at the heart of any response to migration flows and that the Action Plan should accordingly adopt an integrated and articulated approach to the management thereof, based on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regards to the Communication From The Commission To The European Parliament And The Council, 'An Action Plan For Fair And Simple Taxation Supporting The Recovery Strategy' COM(2020) 312 final,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
Amendment 8 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
— having regards to country-specific recommendations and Commission’s assessments of the substance of the recovery and resilience plans in the framework of the European Semester and the Recovery and Resilience Facility,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 d (new)
Citation 3 d (new)
— having regards to the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council Meeting on 1 December 1997 concerning taxation policy - Resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 1 December 1997 on a code of conduct for business taxation - Taxation of saving,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 e (new)
Citation 3 e (new)
— having regards to the Code of Conduct Group's (Business Taxation) Overview of EU Member States' preferential tax regimes examined since the creation of the COCG in March 1998 (8602/1/20 REV 1),
Amendment 14 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 f (new)
Citation 3 f (new)
— having regards to its resolution of 7 October 2021 on reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group),
Amendment 24 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the issue of harmful tax practices iwas debated in the report of its Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of 21 July 2021Parliament's resolution on reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group);
Amendment 30 #
2021/2074(INI)
B. whereas although tax policy largely remains a Member State responsibility, the single market requires a minimum degree of coordination in setting tax policy1 whereas national measures impact tax collection of other Member States and can have a distortive effect on both fair competition and investments; _________________ 1 As laid down in Articles 110-118 TFEU.
Amendment 34 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas tax policy fragmentation creates various obstacles for companies and citizens in the single market, including legal uncertainty, red tape, the risk of double taxation and difficulties claiming tax refunds; whereas these obstacles discourage cross-border economic activity in the single market; whereas policy fragmentation also creates risks for tax authorities such as double non-taxation and arbitrage possibilities (such as aggressive tax planning); whereas some tax loopholes between Member States legislations, or between Member States and third countries, have been exploited as tax avoidance schemes;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas within the EU’s social market economy, adequate tax levels and simple and clear tax laws should not distort economic actors’ decision-making; whereas sound tax policies should support the creation of jobs and economic growthfulfilment of policy objectives stated in Art. 3 of the TEU, including full employment, sustainable growth, social progress and improve the competitiveness of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the weighted average statutory corporate income tax rate in OECD countries has declined from 46.52 % in 1980 to 25.85 % in 2020, representing a 44 % reduction in the past 40 years;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the overall level of taxation (understood as taxes and compulsory actual social contributions) differs considerably between Member States, as demonstrated by the fact that the tax-to-GDP ratio varied between 22.1 % in Ireland and 46.1 % in Denmark in 20192 ; whereas on aggregate, the tax burden in the EU (40.1 %) is high even wheer than csompared toe other advanced economies (the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average was 34.3 % in 2018); _________________ 2Commission Annual Report on Taxation 2021, p. 24.
Amendment 56 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas some MNEs have market values above Member States’ GDP and are thus as economically resourceful as some Member States;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas many business models do not require physical infrastructure in order to carry out transactions with customers and make profits, allowing some multinational digital companies to pay taxes of close to zero on their revenue made in the EU; whereas these companies have a massive impact on EU consumers and the internal market but contribute close to nothing to Member States' public revenue;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS agreed on a two- pillar reform of the international tax system to address the challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, including a minimum effective corporate tax rate of 15 %;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that differences in national tax regimes present obstacles to SMEs trying to operate across borders; stresses that compared to multinational enterprises, SMEs have fewer resources to spend on tax compliance and tax optimisationwhile MNEs can engage into aggressive tax planning; points out that the share of expenditure used for tax compliance purposes is higher for SMEs than for multinational enterprises; recalls that some Member States has developed schemes that would tax profits made in an international context at a lower rate than the national nominal rate, thus putting SMEs at a competitive disadvantage3a; _________________ 3a https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/IP_19_5578
Amendment 104 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that MNEs are the economic entities benefiting the most from the economic advantages of the Single Market; considers it essential to restore fair competition between SMEs and MNEs and therefore requests the Commission to assess the feasibility of a Single Market Levy;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recognises the positive impact of the Country Specific Recommendations in fostering needed tax reforms in those Member States that received recommendation on aggressive tax planning such as reforms on conditional withholding taxes on royalty and interest payments in case of abuse or payments to low-tax jurisdictions; regrets that some Member States have not yet,addressed the CSR on tax;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Considers the CSR on tax a powerful tool; understands that in the Framework of the Resilience and Recovery plan, the Commission is also assessing how Member States intend to tackle aggressive tax planning; however regrets the disappearance of the assessment of Member States' tax features that can facilitate aggressive tax planning;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the ideal level for tax policy coordination is on the international stage through the G20/OECD; notes that EU tax proposals based on international agreements have historically been more likely to be adopted by the Council; urges the Commission and Member States to work together and ensure the transposition into EU law of the Inclusive Framework agreement on the two Pillars as announced by the President of the Commission in its State of the Union Letter of Intent 2021; recognises that the economic integration of the EU requires more coordination than other economic areas; notes that when translating the BEPS 15 Action of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project from OECD/G20, the EU went further in adding Controlled Foreign Company Rules into the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the ideal level for tax policy coordination is on the international stage through the G20/OECD; notes that EU tax proposals based on international agreements have historically been more likely to be adopted by the Council; encourages, in that regard, Member States to push for similar international agreements that address the race to the bottom environment in capital gains taxes and personal income taxes for highly mobile individuals;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the ideal level for tax policy coordination is on the international stage through the G20/OECDmanaged to achieve significant results in recent years; notes that EU tax proposals based on international agreements have historically been more likely to be adopted by the Council;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes the withdrawal of the proposal for a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base; urges the Commission to put forward a detailed proposal of a single corporate tax rulebook for the EU in the framework of BEFIT;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that digitalisation and a heavy reliance on intangible assets that pose challenges to the current tax system warrant a high degree of policy coordination; deplornotes the fact that some Member States have pressed ahead with the introduction of national digital taxes despite ongoing negotiations at EU and OECD levels; stresses that these national measures should be phased out following the implementation of an effective international solution; reminds that the EU agreed to a digital levy as part of the own resources to finance the Next Generation EU recovery instrument and urges the Commission to come forward with alternative proposals that will be compatible with the international commitment;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deplores the debt equity bias in corporate taxation that allows for generous tax deductions on interest payments, while equity financing costs cannot be deducted in a similar manner; highlights the structural disadvantage facing companies that rely on equity financing, which are oftenespecially if they are young and small companies with poor access to credit;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that debt equity bias varies considerably between the Member States; welcomnotes the fact that some Member States have introduced allowances for corporate equity to address this issue; stresses that a common European approach would be preferable in order to avoid distortions in the single market; recalls that part of such allowances for corporate equity have proven to be exploited as tax loopholes allowing MNEs to artificially deduct national interests; stresses that a common European approach would be preferable in order to avoid distortions in the single market; reminds that such bias can be tackled by either allowing for new deduction of costs related to equity financing or by reducing the interest deduction possibilities; recalls the Parliament’s proposal to limit the deduction of exceeding borrowing costs to up to 20 % of the taxpayer's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) while the Council adopted a higher threshold of up to 30%1a; recalls that, according to the OECD, a ratio of 30 % may be too high to be effective in preventing base erosion and profit shifting1b; _________________ 1aEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 8 June 2016 on the proposal for a Council directive laying down rules against tax avoidance practices that directly affect the functioning of the internal market (COM(2016)0026 – C8- 0031/2016 – 2016/0011(CNS)) 1b OECD, Public Discussion Draft BEPS ACTION 4: INTEREST DEDUCTIONS AND OTHER FINANCIAL PAYMENTS, 2014
Amendment 160 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Looks forward to the Commission’s proposal for a debt equity bias reduction allowance5 ; urges the Commission to incorporate strong anti-avoidance provisions to avoid any allowance on equity to be used as a new tool for base erosion; _________________ 5Commission communication of 18 May 2021 on business taxation for the 21st century (COM(2021)0251).
Amendment 165 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the effective marginal tax rate (EMTR) is often a decisivecan be a factor for corporations making investment decisions, together with the quality of infrastructure, the availability of an educated, healthy workforce, and stability13a; notes that there is considerable variation in the EMTR across Member States; invites the Commission to look into whether some Member States are distorting competition by artificially lowering their EMTR, e.g. through accelerated depreciation schedules or adjusting the tax deductibility of certain items;, and to communicate its results to the Parliament; _________________ 13a Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2019
Amendment 166 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the effective marginal tax rate (EMTR) is often a decisive factor for corporations making investment decisions; notes that there is considerable variation in the EMTR across Member States; invites the Commission to look into whether some Member States are distorting competition by artificially lowering their EMTR, e.g. through accelerated depreciation schedules or adjusting the tax deductibility of certain items; highlights that, under Art. 116 TFEU, market distortions caused by national legal provisions can be eliminated through an ordinary legislative procedure;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights that tax incentives for private research and development (e.g. via tax credits, enhanced allowances or adjusted depreciation schedules) can help to lift an economy’s overall spending towards research and development, which often comes with positive externalities; is concerned, however, that certain types of tax incentives such as patent box / intellectual property box regimes do little to increase research and development spending and may actually distort the single market; recommends incentives that target input of innovation rather than output, meaning incentives that are costs- based and not profit-based;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that further harmonisation regarding tax incentives for research and development spending may be warranted; notes that that this was part of the Commission’s initial common corporate tax base proposal; deplores the fact that the topic was not addressed in the recent communication on business taxation for the 21st century; demands the Commission to propose guidelines on tax incentives that are not distortive for the Single Market, notably by favouring incentives that are cost-based, limited in time, regularly assessed, and repealed in case of no positive impact, limited in geographical scope and rather partial than full exemptions;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 190 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Asks the Commission to follow up and monitor new national tax reforms or measures implemented as a result of the pandemic to sustain the economy, especially those measures that were not temporary;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note ofWelcomes the Commission’s ongoing work on an EU taxation scoreboard and calls on the Commission to inform Parliament about its political intentions a; recommends the possible financial implications of this systemrecourse to economic indicators that will allow for the identifications of distortion of the Single Market, such as the levels of FDI, royalties and interests payments; suggests that such work allows for the establishment of enhanced country specific recommendations to Member States that would help ensure well coordinated tax policies across the EU;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2074(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the Commission’s ongoing work on an EU taxation scoreboard and calls on; highlights that such tool must contribute to the fight against tax competition; urges the Commission to inform Parliameduly take into abccount its political intentions and the possible financial impthe massive public revenue losses imposed by national tax policies that are facilictations of this systemng tax avoidance;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to Article 13(3) ofthe Council Decision of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service1 (hereinafter EEAS Decision), and in particular its Articles 9 and 13(3), which laid down that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy had to carry out, by mid-2013, a review of the organisation and functioning of the EEAS, covering, inter alia, the implementation of Articles 6(6) and 6(8) on geographical balance, accompanied, if relevant, by a legislative proposal amending the Decision, _________________ 1 OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30.
Amendment 13 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Treaties clarify that the role of the European External Action Service (EEAS) is to assist the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission and work in cooperation with the diplomatic services of the Member States4 ; whereas the EEAS shall be consulted by the Commission on matters related to the external action of the EU in the exercise of its functions; _________________ 4 Article 27(1) TEU.
Amendment 29 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU needs to keep moving forward towards an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, led by a EU diplomatic service which is determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas it is of utmost importance to strengthen the EU’s International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy as bridges to promote mutual understanding and relations worldwide, and which have become a useful diplomatic tool for the EU and a fundamental part of its soft power;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2065(INI)
C c. whereas geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
C d. whereas it is necessary to strengthen the Union’s External Action and the EEAS with own, autonomous and permanent EU instruments and resources in foreign affairs, human rights protection and promotion, and security and defence in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player, as well as to be able to better pursue and achieve its objectives and defend its values worldwide;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the structure of the EEAS should be reformed in order to achieve a common EU diplomatic culture, using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the EEAS, the Commission, the Council and the structures of the Member States;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas it is fundamental for the EU's External Action coherence and effectiveness to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided both by the Treaties and the inter-institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union; is concerned by the fact that this lack of clarity can also appear through all the EU institutional apparatus concerning its external action in the relations and coordination among the different actors in this regard as, for instance, between the EEAS and the Commission;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ascertain the HR/VP leading role as a bridge builder between the CFSP and EU external relations with the aim of ensuring the highest level of coordination and coherence in EU external action, including in its close cooperation with the College of Commissioners in order to coordinate the external dimension of the EU internal policies, and reinforce coordination of the external action of Member states;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) revisupdate the EEAS Decision with a view to increasing the leverage of the EEAS, strengthening it, sharpening its tools and increasing its legitimacy; stresses that the abovementioned updating of the EEAS Decision should aim at reinforcing its autonomy from an EU perspective, as well as at a strengthened structure and increased resources;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) increase leverage by introducing qualified majority voting for certain foreign policy areas, such as human rights and the protection of international law, and for imposing sanctions, in order to increase the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign policy; stresses that even under this QMV, there should be an aim at reaching the largest consensus, and if possible unanimity; explore other options that could be implemented in the meantime such as introducing an “obligation of result”, requiring Member States to remain under discussion of a specific issue until a decision is taken;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) sharpen the tools by developing own, autonomous and permanent EU instruments in its External Action and aligning all external action with the Treaties, which state that the EU must achieve an ever- increasing degree of convergence of Member States’ actions, which requires that the EEAS be given a clearer role in proposing policy development so that policies conducted, defined and implemented on the basis of mutual political solidarity among the Member States can be formed;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) promote the joining of forces among mature democracies and international and regional organisations by uniting them under a global human rights league in order to address threats and promote human rights worldwide; stresses that mature democracies and alike-minded partners should adopt a defiant and public attitude reaffirming our commitment to defend the universality of human rights and the Rule of Law
Amendment 95 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(e b) fully support EU Delegations engagement and activeness on human rights protection and promotion in third countries; ensure that Member States and their embassies are also fully engaged and prioritise human rights protection and promotion, which should not be conducted only by EU Delegations in general;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
(e c) bring forth sound proposals on how to achieve and guarantee an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) integrapromote fully the ‘more for more’ principle into relations with third countries, whereby the EU will develop stronger partnerships with those that share the CFSP’s principles and the fundamental values of the Union;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) adapt the structure of the EEAS toconsolidate the reorganization developments within the EEAS and develop strategic priorities, namely in the field of the new enlargement policies, cyber and hybrid threats and disinformation, the development of defence instruments and other emerging challenges, and allocate resources according to priorities and non-priorities identified;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) ensure the possibility for the EEAS to select and recruit their permanent EU diplomatic staff; develop a system for career development for EU Diplomats and officials within the EEAS in order to have balanced management posts in the EEAS;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2065(INI)
(h b) assess the problems originated by the temporary secondment of Member States' diplomats to the EEAS who later return to their national diplomatic services;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ensure that the financial resources available match the level of ambition and support the operative flexibilities needed in order to react in real time to emerging geopolitical challenges; guarantee the full compliance of Article 9 of the EEAS Decision which enshrines that the HR/VP shall ensure the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the EU external action, in particular through the external assistance instruments;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Sharpening the tools and strengthening the toolbox
Amendment 148 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) convert the EU delegations into genuine EU embassies, with one clear chain of command to its staff, including Commission officials, led by the EU ambassador, to each given country, in close coordination with the EEAS headquarters;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(k a) ensure a fairer geographical balance among Member States across all levels within the EEAS in filling, in particular, management posts and those of Heads of EU Delegations;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(k b) continue the efforts to achieve a better gender balance at all levels within the EEAS, including the management posts and Heads of Delegations;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) establish the consular function in EU embassies in third countries in order to be able to helpassist EU citizens, including in times of crisis;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(l a) promote the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EEAS on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; improve the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Amendment 168 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) establish ansupport the EU Crisis Response Centre with the task of coordinating the response of EU embassies and the services they offer to EU citizens in times of crisis;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) taskinvite the EEAS with preparing a revisionto assess the convenience of an update of the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy of 2016;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) adapt the organisation of the EEAS and the corresponding Commission services to new strategic needs without further delay, starting with the Arctic as well as climate and digital diplomacy;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(q a) develop a EU instrument that embodies a cultural face of the Union worldwide through a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on a frame of cultural cooperation and co-creation, actively involving civil society and cultural sectors of third countries; stresses that this instrument could aim to promote the EU worldwide, provide EU assistance on capacity building, as well as financial, to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society; underlines that this instrument should include the protection of cultural heritage abroad in EU external action, the promotion of intercultural dialogue, mobility of artists and cultural professionals between the EU and third countries, and the fight against disinformation; highlights that this toolbox should collaborate closely and draw experience from EUNIC, as well as alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) promote common training and other concrete measures from an EU perspective for the consolidation of an esprit de corps common EU Diplomatic culture among EEAS staff who have differing diplomatic, cultural, strategic and institutional backgrounds, and to provide joint training initiatives for EEAS staff and national diplomats as part of their continuous professional development;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(s a) continue fostering close cooperation and exchange of best practices between the EEAS and the diplomatic services of the Member States in the field of learning and development, with a view to further contribute to a unified image of the EU in external relations;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) support fully and develop the pilot project ‘Towards a European Diplomatic Academy’, which has been extended by one year in order to establish these functions within permanent organisational structures; ensure the establishment of a permanent structure for the European Diplomatic Academy, which should focus on different target groups concerning its future participants; considers in this view that even if in its initial phase the Academy could focus on the professional specialization of national diplomats, it should not be ruled out in the future a system of selection, recruitment and training of Europeans who are not Member States’diplomats and have completed a higher education; determine ways of access to the EEAS for those graduating from the European Diplomatic academy and for them to have the possibility to become a permanent part of its staff;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
(t a) ensure that sufficient resources, including human resources, are allocated toward the abovementioned project, in order to ensure effective and timely implementation, also with regard to the work towards a permanent structure of the European Diplomatic Academy;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) increase Parliament’s access to documents, as a better formal exchange of information will improve cooperation and understanding between the institutions; update the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 November 2002 between the European Parliament and the Council concerning access by the European Parliament to sensitive information of the Council in the field of security and defence policy5 ; promote the strengthening of the framework of inter-institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations, through a framework agreement on strengthening External Action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament, which could enhance parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen the EU’s own toolbox for External Action; _________________ 5 OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 1.
Amendment 19 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to the ECB economy-wide climate stress-test of September 2021,
Amendment 52 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas 150 banks (<10% of total banks) account for 30% of total exposures to climate transition risks and physical risks and account for 60% of total emissions in the Eurozone; whereas, without orderly and rapid action on climate change, these banks suffer significant transition risks and would be five times more vulnerable than other banks to defaults in their portfolio as a result of climate change;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the main physical risks identified in the ECB's economy-wide climate stress test are the risks of wildfires, which is unequally distributed in the Eurozone; whereas transition risks due to exposures in high-emitting industries are more equally spread in the Eurozone;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas current price-increases due to gas shortages indicate the importance of the environmental transition to maintain price stability;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the ECB’s substantially eased monetary policy stance in response to the COVID-19 crisis, which includes the introduction of the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP), the relaxation of the eligibility and collateral criteria and the offer of new longer-term refinancing operations; acknowledges the positive impact of this response on the economic situation of the euro area; expects that the ECB will retain its support as long as it is needed; welcomes, moreover, the ECB’s decision to maintain instruments, such as forward guidance, asset purchases and longer-term refinancing operations, as an integral part of its toolkit;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the ECB to study the possibility of using unconventional policy measures that have the potential to better fulfil inflation targets;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the ECB’s decision on a new symmetric inflation target of 2 % over the medium term and its commitment to maintain a persistently accommodative monetary policy stance in order to meet its inflation target; notes with concern that inflation rose to a decade-high 3 % in August 2021; calls on the ECB to evaluate and address this upwardreminds that inflation remained well below the 2% target for several years in the recent past; calls on the ECB to closely monitor these trends and its consequences more attentively;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Considers that the ECB needs to use all of the tools at its disposal in order to fight and mitigate climate related risks for our economy including a greening of its portfolio assets and of its refinancing operations;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Considers that in its current form, the principle of market neutrality doesn't factor in negative externalities; deems that this therefore goes against the Treaty principle to ensure an "efficient allocation of resources" and excessively favours high-emitting sectors; Calls on the ECB to review its principle of market neutrality as soon as possible and replace it with a market efficiency principle that ensures the efficient allocation of resources over a long-term horizon;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Regrets the fact that green bond issuance in the EU represents only 2.6 % of the EU’s total bond issuance, but welcomes the creation of an EU Green Bond Standard as a way to increase the EU's dominance in this market; calls on the ECB to support the EU Green Bond Standard by creating space for their purchase in its asset portfolio;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Considers additional capital requirements and concentration limits for exposures to high emitting sectors an effective way to address the significant transition risks found in the ECB's economy-wide climate stress test;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Calls on the ECB to explore ways of strengthening the international role of the euro; notes that making the euro more attractive as a reserve currency will further enhance its international use; stresses that the creation of a well- designed European safe asset could facilitate financial integration and help mitigate the negative feedback loops between sovereigns and the domestic banking sectors;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2063(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Underlines that strengthening the role of the euro requires the deepening and completion of the European economic and monetary union, including the creation of instruments of the nature of Next Generation EU, which enhance the EU budget;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 27 May 2020 entitled ‘Europe’s moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)456),
Amendment 3 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 27 May 2020 entitled ‘Identifying Europe’s recovery needs’ (COM(2020)456),
Amendment 4 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 6 June 2021 entitled ‘European Parliament’s Scrutiny on the ongoing assessment by the Commission and the Council of the national recovery and resilience plans’,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 4 March 2021 entitled ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’ (COM(2021)102),
Amendment 8 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to the Porto Social Commitment of 7 May 2021 of the Council, the Commission, the Parliament and social partners,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 17 September 2020 entitled ‘Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021’ (COM(2020)0575),
Amendment 11 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
– having regard to the interinstitutional agreement of 16 December 2020 on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources (P9_TA- PROV(2020)0358),
Amendment 19 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic, employment, social and budgetary policies in the Member States; notes that the Semester, has been expanded to include, among other aspects, issues related to the financial sector and taxation, as well as objectives of the UN SDGs; notes that in order to further strengthen economic and social resilience, the EU must deliver on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas according to the Commission’s Summer forecasts, the GDP growth rate for 2021 stands at 4.38 % of GDP per capita in the euro area andand for 2022 at 4.25 % in both the EU 27, and is expected to rise to 4.4 % respectieuro area; whereas differences across countries in the pace of the recovelry in 2022from the crisis remain substantial;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas unemployment rates decreasedthe European Union overall lost more than 3 million jobs in 2020 and unemployment rates increased in all Member States during the crisis; whereas young people have experienced the sharpest decline in employment; whereas unemployment rates decreased since last summer to an average rate of 8.4 % in the euro area and 7.6 % in the EU 27 in May 2021, and; whereas a further decrease to unemployment rates are only expected to fall below 2019 levels in three Member States; whereas in April 2021, the youth unemployment rate was 17.81 % and 7 % respectively is expected in 2022in the EU and 17.2 % which is higher than the pre-crisis levels;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in 2020, Member States provided total fiscal support estimated at more than 6.5 % of GDP, and as a result, the euro area and EU aggregate government deficit increased from historically low levels of around 0.5 % of GDP in 2019 to around 7 % in 2020, which will inevitably be reflected in the aggregate debt levels; whereas the increase in the deficit is mainly due to the adoption of new or extended emergency support measures in response to the need for new restrictions to economic activity in the first part of the year 2021;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the magnitude of COVID- 19-related emergency measures is sizeable, at an estimated 4 % of GDP in both 2020 and 2021 in the EU as a whole, including emergency spending for firms, workers and on health-care; the underlying fiscal stance for the EU is expected to be slightly expansionary in 2022, also thanks to the fiscal support from the expected acceleration in spending financed by RRF grants;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas reference values of up to 3 % of planned or actual government deficit and 60 % of debt to GDP are defined by the TFEU; whereas these reference values were established in the early 1990s under fundamentally different economic circumstances and they are not based on a scientific analysis of the debt sustainability of public budgets;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas both public and private sector investment were already clearly insufficient before the crisis, despite historically low interest rates; whereas to address the extensive public investment backlog in, inter alia, transport, education and science infrastructure and to vigorously tackle the challenges of digital transformation, green and just transition, additional annual public investment in the three digit billion range is needed which cannot be provided for under current fiscal policy;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. Whereas the corporate income tax rate in the European Union has been reduced by more than half since 1980s, from 50 % in 1985 to 21 % now1a; _________________ 1a https://www.taxobservatory.eu
Amendment 60 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the EU is estimated to lose between €160 and €190 billion each year due to corporate tax avoidance2a; _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2016/558776/EPRS_STU(2 016)558776_EN.pdf
Amendment 61 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas a minimum effective tax rate of 21 % could help EU governments get an additional revenue of some €100 billion per year; whereas this would decrease to some €50 billion for a minimum rate of 15 %3a; _________________ 3a https://www.taxobservatory.eu/wp- content/uploads/2021/07/TaxObservatory _Report_Tax_Deficit_July2021_Revised.p df
Amendment 62 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas the ECB predicted that a lack of action on climate change could reduce Europe’s GDP in the long-term by some 20pp; whereas such a reduction in growth rates would imply huge human cost and be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of public finances in the Euro zone4a; _________________ 4a https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/other/ ecb.climateriskfinancialstability202107~8 7822fae81.en.pdf
Amendment 65 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the recovery and resilience plans adopted by the Member States will encompass their national agenda of reforms and investments designed in line with the EU policy objectives, centred on policy areas: green transition; digital transformation; smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; social and territorial cohesion; health, economic, social and institutional resilience; policies for the next generation, children and youth;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the crisis resulted in increasing social, territorial, and economic and gender based inequalities;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas the Union and its Member States have committed to the Treaty-based fundamental values, the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and the Paris Climate Agreement;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
Recital I d (new)
Id. whereas during the Porto Social Summit held on 7 and 8 May 2021, the EU’s leaders recognised the European Pillar of Social Rights as a fundamental element of the recovery and whereas in the Porto declaration they underlined their determination to continue deepening its implementation at EU and national level;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the roll-out of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will help to make EU economies and societies more sustainable, inclusive, resilient and better prepared for the just, green and digital transitions, foster economic, social and territorial cohesion, bring convergence and help the Member States to mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis; notes that the facility, which is the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU, will provide large- scale financial support to Member States of up to EUR 672.5 billion in grants and loans to finance reforms and investments;
Amendment 105 #
Amendment 107 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact will continue to be applied in 2022 and is expected to be deactivated as of 2023; expects however that the general escape clause will remain activated as long as the underlying justification of the activation exists in order to support the efforts of the Member States to recover from the pandemic crisis and strengthen their competitiveness, as well as economic and social resilience; notes, furthermore, that the decision to deactivate the general escape clause should be taken as an overall assessment of the state of the economy based on quantitative criteria, with the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis levels as the key, social and employment situation based on quantitative and quantlitative criteriona; points out that country-specific situations will continuhave to be taken into account also after the deactivation of the general escape clause;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2061(INI)
5a. Is of the opinion that the review of the EU economic governance framework is necessary; agrees with the European Fiscal Board (EFB) on the importance of having a clear pathway towards a reviewed fiscal framework, preferably prior to the deactivation of the general escape clause;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is concernedNotes that according to the baseline scenario of the Commission’s latest Debt Sustainability Monitor, the debt ratio in the euro area is to peak at 104.6 % in 2024 and 2025, while the debt ratio in the Union is to peak at 96.5 % in 2024, before declining once again;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that debt targets must properly reflect the new economic reality as well as country-specific challenges; notes the importance of establishing a sustainable pace of sovereign debt reduction, particularly for Covid-linked debt, thus preventing fiscal consolidation from harming economic performance and output;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is convinced that coordination of national fiscal policies remains crucial in underpinning the recovery; notes that the overall fiscal stance, taking into account national budgets and the RRF, should remain supportive in 2021 and 2022as long as necessary;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that fiscal policy should remain agile and adjust to the evolving situation as warranted, and that a premature withdrawal of fiscal support should be avoided; further highlights the expectation that economic activity will gradually normalise in the second half of 2021, depending on the further evolution of the pandemic, and agrees that Member States’ fiscal policies should become more differentiated in 2022, duly taking into account the state of the recovery, fiscal sustainability and the need to reduce economic, social and territorial divergences;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that Member States with high debt should use the RRF to finance additional investment to support the recovery, while pursuing a prudent fiscal policyresponsible fiscal and sustainable policies without prejudice to social equity and Article 9 TFEU; stresses the importance of the Member States using the potential of the RFF to support the necessary structural changes in order to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, resilient and socially inclusive EU and the transformation to more globally competitive, future-proof, agile industries; agrees that as the growth of nationally financed current expenditure should be kept under control and bpublic health situation normalises and restrictions affecting economic activity are limifted for, Member States with high debtcan start phasing out the underlying fiscal stance, allowing fiscal measures to maximise support to the recovery without pre- empting future fiscal trajectories and creating a permanent burden on public finances;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and macroeconomic stability remain the guiding principles of the EU’s economic agenda complemented through the six priorities of the RRF; stresses, furthermore, that the digital, green and just transformation of our societies, businesses and economies is crucial in order to increase Europe’s productivity and competitiveness for a robust recovery, in line with the Digital Decade;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that responsible fiscal and sustainable policies are a tool to achieve the overarching EU priorities as enshrined in the treaties: sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that gender equality and equal opportunities for all, and the mainstreaming of those objectives, are addressed in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation and implementation of recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Socially balanced, inclusive and sustainable structural reforms and, investment and public revenues
Amendment 193 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Highlights that the RRF is an unprecedented opportunity for all Member States to address key structural challenges and investment needs, while embracing the green and digital transitions; and welcomes that the recovery plans are based on priority criteria as set out in the Regulation on Establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility, namely for the green transition, digital transformation, smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, social and territorial cohesion, health, economic, social and institutional resilience and policies for the next generation, children and the youth;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that the recovery efforts must go hand in hand with a lasting increase of public and private investment beyond the RRF in order to be able to address current and future challenges and to achieve the EU policy objectives; recalls the investment gap estimated by the Commission in 2020 for the EU of more than 600 billion annually; Is concerned about the assessment of the European Fiscal Board on the low level of investment pre-crisis and the consequently limited recovery of investment in some countries;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for a focus on fiscal structural reforms, including reforms enhancing efficient spending,structural reforms that enhance efficient government spending, including the quality and efficiency of the financial administration and acknowledges that high-quality public finance resource management is crucial;
Amendment 216 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Highlights that national fiscal policies, together with Union policies, will play a crucial role in delivering the climate transition, thus fulfilling the EU's commitments and responsibilities in addressing climate change; underlines that social sustainability must be safeguarded during both the climate and digital transitions through public policies that create jobs, provide reskilling opportunities and establish adequate social protection; stresses, therefore, the importance of enabling climate and social investments, notably by creating a golden rule based on the exclusion of some clearly delineated expenditure from the fiscal rules;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Recalls in this context, that taxation is one of the key policies monitored through the European Semester towards fairer and more growth- friendly tax systems; calls on the Council and its Member States to implement the recommendations in terms of addressing national measures to fight aggressive tax planning, tax evasion and tax avoidance or ineffective anti-money laundering measures;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Invites the Commission to revamp the comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take the principles of NGEU as a basis for a modernisation of the common European fiscal architecture; invites the Commission therefore to consider the possibility of a permanent investment fund for the euro area and the non-euro area aligned to European priorities and with the aim to finance future-oriented investments, create European added value, to effectively tackle economic shocks and manage the economic cycle;
Amendment 228 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the fact that the updated New European Industrial Strategy, the European Digital Strategy, the European Green Deal and all the other relevant strategies set out the framework for speeding up Europe’s recovery and transition towards a cleaner, more digital, and more resilient economic and industrial model, as well as for building a stronger and more resilient single market;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Worries that without a concerted effort to invest in the transition to a sustainable economy, European economies will suffer long-lasting damage, undermining any efforts to promote sustainable fiscal policies; strongly supports the incentivising of sustainable investments by sovereigns, including through the EU Green Bond Standard;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights that tackling structural challenges is crucial for a sustainable recovery and continued growth, and that implementing reforms to address structural vulnerabilities is key not only to improving the ability to withstand and cope with existing challenges but also to accomplishing the twin transitions in a sustainable and fair manner; and reduce social inequalities; notes that in order to further strengthen economic and social resilience, the EU must deliver on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is convinced that building a resilient economy calls for reinforcing the social dimension of European governance, aiming at providing adequate protection to all people as well as to promote efficient social and healthcare systems for everyone;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
European Semester and Country-specific recommendations (CSRs)
Amendment 252 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 258 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that Member States, in their recovery and resilience plans, are required to effectively address all or a significant subset of challenges identified in the relevant CSRs, including the fiscal aspects thereof, and that beyond the scope of the RRF, those recommendations that are not addressed remain valid and will continue to be monitored under the European Semester framework; will continue to be monitored under the European Semester framework; Underlines, however, that the 2019 pre- pandemic CSRs should be interpreted in the light of the current crisis and the new challenges to ensure coherence between them, the 2020 CSRs and the general and specific objectives of the RRF regulation, and that future CSRs should not contradict the objectives of the RRF;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Recognises the role that the Commission has allotted to the European Semester in the Recovery Plan and its importance for policy coordination at EU level; stresses, however, that the effectiveness and success of the alignment of Member States’ investment and reform programmes will depend on the review of the Semester and, according to the outcome, its adaptation as well as the increased ownership by the Member States of the implementation of the CSRs;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Highlights that the RFF exercise is also an unprecedented opportunity for the Commission and the Member States to learn from and improve the mechanisms driving the economic governance framework especially when it comes to the underlying political guidelines, cooperation between the institutions and increased ownership of the Member States developing the national reform programmes and implementing structural reforms;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Believes that the renewed and simplified EU Semester could profit from the lessons learned from the RRF process in regards to establish a more transparent and democratic coordination process when it comes to defining the guiding principles/policy objectives of the European Semester and the CSRs with full involvement of the European Parliament and the Member States as well as in regards to the reciprocal process between Commission and the Member States in developing the needed reforms and investment to achieve those policy objectives; therefore, calls on the Commission to closely assess the RRF exercise and draw conclusions for the review and adaptation of the European Semester cycle and the CSRs;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)
Paragraph 19 e (new)
19e. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the social dialogue;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 f (new)
Paragraph 19 f (new)
19f. Is concerned about the heavy administrative burden resulting from the twin processes of the RRF and the European Semester and asks the Commission to review the interlinkage and come forward with a streamlined approach; invites the Commission, moreover, to reassess if annually published CSRs fulfil the purpose to properly evaluate the need for and monitor structural reforms that are mostly implemented over a longer period of time;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 285 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the DG ECFIN’s initiatives and ongoing reflection on the idea of an alternative set of indicators to measure economic, social and environmental progress, supplementing GDP as a welfare measure for inclusive and sustainable growth; is convinced that the EU policy objectives have to be reflected as well in terms of new measurements and granular performance indicators for progress; highlights in this respect the advanced statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods on international level, such as the beyond GDP framework of the OECD and the United Nations; urges the Commission to follow these international standards and integrate this approach in the EU economic governance framework;
Amendment 290 #
2021/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls for the Social Scoreboard of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) to be fully taken into account for the purposes of monitoring Member States´ performance in relation to the EPSR´s principles; takes note of the Commission initiative in confirming that the revised Social Scoreboard will be part of the policy coordination framework in the context of the European Semester; takes notes that the EU leaders welcomed the European Social Partners joint proposal for an alternative set of indicators to measure economic, social and environmental progress, supplementing GDP as welfare measure for inclusive and sustainable growth; calls for better reflecting scoreboards in policy recommendations;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to Articles 113, 115 and 1156 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),
Amendment 14 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the ongoing work of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters on Tax Consequences of the Digitalized Economy,
Amendment 17 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas current international corporate tax rules are based on principles which were developed in the early 20th century and are no longer suited to an increasingly globalised and digitalised economy, thus enabling several harmful tax practices that undermine public finances and fair competition;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the BEPS Action Plan succeedmanaged into establishing a global consensus on many issues in order to fight tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and tax avoidance; whereas, however, there was no agreement on addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, which led to the adoption of the separate BEPS Action 1 – 2015 Final Report;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Commission put forward two proposals on the taxation of the digital economy in 2018, including a temporary short-term solution introducing a digital services tax (DST), and a long- term solution defining a significant digital presence (SDP) as a nexus for corporate taxation which should replace the DST; whereas Parliament supported these proposals, but they were not adopted in the Council because Member States could not reach the unanimous agreement needed in the realm of taxation at EU level;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, in accordance with a mandate given by G20 Finance Ministers in March 2017 and following the adoption of a Programme of Work (PoW) in May 2019, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS (IF), through its Task Force on the Digital Economy, has been working on a consensus-based global solution based on two pillars: Pillar One on the allocation of taxing rights through new profit allocation and nexus rules and Pillar Two on addressing the remaining BEPS issues and introducing measures to ensure a minimum effective level of tax;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas adequate international tax laws are a key forto prevent tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, and to design a fair and efficient taxation system addressing inequality and ensuring certainty and stability, which are prerequisites for competitiveness, as well as for a level playing field between companies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary cooperation of 16 December 2020 (IIA) refers to a legally binding commitment towards the introduction of an EU digital levy as an own resource by 1 January 2023;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas the Council Conclusions of 27 November state that the European Council will ‘assess the situation regarding the work on the important issue of digital taxation’ in March 2021;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas G20 Finance Ministers will meet on 7-8 April 2021 and 9-10 July 2021 and take stock of the negotiations of the Inclusive Framework on both Pillars of the international negotiations;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the current international tax rules date back to the early 20th century, and that taxing rights are mainly based on the physical presence of companies; points out that digitalised companies as well as companies relying heavily on intangible assets can engage in significant business activities in a jurisdiction without physical presence there, and therefore taxes paid in one jurisdiction no longer reflect the value and profits created there; regrets that the traditional concept of permanent establishment fails to cover the new aspects of digital businesses, and underlines the need to define, which can lead to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting; in that context, calls for new and fairer allocation of taxing rights for large multinationals and the revision of the traditional concept of permanent establishment, and recalls the Parliament’s position on the C(C)CTB to create a virtual permanent establishment; stresses that users of online platforms and consumers of digital services cannot be shifted outside a jurisdiction in the same way as capital and labour, and should therefore be the basis for taken into account when definition ofng a new tax nexus in order to provideing an effective remedy against aggressive tax planning;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the need to address the under-taxation of the digitalised economy, while ensuring a fair distribution of taxing rights among all countries where the value creation of multinational digital companies takes place;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that, on average, digital business models face significantly lower effective tax rates than traditional business models which rely on physical presence; regrets that tax avoidance linked to aggressive tax planning is not only detrimental to the collection of public revenues but also puts businesses, especially SMEs, at a disadvantage, while creating barriers for new local entrant, which hampers public services and shifs the tax burden towards the average citizen, thus creating more inequalities, but also puts businesses, especially SMEs, at a disadvantage, while creating barriers for new local entrants; highlights that in the meantime, the demand for digitalised services has exploded due to the obligation to operate many tasks remotely in the COVID-19 context; therefore observes that providers of such digitalised services will be among the economic winners of the pandemic crisis;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WCalls for an international agreement aiming for a fair and effective tax system; welcomes the efforts in the G20/OECD IF to reach a global consensus on a multilateral reform of the international tax system to address the challenges of the digitalised economy; acknowledges the progress of discussions on the proposals at technical level, despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for a swift agreement by mid-2021; highlights the value of the G20/OECD IF for guaranteeing multilateral solutions and finding support at the global and EU level;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that the two pillar approach suggested in the G20/OECD IF does not ring fence the digitalised economy but seeks a comprehensive solution to the new challenges of the digital economy; acknowledges that both pillars are complementary, and highlights that Pillar II aims at addressing remaining BEPS challenges notably by ensuring that large multinationals, including digitalised ones, pay a minimum level of tax regardless of where they are located; reminds that an effective Pillar II can be introduced without the participation of all states as participating countries will still be granted the right to tax profits of companies registered elsewhere in low-taxation countries; however supports a holistic solution in which oneboth pillar is not adopted without the other; s are adopted by mid-2021; recommends that any minimum effective rate should be set at a fair and sufficient level to discourage profit shifting of large multinationals, including highly digitalised ones, and prevent damaging tax competition; therefore suggests a minimum effective rate of 18 %, noting that the current EU average of statutory corporate income tax rates is 21.71 % and that some policy challenges, such as climate change, will necessitate space and tools for fiscal policy; 1P.110, Tax policies in the European Union 2020 survey, DG Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission
Amendment 110 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the proposal under Pillar One of a new tax nexus and new taxing rights which would create the possibility of taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) in market jurisdictions, even where they have no physical presence based on their economic activity; underlines that the interaction with users and consumers significantly contributes to value creation in digital business models, and should therefore be taken into account when allocating taxing rights; stresses that the scope of these new taxing rights should cnotes that some policy options remain to be determined at global level; acknowledges, in particular, that the so-called Amount A would create a new taxing right for market jurisdictions over all l sharge MNEs which could engage in BEPS practices, while not creating further and unnecessary burdens on SMEsof residual profit calculated at an MNE level and, in this context, invites Members States to support the following;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. A scope that cover all large MNEs which could engage in BEPS practices and that should include a review clause with phase-in rules concerning the global revenue threshold; recalls that the EU definition of a large multinational group consists of consolidated parent and subsidiary undertakings exceeding the limits of at least two of the three following criteria: a balance sheet of at least EUR 20 000 000, a net turnover of at least EUR 40 000 000 and an average number of employees during the financial year superior to 250;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. A scope covering at least automated digital services and consumer facing businesses, while not creating further and unnecessary burdens on SMEs;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. An agreement ensuring sufficient amounts of profits are reallocated to market jurisdictions and that should go beyond the distinction between routine and non-routine profits, which could lead to artificial distinction only. Should the distinction between routine and non- routine prevail in the negotiations, it is to be noted that only a profitability threshold of 8 % would allow for the reallocation of a substantial amount of profits, up to €150 billions;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7 d. An allocation percentage of minimum 20 % of profits that would allow for a fair portion to be reallocated to market jurisdictions, which would ensure a meaningful reform and deter aggressive tax planning strategies;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7 e. A limited recourse to carry forward regimes for losses, as those could undermine the impact of the reform;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 f (new)
Paragraph 7 f (new)
7 f. Recommends that policy options defended by Member States in the negotiations should reduce complexity, therefore supports simplified administrative processes for MNEs subject to the new taxing rights, also in view of lightening the burden of implementation for Member States, taking into account Member States not involved in tax arrangements distorting competition such as so-called 'sweetheart deals'; believes that a more complete overhaul of the Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) would be appropriate; is concerned that maintaining the ALP in the reform’s context could add opportunities to circumvent the newly agreed rules;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 g (new)
Paragraph 7 g (new)
7 g. Highlights that the implementation of an efficient and comprehensive international reform will be eased by the access to country-by-country reporting information; notes that, to date, many countries do not have access to such information; welcomes the recent efforts of the Council Presidency on the Proposal for public country-by-country reporting;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Council to intensify the dialogue with the new US administration on digital tax policy with the aim of finding a common approach in the framework of the G20/OECD IF negotiations before June 2021; calls on the CouncilMember States to oppose the ‘safe harbour’ clause, proposed by the US administration, which risks undermining the reform efforts; calls on the Commission to pursue with an EU own proposal on addressing the challenges of a digitalised economy should a ‘safe harbour’ clause be included in the reform’s first Pillar; recalls in that regard the Commission’s long term proposal for a Significant Digital Presence;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. WelcomNotes the proposal of a dispute prevention and resolution mechanism but underlines that tax certainty is best achieved by establishing simple, clear and harmonised rules that prevent disputes in the first place; highlights that any dispute prevention and resolution mechanism should not put developing countries at a disadvantage;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that the failure of the G20/OECD IF to find a solution in October 2020 willhas prolonged the under-taxation of the digital economy; stresses that the COVID 19 pandemic has largely benefited digital businesses and accelerated the transition to a digitalised economy, thereby re-emphasising the need to reform the current tax system in order to ensure a fair contribution from the digitalised economy;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Insists therefore that, regardless of the progress of the negotiations at the G20/OECD IF, the EU should stand ready to roll out its own solutions for taxing the digitalised economy by the end of 2021; calls on the Commission to present proposals by June 2021, while anticipating their compatibility with the reform by the G20/OECD IF to be agreed on; stresses the need to create a level playing field for providers of traditional services and digital services in the EU by ensuring that the latterautomated digitalised services and consumer facing businesses are taxed at an adequate and fair rate; invites the Commission to consider in particular introducing a temporary European Digital Services Tax as a necessary first step; calls for the EU to implement the future outcome of the international negotiations in a harmonised way and invites the Commission to issue any relevant Proposal to that effect;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Understands that some Member States consider the taxation of digital economy an urgent issue and have therefore introduced digital services taxes at national level; recalls that these national measures should be phased out once a multilateral solution is found; calls on Member States to refrain from introducing national solutions unilaterally, as they create a risk of fragmentation of the single market; recalls that although taxation is primarily a Member State competence, they must exercise it in coherence with the common principles of EU law in order to ensure coherence between national frameworks, thereby allowing for fair competition and avoiding a negative impact on the overall coherence of EU taxation principles; notes that the procedure laid down in Article 116 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, under which Parliament and the Council act in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, may be applied if lack of regulatory harmonisation leads to market distortion within the Union;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Understands that some Member States consider the taxation of large digital economybusinesses an urgent issue and have therefore introduced digital services taxes at national level; recalls that these national measures should be phased out once a multilateral solution is found; calls on Member States to refrain from introducing national solutionsfor a swift agreement and implementation of the international solution in order to prevent the introduction of further unilaterally solutions, as they create a risk of fragmentation of the single market; recalls minds that although taxation is primarily a Member State competence, they must exercise it in coherence with the common principles of EU law in order to ensure coherence between national frameworks, thereby allowing for fair competition and avoiding a negative impact on the overall coherence of EU taxation principles;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets that the Council did not agree on any of the Commission’s related proposals, i.e. the digital services tax, the significant digital presence or the CCTB and CCCTB; calls on the Member States to reconsider their position on these proposals or to integrate them into a potential future implementation of Pillar I, and to consider all options provided for by the Treaties if no unanimous agreement can be reached;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. NotWelcomes the Commission inception impact assessment on a Digital Levy of 14 January 2021; notes that digitalisation can increase productivity and consumer welfare, but it is also of paramount importance to ensure that digital multinationals contribute their fair share to society, taking into account that the average annual revenue growth of top digital firms is 14 % compared to between 0.2 % and 3 % for other multinationals; calls on the Commission to carefully assess how the scope, definition and segmentation of digital activities, transactions, services or companies will be in line with international efforts to find a global solution;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2010(INI)
15. Calls for a stronger role for Parliament in legislative procedures in the area of taxation; takes note ofwelcomes the Commission’s proposed roadmap to qualified majority voting in its communication entitled ‘Toward a more efficient and democratic decision-making in EU tax policy’;
Amendment 233 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the conclusions of the European Council of 21 July 2021, which task the Commission with putting forward proposals for additional own resources including a digital levy; recalls that the collection of such additional own resources should be compatible with existing bilateral tax treaties and complementary to the ongoing international negotiations;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the conclusions of the European Council of 21 July 2021, which task the Commission with putting forward proposals for additional own resources including a digital levyInterinstitutional Agreement on budgetary cooperation of 16 December 2020 (IIA) and recalls the legally binding commitment towards the introduction of an EU digital levy in the long-term EU budget as an own resource by 1 January 2023; underlines that revenues generated by digital taxation in the Member States will become an own resource;
Amendment 59 #
2021/0433(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is necessary to lay down rules in order to establish an efficient and coherent framework for the global minimum level of taxation at Union level. The framework creates a system of two interlocked rules, together referred to as the GloBE rules, through which an additional amount of tax called a top-up tax should be collected each time that the effective tax rate (ETR) of an MNE in a given jurisdiction is below thea tax rate of at least 15 %. In such case, the jurisdiction is considered to be low-taxed. Those two rules are called the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and the Undertaxed Payment Rule (UTPR). Under this system, the parent entity of an MNE located in a Member State has the obligation to apply the IIR to its share of top-up tax relating to any entity of the group that is low-taxed, whether this is located within or outside the Union. The UTPR should act as a backstop to the IIR through a reallocation of any residual amount of top-up tax in cases where not the entire amount of top-up tax relating to low-taxed entities could be collected by parent entities through the application of the IIR.
Amendment 71 #
2021/0433(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The ETR of an MNE group in each jurisdiction where it carries out activities or of a large-scale domestic group should be compared to the agreeda minimum tax rate of at least 15 % in order to determine whether the MNE group or large-scale domestic group is liable to pay a top-up tax and consequently should apply the IIR or the UTPR. TheA minimum tax rate of 15 % agreed by the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPSat least 15 % reflects a balance amongst corporate tax rates worldwide. In cases where the ETR of an MNE group falls below the minimum tax rate in a given jurisdiction, the top-up tax should be allocated to the entities in the MNE group that are liable to pay the tax in accordance with the application of the IIR and the UTPR, in order to comply with the globally agreeda minimum effective rate of at least 15 %. In cases where the ETR of a large- scale domestic group falls below the minimum tax rate, the UPE at the top of the large- scale domestic group should apply the IIR in respect of its low-taxed constituent entities, in order to ensure that such group is liable to pay tax at an effective minimum rate of at least 15 %.
Amendment 118 #
2021/0433(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘minimum tax rate’ means at least fifteen percent (15 %);
Amendment 489 #
2021/0342(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 47a – paragraph 7a (new)
Article 47a – paragraph 7a (new)
Amendment 1472 #
2021/0342(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 199 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 199 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 500da (new)
Article 500da (new)
Amendment 1524 #
2021/0342(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 205
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 205
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 519d – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 519d – paragraph 1 – introductory part
By [OP please insert the date = 6024 months after date of application of Part Three, Title III], the EBA shall report to the Commission on all of the following:
Amendment 1528 #
2021/0342(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 205
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 205
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013
Article 519d – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 519d – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the use of insurance in the context of the calculation of the own funds requirements for operational risk, including the use of insurance policies as a mitigation technique for operational risk own funds requirements;
Amendment 151 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Amendment to directive 2013/36/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – point b – point i
(i) institutions they have directly supervised, including their direct or indirect parent undertakings, subsidiaries or affiliates, over at least the two preceding years from the date when taking up any new role, if the relevant staff of member of governing bodies was directly involved in the exercise of supervisory responsibilities of said entity or took any decision towards it;
Amendment 154 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Amendment to directive 2013/36/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 – point b – point ii
(ii) firms that provide services to any of the undertakings referred to in point (i) that were directly supervised over at least the two preceding years from the date when taking up any new role, unless theif the relevant staff of member of governing bodies was directly involved in the exercise of supervisory are strictlysponsibilities of said entity or took any decision towards it, and unless they are precluded from taking part in any provision of those services to the undertakings referred to in point (i) while the prohibition referred to herein remains in force.
Amendment 323 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 66 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iv
Article 66 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iv
(iv) subject to Article 65(2), a temporary or a definitive ban of a member of the institution's management body or any other natural person who is held responsible for the infringement from exercising functions in the institution.
Amendment 327 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point b
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 67 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iv
Article 67 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iv
(iv) subject to Article 65(2), a temporary or a definitive ban of a member of the institution's management body or any other natural person who is held responsible for the infringement from exercising functions in the institution;
Amendment 329 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 70 – paragraph 2
Article 70 – paragraph 2
2. In the exercise of their powers to impose penalties, competent authorities shall cooperate closely to ensure that penalties produce the results pursued by this Directive. They shall also coordinate their actions to prevent unnecessary accumulation and overlap when applying penalties and administrative measures to cross-border cases. Competent authorities shall cooperate closely with judicial authorities when dealing with same cases.
Amendment 393 #
2021/0341(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19
Directive 2013/36/EU
Article 91 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 91 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) executive or non-executive directorships held within the same group and/or in undertakings, including non- financial entities, in which the group holding company holds a qualifying holding when the relevant person is also a director in the group holding company.
Amendment 201 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Having regard to the opinion of the European Central Bank,
Amendment 316 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The objective of the Authority shall be to protect the public interest, the stability and the integrity of the Union’s financial system and the good functioning of the internal market by:
Amendment 321 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘selected obliged entity’ means a credit institution, a financial institution, a crypto-asset service provider or a group of credit or financial institutions or crypto- asset service providers at the highest level of consolidation in the Union, which is under direct supervision by the Authority pursuant to Article 13;
Amendment 327 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘non-selected obliged entity’ means a credit institution, a financial institution, a crypto-asset service provider or a group of credit institutions or financial institutions or crypto-asset service providers at the highest level of consolidation in the Union, other than a selected obliged entity;
Amendment 329 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
(2a) 'obliged entities in the non- financial sector' means obliged entities listed in Article 3 of [AMLR], other than credit and financial institutions and crypto-asset providers
Amendment 330 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
(3a) ‘financial supervisor’ means a supervisor in charge of credit and financial institutions and of crypto-asset service providers.
Amendment 332 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘non-financial supervisor’ means a supervisor in charge of obliged entities listed in Article 3 of [AMLR], other than credit and financial institutions and of crypto-asset service providers.
Amendment 333 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a a (new)
(aa) a competent authority as defined in Article 3 (1) point (22) of Regulation [please insert reference to Regulation on Markets in Crypto-assets];
Amendment 334 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a b (new)
(ab) a supervisory authority as defined in Article 13 (10) of Directive 2009/138/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 335 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a c (new)
(ac) a competent authority as defined in Article 1 (4) point (26) of Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 354 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) monitor and respond to developments across the internal market and assess threats, vulnerabilities and risks in relation to ML/TF;
Amendment 355 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) monitor and respond to developments in third countries and assess threats, vulnerabilities and risks in relation to their AML/CFT systems;
Amendment 371 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) monitor and support the implementation of asset freezes, seizures and confiscations under the Union restrictive measures across the internal market;
Amendment 391 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g
(g) provide assistance to financial supervisors, following their specific requests, including the requests to settle any disagreements on the measures to be taken in relation to an obliged entity.;
Amendment 395 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g a (new)
(ga) settle disagreements on cross border situations on the measures to be taken by supervisory authorities in relation to an obliged entity;
Amendment 396 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g b (new)
(gb) identify instances where the absence of effective and efficient supervisory practices and activities derives from inadequate or lack of transposition of EU law into national legislation, and duly report those situations to the Commission;
Amendment 397 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g c (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g c (new)
(gc) establish and maintain an updated public register on shell banks and non- compliant crypto-asset service providers;
Amendment 398 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g d (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point g d (new)
(gd) establish and maintain an updated public register of credit and financial institutions under enhanced supervision.
Amendment 400 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) coordinate peer reviews of supervisory standards and practices in the area of AML/CFT, and draft their respective reports;
Amendment 404 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
(da) facilitate the functioning of colleges of supervisors of the non- financial sector in the area of AML/CFT, including the use of its common instruments to provide guidance;
Amendment 405 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point f a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point f a (new)
(fa) identify instances where the absence of effective and efficient supervisory practices and activities in the non-financial sector derives from inadequate or lack of transposition of EU law into national legislation, and duly report those instances to the Commission;
Amendment 417 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point i a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point i a (new)
(ia) coordinate peer reviews of the fulfilment by FIUs of the requirements laid down in Chapter III of Directive [please insert reference – proposal for 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive]
Amendment 418 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point i b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point i b (new)
(ib) identify instances where effective and efficient cooperation between FIUs is hampered by inadequate or lack of transposition of EU law into national legislation, and duly report those instances to the Commission;
Amendment 424 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) to settle, with a binding effect, disagreements between supervisory authorities in cross-border situations, including within AML colleges of supervisors.
Amendment 442 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Where the Authority provides instructions or requests to supervisors under this Regulation on matters governed by national legislation transposing Union law referred to in Article 1 (2), supervisors shall assist the Authority in taking into account the specificities of their respective national legal framework.
Amendment 445 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall develop and maintain an up-to-date and harmonised AML supervisory methodology detailing the risk-based approach to supervision of obliged entities in the Union. The methodology shall comprise guidelines, recommendations and other measures and instruments as appropriate, including in particular, opinions, draft regulatory and implementing technical standards, and other measures and instruments as appropriate, on the basis of the empowerments laid down in the acts referred to in Article 1(2).
Amendment 447 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. When developing the supervisory methodology the Authority shall make a distinction between obliged entities based on the nature of the money laundering and terrorist financing risks they are exposed to and the sectors in which they operate. The supervisory methodology shall contain at least the following elements:
Amendment 449 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) approaches to supervisory review of money laundering and terrorist financing risk self-assessments of obliged entities;
Amendment 461 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Each supervisory authority may submit a request for mutual assistance related to its supervisory tasks to the Authority, specifying the type of assistance that can be provided by the staff of the Authority, the staff of one or more supervisory authorities, or a combination thereof. If the request concerns activities that relate to the supervision of specific obliged entities, the requesting supervisory authority shall ensure that access to anyprovide to the Authority all information and data necessary for the provision of assistance may be granted. The Authority shall keep and regularly update the information on specific areas of expertise and on the capacities of supervisory authorities to provide mutual assistance.
Amendment 462 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. TIf the request is deemed appropriate, the Authority shall make every effort to provide the requested assistance, including by mobilising own human resources as well as by ensuring mobilisation of resources at supervisory authorities on a voluntary basis.
Amendment 466 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall establish and keep up to date a central database of information collected pursuant to paragraph 2. The Authority shall analyse the information received and ensure that it is made available to supervisory authorities and non-AML/CFT authorities on a need- to-know and confidential basis. The Authority mayshall share the results of its analysis on its own initiative with supervisory authorities and, where relevant, non-AML/CFT authorities, for the purposes of facilitating their supervisory activities.
Amendment 469 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) information relating to weaknesses identified during ongoing or past procedures or processes relating to authorisation, governance arrangements, fitness and propriety assessments, acquisition of qualifying holdings, business models and activities of obliged entities in relation to preventing and countering money laundering and terrorist financing;
Amendment 471 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
(cb) information relating to measures taken by supervisors, in response to the following material weaknesses affecting one or more requirements of Regulation [please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - COM/2021/420 final] or Directive [please insert reference – proposal for 6th Anti- Money Laundering Directive]: (i) a breach or a potential breach by an obliged entity of such requirements, (ii) the inappropriate or ineffective application by an obliged entity of such requirements, or (iii) the inappropriate or ineffective application by an obliged entity of its internal policies and procedures to comply with such requirements.
Amendment 472 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) any advice provided to other national authorities in relation to authorisation procedures, withdrawal of authorisation procedures, and fit and proper assessments of shareholders or members of the management body of individual obliged entities;
Amendment 474 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) results from supervisory inspections of files concerning politically exposed persons, their family members and their associates, and high net worth customers as referred to in Article 36a of Regulation [please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - COM/2021/420 final];
Amendment 477 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Non-AML authorities shall share with the Authority any additional information, within the boundaries of their mandate and tasks, as well as the respective and relevant national law, deemed relevant to the prevention and countering of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering or terrorist financing.
Amendment 488 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. The Authority may request supervisory authorities and non- AML/CFT authorities to provide other information in addition to that referred to in paragraph 2this article. The supervisory authorities and non-AML/CFT authorities shall update any provided information. Before requesting information in accordance with this paragraph, and in order to prevent the duplication of reporting obligations, the Authority may take into account existing and relevant statistics produced and disseminated by other authorities.
Amendment 495 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. Any supervisory authority or any non-AML authority may address to the Authority a reasoned request for information collected pursuant to paragraph 2 that is relevant for its supervisory activities. The Authority shall assess those requests and provide the information requested by the supervisory authorities or non-AML authorities on a need-to-know basis and confidential basis and in a timely manner. The Authority shall inform the authority that has initially provided the requested information, of the identity of the requesting supervisory or other authority, the identity of an obliged entity concerned, the reason for the information request as well as whether the information has been provided to the requesting authority. Where the Authority decides not to provide the requested information, it shall provide a reasoned justification.
Amendment 504 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11a Public register on shell banks and non- compliant crypto-asset service providers 1. The Authority shall establish and maintain a public register of shell banks and non-compliant crypto-asset service providers operating within and outside the Union. 2. The list shall be indicative and non-exhaustive, based on information provided by national supervisors and other relevant authorities, the Commission and obliged entities. 3. The Authority shall review the public register referred to in paragraph 1, taking into account any changes in circumstances concerning the entities included in the list or any information brought to its attention.
Amendment 507 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 b (new)
Article 11 b (new)
Article 11b List of credit and financial institutions under enhanced supervision 1. AMLA shall establish and maintain an updated public list of credit and financial institutions under enhanced supervision in the EU. AMLA shall include in this list: (a) credit and financial institutions identified as having serious and structural weaknesses in the application of AML/CFT rules, following a notification from a financial supervisor under Article 31a (6) of Directive [please insert reference –proposal for 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive - COM/2021/423final], and where those credit and financial institutions operate in at least two Member States, either via establishments or by means of direct provision of services or through any other natural person or legal person which act on their behalf (b) selected obliged entities, following supervisory activities carried out by AMLA and taking into account the rules and principles of risk-based supervision laid down in Article 31, in particular the benchmarks and a methodology for assessing and classifying the inherent and residual risk profile of obliged entities and the guidelines on the characteristics of a risk-based approach to supervision 2. In the case of selected obliged entities, AMLA shall inform them of their inclusion on the list referred to in paragraph 1 prior to the inclusion through a reasoned communication.
Amendment 509 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 c (new)
Article 11 c (new)
Article 11c Information requested to supervisory authorities 1. Supervisory authorities and the Authority shall provide each other with all the necessary information to carry out their respective tasks regarding selected and non-selected obliged entities. The Authority may, in particular, request any type of information that it requires to fulfil its mandate and to exercise its powers effectively. 2. Where information is not available, the Authority may request supervisory authorities to gather the relevant information. 3. Where information requested under paragraph 1 or 2 is not made available by supervisory authorities in a timely manner, the Authority may address a request directly to the obliged entities. The supervisory authority shall be informed of the request.4. The addressees of such a request shall provide the Authority, within the time limit specified in the request, with clear, accurate and complete information. Upon a duly justified request to the Authority, the addressees may ask for a single extension of the deadline.5. The Authority shall develop draft regulatory technical standards setting out the modalities with regard to information requests addressed to obliged entities as provided in this Article and in Article 16.6. The Authority shall submit the draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by [1 January 2025]. The Commission is empowered to adopt the regulatory technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with Article 38 of this Regulation.
Amendment 512 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. For the purposes of carrying out the tasks listed in Article 5(2), the Authority shall, in cooperation with supervisory authorities, carry out a periodic assessment of the following obliged entities listed in paragraph 3, based on criteria and following the process specified in paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article and in Article 13:, where they operate in at least three Member States, including the Member State of establishment, where applicable, via establishments referred to in Article 2(8) of [proposal for 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive - COM/2021/423 final] or by means of direct provision of services or through any other natural person or legal person which act on their behalf.
Amendment 519 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 531 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 536 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Authority shall keep the relevant prudential supervisory authorities informed of the assessments mentioned in the previous paragraph when the obliged entities are within their supervisory remits.
Amendment 540 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. The inherent risk profile of the assessed obliged entities referred to in paragraph 1, point (a) or (b) shall be classified as low, medium, substantial or high in each jurisdiction they operate in, based on the benchmarks and following the methodology set out in the regulatory technical standard referred to in paragraph 5.
Amendment 547 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point i a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point i a (new)
(ia) crypto-asset service providers;
Amendment 557 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. For each category of obliged entities referred to in paragraph 43, the benchmarks in the assessment methodology shall be based on the risk factor categories related to customer, products, services, transactions, delivery channels and geographical areas. The benchmarks shall be established for at least the following indicators of inherent risk in any Member State they operate in:
Amendment 562 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) with respect to customer-related risk: the share of non-resident customers, the presence and share of customers identified as Politically Exposed persons (‘PEPs’), or resident in jurisdictions listed in the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes and jurisdictions identified and designated as referred to in Chapter III Section 2 of [please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation], or high net worth individuals as referred to in Article 36a of Regulation [please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - COM/2021/420 final]; ;
Amendment 571 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) volume of products or transactions that favour anonymity, including anonymity-enhanced cryptocurrency (AEC) or privacy coins;
Amendment 572 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii b (new)
(iiib) significance of anonymising services and tools, including privacy wallets, mixers and tumblers as well as Internet Protocol (IP) anonymisers and other anonymising softwares.
Amendment 575 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i
(i) the annual volume of correspondent banking or crypto-asset services provided by Union financial sector entities in third countries;
Amendment 578 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii
(ii) the number and share of correspondent banking crypto-asset clients from third countries with structural weaknesses in their AML systems identified by global standard setting bodies or with little to no regulation regarding crypto-assets;
Amendment 579 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii a (new)
(iia) the number and share of correspondent banking or crypto-asset clients from third countries identified as having significant levels of corruption or other criminal activity or as being providers of financial secrecy by credible sources or acknowledged processes;
Amendment 580 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point iii
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point c – point iii
(iii) the volume of activity of virtualcrypto- assets service providers registered or licensed in third countries and operating as financial institutions in the Union.
Amendment 587 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The Authority shall develop draft regulatory technical standards setting out the methodology with the benchmarks referred to in paragraph 4 for classifying the inherent risk profile of any cross-border credit or financial institution or crypto- asset service provider in each Member State it operates in as low, medium, substantial or high.
Amendment 595 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The followingAll obliged entities shallassessed pursuant to Article 12 that are considered to have a high inherent risk profile in at least two Member States shall be eligible to qualify as a selected obliged entity:.
Amendment 597 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 605 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 611 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In order to ensure geographical balance of the Authority's exercise of direct supervision, in Member States where the application of the criteria mentioned in paragraph 1 does not result in the selection of an obliged entity, the credit or financial institution or crypto- asset service provider whose inherent risk profile qualifies as high pursuant to the methodology referred to in Article 12 (5) shall qualify as a selected obliged entity.
Amendment 613 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. following the application of the criteria laid down in paragraph 1a, where multiple obliged entities have a high inherent risk profile in that Member State, the selected obliged entity shall be the one with the highest share of non-resident customers.
Amendment 614 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Amendment 629 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The JST coordinator shall ensure the coordination of the work within the joint supervisory team. Joint supervisory team members shall follow the JST coordinator’s instructions as regards their tasks in the joint supervisory team. This shall not affect their tasks and duties within their respective financial supervisors. The JST coordinator shall be delegated from the Authority to the financial supervisor in the Member State wstationed in the premises of the Authority. Unless there is are othere a selected obliged entity has its headquarters, upon agreement of the relevant financial supervisors. The duration of the delegation shall be limited to the time period during which the Authority carries out supervisory tasks with respect to the selectedlternatives, the JST coordinator may be a citizen from the same Member State as the obliged entity.
Amendment 634 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. The Authority shall be responsible for the establishment and the composition of joint supervisory teams. The respective financial supervisors shall appoint one or more persons from their staff as a member or members of a joint supervisory team. A financial supervisor staff member may be appointed as a member ofto more than one joint supervisory team.
Amendment 636 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 5
Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. The Authority and financial supervisors shall consult each other and agree on the use of staff with regard to the joint supervisory teams. The Authority may issue recommendations or guidelines regarding the composition of joint supervisory teams, notably on staff from each financial supervisor in a home/host context, the status of the staff from national supervisors, the allocation of human resources, and necessary operational and procedural rules.
Amendment 641 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. The persons referred to in paragraph 1 or their representatives and, in the case of legal persons or associations having no legal personality, the persons authorised to represent them by law or by their constitution, shall supply the information requested in a timely manner. Lawyers duly authorised to act may supply the information on behalf of their clients. The latter shall remain fully responsible if the information supplied is incomplete, incorrect or misleading.
Amendment 646 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) obtain access to documents and information relating to decision-making processes, including those developed by algorithms or other digital processes;
Amendment 649 #
2021/0240(COD)
1. In order to carry out the tasks conferred on it by this Regulation, the Authority may, subject to prior notification to the financial supervisor concerned, conduct all necessary on-site inspections at the business premises of the legal persons referred to in Article 16. Where the proper conduct and efficiency of the inspection so require, including where the inspection is related to an ongoing investigation carried out under Article 17, the Authority may carry out the on-site inspection without prior announcement to those legal persons.
Amendment 661 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. For the purpose of carrying out its tasks referred to in Article 5(2), the Authority shall have the powers set out in paragraph 2 of this Article to require any selected obliged entity to take the necessary measures within a specific deadline where:
Amendment 673 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) to propose the withdrawal of licence of a selected obliged entity to the authority that has granted such license. In case the authority that granted the licence decides not to follow the Authority’s proposal, it shall provide a reasoned justification.
Amendment 725 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall perform periodic assessments of some or all of the activities of one, several, or all financial supervisors, including the assessment of their tools and resources to ensure high level supervisory standards and practices. The assessments shall include a review of the application of the AML/CFT supervisory methodology developed pursuant to Article 8 and shall cover all financial supervisors in a single assessment cycle. The length of each assessment cycle shall be determined by the Authority and shall not exceed seven years. At the end of each assessment cycle, the Authority shall present its findings to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 729 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. The assessments shall be carried out by the staff of the Authority with voluntary involvement of the staff of financial supervisors that are not subject to review, upon agreement on such involvement by the Executive Board. The assessments shall take due account of all the relevant evaluations,. In order to carry out its assessment, the Authority may decide to involve staff of financial supervisors that are not subject to review, and may take into account assessments or reports drawn up by international organisations and intergovernmental bodies with competence in the field of preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.
Amendment 731 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. The staff of the Authority shall produce a draft report setting out the results of each assessment. That report shall be prepared by the staff of the Authority, or by the staff of the Authority jointly with the staff of the financial supervisors where the staff of financial supervisors were involved in the review on an ad-hoc basis. The report shall be adopted by the Executive Board, taking into account the observations of the General Board in supervisory composition. The report shall explain and indicate any specific follow-up measures required to be taken by the financial supervisor or financial supervisors subject to the assessment that are deemed appropriate, proportionate and necessary as a result of the assessment. The follow- up measures may be adopted in the form of guidelines and recommendations pursuant to Article 43 including recommendations addressed to all or several financial supervisors or to any specific financial supervisor, as appropriate. and share it with the reviewed financial supervisor. The reviewed financial supervisor shall submit comments to the draft report within a deadline determined by the Authority;
Amendment 734 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Following consideration of the comments submitted by the reviewed financial supervisor, the final report shall be adopted by the Executive Board and shared with the reviewed financial supervisor in a timely manner. The report shall explain and indicate any specific follow-up measures required to be taken by the financial supervisor or financial supervisors subject to the assessment that are deemed appropriate, proportionate and necessary as a result of the assessment. A summary of the report shall be made public on the website of the Authority. The follow-up measures may be adopted in the form of guidelines and recommendations pursuant to Article 43 including recommendations addressed to all or several financial supervisors or to any specific financial supervisor, as appropriate.
Amendment 738 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4
Article 28 – paragraph 4
4. Financial supervisors shall make every effort to comply with the specific follow-up measures addressed to them as a result of the assessment and provide updates to the Authority on the implemented measures every six months following the adoption of the report. Each consecutive assessment shall reflect on the compliance with previously referenced follow-up measures. Where the Authority deems that the follow-up measures taken by the financial supervisor are inadequate or insufficient, the Authority shall launch the procedure under Article 30a.
Amendment 742 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Authority shall ensure, within the scope of its powers and without prejudice to the powers of the relevant financial supervisors pursuant to Article 36 [OP please insert the next number to the AMLD, COM(2021)423], that AML supervisory colleges are established and functioning consistently for non-selected obliged entities operating in several Member States in accordance with Article 36 [OP please insert the next number to the AMLD, COM(2021)423]. To that end, the Authority mayshall:
Amendment 743 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) establish colleges, convene and organize the meetings of colleges, where such college has not been established although the relevant conditions for its establishment set out in Article 36 [OP please insert the next number to the AMLD, COM(2021)423] are met, or by its own discretion where deemed necessary;
Amendment 744 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) collect and shareensure that all relevant information ins cooperation withllected and share by the financial supervisors in order to facilitate the work of the college and make such information accessible to the relevant authorities in the college;
Amendment 745 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) promote effective and efficient supervisory practices and activities, including evaluating the risks to which obliged entities are or might be exposed;
Amendment 746 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) mediate and resolve conflicts between participating financial supervisors through legal binding mediation powers;
Amendment 747 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) identify instances where the absence of effective and efficient supervisory practices and activities in the context of AML colleges derives from inadequate or lack of transposition of EU law into national legislation, and duly report those instances to the Commission.
Amendment 748 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. AML supervisory colleges shall consist of permanent members and, when deemed necessary by the Authority, observers. The Authority and financial supervisors shall be permanent members. Observers may include prudential supervisors, including the European Central Bank, the European Supervisory Authorities, AML/CFT supervisors from third countries when relevant, and FIUs and any other authorities as deemed necessary by the permanent members.
Amendment 749 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Authority shall have a legally binding mediation role to resolve disputes between competent authorities in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 29a. The Authority may take supervisory decisions directly applicable to the institution concerned in accordance with Article 29a.
Amendment 751 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. With regard to obliged entities selected for direct supervision, any previously established AML supervisory college shall not be permanently disbanded unless all participating entities agree to it. Therefore, as a general practice, the relevant AML supervisory college shall suspend its work for the period in which the Authority is exercising direct supervision, while remaining available to restart its work if the relevant selected obliged entity eventually falls outside the scope for direct supervision.
Amendment 752 #
2021/0240(COD)
Amendment 754 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 b (new)
Article 29 b (new)
Amendment 757 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – title
Article 30 – title
Amendment 758 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. Financial supervisors shall notify the Authority where the situation of any non-selected obliged entity with regard to its compliance with applicable requirements and its exposure to money laundering and terrorism financing risks deteriorates rapidly andor significantly, especially where such deterioration could lead to significant harm to the integrity of the financial system or to the reputation of the Member State where that entity operates, several Member States or of the Union as a whole.
Amendment 761 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 30 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. TFollowing the notification process laid down in paragraph 1, or specific adverse events or developments brought to the attention of the Authority, in particular through the notification mechanism of possible or actual breaches under Article 76, the Authority may, where it has indications of materipossible or actual breaches by a non- selected obliged entity, request its financial supervisor to:
Amendment 769 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 4
Article 30 – paragraph 4
4. Where the financial supervisor concerned does not comply with the request referred to in paragraph 2 and does not inform the Authority of the steps it has taken or intends to take to comply with the request within ten days from the day of the notification of the request, the Authority may requestshall notify the Commission to grant permission toabout the transfer theof relevant tasks and powers referred to in Article 5(2) and Article 6(1) related to direct supervision of the non- selected obliged entity from the financial supervisor concerned to the Authority.
Amendment 770 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In order to ensure that the Authority's decision is based on clear criteria and not on a discretionary basis, the Authority shall develop draft regulatory technical standards setting out the benchmarks that must be fulfilled in order to enable the transfer of powers mentioned in this article.
Amendment 771 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 4 b (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. The Authority shall submit the draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by [1 January 2025]. The Commission is empowered to adopt the regulatory technical standards referred to in the first subparagraph in accordance with Article 38 of this Regulation.
Amendment 774 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The requestnotification from the Authority, pursuant to paragraph 4, shall contain:
Amendment 775 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) a description of the materipotential or actual breaches of the directly applicable requirements by an identified non-selected obliged entity and a justification that such breaches fall within the scope of competence of the Authority, pursuant to paragraph 2, and that the criteria set for the Authority to act in exceptional circumstances, as defined in the respective regulatory technical standards, are fulfilled;
Amendment 778 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) a time limit, which shall not exceed three years, for the requested transfer of the relevant tasks and powers;
Amendment 779 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. On the tenth working day after the Authority's notification to the Commission regarding the transfer of tasks and powers, the non-selected obliged entity referred to in paragraph 2 shall be deemed a selected obliged entity for the purposes of the exercise of the tasks referred to in Article 5(2) and the powers referred to in Article 6(1) and Articles 16 to 22. Upon the expiry of the time-limit, said tasks and powers which they shall be automatically transferred back to the financial supervisor concerned.
Amendment 780 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 b (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission pursuant to Article 258 TFEU, where the financial supervisor concerned does not comply with the request referred to in paragraph 2 and, due to the exceptional urgency of the matter, the Authority does not deem appropriate to request to transfer the relevant tasks and powers referred to in Article 5(2) and Article 6(1) related to direct supervision of the non-selected obliged entity from the financial supervisor concerned to the Authority, the Authority may adopt an individual decision addressed to a non-selected obliged entity requiring the necessary action to comply with its obligations under Regulation [the please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - COM/2021/420 final] or Directive [ please insert reference – proposal for 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive - COM/2021/423 final], including the cessation of any practice. To that effect, the Authority shall apply all relevant Union law, and, where that Union law is composed of Directives, national law to the extent that it transposes those Directives. Where the relevant Union law is composed of Regulations and where those Regulations explicitly grant options for Member States, the Authority shall apply also national law to the extent that such options have been exercised.
Amendment 781 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 c (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Decisions adopted under paragraph 8 shall prevail over any previous decision adopted by the competent authorities on the same matter. Measures taken by the Authority under paragraph 8 do not preclude the Authority from launching the procedure for transfer of relevant tasks and powers under Article 30a.
Amendment 782 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 6
Article 30 – paragraph 6
Amendment 790 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 7
Article 30 – paragraph 7
Amendment 792 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Amendment 793 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 b (new)
Article 30 b (new)
Article 30b Requests of direct information to non- selected obliged entities 1. The supervisory authorities shall provide the Authority with all necessary information regarding selected and non- selected obliged entities in order for the Authority to carry out its duties, provided that the supervisory authorities have legal access to the relevant information. 2. Where information is not available or is not made available under paragraph 1 in a timely manner, the Authority may address a request directly to the relevant obliged entities or associations of obliged entities. The request shall be duly justified, include the legal basis of the request, specify the information required and fix a reasonable time limit within which the information is to be provided. The national authority shall receive a copy of the request. The addressees of such a request shall provide the Authority, within the time limit specified in the request, with clear, accurate and complete information, provided they have legal access to the relevant information. Upon a duly justified request to the Authority, the addressees may ask for a single extension of the deadline. 3. The use of confidential information and the modalities with regard to information requests pursuant of Article 30 shall be governed by the provisions set out in Article 16(4) and Article 16(5).
Amendment 795 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter II – Section 5 – title
Chapter II – Section 5 – title
5 OVERSIGHTINDIRECT SUPERVISION OF NON- FINANCIAL SECTOR
Amendment 797 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall periodically conduct peer reviews of some or all of the activities of non-financial supervisors to strengthen consistency and effectiveness in supervisory outcomes. To that end, the Authority shall develop methods to allow for an objective assessment and comparison between non-financial supervisors reviewed. WThe Authority, when planning and conducting peer reviews, may consider existing information and evaluations already available with regard to the non-financial supervisor concerned, including any relevant information provided to the Authority in accordance with Article 11, in addition to assessments or reports drawn up by international organisations and intergovernmental bodies competent in the field of preventing money laundering or terrorist financing and any relevant information from stakeholders shall be taken into account.
Amendment 799 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of this Article, the Authority shall establish ad hoc peer review committees, which shall be composed ofThe peer reviews shall be carried out by the staff ofrom the Authority and members of the non-financial supervisors. The peer review committees shall be chaired by a member of the Authority’s staff. The Chair of the Authority shall, following a call for proposals, propose the chair and the members of a peer review committee which shall be approved by the Executive Boardin cooperation with the relevant staff of the non-financial supervisors.
Amendment 802 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the effectiveness and the degree of convergence reached in the application of Union law and in supervisory practice, and the extent to which the supervisory practice achieves the objectives set out in Union law, and the extent to which the indirect supervision of the non-financial sector serves the purposes of combating money laundering and terrorist financing risks;
Amendment 803 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) the extent to which supervisory practice has clarified and improved understanding of obligations derived from Regulation [please insert reference – proposal for Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - COM/2021/420 final] in the non-financial sector, in particular its compatibility with legal professional privilege and professional confidentiality applicable in some professions;
Amendment 807 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4
Article 31 – paragraph 4
4. The Authority shall produce a report setting out the results of the peer review. That peer review report shall be prepared by the peer review committee and adopted by the Executive Board, having received the observations of the General Board in supervisory composition as to the consistency of application of the methodologystaff of the Authority, in cooperation with the relevant staff of the non-financial supervisors, and adopted by the Executive Board, which shall share it in a timely manner with other pe non-financial supervisor under review reports. The report shall explain and indicate the follow-up measures that are deemed appropriate, proportionate and necessary as a result of the peer review. Those follow-up measures may be adopted in the form of guidelines and recommendations pursuant to Article 3 and opinions pursuant to Article 44. The non- financial supervisors shall make every effort to comply with any guidelines and recommendations issued, in accordance with Article 43. The Authority shall transmit such reports without delay, on a confidential basis, at least to the European Parliament.
Amendment 809 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 5
Article 31 – paragraph 5
5. The Authority shall publish the findings of the peer review on its website and submit an opinion to the Commission where, having regard to the outcome of the peer review or to any other information acquired by the Authority in carrying out its tasks, it considers that further harmonisation of Union rules applicable to obliged entities in the non-financial sector or to non-financial supervisors would be necessary from the Union’s perspective. The Authority's opinion shall also reflect on the pertinence of reinforcing its powers to oversight the non-financial sector.
Amendment 810 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 6
Article 31 – paragraph 6
6. The Authority shall provide a follow-up report two years after the publication of the peer review report. The follow-up report shall be prepared by the peer review committee and adopted by the Executive Board, having received the observations of the General Board in supervisory composition onstaff of the Authority, in cooperation with the relevant staff of the non-financial supervisors, and adopted by the Executive Board, which shall share it in a timely manner with the cnonsistency with other pe-financial supervisor under review reports. The follow-up report shall include an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the actions undertaken by the non-financial supervisors that were subject to the peer review in response to the follow-up measures of the peer review report. The Authority shall publish the findings of the follow-up report on its website.
Amendment 813 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 7
Article 31 – paragraph 7
7. For the purposes of this Article, the Executive Board shall adopt a peer review work plan every two years, which shall reflect the lessons learnt from the past peer review processes and discussions held in the General Board in supervisory composition. The peer review work plan shall constitute a separate part of the annual and multiannual working programme and shall be included in the Single Programming Document. In case of urgency or unforeseen events, tThe peer review work plan shall take into account geographical balance. The Authority may decide to carry ouem that additional peer reviews. are required, and may establish a new one at its own discretion;
Amendment 817 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 a (new)
Article 31 a (new)
Amendment 832 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 a (new)
Article 32 a (new)
Amendment 833 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 b (new)
Article 32 b (new)
Amendment 838 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. Where, pursuant to Article 25 of [OP please insert the next number to the AMLD, COM(2021)423], a FIU of a Member State identifies a potential need to conduct a joint analysis with one or several FIUs in other Member States, it shall notify the Authority thereof. The Authority shall's financial intelligence staff shall be responsible for informing the FIUs in all the relevant Member States and invite them to take part in the joint analysis within five days of the initial notification. To this end, the Authority's staff member shall use secured channels of communication. The FIUs in all the relevant Member States shall consider taking part in the joint analysis. The Authority shall ensure that the joint analysis is launched within 20 days of the initial notification.
Amendment 840 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where a FIU has not submitted a request for the setting up of a joint analysis team, the Authority may set up such a team on its own initiative where it identifies cases in which: (a) a FIU’s operational analyses require difficult and demanding analyses having links with other Member States, or cases in which a number of FIUs are conducting operational analyses in which the circumstances of the case necessitate coordinated, concerted action in the Member States involved; (b) it directly received information indicating a suspicion of money laundering or financing of terrorism that could affect the internal market or relate to cross-border activities.
Amendment 846 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3
Article 33 – paragraph 3
3. Upon explicit consent of the relevant FIUs participating in the joint analysis, the financial intelligence staff of the Authority supporting the joint analysis shall be granted access to all the data pertaining to the subject-matter of the joint analysis and shall be able to process those data.
Amendment 847 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Authority may request any type of additional information from the participating FIUs with the purpose of ensuring a better exercise of the joint analysis. If the request is rejected, the FIU shall provide its reasoning to the Authority.
Amendment 852 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
3. On the basis of the feedback referred to in paragraph 2, or on its own initiative, the Authority may issue follow- up reports relating to the conduct of joint analyses, including specific suggestions on adjustments regarding the methods and procedures for the conduct of the joint analyses, particularly regarding the access to additional information, and conclusions on the outcome of the joint analyses. The procedural and operational aspects of the follow-up report shall be shared with all FIUs, without disclosing confidential or restricted information on the case. The conclusions and recommendations relating to the conduct of the joint analyses shall be shared with the FIUs that participated in the relevant joint analyses, and with all the other FIUs insofar as these conclusions do not contain confidential or restricted information.
Amendment 853 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The FIU of each Member State mayshall delegate, at least, one staff member to the Authority. The national FIU delegate shall have his or her regular place of work at the seat of the Authority.
Amendment 856 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 5
Article 35 – paragraph 5
5. FIU delegates mayshall be granted access to any data accessible by their delegating FIU for the purposes of carrying out the tasks referred to in paragraph 4, subject to consent of their delegating FIU.
Amendment 860 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 a (new)
Article 36 a (new)
Amendment 867 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 37 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. The Executive Board may suspend access to FIU.net for a specific FIU where the report of the peer review in accordance with Article 36a concludes that requirements relating to the independence, integrity, professionalism, confidentiality or security of the FIU, as set out in Article 17 of the [please insert reference – proposal for 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive - COM/2021/423 final], have not been fulfilled.
Amendment 887 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 43 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The guidelines and recommendations issued by the European Banking Authority and, where applicable, national supervisors shall remain applicable until they are replaced by the guidelines and recommendations issued by the Authority. Once issued, the Authority’s guidelines and recommendations shall replace those previously issued by the European Banking Authority and, where applicable, national supervisors on the same subject. The Authority shall provide for a suitable transition period for obliged entities to comply with the new guidelines and recommendations.
Amendment 899 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) a member, without the vote to right, of the European Banking Authority, the European Securities and Markets Agency, and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority;
Amendment 917 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 4
Article 46 – paragraph 4
4. The General Board may decide to admit observers. In particular, the General Board in FIU composition shall admit as an observer a representative of OLAF, Europol, Eurojust and the EPPO to meetings when matters fall under their respective mandates. The General Board in supervisory composition shall admit a representative nominated by the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank and a representative of each of the European Supervisory Authorities, where matters within the scope of their respective mandates are discussed. Other observers may be admitted on an ad hoc basis upon agreement of all participating parties with a permanent seat.
Amendment 951 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1
Article 56 – paragraph 1
1. The Chair of the Authority shall be selected on the basis of merit, skills, knowledge, integrity, recognised standing and experience in the area of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and other relevant qualification, following an open selection procedure which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Commission shall draw up gender- balanced a shortlist of two qualified candidates for the position of the Chair of the Authority. T and submit it to the Council, after approval by the European Parliament, shall adopt an implementingnd to the European Parliament. The European Parliament may invite the selected candidates to in camera or public hearings, submit written questions to the candidates and designate its preferred candidate.. The Council under an agreement with the European Parliament, shall adopt a decision to appoint the Chair of the Authority.
Amendment 959 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 2
Article 56 – paragraph 2
2. If the Chair of the Authority no longer fulfils the conditions required for the performance of his or her duties or has been guilty of serious misconduct, the European Parliament or the Council may, following a proposal by the General Board in either composition, adopt an implementing or in their own initiative, adopt a joint decision to remove the Chair of the Authority from office. The Council shall act by qualified majority.
Amendment 964 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 4
Article 58 – paragraph 4
4. The Executive Director shall be selected on the grounds of integrity, merit and documented high-level administrative, budgetary and management skills, following an open selection procedure which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and, as appropriate, other press or internet sites. The Commission shall draw up a gender- balanced shortlist of two qualified candidates for the position of the Executive Director and submit it to the European Parliament. The European Parliament may conduct in camera or public hearings with the candidates, submit written questions, and communicate its preferred candidate to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall appoint the Executive Director.
Amendment 978 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62 – paragraph 3
Article 62 – paragraph 3
3. After ruling on the admissibility of the review, the Administrative Board of Review shall express an opinion within a period appropriate to the urgency of the matter and no later than two months from the receipt of the request and remit the case for preparation of a new draft decision to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall take into account the opinion of the Administrative Board of Review and shall promptly adopt a new decision, integrating, where the Executive Board deems appropriate, the opinion of the Administrative Board of Review. The new decision shall abrogate the initial decision, replace it with a decision of identical content, or replace it with an amended decision.
Amendment 1007 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 72 – paragraph 4
Article 72 – paragraph 4
4. The Authority shall reply orally or in writing to questions put to it by the European Parliament in accordance with its own procedures and in any event within five weeks of receipt of a question..
Amendment 1009 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 72 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 72 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Upon request, the Chair shall hold confidential oral discussions behind closed doors with Members of the competent committee of the European Parliament where such discussions are required for the exercise of the European Parliament's powers under the TFEU. An agreement shall be concluded between the European Parliament and the Authority on the detailed modalities of organising such discussions, with a view to ensuring full confidentiality in accordance with the requirements of professional secrecy imposed by this Regulation.
Amendment 1011 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 72 – paragraph 4 b (new)
Article 72 – paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. During any investigations by the European Parliament, including the set- up of special or inquiry committees, the Authority shall cooperate with the European Parliament. Within six months of the appointment of the Chair, the Authority and the European Parliament shall conclude appropriate arrangements on the practical modalities of the exercise of democratic accountability and oversight over the exercise of the tasks conferred on the Authority by this Regulation. Subject to the power of the European Parliament pursuant to Article 226 TFEU, those arrangements shall cover, inter alia, access to information, including rules on the handling and protection of classified or otherwise confidential information, cooperation in hearings, confidential oral discussions, reports, responding to questions, investigations and information on the selection procedure of the Chair and the Executive Director.
Amendment 1013 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 76 a (new)
Article 76 a (new)
Amendment 1018 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 77 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 77 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. By ... [12 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Authority shall conclude a memorandum of understanding with the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 setting out in general terms how they will cooperate and exchange information in the performance of their supervisory tasks under Union law in relation to obliged entities.
Amendment 1019 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 77 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 77 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. When drafting regulatory technical standards, guidelines and recommendations in accordance with this Regulation, having an impact on the scope of the mandate of the European Supervisory Authorities, the Authority shall closely cooperate with them.
Amendment 1023 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 77 – paragraph 2
Article 77 – paragraph 2
2. When drafting guidelines and recommendations in accordance with Article 43,regulatory technical standards, guidelines and recommendations having a significant impact on the protection of personal data, the Authority shall closely cooperate with the European Data Protection Board established by Regulation (EU) 2016/679 to avoid duplication, inconsistencies and legal uncertainty in the sphere of data protection.
Amendment 1025 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 78 – paragraph 1
Article 78 – paragraph 1
1. WThere necessary for the fulfilment of its tasks listed in Article 5, the Authority shall cooperate, as appropriate, with the non- AML/CFT author Authority shall cooperate and exchange information, within the boundaries of its mandate, with the non- AML/CFT authorities. Cooperation and exchange of information shall include, in particular, supervisory activities carried out by the Authority which may have an impact on prudential supervision or the overall risk profile of obliged entities.
Amendment 1029 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 78 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 78 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. By ... [12 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Authority and the European Central Bank shall conclude a memorandum of understanding setting out the practical modalities for cooperation and for exchange information in the performance of their respective tasks under Union law.
Amendment 1031 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 78 – paragraph 3
Article 78 – paragraph 3
3. The Authority shall ensure effective cooperation and information exchange between all financial supervisors in the AML/CFT supervisory system and the relevant non- AML/CFT authorities referred to in paragraph 1, including with regard to access to any information and data in central AML/CFT database referred to in Article 11.
Amendment 1032 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 79 – paragraph 1
Article 79 – paragraph 1
1. Where relevant for the fulfilment of the tasks referred to in Sections 3 and 6 of Chapter II, the Authority may participate in existing cooperation arrangements established in one or across several Member States by supervisory authorities or FIUs, where such arrangements involve, inter alia, cooperation and information exchange between the aforementioned authorities and selected obliged entities. Participation of the Authority shall be subject to consent of the relevant national authority that has established such arrangement.
Amendment 1033 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 79 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 79 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where relevant for the fulfilment of the tasks referred to in Sections 3 and 6 of Chapter II, the Authority may set up cooperation arrangements with selected obliged entities as well as other obliged entities in the financial and non-financial sector. Those cooperation arrangements may also provide for the participation of supervisory authorities, FIUs, data protection authorities at national and Union level, as appropriate, and, if all participating parties agree to it, other relevant stakeholders which exclusively provide AML compliance support services. The Authority shall ensure that those cooperation arrangements comply with the applicable data protection rules.
Amendment 1038 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 81 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 81 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Authority shall be responsible, under Article 37 of Directive [please insert reference – proposal for 6th Anti- Money Laundering Directive - COM/2021/423 final] for assessing whether professional secrecy and confidentiality requirements applicable to supervisory authorities in third countries are equivalent to the EU standards.
Amendment 1039 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 81 – paragraph 2
Article 81 – paragraph 2
2. The Authority mayshall develop model administrative arrangements, with a view to establishing consistent, efficient and effective practices within the Union and to strengthening international coordination and cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The public authorities and FIUs shall make every effort to follow such model arrangements.
Amendment 1061 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) it is appropriate to expand the scope for direct supervision, not only regarding the total number of selected obliged entities, but also regarding the use residual risk for the selection procedure for direct supervision;
Amendment 1063 #
2021/0240(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 88 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) it is appropriate to confer additional tasks in the area of support and coordination of the work of FIUs, including the mandate for developing a one-stop-shop platform within FIU.net for the submission of consolidated suspicious transaction reports;
Amendment 98 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) Insular, peripheral and remote regions had little alternative but to build their economic competitiveness with the support of air transport, enabling and promoting key economic flows and other drivers of economic development enabled by efficient and affordable air services. Improved air connectivity has brought about wider economic benefits, beyond those that benefit the immediate users of air transport networks. Beyond those that could be considered direct economic benefits of aviation, air connectivity between Member States serves as an essential catalyst for economic growth and social welfare. Air linkages that connect central Member States to the insular, peripheral and remote regions continue to make a vital contribution to economic growth.
Amendment 100 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3 b) Until cleaner energy is made available through technological advances, taxpayers are encouraged to consume smartly and use transport that consumes less fossil fuels. However, until more environmentally friendly alternatives are available, the insular, peripheral and remote regions will be at an economic disadvantage compared to the central ones. Insular, peripheral and remote regions should not be discriminated against since in the near future they will not have transport alternatives that are more ecological than air transport. Citizens and businesses on islands and at the periphery should continue to benefit from equivalent connectivity opportunities as their counterparts in more central areas of the Union.
Amendment 112 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) For insular regions having no connections by road, train or bridge with the European mainland, and for peripheral and remote regions, especially those with an economy that is highly dependent on tourism, the kerosene tax should be waived for flights to and from such regions, during the first five years, and should then be raised in five equal annual steps in the following five years to reach the levels achieved for all flights at the end of the ten year period. All precautionary steps should be taken to avoid any "détournement de trafic" in kerosene usage.
Amendment 242 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7 a (new)
Amendment 369 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt the delegated acts referred to in Article 2(8) and Article 5(2) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from 1 January 2023.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 3
Article 29 – paragraph 3
3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 2(8) and Article 5(2) may be revoked at any time by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
Amendment 374 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 6
Article 29 – paragraph 6
Amendment 384 #
2021/0213(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
The report by the Commission shall, inter alia, examine the minimum levels of taxation, the impact of innovation and technological developments, in particular as regards energy efficiency, the use of electricity in transport and the justification for the exemptions, reductions and differentiations laid down in this Directive. The report shall take into account the proper functioning of the internal market, environmental and social considerations, the real value of the minimum levels of taxation and, the impact of this directive on air connectivity and the economic and social welfare of insular, peripheral and remote regions as well as the relevant wider objectives of the Treaties.
Amendment 12 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Atlantic area hwas borne the brunt of bothseverely affected by the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 and the fallout fromnegative effects of Brexit,;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the climate crisis isand rising sea levels are causing severe damage to all the Atlantic seaboards and islands, which constitute a fragile and unique land and maritime environment;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the European Atlantic area extends off the African coast to encompass Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands, and across the Atlantic to take in the Netherlands Antilles, the French Antilles, French Guiana and Saint Pierre and MiquelonFrench Guiana, and whereas the new Atlantic strategy should address all these regions while remaining open to third countries and their regions;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas in 2015, the total GDP of the Atlantic Area stood at EUR 2 175 billion, representing 15% of the EU GDP1a; _________________ 1ahttps://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/8d43aa62-1139-11e8- 9253-01aa75ed71a1
Amendment 19 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Atlantic strategy should also embinclude a tracde strade integy of material and immaterial goods with North anAtlantic third Scouth Americantries, taking Europe's Atlantic regions, including the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories, as its base;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the new EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, the review of the Renewable Energies Directive and the blue economy are key elements in the transition to clean energy, including reinforced sustainability criteria, and whereas the oceans are playing a fundamental role in the area of adaptation to climate change;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas ports and transport as a wholes can play a major role in the promotion of sustainable development and the transition to a carbon- free economy;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the fact that in the mid- term review of 2017, the 2013–2020 Atlantic Action Plan attracted over 1200 new maritime projects and nearly 6 billion euro of investments1a; regrets, however, that only around 30% of all projects were transnational, involving more than one Member State1b; _________________ 1a https://atlanticstrategy.eu/en/atlantic- strategy-glance/atlantic-strategy 1bhttps://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/8d43aa62-1139-11e8- 9253-01aa75ed71a1
Amendment 29 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Pays tribute toHighlights the tireless work done by all local, regional, national and European stakeholders, particularly the Atlantic strategy group;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Considers that the 2013 Atlantic action plan has contributed to developing a more comprehensive picture of what is happening across the Atlantic but because of its broad scope was limited in terms of influencing priorities and supporting the development of relevant projects;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. ApplaudHighlights the efforts made to fosto promoter the Atlantic strategy’s international dimension, in particular through the success of the Galway and Belém declarations; recalls that the international dimension of the Atlantic action plan and the support for its implementation help to understand the on-going changes in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as their effects on the different coastal communities;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes, however, that the previous action plan yielded disappointing results with regret that the general results were a far cry from the action plan potential, and deplores the failure to earmark a budget for the action plan and the complexity of its governance system;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that the 1 200 new maritime projects announced by the Commission, worth almost EUR 6 billion, have no direct link to the Atlantic strategy, and takes the view thatHighlights that, although the Commission encourages stakeholder’s participation through the organization of specialized events, the regions have beeremain insufficiently involved in the governance of the strategy;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 37 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Deplores the fact that, although included in the 2013 Atlantic Strategy, the sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors were largely left out of the 2017 Commission’s mid-term review assessment;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the review of the action plan and applaudrecognises the progress made regarding its governance; regrets, however, the persistence of various shortcomings;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for representatives of all the regions concerned to be included in national delegations and for the strategy to be opened up to participation by third countriesto invite Atlantic third countries to participate in the strategy;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the new strategy’s more strictly defined priorities and calls for practical measures to be takens compared to the 2013– 2020 Atlantic Action Plan;, regrets, nevertheless, the fact that the EU budget doesn’t contain new instruments for implementing the proposed measures;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 49 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Regrets the fact that the strategy doesn’t make any mention to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, even though these industries play a vital socio- economic and environmental role along the Atlantic coastline and in the EU Outermost Regions (ORs); considers that reference to these industries should always imply the implementation of an ecosystem approach to maritime management;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Deplores the fact that, although they are home to a significant proportion of the European biodiversity, there is only a small reference in the new Atlantic strategy to the EU islands in the Atlantic, in particular the Outermost Regions; stresses that these areas are greatly dependent on blue economy for their socio-economic sustainability;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Highlights the fact that the blue economy sector overall plays a crucial role, in the ORs in particular, and can contribute to attenuate the climate changes, promoting nature-based solutions and improving the use of maritime and aquatic resources;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Stresses that the new Atlantic Strategy should promote greater synergies with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy in order to support an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, robust and competitive blue economy, in the Atlantic area;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Amendment 54 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 f (new)
Paragraph 10 f (new)
10 f. Reminds that the ORs give a true Atlantic dimension to the EU and their full integration in this Strategy is fundamental to its success and should therefore be strengthened; recalls that their insularity, remoteness and small size should be taken in account, according to Article 349 of the TFEU, to promote a real social, economic and territorial integration, but also their unique potential and distinctive assets, such as the EU's global presence in strategic areas;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission and the Member States and their regions for the development of enhanced prevention and risk-management capabilities to deal with accidents on land and at sea and natural disasters, the establishment of a common system for preventing and combating oil spills and the designation of large protected maritime areas, and emphasises the importance of protecting all marine species;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the importance of ending thedeveloping strategies to fight the constrains of Atlantic regions’ disolation, linking up transport, energy and information networks, and developing rural and urban areastance from the EU's heartland center, in particular in the Islands of EU's Member States and the ORs, through the promotion of more sustainable transport connections, to stop energy dependence by embracing renewable energies, such as solar and wind energy, and through the development of coordinated information networks; reminds that is crucial for each region to explore its full potential, to ensure a more sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and fairer development;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underscores the importance of fisheries and warns against the harmful long-term effects of overfishing;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to develop high- quality, sustainable tourism as this is a crucial sector of the blue economy; in this context, recalls that it is necessary to create, adapt and modernise existing maritime specific infrastructures, such as navigation recreational support facilities;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Welcomes the work of national and regional stakeholders in the maintenance and improvement of safety levels of the infrastructures through the implementation of appropriate legislation, cooperation and sharing best practices;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Recalls that invasive species and that marine litter has a devastating impact, specifically for marine birds and mammals, the Atlantic area, so believes that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive should be applied to the blue economy activities;
Amendment 77 #
Amendment 79 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. HopeConsiders that the sStrategy willcan encourage joint planning and development of the sectors of the blue economy in the Atlantic area, with environmental and climate policies as central pillars, thus contributing towards the achievement of the Union's decarbonisation objectives and promoting renewable offshore power generation technologies; is of the opinion that it is necessary to include in the Strategy a stronger social dimension;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. AdvocateRecommends the development of an industrial strategy with a strong maritime component at Atlantic level and hopes that the strategy will provide impetus for the development of flagship industriesat Atlantic level, with a strong sustainable environmental and socio-economic blue economy component;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Suggests that the Action Plan should focus on more relevant sectoral policies specific to the Atlantic area or areas where additional efforts to strengthen sea basin level cooperation have the highest potential;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for innovation to be fostered in the Atlantic maritime sectors, in and around ports, all along the Atlantic shoreline and in the maritime territoriIslands of EU's Member States;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and their regions to foster innovative environmental and socio- economic sustainable projects in the Atlantic maritime sectors, in and around ports, all along the Atlantic shoreline and in the maritime territories, such as the installation of a ‘green’ maritime loading infrastructure;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the initiatives to speed up adaptation to climate change, not least the Atlantic Skills Allianceinitiatives such as the creation of incentives to promote the installation of offshore and inland renewable energies, such as wind, tidal waters and solar energy, that helps the EU to speed up adaptation to climate change and to reach the goal of becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Regrets that the Atlantic region still has little development as far as offshore renewable energy is concerned, due to the coastal depths of the waters that unable to deploy fixed structures; in this context, suggests that floating wind mills at affordable price can be a solution;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the strategy to focus squarely on jobs; wishes to see an ambitious social component to promoteonsiders that the principals of the European Pillar of Social Rights are not properly safeguarded in the new Atlantic Strategy; calls for an enhanced social component, with more opportunities for job creation and training, in particular, training for and access to meas such as ship-building, aqua-culture and fisheries, in paritime professions forcular to young people;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls foron the concept of AtlanticCommission to include in the new Atlantic Strategy, more measures to promote connectivity, such as to include sustainable links between ports and the development of hinterland areas;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for steps to be taken to eliminate rail bottlenecks, draw up plans for multimodal transfer to sustainable moon the Commission and the Atlantic Regions to develop strategies to eliminate rail bottlenecks, such as in the cross-border connection between Lisbon and Madrid; considers of transport, support the development of the Atlantic rail motorway, enhance rail-portnecessary to continue with the development of high- speed rail links and parallel upgrading of connecventions and link the major TEN-T corridors with the other Atlantic Arc linesal lines, providing cross-border continuity;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges the Member States, in cooperation with their regional and local authorities, as well other stakeholders, to step up their involvement and implement joint strategic projects;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Calls on the members of the new Atlantic strategy, with the support of the Commission, to develop a specific information platform for the exchange experiences and best practices on the goals of the Strategy;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 111 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Proposes yearly high-level meetingsand more frequent meetings between the countries and their regions involved in the strategy, the Commission, and the European Parliament, in order to promote a better coordination and a frequent monitoring of the measures put in place by each region;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Supports research on the ocean floor and calls for a major joint project to clean up the Atlantic Ocean and its seabedCalls on the Commission and the Atlantic Regions, under the Pilar IV of the Action Plan, to promote a major joint project to clean up the Atlantic Ocean and its seabed, to support oceanographic research and observation on the ocean floor and to promote sustainable measures for polution prevention; recalls that the circular economy should be promoted, collecting maritime litter and reintroducing it into the economy;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Takes the view that environmental NGOs should be supported and involvedSuggests that stakeholders and NGOs be more actively involved in the creation, promotion and implementation of new projects, and in protection of Atlantic’s ecosystems and biodiversity;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for a study on the use of motorboats and for the pollution they cause to be reducedthe development of more actions on maritime innovation measures to contribute to the protection and decarbonisation of maritime sources, such as the carbon produced by vessels;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls for an increase in the number of specific calls for projects as parton the Commission, in the context of the specific Atlantic Strategy Goals, to focus on the least developed or those with the greatest development needs, socioeconomic areas of the Atlantic area; considers fundamental to increase specific calls for projects, in the least developed socioeconomic areas of the Atlantic strategy;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Welcomes the increased development of new marine biotechnology research due to its potential use for industrial and medical applications; recalls that innovation projects and initiatives can contribute to the development of research capacities, networking and best-practices' sharing;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30 b. Calls on the Commission to incorporate in the Atlantic Action Plan a best practice guidance from macro- regional strategies and their action plans of relevance for the new Atlantic strategy;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Recommends that the members ofINTERREG Atlantic Area Monitoring Committee, takes into account the new Atlantic sStrategy and the needs of the members of the INTERREG Atlantic Area Monitoring Committee establish common objectives and decision-making proceduresAtlantic strategy, to better implement solutions to address regional challenges in the fields of innovation, resource efficiency, environment and culture, supporting regional development and sustainable growth;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Urges the Commission to review the current Strategy, given the serious shortcomings identified;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
Amendment 136 #
2020/2276(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and, the Commission. , and national/regional Parliaments of France, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, as well as to CoR and ECOSOC;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the general objective of digitalisation of taxation is key to ensure transparency, accountability and automated reporting, essential for a definitive, simplified and future-proof VAT regime; whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed the development of digitalisation for all transactions; whereas SMEs are at the centre of such digitalisation process and should be supported in this respect in acquiring the latest technology and know-how;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that simplifying VAT with the introduction of a single rrough estimates show thate and revenue -neutrality tax reform could reduce the standard VAT rate ion the EU by an average of 7%, thus bringing the standard rate down from 13% to 2%average by 7 percentage points in the EU-27, in addition to reducing compliance costs; highlights that, according to those estimates, the size of the reduction varies between EU member states from 2 to 13 percentage points;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that applying a multitude of reduced rates has a legitimate purpose in society, notably to reduce the regressiveness of the VAT system and helping achieve certain national policy objectives, but it also aggravates the complexity and opacity of the tax system, facilitates fraud and increases compliance costs and may facilitate fraud;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Observes that the VAT gap fluctuates in line with the business cycle, and that low tax compliance is correlsometimes associated with high standard VAT rates and multiple VAT rates as well asbut also with lower legal and judicial efficiency, weaker legal institutions, higher perceived levels of corruption and the overall share of the shadow economy;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes digitalisation’s potential to reduce compliance costs in the long term; maintains that digital innovations23 are likely to reduce compliance costs and help increase the transparency of commercial transactions; stresses the need to ensure data security and individual and corprivacy; insists that SMEs and other vulnerable economic actors need to be supporate privacyd through EU programmes and EU-induced trainings in the digital transition in order to benefit from it and contribute to it; stresses that such general approach towards accelerating the digitalisation of SMEs’ know-how and operations on the ground would ultimately benefit VAT collection; _________________ 23Such as AI, big data and blockchain technology.
Amendment 62 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that the wide variety of rates may causes price distortion in the internal market, creating incentives for cross-border purchases and giving rise to increased tax competition between Member States; recalls that companies need simplified and centralised access to information on rates, as well as clear and unambiguous VAT rules to encourage cross-border business and reduce their administrative burdens; welcomes in this respect the simplified and digitalised method for registering under the VAT exemption regime for SMEs engaging in cross-border business activities through an online portal, thus reducing costs and administrative burdens;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that a well-designed VAT system is neutral and should not affect trade, but that in practice this principle is difficult to verify at global level given the application of VAT exemptions, the ineffectiveness of refund systems, the wide variety of rates – incurring higher compliance costs – and the fact that VAT has superseded income taxes with a view to encouraging trade; stresses that an increasing number of SMEs are willing to trade across the EU, especially through online transactions, and that the EU VAT system should aim at facilitating such cross-border growth;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Observes that the application of reduced rates does not systematically give rise to permanent price reductions for the consumer; that the effectiveness of a reduced rate depends on a number of factors, such as the extent to which businesses pass it on to consumers, its duration over time, the size of the reduction and the complexity of the rate system; that the passing-on of reductions in their entirety is therefore a random process and should not be the basis for policy-making; that it is impossible to targethat requires extensive analysis and impact assessment to make sure that reductions only apply where they can benefit low-income households;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Highlights that reduced rates normally pursue the legitimate purpose of ensuring that essential goods are accessible to everyone; stresses that reduced VAT rates on necessities (e.g. food) tend to make VAT more progressive and should only apply to products which bring social, environmental or cultural benefits; stresses that reduced rates can be particular important in societies with great income disparities and high level of social and economic inequality;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that for it to have a leverage effect, green taxation must be inclusive, fair and strive for social equity and not undermine businesses’ international competitiveness; observes that the effectiveness of reduced rates in promoting this type of goods and services or, in a broader sense, merit goods (e.g. culture, health, biodiversity) is chiefly a function of the extent to which they are used to promote such goods;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 108 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that a uniform VAT system, combined with a direct tax incentive tool such as the income-based tax credit scheme for low-income households, together with a raft of social reforms, would be a winning strategyare all options worth exploring; recalls that New Zealand has a flat-rate VAT system and applies tax credit for low-income households; points out that flat-rate subsidies and information campaigns are an option for the promotion of merit goods;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Endorses the findings of the DIW Econ study which stresses that on average the standard rate was applied to 71% of the total tax base in the Member States in 2019; points out that the costs of diversified VAT systems impose costs on businesses, particularly SMEs via increased compliance costs, create distortionsthe distortions they might cause in the internal market and trade, and incur costs their impact on government through lost revenuerevenue need to be carefully assessed in order to achieve a cohesive, fair and efficient VAT system in the EU; adds that reduced rates are an insufficient means of achieving revenue- distribution or environmental objectives;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls for the assessment and adjustment of distorting and environmentally harmful reduced rates;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes the difficulties in reducing the VAT gap between Member States owing to the need to maintain a number of VAT exemptions for certain goods and services and the willingness of Member States to maintain reduced rates of at least 5%a combination of factors; acknowledges that Member States need to conserve the flexibility to set their own VAT rates given the importance of this tax as a budgetary instrument;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a simplified VAT system with limits on exemptions and non- standard rates to be introduced with a view to promoting competitivenessefficiency and fairness in the internal market;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that the VAT gap is chiefly attributable to legislative loopholes, lack of resources and digital efficiency in tax administrations, the ineffectiveness of enforcement and control measures, particularly those against tax evasion and avoidance and aggressive tax planning;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the effectiveness of reduced rates as a policy tool must always be assessed in the specific context of other existing policy tools; adds that reduced rates are often complementary to existing social and environmental policy tools; and that direct tax incentives are instruments that might better target low-income households and are generally less costly, provided that other conditions are fulfilled;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
— having regard to the OECD report of 9 October 2020 entitled ‘Green budgeting and tax policy tools to support a green recovery’,
Amendment 9 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
Amendment 11 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
— having regard to the World Bank's report of 27 May 2020 entitled 'State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2020',
Amendment 12 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 b (new)
Citation 29 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the United Nations’ High Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda of 25 February 2021 entitled 'Financial Integrity for Sustainable Development',
Amendment 13 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 c (new)
Citation 29 c (new)
— having regard to the ongoing work of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters,
Amendment 14 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 d (new)
Citation 29 d (new)
— having regard to the report of the United Nations’ Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development of entitled ‘Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2020’,
Amendment 15 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 e (new)
Citation 29 e (new)
— having regard to the ongoing work of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS),
Amendment 17 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the fiscal system must be reformed by shifting the tax mix, making the tax system fairer and adjusting our redistributive mechanisms if the state is to continue establishing the preconditions for inclusive and sustainable well-being;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Covid-19 pandemic had an extremely negative overall impact on the economic performance of the European Union, including dramatic and asymmetric social consequences;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas the European social model, based on quality public services and inclusive social protection, was paramount to face the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas inequality levels have increased throughout Europe when compared to 19808a and negatively impact human well-being; _________________ 8aWorld Inequality Database, 2019, How Unequal Is Europe? Evidence from Distributional National Accounts, 1980- 2017, https://wid.world/europe2019/
Amendment 27 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the European Union and its Member States are committed to deliver on the Paris Agreement targets of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre- industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 °C;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas these challenges require a fiscal framework that ensures sufficient room for public and private investments;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas tax morale is generally higher in countries that tax more heavily, which is evidence for the willingness of citizens to pay tax in return for effective public services and a social safety net9 ; _________________ 9 https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/sites/0533eea9- en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/ 0533eea9-en
Amendment 68 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Amendment 70 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas research by the Institute for European Environmental Policy shows that households have over- internalized their cost of pollution, paying 127% of the damage they do, while industry has internalised a mere 26% and agriculture a mere 6% of the cost they impose on society;1a _________________ 1a https://ieep.eu/uploads/articles/attachment s/05c5ff2d-cb97-424f-95f8- 5efb10d3da2b/Green%20taxation%20to% 20build%20fairer,%20more%20resilient% 20economies.pdf?v=63779736268
Amendment 77 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the European institutions reached a broad agreement regarding the need to establish new own resources;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Amendment 103 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that taxation and tax collection have shifted the tax incidence from wealth to income, from capital to labour income and consumption, from MNEs to SMEs, and from the financial sector to the real economy; observes with concern this shift in the tax burden from more mobile to less mobile taxpayers, resulting in a lower average tax burden for the very income-rich11 ; notes that this further intensifies the race to the bottom in corporate as well as wealth taxation between member states; _________________ 11European Commission, ‘Tax policies in the European Union’ survey, 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/busi ness/company-tax/tax-good- governance/european-semester/tax- policies-european-union-survey_en
Amendment 104 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that taxation and tax collection have shifted the tax incidence from wealth to income, from capital to labour income and consumption, from MNEs to SMEs, and from the financial sector to the real economy, thus becoming more regressive; observes with concern this shift in the tax burden from more mobile to less mobile taxpayers, resulting in a lower average tax burden for the very income-rich11 ; _________________ 11European Commission, ‘Tax policies in the European Union’ survey, 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/busi ness/company-tax/tax-good- governance/european-semester/tax- policies-european-union-survey_en
Amendment 107 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Regrets that capital income often enjoys lower levels of taxation when compared to labour income; notes that this contributes to increasing inequality;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that technological progress and economic integration are making the taxpayers and tax bases of all types of tax increasingly mobile12 ; notes that this could reinforce the tendency to rely on immobile tax bases; highlights that under these circumstances, particularly when considering the freedom of capital and freedom of movement within the European Union, it is paramount to establish harmonised rules that provide more tax certainty and contribute to a level playing field; _________________ 12European Commission, ‘Tax policies in the European Union’ survey, 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/busi ness/company-tax/tax-good- governance/european-semester/tax- policies-european-union-survey_en
Amendment 117 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. ObserveRegrets that in spite of the numerous calls for shifting taxation from labour to pollution, revenues from taxes on pollution and resources in particular have remained very low, and yet they offer accounting for a mere 0.2% of the total tax revenue in the EU12a; highlights the potential source forof increasing revenue through the application of the ‘polluter pays’ principle and that such taxes are difficult to evade owing to the character of the tax base; _________________ 12aEurostat, accessed in 2021, Environmental tax revenues, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/ view/env_ac_tax/
Amendment 121 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Regrets that the current tax system still favours a linear supply chain by failing to provide sufficient incentives to better resource and waste management, recycling, re-usage and refurbishment; underlines that taxation plays a key role in ensuring our transition towards a circular economy and more sustainability; welcomes, in that regard, taxes on non- recycled plastic packaging waste and encourages similar alternatives;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Observes that the European Union managed to reach its emission reductions target for 2020; notes that reaching the targets under discussion for 2030 and 2050 requires more ambition, including in the field of taxation; stresses the importance of tax policy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the phasing-out of fossil fuels;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Clarifies that the introduction of environmental taxes must lead to a more socially just tax system; stresses that any regressive effects of the new taxes requires adequate compensation measures, including at the European level;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that low taxes on resource- use combined with high taxes on labour impede the development of the circular economy, which is resource-efficient but labour and knowledge intensive;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recognizes that the pandemic will have a significant impact on tax revenue; reminds that, if successful, most green taxes will provide diminishing revenue; notes that safeguarding fiscal sustainability in the long-term requires countries to consider and coordinate their approach on alternative sources; underlines that the implementation of new taxes must also consider the importance of a strong demand for a successful economic recovery;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with concern that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly regressive, with the poorest households being the most severely hit14 ; reminds that an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery is a priority; regrets that large companies that realise excess profits, such as e-commerce businesses and wealthy individuals who realise significant capital gains through speculation, are often undertaxed; notes the growing discussion regarding how taxation can mitigate the negative impacts of the extreme accumulation of wealth and profits; _________________ 14OECD, ‘Tax and Fiscal Policy in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis: Strengthening Confidence and Resilience’, 19 May 2020,https://www.oecd.org/ctp/tax- policy/tax-and-fiscal-policy-in-response- to-the-coronavirus-crisis-strengthening- confidence-and-resilience.htm
Amendment 156 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Considers digitalisation to be a big challenge for global tax systems and supports OECD efforts to find a solution; welcomes the Biden administration's recent proposals regarding Pillar 1 and Pillar 2; welcomes the Commission's commitment to put forward a proposal for a digital levy that is in line with the OECD's Pillar 1 while guaranteeing a sufficiently high level of income as an EU own resource; insists that also if the multilateral negotiations fail or prove to be insufficient, the EU must stand ready with its own digital levy;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highlights the prime role of income tax policies in curbing inequalities; notes that European cooperation and coordination is the optimal approach to ensure a fair taxation of capital gains and to safeguard the progressivity of taxation on income;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Reminds that digitalisation remains a main challenge for tax systems; notes that the outcome of the OECD international tax negotiations may provide a proper solution; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to put forward a proposal for a digital levy in case the OECD negotiations fail to provide an adequate outcome in the near future;
Amendment 160 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls on Member States to consider an harmonised corporate taxation framework for the EU that does not enable base erosion and profit shifting; highlights that reducing the friction of cross-border economic activity and ensuring a fair level playing field improves the conditions for businesses, in particular SMEs, to thrive in the single market; notes that failing to fix the dramatic loopholes in corporate taxation can lead to a scenario where national defensive measures proliferate, thus negatively impacting economic activity within the internal market;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Encourages the European Commission to study the tax revenue loss of not having a common withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties in the European Union; expects the Commission to assess the results and, if adequate, put forward a legislative proposal;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8 e. Regrets the lack of progress towards a European financial transactions tax (FTT), initially tabled in the aftermath of the financial crisis; notes that the European Council of July 2020 mentions the FTT as a possible own resource; highlights that a coordinated approach is optimal given the free movement of capital;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that environmental taxes have the potential to cover the need for additional revenue while supporting a resilient, competitive, sustainable and carbon-free economy; calls on Member States to consider expanding the tax base for environmental taxes through inter alia natural resource taxes, distance-based charges in the transport sector, fuel prices, and the taxation of deforestation, landfill, incineration, pesticides and fertilizers; urges all Member States to prevent a 'race to the bottom' in environmental taxation;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. UStresses that a successful climate transition requires a socially sustainable approach; underlines that environmental taxation should be accompanied by a general tax shift, such as tonamely by lowering labour income taxes and social security contributions, to protect low-income households from regressive effects and to build more resilient, economically efficient and fairer tax systems15 ; notes that the specific tax design is at least as important as the tax type; _________________ 15IMF, ‘Fiscal Policies for Paris Climate Strategies – from Principle to Practice’, 1 May 2019, https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Policy -Papers/Issues/2019/05/01/Fiscal-Policies- for-Paris-Climate-Strategies-from- Principle-to-Practice-46826
Amendment 183 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Warns that national budgets cannot rely on environmental taxes alone, as some of these revenues will fall as environmental harm decreases over time; calls on Member States to develop holistic tax reforms that safeguard long-term fiscal sustainability, shifting taxation from labour to not only pollution but also capital and wealth16 ; highlights that such options would dramatically benefit from a coordinated approach that prevents capital flight and the erosion of each country's tax base; _________________ 16European Commission, ‘Tax policies in the European Union’ survey, 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/busi ness/company-tax/tax-good- governance/european-semester/tax- policies-european-union-survey_en
Amendment 197 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Member States to revise tax expenditure in all tax areas; calls on Member States to perform annual, detailed and public cost-benefit analyses of each tax provision; encourages the removal of tax expenditures which are at odds with the European Union’s political priorities, namely the European Green Deal;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Observes that there is also room for significant revenue and efficiency gains at tax administration level; notes that an effective and efficient tax administration, as well as a high degree of tax certainty, can encourage investment and foster competitiveness; stresses that leveraging digital technology is crucial towards a simpler, more effective and efficient tax collection;
Amendment 209 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Amendment 211 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Stresses that tackling tax fraud and tax crimes is paramount to ensure a fair tax system; takes note of previous reports by the European Parliament which called for an ambitious review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing framework;
Amendment 214 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes initiatives taken by the Commission within the framework of the Green Deal such as the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive(ETD) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM); notes with concern that no clear and holistic guidance exists on how taxation should contribute to achieving the goals set out in the Green Deal and considers that the taxation system should therefore be reformed;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the Commission to explore all legal options to take action in the field of green taxation on a European level,including the possibility to replace the unanimity principle in the field of taxation by a qualified majority voting procedure in the area of environmental taxation as well as the application of article 192(2) of the TFEU;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Reiterates that the tax shift must safeguard social sustainability; calls on the Commission to consider establishing appropriate EU-level compensation measures for negatively affected regions and communities; underlines that social earmarking for revenues of new own resources and coordinated taxes, including new environmental ones, can contribute decisively to the just transition dimension, namely by promoting more investments in sustainable and quality jobs;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Commission’s soon- to-be-published revision of the Energy Taxation Directive17 ; calls on Member States to agree to close tax exemptions for aviation and maritime fuels, increase minimum rates and restore the level playing field; calls on the Commission to launch a proposal for a progressive European kerosene taxencourages the Commission to provide an impact assessment that considers the differentiated impact based on socioeconomic background and on each country; reminds that, for instance, low- income households and specific regions are more exposed to energy poverty issues; stresses that the climate transition must ensure affordable heating alternatives and contribute to reducing energy poverty; _________________ 17 OJ L 283, 31.10.2003, p. 51.
Amendment 237 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on Member States to agree to close tax exemptions for carbon-intensive aviation and maritime fuels, increase minimum rates and restore the level playing field; calls on the Commission to launch a proposal for a progressive European kerosene tax; notes that freedom of movement cannot be undermined; highlights that the kerosene tax carries a disproportionately negative social impact to peripheral regions;
Amendment 240 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Encourages the Commission to put forward an ambitious carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM); highlights that this tool is paramount to prevent carbon leakage and promote sustainable jobs and sustainable industrial production; reminds that the CBAM must be WTO-compatible even if it means not being designed as a taxation measure;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16 c. Calls on the Commission to assess how to better integrate positive environmental impact on consumption taxes; stresses that a “green” VAT reduction could shape consumer preferences towards sustainable products and services;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2259(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Encourages the Commission to put forward all the legislative initiatives for taxation, including all mentioned new own-resources, as established in the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary cooperation of 16 December 2020;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the nature of HTP has evolved over the last decades; whereas anti-tax avoidance policies have led to a decline in preferential regimes all around the world, particularly in the Union; whereas new forms of HTP have emerged, notably through the transformation of preferential regimes into aggressive general regimes;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the work conducted by the Union against HTP includes the adoption of legislation, soft law, and intergovernmental cooperation;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 39 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the CoC Group was efficient in deterring preferential tax regimes; whereas it has nonetheless failed to prevent aggressive tax competition between Member States; whereas the CoC Group has further failed to eradicate unfairly advantageous tax arrangements offered by some Member States to large companies and the consequential unfair competitive advantage created, such as harmful advance pricing arrangement (‘tax rulings’); whereas the CoC Group remains of purely intergovernmental nature;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the CoC Group was efficient in deterring specific categories of preferential tax regimes; whereas it has nonetheless failed to prevent aggressive tax competition between Member States; whereas its latest peer review assessments mostly dealt with Intellectual Property (IP) regimes; whereas the CoC Group remains of purely intergovernmental nature;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that tax evasion and tax avoidance result in an unacceptable loss of substantial revenue for Member States, currently needed to address the devastating consequences of the pandemic; recalls the conservative estimates by the OECD on BEPS which costs around 4-10 % of global corporate income tax revenues, or USD 100-240 (EUR 84-202) billion annually26 ; recalls that Parliament’s estimates of corporate tax avoidance range from EUR 160 to 190 billion when both BEPS and other tax regimes are considered27 ; deplores that no other study quantifying the scale of tax evasion and avoidance has been made available since 2016 and calls on the Commission to undertake such assessment as it does for the VAT Gap annually; _________________ 26 https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/ 27 Drover, R., Ferrett, B., Gravino, D., Jones, E. and Merler, S., Bringing transparency, coordination and convergence to corporate tax policies in the European Union, European Parliament, Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research, European Added Value Unit, 24 November 2015. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/et udes/STUD/2015/558773/EPRS_STU(201 5)558773_EN.pdf
Amendment 57 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that several tax scandals have boosted the EU policy agenda on HTP, and notably the Luxleaks, the Panama Papers, the Paradise Papers and more recently, the OpenLux revelations;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the internal and external dimension of the work conducted by the CoC Group on HTP; notes that the external dimension of HTP is mainly dealt with by the CoC Group with the application of the ‘Fair Taxation’ criterion; deplores the lack of coherence between the criteria on HTP applied to Member States and the tougher criteria, in particular on economic substance, applied to third-country jurisdictions in the listing process; recalls that the initial listing process was proposed by the Commission in both its communication on an external strategy for effective taxation and its communication on further measures to enhance transparency and the fight against tax evasion;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the internal and external dimension of the work conducted by the CoC Group on HTP; notes that the external dimension of HTP is mainly dealt with by the CoC Group with the application of the ‘Fair Taxation’ criterion; considers that the EU list needs to be reformed at EU level; recommends that its process be formalised, notably via a legally binding instrument; deplores the lack of coherence between the criteria on HTP applied to Member States and the tougher criteria, in particular on economic substance, applied to third-country jurisdictions in the listing process;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that the proposal put forward by the US Administration for ‘The Made in America Tax Plan’ could facilitate a deal on Pillar II by mid-2021 and gathering more than 130 countries; highlights the US tax plan includes a minimum effective tax rate of 21% for Global intangible low-taxed income(GILTI) and a minimum effective tax rate of 15% for booked income, including US domestic income;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that the proposal put forward by the US Administration for ‘The Made in America Tax Plan’ could facilitate a deal on Pillar II by mid-2021; encourages Member States to reach a common European approach towards the implementation of the final agreement at the OECD level; regrets the negative reaction of some key European decision- makers;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the Commission’s Communication on Business Taxation for the 21st century; notes the importance of developing a single corporate taxation framework for the EU that does not enable base erosion and profit shifting; highlights that reducing the friction of cross-border economic activity and ensuring a level playing field improves the conditions for businesses, in particular SMEs, to thrive in the single market; notes that failing to fix the dramatic loopholes in corporate taxation can lead to a scenario where national defensive measures proliferate, thus negatively impacting economic activity within the internal market;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Points out that all Member States and the European Union must review their standards according to the OECD agreement and the Commission’s previously mentioned communication; Stresses that, even if both initiatives are not fruitful, said standards should be updated, notably to include a minimum effective level of corporate taxation;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Highlights that taxes on capital gains and wealth will keep being subject to a downwards pressure as long as concerns of base erosion remain; encourages Member States to engage in further cooperation in the field of taxation in order to tackle these and other challenges;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the current scope of the CoC to be progressively updated in order to look beyond the preferential nature of tax regime and instead into the general characteristics of a tax system to determine whether they have harmful effects; notes that this is already partially done by the CoC Group and in the framework of the EU listing process, notably for Notional Interest Deduction regimes and the Foreign Resource Income Exemption Regimes;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the adoption of a definition of ‘minimum level of economic substance’, preferably based on a formulaic approach, and which would evolve progressively as reported income increases, which could be used to assess whether a tax regime is potentially harmful; highlights the economic substance requirement already included in the EU list’s ‘Fair Taxation’ criterion; recalls the current minimum requirement on economic substance as existing in the EU list allows notorious tax havens to be delisted after de minimis reforms;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to produce guidelines on how to design tax incentives with fewer risks of distorting the Single Market, notably by looking at the type(profit based or costs based), the temporal nature (temporary or permanent),the geographical limitation (economic zones) and the intensity (full or partial exemptions) of such incentives;
Amendment 126 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Recalls that the procedure laid down in Article 116 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), under which Parliament and the Council act in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, should be applied when harmful tax practices lead to market distortion within the Union;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the Commission recognises that a future minimum global taxation standard would have to be integrated into the EU actions on fair tax competition, and that if no consensus is found at global level on such a standard, it should nonetheless be included in the CoC29 ; calls on the Commission to already assess the legislative proposals that will be necessary to implement Pillar II at Union level, including a revision of ATAD and of the Interest and Royalties Directive, and the reform of the CoC and of the criteria in the EU listing of non-cooperative jurisdictions; considers that the definition of a minimum effective level of tax would not prevent Member States to propose legitimate tax incentives at a lower rate, as long as the income qualifying for such regimes relies on minimum economic substance requirements; understands that, overall, the national average effective rate of a large undertaking should not fall below the minimum rate, following the logic of the current Pillar II proposal; _________________ 29 COM(2020)0313.
Amendment 157 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of patent boxes and other intellectual property (IP) regimes under the new nexus approach defined by Action 5 of the BEPS Action Plan on HTP; notes that the US administration is proposing to repeal its Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII);
Amendment 158 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Highlights the growing increasingly important role played by the European Semester in monitoring and making recommendations on tax policies in the EU; believes the European Semester should be used as a tool to curb aggressive tax planning within the EU by making recommendations on adopting robust rules to prevent tax avoidance, repealing rules that can be misused and lead to aggressive tax planning, and by exposing national tax practices that can be deemed as harmful;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the fact that the CoC has assessed 480 regimes since its creation, deeming around 13030 harmful31 ; recognises the positive effect of the Union’s work on HTP, which has led to a quasi-disappearance of preferential tax regimes within the Union; anticipates a possible similar impact at global stage via the EU listing process; considers therefore the current criteria defining HTP in the CoC as partially outdated given its focus on preferential regimes; _________________ 30Exchange of views of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) with Lyudmila Petkova, Chair of the Code of Conduct Group, held on 19 April 2021. 31 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/docu ment/ST-9639-2018-REV-4/en/pdf
Amendment 170 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the non-binding nature of the CoC; deplores the fact that Member States could maintain a harmful regime without facing any repercussions; leading to unsatisfactory results ; deplores the fact that some Member States have not repealed tax regimes labelled ‘harmful’ before a long period of time and have not exchanged the relevant information regarding their potentially harmful regimes, such as tax rulings, prior to scandals revelations; is of the opinion that the Union should develop tools to enforce its policy against HTP;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for a revision of the criteria, the governance and the scope of the CoC preferably through a legally binding instrument that should replace the current intergovernmental arrangements and allow for a transition to qualified majority voting; requires that Parliament be included in the process of designing and adopting new policies and criteria to combat HTP;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers the reform of the criteria of the CoC to be a matter of urgency and that it should assess, all regimes proposing a tax rate below the future internationally agreed minimum effective tax rate in the framework of Pillar II of the Inclusive Framework as being potentially harmful, unless the revenues qualifying for a deduction or a reduced tax rate comply with robust and progressive economic substance requirements; advises a minimum effective rate of 21 %, following the recommendations of the US Administration in the Made in America Tax Plan;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers the reform of the criteria of the CoC to be a matter of urgency and that it should assess, beyond preferential regimes, all regimes proposing a tax rate below the future internationally agreed minimum effective tax rate in the framework of Pillar II of the Inclusive Framework as being potentially harmful, unless the revenues qualifying for a deduction or a reduced tax rate comply with robust and progressive economic substance requirements ;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges an enlargement of the scope of the CoC, notably by including preferential personal income or capital tax regimes, or personal income and wealth tax regimes that could lead to significant Single Market distortions, so the CoC scope captures regimes aimed at attracting high net worth and high level of income not created in the Member State proposing the tax regime;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 215 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Requires that the body in charge of implementing the Union policies against HTP, which is currently the CoC Group appear at least once a year before Parliament;
Amendment 222 #
2020/2258(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the publication of the biannual reports of the CoC Group to the Council; appreciates the efforts made to release CoC Group-related documents and work; regret show ever the lack of accessibility of that information and believes that a dedicated online tool should be created to avoid relying only on Council conclusions to retrieve essential information about tax policy at EU level;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the resolution of the European Parliament on the implementation of the EU requirements for exchange of tax information: progress, lessons learnt and obstacles to overcome (2020/2046(INI)),
Amendment 15 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a swift recovery requires a strong economic and fiscal policy response ensuring, inter alia: (i) an effective level playing field for businessetax payers, including less red tape to promote both domestic trade and trade within the Single Market, supported by a simple and more predictable tax environment; (ii) securing tax revenues for Member States to finance the recovery and reducboost investments that will support the reduction in the debt to GDP ratio and (iii) fair taxation of businesses and citizens, enhancing both trust in society and fair competition;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas current international corporate tax rules are no longer suitable in the context of digitalisation and globalisation of the economy; whereas developments of digitalisation create aopportunities and challenges in terms of traceability of economic operations and taxable events;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission's Action Plan and supports its thorough implementation; observes that the majority of the 25 actions are related to VAT, which is appropriate due to the high level of revenue losses in the area of VAT; considers however that an impact assessment should be carried out, before presenting concrete legislative proposals to better apprehend the potential effects on taxpayers and businesse and the need to support business, especially SMEs;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that any tax measures, temporary or not, should foster and not hamper the competitiveness of European businessesavoid distorting investment decisions and should act as a tool in supporting the fulfilment of Union goals such as the Green Deal, social justice or digitalisation of the European economy; stresses that the reporting requirements should not generate higher administrative costs for economic actors, notably for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); notes that in order to effectively address lost tax revenues, better quality and possible higher quantities of data may be needed, but only data effectively used, and collected from taxpayers only once with utmost security, should be collected; notes that data should aim to simplify various obligations of taxpayers, while artificial intelligence (AI) and various softwares should be used to maximise the effectiveness of the use of data;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Highlights that a sustainable recovery strategy should consider the ongoing low interest rates and increasing inflation across the Union; is concerned that under these economic circumstances, the tax burden increasingly moves from capital gains towards labour; considers high mobile workers to constitute a further complication; calls upon the Commission to assess policy measures in the area of personal income taxation, such as a minimum tax rate, wealth tax and inheritance tax, to ensure a fair allocation of taxes among Member States and a fair distribution of the tax burden among its citizens;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that better estimates of overall tax losses in the Union are essential for efficient proposals on ways to effectively reduce tax losses; welcomes the creation of the EU tax observatory and recommends the Commission to find means to perpetuate this action that was initiated by a pilot project of the Union annual budget;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Considers that tax certainty would be reinforced if Member States had a common understanding of what tax incentives are not distortive; calls on the Commission to issue guidelines on tax incentives that are not distortive for the Single Market;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the Union decision- making process is not promoting change, as tax policy is a national prerogative and subject to unanimity; recalls the existence of Article 116 TFEU; regrets that the current situation sometimes leads to an uneven or inconsistent application of tax regulations; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure more harmonised and consistent tax rules and their implementation, to protect the functioning of the single market and to assure the principle of “taxing where profit is generated”;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Observes that the current EU VAT system remains too complex, especially for SMEs, and vulnerable to fraud, while generating high compliance costs for economic operators8 ; notes that the different measures to tackle tax fraud are adopted in the Member States; recalls that the modernisation of the VAT system and the shift towards a more coherent VAT system across the Union should be addressed urgently9 ; _________________ 8As per the EPRS’ EAVA (September 2021), the VAT gap, including cross- border VAT evasion and fraud, could be estimated at around €120 billion in 2020, page 42. 9As per the EPRS' EAVA (September 2021), the estimated added value of the extended cooperation between the Member States plus the full implementation of the OSS could bring a reduction of est. €29 billion of the VAT gap, and a reduction of est. €10 billion in compliance costs for businesses, page 39.
Amendment 112 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes that the Commission, with the new proposals, should take into account the specific needs of SMEs and create a level playing field via requirements based on threshold when relevant;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the efforts of the Commission to address the problem at least partially by introducing various initiatives, but stresses the high importance of the Union in contributing to the success of global negotiations towards the ongoing necessary reforms; welcomes the announcement made by the Commission to implement both Pillars of the Inclusive framework via directives before the end of 2022; stresses that while the Commission's actions would not undermine the OECD initiatives, the specificities of the Union and its Single market might require an expansion of the level of ambition;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the reduction of the estimated gap10 due to corporate tax avoidance at around EUR 35 billion per year from the previous Commission estimations of EUR 50-70 billion before anti-BEPS measures were introduced and the correlation between an improvement and the legislative efforts on tax avoidance carried out by the Commission; stresses that situations where some firms are still able to reduce their tax bill is undermining fair competition in the single market and often harming the competitiveness of SMEs; recalls that the tax gap due to corporate tax avoidance can amount up to EUR 190 billion when special tax arrangements, inefficiencies in collection and other practices are taken into account; _________________ 10 COM(2020) 312 final, page 5. There are other estimations, for example by the European Parliament, with estimated losses from financial crime, tax evasion and tax avoidance amounting to EUR 190 bn. Based on the OECD's comprehensive work in the Base Erosion Profit Shifting report (BEPS), Action 11, global revenue losses before any of the anti-BEPS measures were decided amounted to some USD 100-240 billion or 0.35 per cent of global GDP. The EU Commission estimated that some EUR 50-70 billion was attributable to the EU before the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives I and II were agreed on by Member States.
Amendment 143 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the two-pillar agreement reached at the G7/G20 levels on the allocation of taxing rights and the application of a minimum effective tax rate of at least 15% on the global profits of MNEs; notes the need for effective implementation in the Union and beyond; calls on the Commission to make the necessary legislative proposals to implement the agreement into Union law as quickly as possible after the finalisation of the technical work on the OECD approach; understands that the Commission’s proposal for a Digital Levy has been put on hold and demands the Commission to communicate quickly on the alternatives it is considering, also in the context of the Union's own resources;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Observes that the new working arrangements such as telework bring both challenges and opportunities for workers and employers; underlines the urgent need to better define the notion of tax residency for individuals in view of the new working arrangements that have developed rapidly due to the COVID-19 crisis; highlights that such new working arrangements can have a real impact on the collection of personal income tax, notably due to the proliferation of low tax regimes for non-residents; urges the Commission to issue proposals on the definition of tax residency by 2023;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Emphasises the need to balance the tax mix in order to gradually minimise the impact of labour tax on workers and to increase the contribution of environmental taxes and fair taxes on capital;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Supports the rationale of the BEFIT, with the view to design a new and single Union corporate tax rulebook, based on a formulary apportionment and a common tax base of income taxation for businesses, which will be providing clarity and predictability for companies, reflecting the consensus reached in the OECD Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 negotiations; recalls that previous attempts by the Union to define a common rulebook considered three factors: labour, assets and sales; considers that focusing on one factor would have an unbalanced impact on the tax revenues of Member States;
Amendment 166 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Commission to consider measures that would ease the implementation of the future BEFIT proposal, in particular for SMEs; suggests, in this context, a one stop shop that would complement a single consolidated tax return and a single digital platform;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers, however, that the BEFIT initiative should be supported by the political process in building political support for change and that the initiative should be accompanied by a thorough impact assessment to shape future proposals, which should contribute to reaching a consensus between Member States; calls on, therefore, the Commission to initiate a wide inclusive consultation process with stakeholders, Member States, including their national parliaments, and the European Parliament;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2254(INL)
18. ConsiderNotes that the new corporate tax agenda should includes a mechanism to address the debt-equity bias through an incentive system, helping to support the resilience of companies in adverse economic circumstances in the future; recalls that, in the past, allowances for corporate equity have been exploited as tax loopholes in the Union; requests the Commission to incorporate strong anti- avoidance provisions to avoid any allowance on equity to be used as a new tool for base erosion if an allowance for corporate equity should be set up; recalls that the reduction of the deduction of exceeding borrowing costs can also reduce the debt- equity bias;
Amendment 183 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Part B – title
Annex I – Part B – title
B. More certainty for taxpayers and/or Member States' tax administrations
Amendment 187 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Part B – Recommendation B2 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Part B – Recommendation B2 – paragraph 1
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to reflect the experience and identify remaining gaps in the existing Council Directive (EU) 2017/1852 on tax dispute resolution mechanisms in the Union, in order to address the existing conflicts and uncertainties regarding residency for both natural and corporate persons, causing risks of double taxation. The European Parliament also requests that the outcome of disputes should be made publicly available in the form of a summary that would publish, among other essential, but non commercially sensitive, information, the resulting effective tax rate paid by the taxpayer. The regime set out in the Directive must ensure the time limits for obtaining a decision, which will be legally binding and enforced. The analyses should be done in 2022, and a possible change of Directive presented in 2023.
Amendment 189 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Part B – Recommendation B3 a (new)
Annex I – Part B – Recommendation B3 a (new)
Recommendation B3 a Guidelines on positive tax incentives calls on the Commission to issue guidelines on tax incentives that are not distortive for the Single Market. This is due to the fact that tax certainty for taxpayers and Member States would be reinforced if the latter had a common understanding of what tax incentives boost the economic performance in the Union without harming the functioning of the Single Market;
Amendment 202 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Part C – Recommendation C2 a (new)
Annex I – Part C – Recommendation C2 a (new)
Recommendation C2 a A Permanent observatory to monitor and quantify trends in European taxation In 2019 the European Parliament initiated the launch of an EU Tax Observatory as a preparatory action. In order to contribute to evidence-based policy making and to stimulate a European debate on international tax issues, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to work on a solution to perpetuate that initiative.
Amendment 204 #
2020/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Part C a (new)
Annex I – Part C a (new)
Amendment 11 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU competition policy is designed to maintain an open market economy with free, fair and effective competition favouring an efficient allocation of resourcesmust benefit all EU citizens, while promoting innovation and fair competition in the single market, paying particular attention to the SMEs and a level playing field;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas competition policy should address efficiently social, digital and environmental challenges, and must be in line with the priorities outlined in the European Green Deal and the objectives of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the rapid emergence and evolution of digital markets poses new challenges to the effectiveness of competition policy, especially in the field of antitrust rules where so far, ex ante interventions are not allowed;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas data scandals, investigations and evidence have shown how personal date is being collected and stored often in an excessive data storage manner, as well as used and sold to third parties by platforms and how dominant technology players and platforms have been tracking consumers online systematically;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas smart reconciliation of the Union’s competition rules with its industrial and international trade policies is essential for re-shoring value chaaching the objectives under the European Green Deal and the Pillar of Social Rights while securing activities and bolstering global competitiveness; nd creating decent jobs in the EU and third countries; whereas the Commission is currently carrying out a general review of competition policy enforcement effectiveness including antitrust regulations, a number of State aid rules and guidance, and the evaluation of merger control rules and the review of the Merger Definition Notice;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that competition policy is not solely about ensuring “fair” or low prices for consumers but also about providing quality, innovation and sustainability; urges the Commission in that regard to strengthen the role of the European Consumers Centres Network (ECC-Net) in the spirit of the ECN+ Directive1a; _________________ 1a OJ L 11, 14.1.2019, p.3.
Amendment 51 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that a strict and impartial enforcement of EU competition rules by independent competition authorities can make a significant contribution to key political priorities, such as social inequalities or the climate crisis; emphasises itshowever the importance alsoof flexibility in crisis conditions;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that ensuring a level playing field for undertakings in the single market also depends on decisively and effectively combating social dumpingnd on the international level is key for European companies, especially SMEs, and for the creation of decent and sustainable jobs within and outside the EU, respecting high labour and environmental standards; calls in that respect on the Commission to step up its efforts to establish a legal framework for a mandatory Human Rights and environmental due diligence instrument;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes with concern the fragmentation in access to ultra-high- speed internet connections between rural and urban areas all over Europe; recalls that in order to close the gap, healthy competition in the telecommunication sector is needed; recalls that competition policy should not only aim towards fair prices for consumers, but must also promote innovation and sustainable investments and support activity small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that excessive tax burdens may stifle innovation and jeopardise the contestability of markets, especially for SMEsUnderlines that SMEs account for an estimated 30% of the EU’s goods exports to the rest of the world, while the internal market continues to be the most important market for SMEs; recalls that, in order to be efficient, competition policies should be reconciled with the Union’s industrial and international trade policies, in order to help SMEs cope with the greater challenges of entering new markets and enable them to compete on their own merits, aiming at economic diversity and an SME-friendly trade environment;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Is concerned with the rapid evolvement of the digital markets and that existing competition policy instruments cannot always provide for quick and efficient ex-ante detection and timely intervention, especially in antitrust-cases; welcomes in this regard the Commission proposal on DSA and DMA, and looks forward to further analysis on how competition policy and market monitoring tools can be adapted to the digital markets evolution;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the adoption of a Temporary Framework for State aid measures established in response to the COVID-19 crisis and supports its application for as long as the recovery is ongoing;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the importance of policy coherence and for any aid granted to be issued only to companies enduring direct financial consequences of the pandemic; urges furthermore that companies using tax havens outside the EU for tax avoidance to be banned from accessing State Aid or financial support if they do not commit to changing their behaviour;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a post COVID-19 roadmap for less and better targeted State aid; including a chapter on competition policy on, among others, how to tackle fragmentation, market distortions and an unlevel playing field in the single market caused by Member States’ asymmetric capacities to apply State Aid as well as clear guidance on how to best use competition policy tools to foster a recovery with sustainable jobs and sustainable transition of companies; calls furthermore for the roadmap to encompass a first assessment on the effect of the pandemic on, and thus the future of, EU competition policy;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates the priority of ensurWelcomes the fact that State aid granted to banks withing thate Temporary State aAid rules are strictly and impartially adhered to, including when dealing with future banking crises, so that taxpayers are protected against the burden of bank rescuFramework ensures the financing of the economy and helps guarantee financial stability while operating within the strong legislative framework provided by the BRR Directive and State aid rules;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 130 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highlights the reinforcement of 11bn€ to reinforce the endowment of expenditure programmes in the MFF 2021-2027 that will come from a new mechanism linked to the proceeds from fines collected by the Union and will result in automatic additional allocations to the concerned programmes also resulting in a genuine increase of the MFF ceilings on a yearly basis, in line with Parliament’s long-standing demand for such revenues to finance the EU budget;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the importance of global dialogue and cooperation on competition policy enforcement and a common approach towards fair competition;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that competition policy decisions should not be used as a form of protectionist measure or non-tariff barrier to trade;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Calls for the EU and the UK to find common ground to continuously cooperate and strive towards fair competition and a level playing field;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses its concern about distortive state-funded competition from Chinese and other foreign undertakings acquiring European undertakings, especially those active in innovative technologies;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. InvitesHighlights the importance of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI); calls on the Commission to identify strategic dependencies, particularly in sensitive industrial ecosystems, and to propose measures to reduce these, including by diversifying production and supply chains, fostmote major IPCEIs in these areas; underlines the need to simplify the relevant procedures so that smaller ing production and investment in Europe, dustrial research projects cand ensuring strategic stockpilingasily benefit from its support;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Supports the inclusion in EU competition rules of a thorough State aid check on undertakings from third countries, while stressing that the Union should remain open to foreign direct investments complying with its legal framework and not distorting competition;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Highlights the importance of a European competition policy design fit to tackle new challenges linked to the use of data, algorithms and fast-moving markets in an increasingly digital environment, as well as strengthening cooperation networks between Member States' authorities and the Commission to support fair competition in the single market;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers, while acknowledging efforts made, that problems linked to large technology undertakings’ excessive market dominance have so far been insufficiently addressed and need to be resolved urgently; welcomes in that context the Commission's proposals for a Digital Services Act and a Digital Markets Act;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Looks forward to seeing how the DMA and DSA will resolve in practice the structuring of big platforms and ensure adequate market oversight enabling intervention before a dominant position is established;
Amendment 211 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes the view that new competition tools might be needed to deal with structural competition problems across digital markets which current rules cannot address in the most effective manner and calls for careful Commission surveillance on these markets so as to be able to act fast on major issues and legal loopholes;
Amendment 222 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Recalls that data driven advantages linked to data sharing and data selling, but also services set as default settings risk conferring some companies the position of a so-called “gatekeeper” in the digital markets and need to be addressed effectively by the DMA and DSA;
Amendment 232 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 250 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Further encourages the structured dialogues with the Executive Vice- President for Competition and the efforts by the Commission to maintain close co- operation with the members of Parliament’s competent committee; considers the Commission’s annual report on competition policy an indispensable exercise in terms of democratic scrutiny; recalls that in recent years Parliament has been involved through the ordinary legislative procedure in shaping the framework for competition rules; notes that Parliament should begiven co- decision powers to shape the framework for competition rules; recalls its previous request to amend the treaties accordingly;
Amendment 268 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Recalls, with view to its report on competition policy 2019 (2019/2131 (INI))2a that abuse of market power can take place even when products or services are supplied for free or in exchange of private data; believes that the passing on of private data to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes is frequently done without the consumer’s proper consent, as alternatives to sharing data are often not provided; considers that in the digital economy, the concentration of data in a small number of companies leads to market failures, excessive rent extraction and a blocking of new entrants; _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/A-9-2020-0022_EN.html
Amendment 293 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Commission to give careful consideration to sectors which are the basis of many other industries, as well as the Union’s social and economic value chain; is concerned that excluding too large a number of such sectors from eligibility for State aid, including through the revised EU Emission Trading System State aid guidelines, may put the Un, sustainability and economic objectives and to ensure that support for the greening of the economy and climate-neutral production’s international competitiveness at risk Europe will be possible under competition law and state aid rules;
Amendment 296 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Reiterates that taxation is sometimes used to grant indirect State aid, creating an uneven playing field in the internal market; deplores the abuse of tax rulings, points out that royalties as a financial product do not only risk to facilitate money laundering but also to undermine competition in the single market; recalls that aggressive tax planning does not solely harm fair competition but also undermines the proper functioning of social systems in general; insists that the Commission has access to the information exchanged between the Member States’ tax authorities so as to better detect violations of competition rules; recalls that examination by the Commission of a tax ruling under a State aid point of view does not constitute tax harmonisation;
Amendment 305 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes the Commission repeal of the Apple ruling; Is of the opinion that the Apple case shows once more the need for sound state aid rules, taking into account beneficial tax regimes; repeats its call for a minimum effective tax rate and a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) and public country-by- country reporting (pCBCR); awaits the results of the ongoing international negotiations on a digital tax;
Amendment 311 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to review its 1997 Notice 97/C 372/03 on the definition of relevant market in the Commission’s merger and antitrust enforcement; encourages the Commission, on a case-by-case basis, to take into account a longer-term vision encompassing the global dimension and potential future competition in its competitive assessments; recalls in that sense that in cases of mergers, the Commission should not only look at prices, output and innovation but also pays attention to the social and environmental costs of such transactions in light of TFEU principles, and to pay particular attention to environment protection;
Amendment 319 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Considers in particular antitrust proceedings as too lengthy, slowing down much needed market corrections and consequently negatively impacting effectiveness of competition law enforcement, especially in the case of rapidly growing digital markets; calls therefore for faster antitrust proceedings and asks for cooperation on this not only from the Commission but also from the companies under investigation; condemns in that context that some companies under investigation artificially prolong investigations by systematically requesting prolongations of deadlines and by replying to requests for information only with substantial delays or by submitting ineffective proposals for commitments they would take;
Amendment 321 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30 b. Welcomes the introduction of the “eLeniencytool” by the Commission to further improve the effectiveness of competition policies implementation; recalls that with the swift development of the digital markets, new challenges arise when it comes to the implementation of competition policies; recommends in that sense the Commission to look into the possibilities to intervene ex ante, especially in the digital markets and to provide EU and national competition and regulatory authorities with the necessary means to gather data anonymously so as to be able to better detect market failures in due time;
Amendment 327 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Points out that while the level of fines imposed by the Commission is amongst the highest in the world, nearly two-thirds of the fines imposed by the Commission in cartel cases since 2006 stayed below 0.99% of global annual turnover, thus well below the ceiling of 10% of a company’s annual worldwide turnover allowed3a; notes that while the ECA rightly points out that the amount of fines alone does not allow conclusions on whether they are effective deterrents, the ECA also underlines that the ceiling itself of possible fines can limit the deterrent effect in “serious cases”; _________________ 3a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/SR20_24/SR_Competition_policy _EN.pdf
Amendment 329 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31 b. Recalls that even when heavy fines are imposed they are often not enough of a deterrent, also because they may be passed on to consumers; calls therefore on the Commission to evaluate the deterrence effect of its fines and the usefulness of fines of up to 40% of the worldwide annual turnover of companies to be imposed in serious cartel cases, as it is the case already in one Member State; urges moreover that non-compliance for recurrent infringers should lead to additional sanctions, such as alternative behavioural remedies or the obligation to take specific structural measures which could be a combination of recommendations from the Commission; stresses that the cease-and-desist order should be much more prescriptive in upcoming remedies;
Amendment 338 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Highlights the possibility of using interim measures to stop any practice that would seriously harm competition and welcomes the Commission’s first use of interim measures in the Broadcom-case; is nonetheless of the opinion that there remains a need to relax the criteria for interim measures in order to avoid any irreversible damage;
Amendment 342 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32 b. Regrets the fact that selling at a loss is not prohibited at EU level; highlights the important contribution made by primary producers in supplying high-quality food and delivering public goods to society; calls on the Commission to guarantee fair competition and greater transparency in offline platforms’ commercial practices, including supermarket and hypermarkets, so as to ensure that EU producers receive fair conditions and prices for their products;
Amendment 347 #
2020/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 c (new)
Paragraph 32 c (new)
32 c. Is concerned about the unveiling of a state-run oil company purchasing a leading press group, owing 20 leading regional newspapers, 120 weekly magazines, and 500 online portals4a in the concerned Member state; repeats its call on the Commission to Commission carry out a study on the concentration of media ownership in Europe, also in the context of multinational corporations buying out European media providers; _________________ 4ahttps://www.dw.com/en/poland-state- run-oil-company-buys-leading-media- group/a-55859592
Amendment 3 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that mfore than half of EU expenditure in 2019 may be considered as high-risk, including reimbursement-based payments for investments in the areas of cohesion and rural development; notes thate Court of Auditors the revenue for 2019 was legal and regular, and the increase in the estimated rate of material error from 4,5 % in 2018 to 4,9 % in 2019 can result in auditors giving an adverse opinion on EU expenditure;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NotWelcomes the decrease in the estimated level of error in spending on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ from 5 % in 2018 to 4,4 % in 2019; welcomes this year- on-year improvement, but is disappointed that it has not proved possible to decrease the error rate to the 3 % level recorded in 2017, so efforts should be made in this regard during the next programming period;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the main reasons for this error rate are project ineligibility, infringement of internal market rules, and ineligible expenditure; recalls that these areas have high inherent risk of error and that checks by managing authorities are not always effective; underlines that a financial error, in most of the cases, does not constitute fraud;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes efforts to simplify requirements to be made of project managers and management authorities in the Member States under the 2021-2027 programming period of the Common Provisions Regulation and the MFF related funds;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concern that, at the end of the sixth year of implementation, absorption rates for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF) are 6,6% lower than at the same stage in the previous programming period; and draws attention to the risk that, as the eligibility period draws to an end and given the circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis, Member States may prioritise spending overshould pay special attention to absorption rates in the next programming period without causing any prejudice to performance and regularity.
Amendment 17 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EIB has taken on a significant role in mobilising financing to the economy following the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the EIB committed in 2019 to support the objectives of the European Green Deal, align all its financing activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement and become the ‘EU Climate Bank’;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the EIB Board of Directors approved the Climate Bank Roadmap (CBR);
Amendment 22 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas the EIB has started the review process of its 2011 Transport Lending Policy, with the goal of supporting accessible, efficient, green and safe transport;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
B e. whereas support for SMEs and Midcaps is a fundamental public policy goal of the EIB; whereas in 2019 alone, the EIB Group supported over 386 600 SMEs and mid-caps with new financing; whereas support for SMEs accounted for 35% of overall EIB signature volume;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
B f. whereas EIB investment has the capacity to support the social sector, including health, education and housing;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2124(INI)
B g. whereas in 2019 the EIB approved loans worth EUR 7.8 billion for projects outside the Union, including EUR 1.1 billion in least developed countries (LDCs) and fragile states;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B h (new)
Recital B h (new)
B h. whereas the EIB Group is currently working to develop counterparty alignment guidelines with environmental and sustainability objectives;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Stresses that the economic and social crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly harmed economic growth in the EU and that one of the main fallouts is the decline in investment; underlines that the fall in public and private investment has reached alarming levels;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Supports the European Council’s conclusion that the EIB should have the necessary capital to implement Union policies and the invitation to the EIB Board of Governors to review the capital adequacy of the EIB in view of the instruments included in the MFF and NGEU, as well as the Bank's contribution to the Union's ambitions in fighting climate change and digitalising Europe's economy;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Takes the view that a capital increase is justified in order to allow the Bank to provide long-term finance and support key real economy investments that otherwise would have not taken place, while keeping the current AAA status;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls, in this context, on the European Commission to study the possibility to be represented in the EIB Board of Governors through the subscription of capital of the EIB using funds from the EU budget;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Commends the EIB for setting out targets and carrying out evaluations of the economic, social and environmental impacts of projects supported, as well as their additionality and sustainability;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of avoiding further geographical imbalances in the EIB’s lending activity so as to ensure a broader geographical and sectoral allocation of investments, reduce regional disparities and enhance convergence; welcomes the efforts already made by the EIB in this regard; notices with concern, however, that, according to the geographical breakdown of lending by country in which projects are located, four Member States received almost 50% of the total loans granted in 2019;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for the EIB to address systemic deficiencies that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of EIB financial opportunities, by, inter alia, strengthening its efforts to expand its loan activities, providing technical assistance and advisory support, especially in regions which attract low investment and which did not benefit significantly from the derogation to the State-aid rules during the pandemic crisis because of the lack of financial capacity of the State;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls, in this context, on the EIB to consider proposing additional incentives for projects and credit lines already approved in order to get the projects off the ground as soon as possible and ensure the swift implementation of funds;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that in the context of the Coronavirus response and as of 30 September 2020, the EIB has approved 84 operations within the EU for a total investment of €23,5 billion; notes as well that 88% of the approved operations were allocated to SMEs and mid-caps and the health sector;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Welcomes the EIB’s participation in COVAX, by investing €400 million in the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Welcomes the fact that in 2019 31% of EIB’s lending was climate- related;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Highlights that developing alternative and sustainable fuels will require significant investments in order to overcome the current technological frontier; encourages the EIB to take into consideration these particular financing needs given their importance for the climate transition;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Insists that the EIB implements the principle of energy efficiency and sets the objective of tackling energy poverty in all its energy lending, taking into account the impact of energy efficiency on future demand and its contribution to energy security; welcomes the Smart Finance for Smart Buildings initiative that facilitates investments in energy efficiency projects; calls for the reinforcement of housing investments promoting energy efficiency and tackling energy poverty, and for further investments in social and affordable housing;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Notes that the EIB will structure future work on the implementation of the Roadmap around ten new Action Plans, which will build on the first five years of implementation of the EIB’s 2015 Climate Strategy; Demands, in this context, to be regularly and fully informed on the implementation of the Roadmap;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Calls on the EIB to continue to advance mechanisms to better incorporate the inputs from various stakeholders, such as local and regional authorities, trade unions, NGOs and relevant experts, in its investment strategy as the EU’s Climate Bank;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14 c. Welcomes the EIB’s commitment to support the European Commission’s Sustainable Finance Action Plan, in particular by aligning with the EU Taxonomy for tracking climate action and environmental sustainability finance, and by adopting the “Do No Significant Harm” criteria as a base to evaluate projects;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the review of the EIB’s transport lending policy is a key priority; stresses the importance of aligning the EIB’s transport portfolio with the Paris Agreement as soon as possible; calls for the swift adoption of a new transport financing policy strategy aiming to decarbonise the EU transport sector by 2050 and promote accessible, efficient, green and safe means of transport; underlines, in this context, that the EIB should continue its engagement in financing innovation and green technology for aviation;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Recalls that biodiversity protection is fundamental for EU sustainability, with critical effects on European economic, health and food conditions; calls on the EIB to further develop biodiversity- proofing components in its financial instruments in order to avoid adverse effects on biodiversity; calls on the EIB to commit to ending the financing of projects which contribute to the loss and degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the EIB to support projects aimed at facilitating a just transition in the Member States; underlines that the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy must be inclusive, fair and must leave no one behind; suggests the EIB to proactively work with Member States in view of supporting regions where jobs are highly dependent on high-emitting industries;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Welcomes the fact that the EIB is the world’s largest issuer of green bonds which have raised € 34,6 billion of Climate Awareness Bonds and Sustainability Awareness Bonds over 12 years; calls on the EIB to continue and to expand the issuance of green bonds to enhance the liquidity of that market and to remain involved in the development of an EU green bond standard;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Welcomes the fact that in 2019 the EIB supported innovation and skills with €14.4 billion; calls the EIB to enhance its support for innovation and skills;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Recalls that SMEs are the back bone of Europe's economy, representing 99% of all businesses in the EU and employing at around 100 million people Welcomes the fact that in 2019 the EIB provided financing for SMEs and mid- caps with total investment amounting to €25.5 billion, supporting 386 000 companies;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the COVID-19 outbreak revealed the fragility of the EU’s supply chains and the insufficiency of IT networks; calls on the EIB to align its investment strategy to help ensure greater resilience of the internal market’s value chains and strengthen the European industrial sector, especially in strategic areas;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls on the EIB to mobilise sufficient support for infrastructure on delivering faster internet speed to all regions in the EU and bridge the existing digital divide;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Calls on the EIB to continue its support towards advancing digital skills, in particular for employees in sectors of the economy in need adjustment and requalification;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on the EIB to enhance its support to innovative European companies through all stages of development, from seed to growth capital, financing the creation of a knowledge economy by combining investment in skills, research, infrastructure and energy efficiency with support for young tech companies;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines that the EIB will continue to be the main investment partner for the implementation of the InvestEU programme;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Welcomes the EIB’s commitment to invest in the social sector, thereby fostering well-being, access to education, health and housing, as well as the acquisition of skills required by a modern knowledge-based economy;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the EIB to play an active role in helping Member States to deliver on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, while standing ready to align with the forthcoming Commission action plan and the Social Summit in Porto; points toreiterates the importance of ex-ante and ex- post evaluations of the sustainability, economic, social and environmental impact of projects backed directly or indirectly by the EIB;
Amendment 170 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Calls on the EIB to refrain from participating in projects which may weaken citizens’ access to high quality public services;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge negative impact on children’s education and well-being across the globe, with millions of children still without access to education due to lockdown measures and therefore at risk of regression and suffering potential lifelong effects; welcomes the EIB’s investment in education, as investing in education helps to eradicate poverty, boost economic growth and improve gender equality; calls on the EIB to increase its investment in education to help mitigate the severe impact of the COVID-19crisis on education systems globally;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
Amendment 173 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the fact that the EIB is the largest multilateral lender in the world that strives to support EU external cooperation and development policies; notes that the EIB has been active outside the EU for over 50 years with €64.8bn loans granted in 106 different countries as of end-2019, of which EUR 7.9bn were signed in 2019;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Insists that the EIB should apply the same standards and criteria to assess and evaluate projects inside and outside the European Union, including those recently agreed in the CBR ; Considers, in this context, that the EIB should enhance its monitoring and reporting of projects outside the EU and improving its analysis of the economic, social and environmental impacts;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23 b. Welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the European Council and the European Parliament on the regulation setting up the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument; notes in particular the role the EIB will play in the context of the European Fund for Sustainable Investment;
Amendment 183 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Stresses the need for full alignment of EIB investments in third countries with EU external action and sustainable development priorities;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Proposes the establishment of a protocol for a Memorandum of Cooperation between the EIB and Parliament, applicable with immediate effect, in order to improve interinstitutional dialogue and enhance the EIB’s transparency and accountability, specifying the rights of Parliament and its Members as regards access to documents, data, questions put to the EIB, regular hearings and economic dialogues;
Amendment 195 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Calls on the EIB to step up its efforts in terms of communication; believes it is vital that it should engage with EU citizens in order to better explain the aims of its policies and illustrate its contribution to the daily lives of its citizens;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls on the Commission to pay special attention to ensuring that EU fiscal rules support future efforts to increase the level of public investment in the EU and the impact of EIB initiatives in the EU economy;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the EIB’s Group Strategy on Gender Equality and Gender Action Plan; takes note of the 2019 Progress Report on Diversity and Inclusion; notes that women represent 51.4% of the EIB workforce; regrets the fact that women are still not sufficiently represented in managerial and senior office positions; believes that more needs to be done in this regard during the implementation of the second phase of the Action Plan in 2021; calls, therefore, on the EIB to further encourage the participation of women and actively promote a balance gender representation in its senior positions;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Welcomes the alignment of EIB financing activities with the principles and goals of environmental sustainability, including the upcoming development of counterparty alignment guidelines; highlights the potential for the EIB to include further standards on other policy priorities, such as gender equality and labour rights, in the selection and monitoring of investment projects and financial intermediaries; stresses that EU funding cannot contribute to malpractices detrimental to basic social rights;
Amendment 237 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Calls on the EIB to take advantage of the ongoing review of its overall policy on alignments with counterparties and ensure greater transparency and stricter due diligence over its partners and their eligibility to disburse EIB-backed funds under strict conditionality, comprising ethical, integrity, social and environmental criteria;
Amendment 238 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Encourages the EIB Group to swiftly update its non-cooperative jurisdiction (NCJ) policy based on future developments to tax good governance in the EU or at the international level;
Amendment 239 #
2020/2124(INI)
30 b. Reiterates, in this regard, its call on the EIB to only work with counterparties which have decarbonisation plans in place by the end of 2025, without prejudice to the ability of the EIB to offer technical assistance on devising such decarbonisation plans;
Amendment 240 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30 c. Asks the EIB to provide more regular, in-depth and comprehensive information on the financial intermediaries responsible to redistribute loans in the context of lending operations and include contractual clauses concerning mandatory disclosures from these institutions;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Amendment 242 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 e (new)
Paragraph 30 e (new)
30 e. Calls on the EIB to reinforce contractual clauses enabling it to suspend disbursements in cases of projects' non- compliance with environmental, social, human rights, tax and transparency standards;
Amendment 243 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 f (new)
Paragraph 30 f (new)
30 f. Welcomes that the EIB Anti- Fraud Policy, which is the main framework on preventing and deterring Prohibited Conduct in EIB activities, is currently being revised;
Amendment 244 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 g (new)
Paragraph 30 g (new)
30 g. Calls furthermore for a stringent Exclusion Policy, to provide the Bank with the possibility to go beyond the application of contractual remedies, by excluding entities found engaged in fraud, corruption, money laundering or other forms of wrongdoing from EIB financing;
Amendment 245 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 h (new)
Paragraph 30 h (new)
30 h. Takes note of the December 2020 Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Framework of the EIB; is concerned that the framework outlined is not detailed on specific procedures to align the Bank’s activities with EU law, namely on customer due diligence and in particular when enhanced due diligence takes place;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 i (new)
Paragraph 30 i (new)
30 i. Welcomes the adoption of the EIB Group non-cooperation jurisdiction (NCJ) policy in 2019 and subsequent revision of implementing internal procedures; recalls that the policy foresees a general prohibition to enter into operations with contracting counterparties incorporated or established in NCJs, except under strict conditions;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 j (new)
Paragraph 30 j (new)
30 j. Welcomes the European Court of Auditors’ work with respect to Union budget funds managed by the EIB and calls on the institutions to agree on enhancing ECA audit rights within the limits of the EU Treaties;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 40 a (new)
Citation 40 a (new)
— having regard to the European Commission action plan for a comprehensive Union policy on preventing money laundering and terrorism financing of 7 May 202029a, _________________ 29ahttps://ec.europa.eu/info/business- economy-euro/banking-and- finance/financial-supervision-and-risk- management/anti-money-laundering-and- counter-terrorist-financing_en
Amendment 22 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas a more stable, competitive and convergent Economic and Monetary Union requires a Banking Union with a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, a Capital Markets Union, a permanent Budgetary Instrument, a revised fiscal framework and more effective cooperation and coordination on tax affairs;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the completion of the Banking Union is a vital contributor to the international perception of the euro and its increased role in global markets;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas both the ECB and the SRB call for the swift completion of the Banking Union namely with the establishment of the EDIS (European Deposit Insurance Scheme);
Amendment 34 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the lack of a solution to the treatment of sovereign debt exposures andin the banking prudential framework national options and discretions persists, undermining the European dimension of the Banking Union;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas more than ten years after the financial crisis, the ‘too big to fail’ and ‘too interconnected to fail’ problems remain insufficiently addressed;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas consumer protectionand investor protection is paramount to the deepening of the Capital Markets Union (CMU), but varies across the Banking Union;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the Banking Union still lacks effective tools to tackle problems consumers are facing: artificial complexity, unfair commercial practices, exclusion of vulnerable groups from using basic services as well as limited involvement of public authorities;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas prudential and anti-money laundering supervision is necessaryfully harmonised standards and institutional cooperation on the prudential aspects of anti-money laundering and anti-money laundering supervision and enforcement are necessary to protect the integrity of the EU’s financial system;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the withdrawal of the UK from the EU has resulted in the relocation of some banking services to the EU;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU and the UK are currently committed to maintaining regulatory and supervisory cooperation in the field of financial services; whereas this engagement by the UK should be kept for future relations;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas depositors across the Banking Union shouldmust enjoy the same level of protection;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the Banking Union has delivered the institutional set-up for greater market integration, through the SSM and the SRM, while its third pillar, a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) is still lacking;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that the full implementation of the Banking Union is necessary to deliver better conditions for the financing of the European economy, both to households and companies, still largely reliant on bank credit to foster investment and job creation;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the vital contribution to addressing the crisis of public guarantee schemes, moratoria on loan repayments for borrowers in financial difficulty, the central banks’ liquidity programmes and the ECB’s targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO) and pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP); stresses the importance of keeping the above measures in place as long as necessary;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes the ‘quick fix’ to the Capital Requirements Regulation31 extending transitional arrangements in order to support banks’ lending capacity32 ; believes that a 2 year freeze of the calendar of minimum loss coverage requirements set in the CRR and of supervisory expectation should be examined, considering that in many countries civil courts have been closed or their activity significantly reduced and collateral enforcement procedures have been postponed or delayed; underlines that such regulation could introduce a perverse incentive for banks towards starting judicial procedures for credit recovery and collateral enforcement also for those borrowers who experience temporary difficulties in payments; encourages the application of forbearance measures to firms and households, and calls for the removal of all regulatory obstacles to their application; _________________ 31Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1). 32Regulation (EU) 2020/873 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 575/2013 and (EU) 2019/876 as regards certain adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (OJ L 204, 26.6.2020, p. 4).
Amendment 146 #
2020/2122(INI)
8. Calls for a well-orchestrated, gradual shift from pandemic relief to recovery support tools, taking into consideration at every step the current conditions;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Reminds that the European Green Deal shall be a cornerstone of EU policies in the upcoming years; underlines the role of private finance and investments in supporting the climate transition, as established in the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan; welcomes recent and upcoming legislative action that incentivises investments in line with the European Climate Law, including the EU taxonomy climate delegated act and the establishment of a EU green bond standard;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2122(INI)
8 a. Stresses that completing the Economic and Monetary Union requires the completion of the Banking Union with a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, a more developed and safe Capital Markets Union, a permanent budgetary instrument, a revised fiscal framework and more effective cooperation and coordination on tax affairs;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Underlines the importance of completing the Capital Markets Union, which complements the Banking Union in the financing of the real economy; stresses, furthermore, that a fully integrated Capital Markets Union together with a fully-fledged Banking Union would allow for public and private risk sharing, and would moreover strengthen the international role of the euro as well as further enhancing the competitiveness of European markets and promoting sustainable private investment; highlights, in this regard, the need for a level playing field that avoids disadvantages for SMEs in terms of access to finance, and the need to carefully monitor the issuance of securitised products;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes the accelerated pace of digitalisation in the banking sector, while pointing to the insufficient level of investment and regulation in this area;
Amendment 166 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Welcomes the Commission’s Proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD); calls on the Commission to deploy further efforts to better align financial market activity with sustainability objectives and environmental, social and governance criteria, including the development of sustainability ratings based on ESG criteria;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the postponement of the implementation of the Basel III reforms and awaits the Commission’s upcoming proposal on the implementation of the finalised standards, taking into account, where appropriate, the specificities of the EU banking sector and the necessity to introduce measures aimed at increasing banks’ lending to the real economy;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the Commission to consider to what extent the growing importance of non-bank financial intermediation and its interconnection with the banking sector require additional macroprudential tools, namely the development of ex ante liquidity management tools and careful analysis of existing leverage measures; highlights that the recent pandemic shock illustrated that the non-bank sector can amplify market volatility and price dislocation, particularly when market liquidity comes under pressure;
Amendment 195 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets the failure to ensure full gender balance in EU financial institutions and bodies; calls on the governments of the Member States, the European Council, the Eurogroup and the Commission to actively work towards gender balance in their upcoming proposals for shortlists and appointments, endeavouring to include at least one female and one male candidate per nomination procedure; reiterates its resolution on respect for the gender balance principle in forthcoming lists of candidates;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that sound management of credit risk should remain one of the key priorityies for the SSM;
Amendment 218 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that ensuring proper and timely management of deteriorated exposures will be key to preventing a build-up of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the short term; calls on supervisors to continue to adequately consider the side effects that massive disposals of NPLs can have on prudential balance sheets of banks that use internal models;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that banks should diligently assess the financial soundness and viability of businesses, proactively engage with distressed debtors to manage their exposures, and offer financing and restructuring options to viable companies and sectors whose prospects of recovery post pandemic, analysed on a case-by- case basis, remain high; stresses that the prudential framework should be consistently amended to allow and encourage such options;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2122(INI)
18 a. Underlines the need to protect borrowers' rights in the context of NPL transactions and calls on Member States to put measures in place to ensure that borrowers, who might be in already vulnerable financial situations, are not subject to aggressive and unfair treatment and practices by poorly-regulated debt buyers and collectors; calls on the Commission, in the upcoming revision of the Consumer Credit Directive, to laydown more ambitious provisions on the protection of borrowers against abusive practices, ensuring that those rights apply equally to existing and future loans;
Amendment 235 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the ESAs to make full use of their powers to ensure a high degree of consumer protection, including, where appropriate, product intervention powers where financial and credit products have resulted in or are likely to result in consumer detriment;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2122(INI)
18 b. Underlines the importance of protecting consumer rights, namely regarding unfair terms and practices, banking fees, the transparency of products costs, profitability and risks; notes that the Banking Union still lacks effective tools to tackle problems consumers are facing such as unfair commercial practices and artificial complexity; calls, in this respect, on the European Banking Authority to devote more focus in fulfilling its mandate on properly collecting, analysing and reporting on consumer trends, and also on the review and coordination of financial literacy and education initiatives by the competent authorities; calls further on the Commission to scrutinise the unfair clauses and practices employed by the banking sector, in consumer contracts and to ensure the effective and swift implementation by all Member States of the Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms by using all means in place;
Amendment 251 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the benefits of banking consolidation in addressing the overcapacities and fragmentation of the banking sector, taking into account each MS specificities; remains concerned, nonetheless with the existence of “too-big- to-fail” institutions; stresses furthermore the benefits of protecting diversity/plurality of financial sectors in building up systemic trust and maintaining the financial stability;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses the importance of supervisory guidance recommending conservative policies on dividends and share buy-backs for financial institutions, attending to the need to maintain sufficient capitalisation;
Amendment 261 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is concerned that as Member States sell increasing amounts of sovereign bonds, their share in banks’ balance sheets grows, potentially aggravating the doom loop; considerstresses that the creation of Next Generation EU willcan provide high-qualita truly European safe assets;
Amendment 267 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Takes the view that these high quality European Safe Assets will diversify the pool of safe assets available in the EU, providing an opportunity for banks to reduce the exposure of their balance sheets to national sovereign debt and contributing to strengthen the international role of the euro;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Stresses that the EU regulatory framework on prudential treatment of sovereign debt should be consistent with international standards;
Amendment 275 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. NotWelcomes the efforts of the SSM to provide guidance and clarity to banks for self-assessing and appropriately reporting environmental and climate change-related risks; stresses that further supervisory pressure is required for financial institutions to disclose appropriately climate-related and environmental risks; considers the SSM climate risk stress test an important step in evaluating banks’ practices and identifying concrete areas of improvement;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes the EBA’s role in leading, coordinating and monitoring the EU financial sector’s fight against money laundering and terrorist financing; welcomes the ECB’s efforts over the past two years to enhance exchange of information between the SSM and AML/CFT supervisors to better take into account AML aspects in prudential supervision measures;
Amendment 288 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Recalls that for AML/CFT efforts to be effective, the competent authorities and financial institutions must act in a coordinated manner; highlights that prudential and anti-money laundering supervision need to be better aligned; recalls its serious concerns about regulatory and supervisory fragmentation in the field of AML/CFT, which has led to a failure to provide adequate oversight and responses to the deficiencies of national supervisory authorities and undermines their ability to supervise the increasing cross-border activity in the EU; encourages the partial conversion of the provisions laid down in previous anti- money laundering directives into a regulation, thus targeting loopholes;
Amendment 307 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the fact that while the SRB was not required to take resolution action in 2020, it nevertheless collaborated with the SSM regarding close-to-crisis cases; appreciates the advancement of the current resolution planning cycle, and reiterates that MRELproportionate MREL setting represents one of the key elements in enhancing banks’ resolvability while ensuring broader financial stability;
Amendment 318 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Considers it necessary to have in place an EU liquidationcomprehensive regime for banks for which the SRB assesses that there is no public interest in resolution;
Amendment 321 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Stresses that the “sale of business” strategy should be prioritised by the SRB as a way to minimise value losses in resolution and liquidation; considers therefore that access to the SRF and the national deposit guarantee schemes (NDGSs) should be facilitated, as a way to minimise tax payer contributions and destruction of value, and ensure financial stability;
Amendment 335 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Considers it necessary to review the public interest assessment in order to allow resolution tools to be applied to a broader group of banks, namely for middle-sized banks;
Amendment 350 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. NotStresses the importance of depositors across the Banking Union enjoying the same level of protection of their savings; takes note of the Commission proposal to further strengthen citizens’ confidence in the protection of deposits by introducing an EDIS;
Amendment 371 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Notes the Commission’s launch of the review of the CMDI framework, including the option of a hybrid EDIS;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2122(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Calls for further steps towards a time-bound work plan on all outstanding elements needed to complete swiftly the Banking Union and deliver a fully-fledged EDIS;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to help build a new strategy for the ORs based on respect for their specific characteristics, consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements, innovation and an appreciation of the ORs as ‘territories offering solutions’; stresses the need to involve the main stakeholders in the definition of this strategy, including national, regional and local authorities, economic and social agents, civil society, the academic community and non- governmental organisations;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Emphasises that the ORs can be used to carry out pilot projects, particularly in the areas of research, tourism, health, sustainability, environment, biodiversity, energy, culture and employment;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Amendment 55 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates the fact that in the ORs the strength of youth is a major asset which is often insufficiently valued and that it should be a priority for building tangible solutions through the large-scale mobilisation of EU funding for education, training, decent work, housing and support for young people;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to encourage local initiatives by supporting VSMEs, SMEs and the tourism, craft, culture, building and construction, and digital sectors;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Stresses the need to focus on sustainable tourism and sustainability, given the dependence of the ORs on this sector, by supporting pilot and innovative projects that reflect the objectives of the European Green Deal; emphasises the need to support the sector’s transformation through green and digital solutions, and encourage use of the regions’ natural potential, ecotourism projects, sustainable tourism, and experiences, and also consumption of local and regional products;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses the need for the CAP to support a regional approach in national strategic plans, and in the management of rural development programmes, bearing in mind the particular circumstances and agricultural models of the ORs;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Reiterates the need to continue focusing on the renovation of the traditional fishing fleet, by allocating EU aid for the construction of new vessels and renovation of old vessels, in order to ensure safe and sustainable fisheries, which mainly use traditional practices in the ORs;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the fact that the Green Deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ORs; reiterates the fact that 80% of Europe’s potential in terms of biodiversity is in the ORs;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Encourages the emergence of new environment-related professions and support for grassroots actors involved in biodiversity protection, including governmental and non-governmental associations;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the need to maintain rural development programmes, with actions designed to restore, preserve and enhance biodiversity in agriculture and forestry, in order to encourage development in rural areas;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ORs and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ORs in line with the European commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; calls for support to improve the energy efficiency of housing in the ORs, bearing in mind their particular circumstances and the obstacles to accessing materials certified for this purpose;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Reiterates the fact that the ORs are exposed to adverse weather events caused by climate change; stresses the need, in this respect, to mitigate the effects of erosion and extreme natural events through the European Civil Protection Mechanism;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Warns that the loss of young people from the remotest parts of the ORs jeopardises existing biodiversity potential and forest maintenance, and increases the risk of fires due to a lack of management of these resources and the growth of invasive plants; calls for schemes to protect our environment by combating depopulation, attracting and keeping more people in such locations, and encouraging activities connected with sustainable agriculture and nature;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Considers that the circular economy, zero pollution, energy efficiency and preservation of biodiversity should be guiding principles of this strategy, and should lead to more sustainable practices that are beneficial for cohesion, preservation of territories, development and employment;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Stresses the need to develop appropriate measures for controlling the entry and exit of waste, and also the need to support investment in infrastructure so as to encourage the transition to a circular economy, given the complexity and high cost of managing waste in the ORs;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Stresses the need to increase, encourage and pursue the development of cooperation projects between the various ORs, with a view to taking advantage of their geostrategic and geo-economic situation and the exchange of best practices;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Stresses the need to harness ecological maritime transport and innovative port activities in order to reduce the carbon and environmental footprint in the EU;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Stresses the need to minimise passenger and goods transport costs in order to continue guaranteeing the principle of territorial cohesion and continuity, as well as equal opportunities for all citizens; calls for prices of air transport (to and from the ORs), land transport (internally, between municipalities), and sea transport (inter- region and inter-island) to be maintained;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Stresses the need to encourage the ORs to use more sustainable and less polluting transport; considers, in this respect, that support should continue to be focused on hybrid and electric mobility;
Amendment 170 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Stresses the need to take account of the particular circumstances and constraints in the ORs, many of which are related to their terrain; emphasises, in this respect, the need to conduct viability studies on a more sustainable and digital transport system;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Emphasises the need to help the ORs participate in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme and in the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to guarantee the principle of territorial continuity;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls for the strategy to be implemented as quickly as possible to aid the economic and social recovery of the ORs;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the shock is symmetrical but the impact varies considerably among Member States, reflecting the severity of the pandemic and the stringency of their containment measures, but also their specific economic exposures and initial conditions, including the vulnerability of particular sectors and their available scope for discretionary fiscal policy responses; Due to their strong interdependencies, an incomplete recovery in one country would spill over to all the other countries and dampen economic growth everywhere;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a determined, coordinated and solidarity-based European response is essential to mitigate the negative economic and social consequences of the crisis, the fragmentation of the internal market and the further deepening of macroeconomic divergence and structural polarisation between regions and countries;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas most of the effects are likely to be temporary and the national and European policies in place to support incomes, jobs, liquidity and investment are effective, economic activity will rebound once restrictions are gradually eased; whereas, nevertheless, lasting negative consequences can be expected, such as continued subdued demand, market and income uncertainties, investment shortfalls and drops in employment, which reduce the productive potential of the economy and harm a return to the former trajectory of production and growth;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the Commission estimates total government financing needs at € 5.4trn over 2020 and 2021. This includes pre-crisis financing needs of € 3.7trn and additional financing needs due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis of € 1.7trn for EU Member States over 2020 and 2021;1a _________________ 1a Commission Staff Working Document: Identifying Europe's recovery needs https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/ec onomy- finance/assessment_of_economic_and_in vestment_needs.pdf
Amendment 43 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the COVID 19 crisis is affecting vulnerable groups in particular, resulting in increased inequalities, poverty, unemployment and social divergences, as well as undermining social and employment standards in Europe;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas women are disproportionately hit as a result of the crisis;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the EU and its Member States have committed to the treaty-based values, implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Paris Climate Agreement;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas the disruption is affecting the European economy as a whole, and whereas an equal debt issuance capacity and access to funding must be ensured in order to deal with the crisis, including for Member States not in the euro area;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with great concern that, according to the Commission’s Spring 2020 economic forecast, the EU is expected to suffer the deepest recession in its history in 2020; with a contraction in EU GDP of 7½%, far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009, a surge of the aggregate budget deficit from 0.6% of GDP in 2019 to 8½% of GDP in 2020 in both the euro area and the EU, a new peak of the euro area’s aggregate debt-to- GDP ratio of close to 103% reversing the declining trend since 2014, unemployment in the euro area is expected to increase from 7.5% in 2019 to 9½% and HICP inflation in the euro area of 0.2% in 2020; 1a _________________ 1aEuropean Economic Forecast Spring 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/ec onomy-finance/ip125_en.pdf
Amendment 62 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned at the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the global economy, trade, income inequalities and poverty; , with a projected contraction of the global GDP (excluding the EU) by about 3% this year, which is a sharper downturn than during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-2009, a fall of world import volumes by more than 10% and a fall of euro area exports by about 13% in 2020; Is alarmed about the increase in poverty since many emerging and low-income countries have limited capacity to deal with a health crisis of this magnitude as well as limited policy space to absorb the macroeconomic impact, in particularly in face of subdued prospects for commodity prices and tightened financial conditions; 1b _________________ 1b European Economic Forecast Spring 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/ec onomy-finance/ip125_en.pdf
Amendment 71 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the Commission’s estimate of the investment needs of the EU for delivering the green transition and digital transformation amounts to at least EUR 595 billion per year8 27 in 2020 and 2021 will amount to €1,5trn in addition to the baseline assumed in the spring forecast, and for delivering the green transition and digital transformation to at least €595bn per year8; including additional investment needs of €20bn per year to make the strategic investments for EU autonomy to strengthen the resilience of industries and the EU’s strategic autonomy for most- needed goods and services (medical products and pharmaceuticals, strategic digital infrastructure, key enabling technologies, critical raw materials, defence and space); _________________ 8 Commission Staff Working Document -: Identifying Europe's recovery needs, p. 16: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/eco nomy- finance/assessment_of_economic_and_inv estment_needs.pdf
Amendment 78 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 90 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the swift and strong response to the crisis in the area of monetary and fiscal policy, at both EU and Member State level, with the ECB’s Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP), the activation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the launch of the EIB’s pan- European Guarantee Fund ensuring liquidity and stabilization of financial markets, the activation of the ‘general escape clause' by the European Commission, allowing the maximum flexibility to the fiscal framework and the adopted temporary state aid rules to allow national governments to financially support healthcare systems and businesses and the imminent European Support Scheme Mitigating Unemployment Risks in Emergency (SURE) to keep people in employment during the crisis;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 96 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Welcomes in principle the Commission’s proposal of a new Recovery and Resilience Facility to support Member States through non-repayable financial support and loans to implement investments and reforms that are essential for a sustainable recovery based on priorities identified in the framework of the European Semester of economic policy coordination, including the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, and in regard to contribute to the 2030 climate goal and to the digital agenda; (Article subject to adjustment due to the state of negotiations)
Amendment 103 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the swift and strong response to the crisis in the area of monetary and fiscal policy, at both EU and Member State level, as well as the European Recovery Plan; cConsiders it essential that the recovery package is fully aligned with the EU’s new growth strategy, i.e. in accordance with the principles of the European Green Deal (EGD), the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and with the aim to protect women’s rights and achieve gender equality and that puts the well-being of citizens and sustainability in the center of our action; Moreover, the recovery fund should provide additional support to the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (SEIP) to boost the EU’s economies towards a sustainable and inclusive economy that would enable the essential transition to a climate-neutral economy; demands that funds and resources be directed to projects and beneficiaries that comply with our Treaty-based fundamental values, including the rule of law, and that recipient firms protect their workers, pay their fair share of taxes, and refrain from paying out dividends or offering share buy- back schemes aimed at remunerating shareholders;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the need for the recovery plan to protect workers, employees, the self-employed and SMEs and ensure their income compensation; The recovery must be based on upward social economic convergence, social dialogue and improved social rights and working conditions with targeted measures for those in precarious forms of work; Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to ensure that public financial support to corporations is provided under the condition to guarantee the jobs and the income of their employees, to commit to sustainability objectives upon adherence to international standards of responsible business;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, and expects that it will remain activated at least until the end of 2021 in order to support the efforts of the Member States to recover from the pandemic crisis and strengthen their economic and social resilience; and to pave the way to the ecological transition that is fair and inclusive, that supports the economy’s competitiveness and that addresses the risks posed by climate change, including the resulting increase in regional disparities and social inequalities; In this regard, shares the view of the European Fiscal Board that rapidly reversing the fiscal stance is not favourable for the recovery and that larger and longer fiscal support and the extension of discretionary fiscal measures, including a strong component of government spending, is needed, also in 2021, to sustain demand; 1e _________________ 1e EFB Report 2020: Assessment of the fiscal stance appropriate for the euro area https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/asse ssment-fiscal-stance-appropriate-euro- area_en
Amendment 144 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the conclusion of the European Fiscal Board (EFB)9 that the fiscal framework has to be revised, and i due to its unnecessary complexity, pro- cyclicality, overreliance on unobservable variables and the fact that it has not protected the quality of public expenditure nor promoted public investment during the period of growth the last seven years before the crisis; Is convinced that the deep economic crisis triggered by the pandemic further exacerbates this need; believes that the review and reform have to meet the above requirements in terms of increasing investment relating to climate change and digitalisation and stabilising the new level of investment, while ensuring sound budgetary management; _________________ 9EFBuropean Fiscal Board Annual rReport 2019, p. 71 - https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/infos/files/20 19-efb-annual-report_en.pdf
Amendment 167 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers it essential that the revision of the EU’s fiscal and economic policy framework should be completed by the time the escape clause is repealed and should provide tailor-made solutions to respond to the different needs of the Member States. Calls for rules that enable fiscal policy to respond with discretion to shocks in the short term, and to reduce high public debt ratios to an agreed reference value in the long term, while allowing a sufficient level of public investment, progressive tax policies and stable government revenues, the repayment of loans in a cycle- comfortable manner, and the long-term modernisation of public commodities;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Proposes a combination of expenditure rules for public non- investment expenditure and a golden rule for public investment and investments in services of public interest, which is central to both; wishes to see a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and a transition to a cleaner, socially sustainable and more digital society; Highlights in this respect the European Fiscal Board's analysis that a government investment rule is needed to protect growth-enhancing government expenditure for the EU’s policy priorities and that low interest rates offer a unique opportunity for governments to invest in the future; 1f _________________ 1fEFB Report 2020: Assessment of the fiscal stance appropriate for the euro area https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/20 20_06_25_efb_assessment_of_euro_area_ fiscal_stance_en.pdf
Amendment 213 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the refocus of the European Semester Spring Package aimed at providing an immediate economic policy response to tackle and mitigate the health and socio-economic impact of COVID-19 and reboot economic activity; supports the Commission’s announcement of a reform of the European Semester to convert it into a tool to coordinate the recovery measures, framed by the principles of the EGD, the EPSR and the SDGs; is convinced that this has to include the coordination of measures concerning state aid and tax policies; underlines the need for the integration of a new set of binding sustainability and wellbeing indicators and alternative measurements of growth performance, as they offer an integrated framework encompassing public health, social, environmental and economic concerns; is convinced that this has to include the coordination of measures concerning state aid and tax policies;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Underlines the need for the integration of a new set of binding sustainability and wellbeing indicators and alternative measurements of growth performance and calls for a new Sustainable Development Cycle, as one comprehensive surveillance procedure to address the EU’s economic, social and sustainability objectives under one governance framework, and to ensure a coherent approach to the EU’s long-term recovery and resilience strategy;
Amendment 232 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Welcomes the European Green Deal as our new growth strategy bringing together four dimensions: environment, productivity, stability and fairness, and where competitive sustainability is at the heart of Europe’s social market economy, enabled by digital and green technologies, an innovative industrial base and strategic autonomy, to make Europe a transformational frontrunner;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls for the improvement of the social scoreboard, considering the UN Agenda 2030, to address and examine the actual social needs of the crisis and addresses lasting consequences with the aim to facilitate quality employment, quality health and social care services, education and training and social protection systems; Furthermore, calls for the completion of the imbalance procedure to monitor and identify social imbalances and to integrate a social imbalance procedure, that would lead to Country Specific Recommendations and the definition of Medium-Term Social Objectives in order to correct such imbalances;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for an institutionalised economic and social dialogue with social partners and relevant stakeholders to strengthen democratic accountability, transparency and the scrutiny role of civil society;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the urgent need to complete and reinforce the EMU architecture with a view to protecting citizens and reducing pressure on public finances during external shocks so as to overcome social and economic imbalances, by creating, inter alia, a fiscal capacity for public investment, a macroeconomic stabilisation and cohesion function for the euro area, the completion of the Banking Union and a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme; Insists on the principle of the community method to enhance the democratic and social dimension of the EMU;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2078(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Fully supports the European Fiscal Boards call for a permanent fiscal capacity as natural complement to a EU framework, empowered to borrow meaningful amounts of funds on the market, and which focusses on the protection of growth-enhancing government expenditure and allowing to respond to severe shocks in a timely fashion; Stresses that such a capacity has to be accountable to the European Parliament and based on strategic orientations defined under co-decision within a governance framework with the aim to bring value added for its citizens and the EU as a whole, e.g. through investments in the green, digital and social infrastructures;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the challenge of the dual transformation (climate protection and digitalisation) requires additional annual public investment in the three digit billion range, which cannot be provided for under current fiscal policy; whereas in both public and private sector investment was already clearly insufficient before the crisis, despite historically low interest rates;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the EU has committed to climate neutrality by 2050 and it is the ECB’s mission to help achieve it ; Whereas the missions of the ECB are not limited to price stability but also include the safety and soundness of the banking system and the stability of the financial system;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2075(INI)
A. whereas over the past 30 years the economic governance framework has undergone a number of changes to resolve its design and implementation flaws and adapt it to new economic challenges;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
B. whereas in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, the successive reforms of the EMU focused on risk reduction but failed to introduce risk- sharing elements;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas in 2015 the European Commission (EC) adopted guidance on the best use of the flexibility in the rules of the SGP strengthening the link between structural reforms, investment and fiscal responsibility;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas the current governance framework presents conceptual and practical weaknesses that lead to rules overly complex, weak enforcement, lack of ownership and of incentives to pursue symmetrical counter-cyclical policies and it did not succeed to reduce divergences between in the EU nor to protect or stimulate growth enhancing public investment;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E (new)
Recital E (new)
E. whereas gross public investment was severely cut following the financial and sovereign debt crisis, and in many Member States net public investment is even negative implying that the current fiscal framework leads to too recessive consolidation measures and facilitates the decline of public investment during the periods of fiscal consolidation;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F (new)
Recital F (new)
F. whereas there are significant investment funding gaps that should be addressed: €470 billion a year until 2030 to meet EU environmental objectives 20a; €142billion a year for social infrastructure such as hospitals or schools 21a ; along with €190 billion a year to stabilise the stock of public capital 22a; _________________ 20aEuropean Commission, “SWD(2020) 98 final - Identifying Europe’s recovery needs”, 27.5.2020, p.14-16. 21aThis estimation only cover health and long-term care (EUR 70 billion), education and life-long learnings (EUR 15 billion) and affordable housing (EUR 57 billion). Source: FRANSEN, L., BUFALO, G., REVIGLIO, E., “Boosting Investment in Social Infrastructure in Europe - Report of the High-Level Task Force on Financing Social Infrastructure in Europe”, 2018, 116p. 22aEuropean Commission, “SWD(2020) 98 final - Identifying Europe’s recovery needs”, 27.5.2020, p. 18-20
Amendment 30 #
2020/2075(INI)
G. whereas in 2020, the European Commission started a public consultation on the review of effectiveness of economic governance framework which was disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H (new)
Recital H (new)
H. whereas the pandemic is causing an unprecedented exogenous shock with large asymmetric impacts, weighting negatively on the EU economic outlook and enlarging divergences between Member States;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I (new)
Recital I (new)
I. whereas the pandemic has amplified pre-existing inequalities and poverty and has demonstrated the importance of European social model and its existing social safety nets;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J (new)
Recital J (new)
J. whereas, in Europe, economic forecasts 23a 24a show a multispeed, incomplete and uneven recovery; whereas the vaccine rollout is accelerating but remain slow, and there are considerable risks of divergences and aggravated inequalities across countries and sectors as well as prospects for scarring; _________________ 23aEuropean Commission Winter 2021 Economic Forecasts show a contraction in 2020 of - 6,3 % of GDP in the EU and with - 6,8 % of GDP in the euro area and GDP growth is expected to recover only slowly in the short-term with 3.7% in 2021 and 3.9% in 2022 in the EU, and3.8% in both years in the euro area. 24aWorld Economic Outlook: Managing Divergent Recoveries, IMF (April 2021)
Amendment 34 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K (new)
Recital K (new)
K. whereas the discretionary fiscal support differed in size and composition across Member States with a clear positive correlation between fiscal space and the size of policy response leading to an asymmetric response, creating risks of an unequal level playing field in the internal market and further differentiate the speed of recovery;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L (new)
Recital L (new)
L. whereas public debt levels at the beginning of the pandemic were high, the unprecedented economic recession, the unprecedented national fiscal measures taken in response to the pandemic and the need to support a sustainable and inclusive recovery will impact public finances pushing EU debt-to-GDP to a new peak above 100% of GDP;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M (new)
Recital M (new)
M. whereas environmental 25a and social sustainability are interconnected with long-term fiscal sustainability; _________________ 25aExtreme disaster tend to lower economic output (Botzen, Deschenes and Sanders, 2019); IMF forecasts that major weather-related disasters could have a negative impact in real GDP per capita and countries that are better equipped to address major natural disasters could more easily cushion the impact.
Amendment 37 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N (new)
Recital N (new)
N. whereas the crisis response of the EU 26a has strengthened the EMU and, so far, succeeded to create trust and confidence, tame financial markets volatility; underlines for this effect the importance of the issuance of EU bonds; _________________ 26a Through in particular the Recovery Package and the SURE instrument.
Amendment 51 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication of 3 March 2021 entitled ‘One year since the outbreak of COVID- 19: fiscal policy response’ and takes note of the proposed conditions for deactivating the general escape clause (GEC); highlights that deactivation of the GEC should be conditional upon the health, social and economic situation across Member States in order to ensure that fiscal support is provided for as long as needed; Recalls that a continued strong fiscal stimulus is needed to support recovery;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for fiscal policy to enhance the capacity of our economies, not to hold them back. Stresses that the fiscal framework must support the objectives of full employment and environmental protection set out in the EU Treaty;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Supports policies that are tailored to the stage of the pandemic, the path to the economic recovery and to countries´ individual circumstances;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States to embed the high-quality fiscal support in credible medium-term frameworks, to ensure where expansionary fiscal measures are needed, these are supported by growth and inclusive measures bearing in mind that emergency measures are temporary, limited and targeted; calls on the Member States to monitor fiscal risks, namely contingent liabilities, as appropriate for instance guarantee programmes, as appropriate; notes that such good public financial management practices would improve transparency and accountability;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Points out that for as long as differences in the pace of recovery are economically significant, fiscal policy should limit the scarring and reduce inequalities by supporting those segments of the economy and society that are at a higher risk of divergence; notes that income inequalities are likely to increase notably within young workers, women and low-skilled workers;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that several banking institutions have already recognized the existence of a climate-related financial systemic risk(Federal Reserve, Bank of England, BIS); Calls on the ECB to recognize the systemic risk posed by climate change to financial stability and to present a clear roadmap with a detailed presentation of its actions to tackle these risks;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the policy response of governments aimed at avoiding a sharp increase in corporate insolvencies and unemployment; warns that an abrupt and uncoordinated withdrawal of support measures could lead to financial distress and recommends that more general support is replaced gradually by more targeted schemes including solvency measures; further recommends fiscal measures to facilitate job creation and reallocation namely through retraining and reskilling programmes, together with income support as needed;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates the IMF call to consider a temporary COVID-19 recovery contribution levied on high incomes or wealth as well as the need to implement domestic and international tax reforms;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Recalls the importance of the swift, responsible and efficient implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility to address the EU´s long term challenges by focusing on building a resilient, inclusive and greener economy, by supporting the recovery and by boosting productivity and investment;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Highlights that monetary policy has been carrying the main burden of stabilisation in the past years and crisis; notes that the crisis caused by the pandemic showed that monetary policy is not enough for stabilisation purposes and fiscal policy should play an increasing role;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of complementarity between monetary and fiscal policies to deliver the required support post-COVID-19, the former by preserving favourable financing conditions and the latter by supporting firms, workers and people; considers that the low interest rate environment has implications for fiscal policy; warns against a premature tightening of monetary and fiscal policy;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that national fiscal policies, together with Community policies, will be decisive in achieving the social, carbon neutrality and environmental protection objectives, in particular those relating to biodiversity; to this end, national budgetary policies, public spending and taxation, must support public policies in the key sectors of the transition, namely renewable energies, mobility and freight, thermal insulation of buildings, agriculture, the circular economy, and the industrial sectors that emit the most greenhouse gases;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recalls the European Union's commitments and responsibility in the global fight against climate change; recalls that climate change is already having serious social, economic and fiscal consequences; stresses that failure to combat climate change would only worsen these consequences and could lead to catastrophic and irreversible scenarios;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that structural factors are likely to keep rates low in the long term; considers that macroeconomic policies should address the factors underlying secular stagnationsuch as ageing, global savings, low inflation and productivity slowdown are likely to keep rates low in the long term and the impact of Covid-19 shocks is likely to accelerate this tendency as precautionary savings are rising further and investment decisions might be delayed; considers that macroeconomic policies should address the factors underlying secular stagnation through high-quality fiscal expansion with durable repercussions on the private-sector savings-investment balance complemented with growth-enhancing reforms;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for an appropriate fiscal and monetary policy mix that works together towards achieving the EU’s objectives; considers a credible fiscal framework a necessary requirement for a strong and mutually supporting coordination of fiscal and monetary policies, to avoid that pro- cyclical policies will counteract the stimulus of the recovery programme and in order to ensure improved and transparent governance;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that some Member States will have, also as result of the pandemic, significantly higher debt levels than 60% of their GDP, and that meeting the commitment enshrined in the Stability and Growth Pact to reduce their debt to the level of 60% of GDP within 20 years would result in an irresponsible worsening of the economic crisis in these countries; considers that for the highly indebted countries it is insufficient to extend the adjustment period, because in this case, the economic crisis is likely to worsen and be prolonged;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls for a permanent suspension of the debt target of 60% of GDP and for a distinction to be made in the fiscal policy framework between rules on old debt and rules on new debt; in this context, calls on the Commission to submit a separate proposal on how to proceed with old debt;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that debt service costs are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future thanks to a large share of debt burden covered by long maturities and sometimes negative yielding bonds, and primary deficits are likely to be offset by favourable interest-growth differentials; further considers that as long as the differentials are negative it is possiblewill ensure the ability to sustain and progressively reduce high debt levels;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that, following the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the public debt levels, the new fiscal framework must establish a slower pace for debt reduction, thus allowing Member States to build sustainable public finances without implementing austerity measures;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance of growth- enhancing policies and public investment aimed at increasing sustainable growth potential and achieving the EU’s objectives; reiterates that future-oriented investment and expenditure has positive spill overs in the medium-to-long-term debt sustainability;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the importance of pursuing a broad and transparent DSA in orderebt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) in order to support policymakers´ decision to set an appropriate country-specific path, using innovative tools and techniques such as stress tests and stochastic analysis to better reflect risks to public debt dynamics; (such as interest-growth differentials, debt composition, demographics and climate change) and the quality of public expenditure;
Amendment 239 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for the renewed fiscal framework to promote sustainability and cyclical stabilisation and to improve the quality of public expenditure throughby applying, if appropriate, the "do no significant harm" (DNSH) principle and by favouring sustainable investments and reforms; calls for well-defined, transparent, simple, flexible and enforceable rules embedded in a credible and democratic framework that take into account the specificities of Member States and promote upward economic and social convergence;
Amendment 240 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for the renewed fiscal framework to promote sustainability and cyclical stabilisation and to improve the quality of public expenditure through sustainable investments and reforms; calls for well-defined, transparent, simple, flexible and enforceable rules embedded in a credible and democratic framework that takes into account the specificities of Member States, including the different economic structures and geographical constraints, and promote upward economic and social convergence;
Amendment 248 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls for the creation of a Climate Pact to be integrated in the European semester, with the effect that the EU Commission assesses the Member States’ climate policies on an annual basis and gives country specific recommendations for how to reach the reduction target laid down by the Climate Law in case a Member State is off track to reach the target;
Amendment 251 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Notes that while the EU’s macroeconomic framework is build up around the concept of GDP, a reform should move away from only using GDP as a key indicator and instead put factors such as economic equality and sustainability of the economy at the centre;
Amendment 272 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the country-specific path would not be subject to applying any strict formula and the outcome should result from a discussion between each Member State and the Commission, after a consultation with the EFB in the context of the European Semester; considers that the expenditure rule should also include a correction mechanism to remove cyclical items as interest payments and cyclical unemployment benefits;
Amendment 279 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines that expenditure rules allow for automatic stabilisers to operate and are under the direct control of the government; argues that while potential output growth is unobservable and has to be estimated, it is less likely to be subject to revisions than the output gap; notes that expenditure rules show to be more effective in reducing the procyclicality bias of fiscal policy 28a; _________________ 28aManescu, C., Bova, E. (2021), Effectiveness of national expenditure rules: Evidence from EU member states.
Amendment 286 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Proposes, in line with the EFB, ‘ onethe adoption of a general escape clause, triggered based on independent economic judgement’ proposed by the Commission supported by an opinion based on independent economic judgement in order to reduce complexity and to preserve the ability to act in case of unforeseeable circumstances;
Amendment 301 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Shares the EFB’s opinion that sustainable growth-enhancing public investments should be exempt from the expenditure rule, in particular those investments that are aligned with the EU’s long-term objectives of the NGEU; calls for a revamped fiscal framework that promotes the increase and stabilisation of growth-enhancing public investment related namely to social resilience, climate change and digitalisation;
Amendment 307 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reminds that meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal will require targeted and sustained fiscal effort over several decades; recalls that failing to meet these objectives would heighten significant sustainability-related fiscal risks;
Amendment 321 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Underlines that a renewed EU fiscal framework should provide fiscal space and internalize the effects of national discretionary fiscal policies while safeguarding sound public finances; stresses that coordination of the fiscal stance is of particular importance for the euro area and calls for the appropriate fiscal tools to properly coordinate national fiscal policies mitigating possible imbalances;
Amendment 322 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls for the creation of an Anti- Tax Haven Pact to be integrated in the European semester, with the effect that the EU Commission assesses the tax rules of the Member States on an annual basis and gives country specific recommendations for how to reform the tax rules in the case a Member State facilitates harmful tax practices;
Amendment 332 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Highlights that, in addition to the review of the fiscal framework, further efforts should be taken to improve and complete the Economic and Monetary Union, including the completion of the banking union with a fully-fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme, an effective capital markets union, a permanent budgetary instrument for the Euro Area, and a more effective cooperation and coordination on tax affairs, notably regarding harmful tax practices and tax competition;
Amendment 344 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls for the establishment of an EU Investment Fund of 1% of EU GDP per year, financed by EU borrowing in analogy to the Recovery Fund and an increase of the EU's own resources, with the objective of providing funding for investments in the digital and climate- neutral transformation in the Member States;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses the importance of the MIP in identifying and taking preventive and corrective actions against emerging imbalances; points out, however, that the potential of this mechanism has not been fully exploited on account of its structural weaknesses notably the asymmetry of the indicators in the Alert Mechanism, indicators lacking a clear prioritization and the lack of clear accountability;
Amendment 369 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls for the MIP to be reformed to make its indicators and recommendations more forward-looking and symmetrical with regard to over- and undershooting target values, and to focus on indicators under the control of policymakers and geared towards reducing intra-euro area imbalances and driving the economic cycle of the eurozone from a consolidated point of view; considers that greater compliance with pared-back recommendations must be achieved and MIP-relevant country-specific recommendations should focus on policy actions that can have a direct impact on imbalances;
Amendment 377 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that clarity and consistency concerning the interplay between the MIP and the Stability and Growth Pact is key to ensuring that their objectives are achieved; the recommendations to Member States within the MIP framework could be contradictory in some cases with the fiscal policy guidelines based on the application of the Stability and Growth Pact; therefore, it is necessary to improve clarity and consistency concerning the interplay between the MIP and the Stability and Growth Pact and to provide the EU with additional instruments to guarantee a correct aggregate fiscal stance according to the cyclical needs of the eurozone economy as a whole;
Amendment 394 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls for a renewed European Semester as the main economic and social policy coordination framework supporting the EU’s long-standing goals of sustainability and upward convergence with stronger national ownership; calls for a more balanced institutional role of the European Parliament in the European Semester to ensure a more rigorous democratic scrutiny ; demands for the European Parliament’s full involvement in defining the overarching goals and the guidance;, in particular the ones related to the euro area; stresses the importance of a stronger balance in policy coordination between employment and social affairs ministers and finance ministers namely in the euro area.
Amendment 408 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines the importance to clarify the link between each specific governance tool and the objectives to be achieved; calls for better reflecting the existing scoreboards in policy recommendations;
Amendment 409 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Points towards the lack of ownership as one the main weaknesses of the European Semester; notes that the design of this framework must respect a set of long-term objectives and guidance at EU level, reflected in national plans, policy recommendations on a variety of policy objectives which should allow for policy choices properly reflecting national needs and priorities underpinned by an open and inclusive policy dialogue between the EU and national institutions and stakeholders;
Amendment 418 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for more involvement of national macro prudential authorities and national productivity councils in the MIP process;
Amendment 419 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Underlines the importance of ensuring a proper balance of responsibilities between the different institutions in the implementation of the EU fiscal framework; calls for a higher involvement of the European Parliament when discussing medium to long-term budgetary guidelines; in order to ensure greater transparency and accountability, it should be enhanced the involvement of the national parliaments;
Amendment 420 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Welcomes the significant improvements of the role of Independent Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the budgetary process for enhancing transparency and accountability of fiscal policy through both monitoring and independent analysis; notes that IFIs should incorporate in their work the medium to long-term challenges to the fiscal frameworks; underlines the importance to ensure accountability of these institutions towards the European and national parliaments, as appropriate;
Amendment 435 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Calls on the Commission to further reflect on the design and implementation of Macroeconomic Adjustment Programmes; is firmly convinced that the way macroeconomic adjustment programmes were implemented had serious consequences on the social fabric of the countries, led to permanent losses of output, raised serious doubt of external political interference and presented a lack of national ownership;
Amendment 436 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34b. Calls on the Commission to assess the effectiveness and the added value of post-programme surveillance in those euro area Member States that are no longer subject to a macroeconomic adjustment programme; notes that Member States exiting a macroeconomic adjustment programme are also under enhance surveillance in the European Semester and, where relevant, in-depth reviews can be conducted; considers that this double surveillance does not bring any additional benefits for the process of multilateral surveillance;
Amendment 463 #
2020/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Recalls that the creation of the ESM outside the institutions of the Union represents a setback in the development of the Union; recalls its call for the ESM to be integrated into EU law under the Community method;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas all sectors of the EU economy will be impacted by the transition towards a sustainable economy,
Amendment 22 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the path to climate neutrality by 2050, with a first milestone of 50 to 55% by 2030 emission reductions compared to 1990, will boost the competitiveness of the Union economy and result in a surplus of sustainable, high quality jobs,
Amendment 26 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the EU climate law will set in stone the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, including ambitious intermediary steps necessary to achieve this objective,
Amendment 27 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the Commission has estimated the investment needs at EU level in order to achieve the current 2030 climate objectives at 240 bn EUR/year1a plus additional amounts of 130 bn EUR/year for environmental objectives , 192 bn EUR/year for social infrastructure and 100bnEUR/year for Europe’s wider transport infrastructure, whereas it is essential to mobilize all available funds to close the investment gap, __________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/ec onomy- finance/assessment_of_economic_and_in vestment_needs.pdf
Amendment 29 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the European Green Deal is a growth strategy and should lead to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, job creation and ensure the strategic autonomy of the EU,
Amendment 31 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas public and private finance should adhere to the EU Taxonomy and to the Do Not Significantly Harm principle so that EU financial instruments, including the EU budget, including facilities financed through Next Generation EU, the EU Semester, the EU Investment Plan, the EIB, ECB and EU funding sources such as cohesion funds and structural and investment funds, should not go to objects, projects and activities that do significantly harm to social or environmental objectives,
Amendment 32 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the Covid-19 sanitary crisis underlines the importance of investments in a socially and environmentally sustainable economy, in particular investments promoting cutting edge R&D, competitive industry, deepening and strengthening of the single market, strong SMEs, healthcare, a strong welfare system and social wellbeing,
Amendment 33 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the spending required to support European economies raise the question of how incurred debt will be repaid; whereas it is important to prevent the increase in inequalities suffered following the previous crisis, where the burden on citizens was increased to bail out banks,
Amendment 34 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas creating a sustainable economic system is central to developing long-term strategic autonomy of the European Union and to increase the EU’s resilience,
Amendment 35 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
Amendment 48 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (SEIP) as central in ensuring the success of the Green Deal and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy; considers that the investment envisaged in the SEIP will deliver necessary economic stimulus, build resilience to future shocks and create jobs;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (SEIP) as central in ensuring the success of the Green Deal and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy; stresses that the plan should be at the heart of a coordinated and inclusive Union response to building a more resilient economy and society after the Covid-19 crisis;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission’s European Recovery Plan with the European Green Deal at its heart; endorses the underlying principle that public investments will respect the oath to ‘do no harm’; highlights that this oath applies to both social and environmental objectives; emphasises that national recovery and resilience plans should put the EU on the path to a 50 % to 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 and climate neutrality by 2050 while providing sufficient guarantees to ensure social equity in the sustainable transition;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission’s European Recovery Plan with the European Green Deal at its heart; endorses the underlying principle that public investments will respect the oath to ‘do no harm’; stresses that the recovery shall be built on the Sustainable Development Goals and shall support the twin green and digital transitions; emphasises that national recovery and resilience plans should put the EU on the path to a 50 % to 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 and climate neutrality by 2050;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Questions whether the SEIP, as currently constituted, will enable the mobilisation of EUR 1 trillion by 2030, given the negative economic outlook following the COVID-19 crisis; requests the Commission to ensure full transparency on financing issues, such as the optimistic leverage effect or the lack of clarity over the extrapolations of certain amounts; furthermore questions how the new MFF as proposed by the Commission in its revised proposals of 27 and 28 May 2020 would enable the achievement of the SEIP targets; regrets that the SEIP alone will not be sufficient to finance the objectives of the Green Deal and that additional investments will have a decisive role in the success of the Green Deal; calls on the Commission and EU Member States to come forward with plans that explain how they will bridge the considerable investment gap with both private and public investments;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for the issuing of long-term common bonds to contribute to financing the recovery and the just and sustainable transition;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Wishes to see it ensured that funding from the SEIP, at EU and national level, goes towards the policies and programmes with the highest potential to contribute to the fight against climate change, and looks forward to the Commission’s upcoming climate tracking methodology using appropriately the criteria established by the EU taxonomy; calls on the Commission to propose, after consultation of Parliament, and using similar criteria a framework laying down a methodology establishing eligibility criteria for climate-related expenditures, defining and tracking climate expenditure together with a proofing mechanism to identify harmful impacts in accordance with the “do not significantly harm” principle and the commitments under the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Wishes to see it ensured that funding from the SEIP, at EU and national level, goes towards the policies and programmes with the highest potential to contribute to the fight against climate change, protect environment and preserve biodiversity, and looks forward to the Commission’s upcoming climate tracking methodology using appropriately the criteria established by the EU taxonomy;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 148 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Highlights that the success of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan depends on the coherence of EU policies, therefore underlines the need for harmonised sustainability indicators and a methodology for measuring impact, including LCA and natural capital accounting;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that public and private finance should adhere to the EU taxonomy and to the Do Not Significantly Harm (DNSH) principle, with particular emphasis on the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in order to ensure that EU policies and financing, including the EU budget, the programmes financed through Next Generation EU, the European Semester and EIB financing do not contribute to objectives, projects and activities that significantly harm social or environmental objectives; calls for an operationalisation of the ‘do not significantly harm’ principle by clear and targeted exclusions in relevant EU funding regulations, in particular for fossil fuels, and a delegated act on climate, environmental and social proofing before the end of the year, as planned for example in the InvestEU regulation;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the phasing-out of public and private investments in highly polluting and harmful industries, using the EU taxonomy criteria, for which economically feasible alternatives are available, while fully respecting the rights of Member States to choose their energy mix;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the central role of the EU budget in delivering the SEIP; reiterates its long-standing position that new initiatives should always be financed through additional appropriations and should not negatively affect other policies; welcomes the new European Union Recovery Instrument, "Next Generation EU", as an emergency instrument to support investments and reforms aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and to reinforce the EU programmes that contribute for a sustainable and resilience recovery of the EU economy;
Amendment 227 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the proposal to top up the Just Transition Fund (JTF), including with additional funds from Next Generation EU, and the two additional pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism, namely a dedicated scheme under InvestEU and a public sector loan facility, which will contribute to alleviating the economic effects of the transition to climate neutrality on the most vulnerable regions in the EU; supports a strengthened European Agricultural Fund (EAFRD) to help farmers and rural areas to deliver the green transition, ensure a sustainable management of natural resources and preserve biodiversity;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for ensuring that third countries are eligible for cross- border projects that contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 258 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the role of InvestEU in the implementation and functioning of the SEIP and considers that it should be at the heart of the Union’s green, fair and resilient recovery; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s proposal to increase the programme’s size and scope; stresses the importance to support sustainable infrastructure projects, including the renovation wave for local jobs; welcomes the proposal to create a Strategic Investment Facility within InvestEU to promote sustainable investments in key technologies (such as clean hydrogen and batteries) and value chains;
Amendment 284 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Supports the Commission’s innovative approach in stating that the EU budget will contribute to achieving climate objectives also through its revenue side; recalls Parliament’s longstanding position in favour of generating added-value and policy co-benefits by introducing green new own resources;
Amendment 312 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 322 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on all Member States to join the enhanced cooperation framework to implement a Financial Transaction Tax;
Amendment 333 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the efforts of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to revise its energy lending policy and to devote 50 % of its operations to climate action and environmental sustainability; calls on the EIB to commit to the sustainable transition towards climate neutrality while taking into account the different energy mixes of Member States and devoting particular attention to the sectors and regions most affected by the transition; calls on the EIB to review and modify its climate action definitions, namely the environmental sustainability financing definitions, in line with the EU taxonomy;
Amendment 347 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers that for the EIB to play a successful role in financing the Green Deal, a bottom-up and participatory approach is crucial, and to better coordinate with various stakeholders, such as local and regional authorities and representatives from civil society;
Amendment 361 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recognises the important role of the national promotional banks and institutions and of international financial institutions (IFIs), including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank, in the financing of sustainable projects, thereby contributing to the achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 371 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the statement of the ECB President that the ECB is supporting the development of a taxonomy as a way of facilitating the incorporation of environmental considerations in central bank portfolios; calls on the ECB to evaluate the feasibility of including sustainability criteria in its collateral framework and its annual stress testing exercise, while assessing ways to guide lending towards energy transition investments and to rebuild a sustainable economy in the aftermath of the COVID- 19 crisis; encourages the ECB to move forward with its monetary policy review in order to evaluate the financing of economic activities causing significant harm to environmental and social objectives; calls on the ECB to disclose annually its degree of alignment with the Paris Agreement and its exposure to the EU taxonomy;
Amendment 374 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the statement of the ECB President that the ECB is supporting the development of a taxonomy as a way of facilitating the incorporation of environmental considerations in central bank portfolios; emphasizes that environmental and climate disasters more and more poses financial stability risks and, therefore, prudential regulation and supervision shall better incorporate those long-term risks in their assessments; calls on the ECB to evaluate the feasibility of including sustainability criteria in its collateral framework and its annual stress testing exercise, while assessing ways to guide lending towards energy transition investments and to rebuild a sustainable economy in the aftermath of the COVID- 19 crisis;
Amendment 385 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Supports the calls from the European Central Bank and the Central Banks and Regulators’ Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) to extend the EU taxonomy to unsustainable activities as soon as possible, enabling financial regulators to better assess sustainability-related financial risks;
Amendment 388 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Amendment 391 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Supports a renewed sustainable finance strategy; underlines the need for an EU eco-label for financial products, for an EU Green Bond Standard (EU GBS), and for more reliable, comparable and accessible sustainability data obtained by harmonising sustainability indicators and creating a public sustainability data registerwith sector- specific Key Performance Indicators, an EU public sustainability data register and mainstreaming sustainability within all financial legislation through legislative reviews, enabling investors to better act upon their sustainability preferences;
Amendment 393 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Supports a renewed sustainable finance strategy; underlines the need for an EU eco-label for financial products, for an EU Green Bond Standard (EU GBS), and for more reliable, comparable and accessible sustainability data obtained by harmonising sustainability indicators and creating a public sustainability data register; recalls the genuine importance of green finance to the international role of the euro in the next decade.
Amendment 398 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Amendment 403 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Calls on the Commission to swiftly follow the advice of the Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and fully exclude nuclear energy generation as a sustainable activity as defined by the taxonomy framework, including as a transitional activity;
Amendment 407 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Insists on the integration of social objectives in the sustainability framework, including through an evaluation of extending the scope of taxonomy and the development of an EU Social Bond Standard; Calls for the “Do Not Significantly Harm” principle to look at concrete social objectives including employee absenteeism, percentage of full- time employees and employees on long- term contracts, the percentage of salaries above living-wage, gender and ethnic pay gap, ratio in salary and variable remuneration between CEOs and average employees, tax compliance and corruption practices; calls for the activities pursued by companies who fail to achieve a sufficient score on any one of the above parameters to not qualify as sustainable economic activities as defined by the Disclosure Regulation and the Taxonomy Regulation;
Amendment 417 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. IEndorses the call by the High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance for new measures to foster long- termism to benefit people and planet; insists on the integration of governance objectives in the sustainability framework, including through additional voting rights for long-term shareholders, reform of remuneration structures and fiduciary duties for top-line management, and mandatory sustainability reporting and due diligence for financial institutions and large corporates together with liability and access to remedy in EU court; welcomes the preparation of a sustainable corporate governance initiative; which should include a legislative proposal on directors duties including mandatory sustainability strategies and measurable targets for large companies;
Amendment 422 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Favours the extension of the sustainability framework to the corporate sector; calls for mandatory sustainability reporting and due diligence for both financial institutions and large corporates, for stricter corporate liability regarding sustainability risks and for better quality data reporting, including by introducing verification mechanism and independent auditing;
Amendment 423 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Amendment 425 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recalls that investments in unsustainable economic activities may lead to stranded assets with lock-in effects; considers this risk to be insufficiently integrated in credit ratings and prudential frameworks including the Basel framework; calls for a review of the Credit Ratings Regulation to promote transparency in sustainability rating and an assessment of the possibility of inclusion of sustainability factors in prudential legislation; calls for the development of a brown taxonomy indicating investments facing increased exposure to climate risks and for the use of this brown taxonomy in the prudential framework;
Amendment 449 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. CHighlights the risk of reduced public spending on the sustainable transition in the context of the covid-19 crisis; calls for the introduction of an enabling framework for public sustainable investments to achieve the goals set out in the European Green Deal, but stresses that whatever financing model is chosen must not undermine the sustainability of public finance in the EU; supports the commitment by EVP Dombrovskis to explore how taxonomy can be used in the public sector; calls for public support for airlines to be used in a sustainable and efficient manneradvocates for the creation of a Sustainable Green Golden Rule to exclude sustainable investments from the EU’s economic governance framework; calls for a sustainable development pact to survey the implementation of the sustainability objectives and the green investment gap in each Member State; welcomes that EU Taxonomy will guide investment in Europe’s recovery to ensure it is in line with the EU-long term ambitions ; calls for a greater transparency of the degree of sustainability of public investment at EU and Member State level; supports the commitment by EVP Dombrovskis to explore how taxonomy can be used in the public sector; calls for public support for airlines to be used in a sustainable and efficient manner; supports the pledge by the Commission to explore how the EU Green Bond Standard, as well as other enabling frameworks, can increase public and private finance for sustainable investments;
Amendment 451 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the introduction of an enabling framework for public sustainable investments to achieve the goals set out in the European Green Deal, but stresses that whatever financing model is chosen must not undermine the sustainability of public finance in the EU; believes that the review of the EU's Economic governance framework should look at ways of incentivising Member States to undertake reforms and investments to tackle environmental challenges while preserving debt sustainability; calls on Member States to be more active in applying principles of green budgeting as a way to deliver on the objectives of the European Green Deal while improving the quality of public finances; supports the commitment by EVP Dombrovskis to explore how taxonomy can be used in the public sector; calls for public support for airlines to be used in a sustainable and efficient manner;
Amendment 466 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls for the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) to last throughout the current economic and sanitary crisis; highlights that high debt levels following the reactivation of the budgetary rules may result in excessive deficit procedures for many EU Member States; calls for the reform of the SGP with an expenditure rule that facilitates net public investments, allows for counter-cyclical action and takes into consideration the EU fiscal stance as a whole, so as to reduce the risk of severe austerity imposed following the reactivation of the SGP, and enable the investment needed for the recovery and the sustainable and just transition;
Amendment 477 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Amendment 485 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls that the European Semester is a framework for EU Member States to coordinate their budgetary and economic policies; believes that it couldmust facilitate the implementation of the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); believes that the SDGs should be at the heart of EU’s policy making process; therefore calls for a new Sustainable Development Cycle as one comprehensive surveillance procedure for economic, social and sustainability objectives and to apply the above mentioned sustainable development pact;
Amendment 497 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that recovery and resilience plans will be based on shared EU priorities; highlights in this context the European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights; seeks the inclusion of priorities in areas such as employment, skills, education, research and innovation and health, but also in areas related to the business environment, including public administration and the financial sector; considers that the sustainability provisions in the current Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation are insufficient; deems essential the incorporation of the EU Taxonomy in recovery and resilience plans through an ambitious minimum spending target on environmentally sustainable economic activities and the application of the Do Not Significantly Harm principle to all spending through these plans; deems the Commission responsible for monitoring adherence to these plans and for re- appropriating funds not spent in accordance with the plans;
Amendment 499 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that recovery and resilience plans will be based on shared EU priorities; calls for green recovery investments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility in order to accelerate the structural transformation of the economy towards a more clean, resilient and carbon-neutral economy; highlights in this context the European Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights; seeks the inclusion of priorities in areas such as employment, skills, education, digital, research and innovation and health, but also in areas related to the business environment, including public administration and the financial sector;
Amendment 511 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Amendment 512 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Calls on the Commission to revise State aid rules to set common minimum sustainability standards and to require large companies asking for support in high -carbon sectors to set and publish climate science-based targets and time- bound net-zero transition plans to align their operations with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 520 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Supports the Solvency Support Instrument to level the playing field in the single market, and the introduction of ‘green transition plans’ for certain companies to increase the sustainability of their activities; considers that society can ask for a quid pro quo when providing support to companies; believes that green transition plans should be obligatory for companies seeking state aid or EU-level support unless it is clear that they do not engage in environmentally or socially harmful activities; urges the Commission to only approve green transition plans that set businesses on the path to the climate- neutral and circular economy without significantly harming any other environmental or social objectives;
Amendment 524 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Underlines the role of National Promotional Banks in creating a sustainable economy; calls for state aid reforms to enable NPBs to provide preferential loans below market rates to promote sustainability; underlines the importance of ensuring local technical support for project promoters and innovation and the role of project nurseries helping projects to mature to receive financing;
Amendment 545 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Recalls that tax evasion and tax avoidance cause potential lost resources for national and EU budgets quantified as ranging from €50-70 billion to€160-190 billion;1a therefore seeks an intensified fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning ; calls on the Commission to establish criteria on which it assesses EU Member State that would result in a black-list of EU Member States facilitating tax avoidance and to draft binding tax compliance plans for these Member States; __________________ 1aEuropean Parliament, EPRS, Bringing transparency, coordination and convergence to corporate tax policies in the European Union: I - Assessment of the magnitude of aggressive corporate tax planning, Study, 2015
Amendment 546 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Calls on Member States that are accused of facilitating tax avoidance to implement a minimum effective tax rate of 18% on all profits generated at Member State level, including profits shifted to tax havens through passive income such as interests and royalties payments or other base erosion and profit shifting tools so as to fight tax avoidance and mobilise resources to finance the sustainable and just transition.
Amendment 547 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Recalls that Value Added Tax (VAT) can be used to incentivise moving from harmful to sustainable activities; therefore urges Member States to adopt the definitive package on VAT which would enable them to make use of targeted VAT rates for goods and services supporting the realisation of the European Green Deal;
Amendment 555 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Wishes it to be ensured that all contribute equitably to the post-corona recovery and the transition to a sustainable economy; considers that corporate profits and private wealth flow the lowest-taxed jurisdictions within the single market; seeks an intensified fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning; calls on the Commission to create a blacklist of EU Member States facilitating tax avoidance; calls for EU-level coordination to avoid aggressive tax planning by individuals and corporates; seeks in this context an ambitious strategy for business taxation for the 21st century and calls for an EU- coordinated wealth tax;
Amendment 566 #
2020/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Reiterates its call for phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies including in the form of a tax advantage, while fully respecting of the rights of Member State to choose their energy mix; supports, however, tax measures that would incentivise investment in cleaner energy and mode of transportation;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU isconfronted with unfair or aggressive tax practices, such as the fact thatEuropean Union member states lose between EUR 160-190 billion per year as aresult of tax evasion and profit- shifting by individuals and multinationalcorporates; whereas this loss is of significant magnitude given the sanitary, social and economic crisis the Union is currently facing and struggling with; whereas EU taxpayers held EUR 1.5 trillion offshore in 2016, resulting in an average tax revenue loss of EUR 46 billion in the EU as a result of tax evasion by individuals12 ; _________________ 12European Commission, Directorate- General for Taxation and Customs Union, Taxation Papers, Working Paper No 76, ‘Estimating International Tax Evasion by Individuals’, September 2019, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/ taxation/files/2019-taxation-papers-76.pdf
Amendment 5 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas tax scandals have pushed the EU to further develop its set of tools against tax evasion and tax avoidance, whereas one of its most powerful tool is an effective exchange of information between tax administration across the EU; whereas the OpenLux revelation have demonstrated the necessity for the exchange of tax information to be more qualitative and to deliver results;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the Commission has announced a further eighth revision of the DAC on crypto assets and e-money; whereas such a revision could be an opportunity to improve the framework for information exchange as a whole;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the difficulties encountered in the Council in agreeing on the improvements put forward by the Commission demonstrates the need to move to a qualified majority in tax matters ; whereas national stand-alone approaches do not provide efficient answers to global tax issues; whereas international standards on tax exchange of information have been implemented at EU level; whereas some inconsistencies between the international and European standards remain, notably on deadline to communicate tax information; whereas a majority of countries release aggregated country-by-country reports information under Action 13 from the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Action Plan;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the Union signed agreements with third countries including Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland to ensure DAC2 equivalent information would be shared with the Member States; whereas later version of the DAC have not been subject to similar agreements;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Amendment 30 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas it is in the responsibility of Parliament to exercise political scrutiny over the Commission, including its enforcement and implementation policy, and whereas this requires adequate access to relevant information; whereas for several DAC revisions the Council reached an agreement even before the EP could adopt its report for consultation;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the OECD created a global standard for the AEOI with its Common Reporting Standard (CRS) in 2014 and more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide have committed to AEOI of financial accounts as of 2021;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the economic crisis triggered by the COVID 19 pandemic required enormous fiscal and budgetary efforts by governments, including in the form of aid to companies; whereas, beneficiaries from such support must fulfil their social responsibilities such as cooperating adequately with tax authorities in order to guarantee a comprehensive exchange of tax information;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that exchange of information between tax administrations has significantly improved at both global and EU levels; recalls that DAC2, DAC3, DAC4, DAC6 and DAC7 are directly connected to work undertaken at OECD level; considers that the measures agreed at the global stage constitute a minimum standard for the EU;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes, however, that some types of income and assets are still excluded from the scope, which presents a risk of circumventing tax obligations; calls on the Commission to assess the need and the most appropriate way to include the following ownership information, items of income and non-financial assets in the automatic exchange of information (AEOI): (a) the beneficial owners of immovable property and companies; (b) capital gains related to immovable property and capital gains related to financial assets, including currency trading, in particular to find ways for tax administrations to be better informed to identify realised capital gains; (c) non- custodial dividend income; (d) non- financial assets such as cash, art, gold or other valuables held at free ports, customs warehouses or safe deposit boxes; and (e) ownership of yachts and private jets;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Observes that DAC3 contains certain blind spots; therefore calls for the scope of EOI under DAC3 to be widened to include informal arrangements, post- transaction agreements, natural persons and rulings which are still valid, but which were issued, amended or renewed before 2012; ; regrets that DAC 3 information is not yet widely used by tax administrations of Member States and advises that a specific notification should be sent to the tax administrations where a company benefiting from a tax ruling in the scope of DAC 3 has a taxable presence regrets that bilateral and multilateral APAs are excluded from the EOI under DAC3 where a related international tax agreement does not allow for their disclosure; calls on Member States to reject any future international tax agreement which do not permit the disclosure of APAs;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes that a large number of countries, including many Member States, are releasing anonymised and aggregated information, extracted from the country- by-country reports as required under DAC4 or Action 13 from the BEPS Action Plan ; regrets that a minority of Member States are not publishing this information in international databases; calls for a harmonised approach on this regards and demands the Commission to integrate this requirement into the future revision of the DAC;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Welcomes the agreements similar to Directive 2014/107/EU on automatic exchange of financial account information with third countries i.e. Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland; calls for an evaluation of the implementation of such agreement and calls therefore for evaluation, given the existing CRS agreement. Additionally, calls for similar agreements for DAC 3 and DAC 5 and 6 7;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the fact that one Member State, Malta, has received an overall ‘partially compliant’ score in the peer review by the Global Forum for EOIR; regrets the fact that material deficiencies have been identified in 18 Member States15 ; expects the Commission to deploy all legal and non legal tools to ensure legislation is being qualitatively implemented, with no further delay; _________________ 15 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/et udes/STUD/2021/662603/EPRS_STU(202 1)662603_EN.pdf
Amendment 137 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Welcomes the recent provisions of the seventh DAC revision on joint audit; recalls that for such opportunity, as well as for simultaneous controls, to deliver results, essential training in foreign tax legislation, language, specialization, interpersonal skills is necessary for employees of tax authorities; recalls, in this regards, that the FISCALIS program must not only focus on financing IT infrastructures but also on personal training;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Deplores the side effects the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act still has on so-called accidental Americans ;regrets that, to date, no lasting solution has been found at the European level;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Understands that the DAC has a dual effect: detecting fraud through information sharing and deterring it by making fraudsters more likely to be identified while not letting them go unpunished; recognizes it is more difficult to quantify such deterrent effect however invites the Commission to further considers such aspect of the DAC in its future evaluations;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to the 2002 ‘Barcelona targets’,
Amendment 12 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the 'Demographic Change: Proposals on Measuring and Tackling its Negative Effects in the EU Regions' of 12-14 October 2020,
Amendment 13 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
- having regard to the Territorial Impact Assessment Report of the Committee of the Regions on Demographic Change of 30 January 2020,
Amendment 14 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 c (new)
Citation 16 c (new)
- - having regard to the Commission Long-TermVision for Rural Areas, which is currently under preparation,
Amendment 15 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 d (new)
Citation 16 d (new)
- having regard to the Committee of the Regions opinion 'EU Strategy for Rural Revival' from 8-10 December 2020;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the natural demographic balance in the European Union has been negative for the last years and it is due to the migration from non-EU citizens that the EU has not reduced its population;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the effects caused by demographic trends and the depopulation phenomenon are unequal between Member states and its regions, and these need to be addressed by targeted measures;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the European Union has numerous instruments to face demographic challenges, and cohesion policy plays a crucial role in this regard;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas climate change enhances drastic changes in demographic trends;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the Union has increased its efforts in order to integrate the principles of sustainability, greening and digitalisation in the overall EU policy making;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas the Commission is currently working on its Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, although the EU population has seen substantial growth in previous decades, the growth rate is now falling and the population is expected to decrease in the longer term; whedecreas Europe will account for less thaning from 6% to 4 % of the world’s population by 2070, and long- term demographic trends in European regions indicate lower birth rates and ageing societies;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the current trend of ageing in EU population has important economic and social consequences, such as higher dependency ratios, pressures on fiscal and social security sustainability, and increased stress on healthcare and social services;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Observes that GDP per capita, income level, employment rate, fertility rate and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within European regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that internal migration patterns from eastern, southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young, educated and skilled workers; notes that migration from non- EU citizens has allowed EU to avoid population loss in the recent years;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that Europe is manifestly experiencing population ageing, affecting the dependency ratio and having negative effects on workforce growth, which is far behind the previous decade; warns of a visible decline of the labour force in eastern, southern and central European regions; highlights that population ageing also affects housing and transport planning, infrastructure and services needs, as well as fiscal and social security sustainability;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that, in that regard, active ageing policies are needed in order to reduce its negative dimension in rural and remote areas, ensuring an adequate level of quality of life for all inhabitants;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines that fertility rates in the EU are considerably below replacement level; considers that cohesion policy can contribute to address this issue by promoting better conditions for families to raise their children, namely through favourable conditions in the job market, work life balance, affordable housing and access to social services of general interest, particularly those targeted to young families, such as affordable childcare;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the attractiveness of rural areas can be enhanced through the availability of high-quality public services; investments in those may require economies of scale that are difficult to implement in low-density areas, so local and regional communities should identify adequate provisions of services, in the most efficient way possible. In this sense, the role of cohesion policy is fundamental and should allow for these high quality public services;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Highlights that rural development policies should have as one of their main objectives the creation of innovation ecosystems to support knowledge creation and technological diffusion; with this objective in mind, it is key to stimulate common virtual and physical environments that bring together firms, entrepreneurs and research institutes contributing to the transformation of rural areas into real innovation hubs. An environment that enables rural innovation can also be supported by investments in skills and ICT infrastructure, facilitating access to capital for entrepreneurs and SMEs, and supporting local supply chain development linked with diverse industries;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Notes that the concept of “rural proofing” should be mainstreamed throughout all steps of the EU policymaking; this idea, which aims at understanding the impact of policy intervention in rural areas, has the objective of ensuring a fair and equitable policy outcome for them. Rural proofing contributes at understanding the specific necessities of rural and remote areas with a specific focus on policy implementation, overcoming undesirable policy externalities by designing and delivering adequate solutions;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Amendment 87 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)
Subheading 4 a (new)
Highlights that demographic challenge, although affecting EU’s regions indifferent way, is an important issue for all the EU and has to be understood and tackled in an holistic way; underlines that the EU as a whole has registered a negative natural demographic balance for the last years; stresses that it was due to the migration from non-EU citizens that EU did not face population loss in the last years;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 b (new)
Subheading 4 b (new)
Amendment 111 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Expresses concern over a "geography of discontent" that is taking place in many EU regions where people feel left behind and which is closely associated to demographic change; the "geography of discontent" leads to radical political movements and denial of the EU integration, endangering the EU cohesion;
Amendment 117 #
Amendment 120 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 126 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that economic migration has a direct impact on the inclusiveness of cities, requiring tailored policy responses in different territorial contexts; highlights, in this regard, the need to strengthen inclusion policies;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7
Subheading 7
Amendment 129 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 a (new)
Subheading 7 a (new)
Calls for a greater coordination of EU instruments, in particular the ESI Funds and the Next Generation EU, so as to ensure a more comprehensive approach to the demographic challenges; suggests that, given that the mechanisms employed so far have not held back the advance of demographic imbalances, a review of existing policies is required;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 b (new)
Subheading 7 b (new)
Calls on the EU incorporating demographic challenges throughout the policy spectrum, including in its budget headings, in order to enable the development of adequate policies; considers that the impact of public policies in demography should be taken into account and subject to impact assessments;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 c (new)
Subheading 7 c (new)
Calls on the Commission once more to propose a strategy on demographic change which prioritises the following fields: decent employment, work-life balance, the territorial aspect of policies promoting economic activity and employment, the adequate provision of social services of general interest in all territories, local public transport, adequate care for dependent persons and long-term care, and good-quality labour conditions, paying special attention to new forms of work and their social impact;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 d (new)
Subheading 7 d (new)
Highlights the importance of having family friendly labour legislation that enables satisfactory work life-balance; underlines, in this respect, the role of social partners and the importance of collective bargaining;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 e (new)
Subheading 7 e (new)
Stresses that cohesion policy should promote the employability and inclusion of women, especially mothers who struggle with finding employment; stresses the importance of helping young mothers to return to work, namely by providing affordable childcare facilities for children of all ages and promoting policies of shared responsibility;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 f (new)
Subheading 7 f (new)
Highlights the need to support young families, improving the conditions for them to have children; notes that, according to the 2018 assessment, the Barcelona target of having 90% of the children from 3 to mandatory school age in formal childcare or attending preschool was not reached; stresses the importance of having access to affordable childcare facilities for young families to decide to have children;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 g (new)
Subheading 7 g (new)
Considers that that the EU should support migration and inclusion policies in the Member states, in respect for the rights and competencies of those Member States, as well as the subsidiarity principle, in order to minimise negative demographic trends; considers that local and regional bodies should be incentivized to implement successfully integration policies on the ground; takes the view that local and regional authorities should be active participants in measures taken to address demographic challenges;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 h (new)
Subheading 7 h (new)
Underlines the importance of existing initiatives such as the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing, Ambient Assisted Living and the EIT Digital and Health Knowledge Innovation Communities; calls on the Commission to take into account the solutions already developed by these initiatives for accommodating the demographic shift and when addressing the demographic challenges faced by European regions; stresses the importance of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning as a way of supporting education and training in areas at risk of depopulation;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies, taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned, including the economic, social and demographic trends; points out that Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration; calls on local and regional authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention, mitigation and appropriate responses; using the means provided by cohesion policies; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various Member States, such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills, aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Supports the development of dedicated incentive schemes to attract young people to rural and semi-urban areas; furthermore, encourages measures that to improve labour participation, especially for women and people with disabilities and the promotion of training tailored to the needs, potential and strengths of each individual region;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Considers that the transport network can play a decisive role in answering to demographic change, by reinforcing rural-urban connectivity and combating territorial fragmentation, providing for inclusive and sustainable growth through targeted investments as well as facilitating access to high-quality public services that consolidate population; highlights, in this regard, the importance of improving transport infrastructure, supporting the transition to sustainable and smart transport networks, strengthening interoperability in transport systems, and guaranteeing better local and public transports to incorporate demographic changes and their impact in mobility policy;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Encourages policy makers at local regional and national level to promote the concept of the "economy of well-being", contributing to a virtuous economic cycle, helping sustain long-term investments into wellbeing; additionally, encourages the promotion of healthy and active ageing which, combined with the economy of wellbeing and measures targeted at improving the quality of life and combat loneliness, can boost growth in regions with a predominantly ageing population;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that the COVID-19 health crisis has affected all Member States and regions to different extents, and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through REACT-EU in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the EU’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment, including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed, although this is only a temporary instrument;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the Recovery and Resilience Facility will provide large-scale financial support to make Member States’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future, and insists that Member States should propose measures for addressing demographic change; investing in the most vulnerable areas; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the Just Transition Fund and its implementation mechanism, which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates the need for further simplification of cohesion policy instrumentplace-based and integrated approaches of cohesion policy, Common Agricultural Policy national strategic plans, and national recovery strategic plans in order to allow for an easier, but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various EU funds and integrated tools; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Highlights the importance of including, when possible, a specific budgetary response for reversing demographic trends in all relevant EU programmes; notes the necessity of foreseeing the possibility of linking different EU funds for one project;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Recalls that the European Parliament, in its own position on the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund (27 March 2020) states that the objectives of the ERDF CF include that of supporting urban and rural areas with geographical or demographic handicaps. It also includes that Member states shall allocate provisions of EU financial support for projects that promote environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic development in the regions concerned;
Amendment 195 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Maintains the EP stand that particular support should be given to NUTS level 3 areas or clusters of local administrative units with a population density of below 12.5 inhabitants per km2 for sparsely populated areas, or with an average population decrease of more than1% between 2007 and 2017, which should be subject to specific regional and national plans to enhance attractiveness, increase business investment and boost the accessibility of digital and public services, including a fund in the Structural Fund cooperation agreement;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Welcomes the ERDF CF Regulation new article 8 a) which call for national plans to support regional and local areas facing continuous demographic decline, including financial allocations to increase attractiveness, boost business investment and improve accessibility of digital and public services; these national plans should be aligned with the European Commission report on the impact of the demographic change in the EU and the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas;
Amendment 229 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Considers it appropriate to involve regional and local authorities in long-term cooperative governance and planning initiatives at various levels; asks the Commission and the Member States to disseminate good practices on the use and benefits of this type of governance and of planning tools to support polycentric developmentuse the instrument of territorial impact assessment (TIA) to further design EU and national policies that are affecting demographic change;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Encourages policymakers at regional and national level to investuse the new Recovery and Resilience Facility to invest in the broadband extension in order to foster in the knowledge economy, as well as in providing high quality public services and incentives, tohat maintain high- skilled workers and to develop research centres in the different regionpromote the triple helix to ensure the attractiveness of the depopulated areas;
Amendment 243 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recommends developing the so- called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful, vibrant and growing sectors, by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to invest the Youth Guarantee Initiative focused on attracting young, trained and talented workers, encouraging entrepreneurship, using local, national and EU incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas, turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the need for a wider territorial perspective in line with the new 'Leipzig Charter: The Transformative Power of Cities for the Common Good' and the 'Territorial Agenda 2030' to reinforce urban networks of second-tier cities and smaller towns, in order to harness their significant potential to buttress territorial, economic and social cohesion beyond their immediate boundaries, through greater urban-rural linkages, functional areas, and regional cooperation;
Amendment 248 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Asks the European Commission Statistic Office to provide data on the situation of quality of life indicators at NUTS 3 and LAU level to monitor the impact of demographic challenge on the territories; highlights the possibility for Member states to use the Recovery and Resilient Facility to modernise the capacity of data collection at those levels to ensure that national investment policies and European data reflect the real situation in these territories;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Insists that investments should be focused on information and communication technology, since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract high- skilled workers in order to avoid the digital divide and ensure digital cohesion; stresses the importance of funding the infrastructures, the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the Commission, in agreement with the Member States, to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the EU as a multi-level policy approach which materialises in a European Strategy on Demographic Trends; The future Conference of the Future of Europe should propose a definition of the areas which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps mentioned in the article 174 (TFEU)in order to ensure a long-term support of the EU key policies from a place-based approach;
Amendment 282 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Notes that diversity of administrative competences within each Member states results in the impossibility of a one-size-fits-all type of solution to address demographic challenges; suggests the creation of an independent body involved in the economic and social development of demographically fragile areas. This body should enjoy a high degree of organisational autonomy;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in its 20 years of existence, the euro has become a symbol of Europe’s economic strength and of its position in the world, becoming a channel of proliferating European values of democracy, free markets and international cooperation;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas despite the euro area’s economic size and influence in global trade, the use of the euro lags behind the US dollar by a wide margin, yet it is still ahead of all other competing currencies, remaining, at the same time, unchallenged as the second most important currency in the international monetary system;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the euro's global potential has not been fully reached, and its benefits are shared unevenly among the Eurozone members;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas a stronger role of the euro, and its increased use as a reserve currency, would increase the ability of the EU to frame its policy stance vis-a-vis other countries and regions;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas a greater role for the euro would provide a higher degree of financial autonomy to the euro area, protecting it from the use of other currencies as foreign policy tools by other national administrations;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the stability of a currency is also determined by the stability of the institutions behind it, more European integration is necessary to give additional institutional and political stability behind the euro;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas in the long run the attractiveness of a given currency is also determined by the vitality of its economy;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the Covid-19 crisis has provided renewed focus on the argument of the greater international role of the euro;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas post-pandemic economic recovery requires the fast implementation of the EU recovery plan, which will address structural weaknesses and put in place policies to enhance growth and competitiveness; whereas such policies are paramount both to enhancing the attractiveness of the euro globally and to strengthening Europe’s economic and financial autonomy; whereas the recently- proposed recovery fund is an excellent example of what is needed as a European fiscal response to build confidence among investors; whereas a meaningful fiscal stimulus, in conjunction with a monetary one – including a joint European effort –, will have a positive effect on the international position of the euro; whereas the premature withdrawal of fiscal stimulus and the lack of coordination of fiscal action can undermine the attractiveness of the euro as an international currency;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the bond issuance that goes together with the recovery fund will allow global investors to get exposure to the euro area as a whole also establishing a genuine euro-area yield curve;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the ECB’s pandemic emergency purchase programme is a decisive element to maintain price stability and ensure stable sources of funding for the euro area economy;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the USA enjoys the benefits of issuing large amounts of debt securities that are considered on markets around the world as risk free;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas the USA can benefit from the so-called dollar’s “exorbitant privilege” and benefit from seigniorage and the ability to sell government securities at low interest rates to fund a large increase in spending;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas American companies have enjoyed the stability that comes from being able to conduct international transactions in their own currency;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas the right mix of fiscal and monetary policy is needed to build a deeper and better more stable EMU, necessary to increase the euro’s influence and the benefits that accrue to euro area members;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates, in this context, the need to deepen and complete the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union (CMU), with a view to enhancing - by strengthening the governance and the fiscal capacity for eurozone to be able to provide a counter-cyclical stabilization function -, the Banking Union - by focusing on an introduction of a common deposits insurance scheme - and the Capital Markets Union (CMU) - in order to ensure deeper cross-border capital flows including strengthening of cooperation on taxation on financial products and convergence of company law and insolvency regimes - with a view to enhancing the EU's political and institutional framework and therefore the international competitiveness of European markets and the attractiveness of the euro;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that the international role of the euro would also benefit from the untapping of the potential of one of the greatest added values of the EU - its single market; calls in this respect for the completion of the single market, which encompasses all EU countries, also the ones not belonging to the euro area;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights that the completion of the Banking Union requires a fully- fledged European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) and an appropriate backstop to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF); calls for the creation of a fully mutualised EDIS; welcomes the decision from the euro area ministers of finance to advance the introduction of the ESM’s backstop to the SRF; stresses that the backstop to the SRF must be swiftly operationalised without any more delays;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need for sustainable and sound fiscal and structural growth- enhancing policies that are based on a commitment to credible fiscal rules; calls for further reflection on the adequacy of the stability and growth pact framework despite the challenging circumstances; supports the plan outlined in Next Generation EU to use, in addition to monetary policy, a fiscal impulse, notably borrowing EUR 750 billion from capital markets bonds to finance the recovery and green transition, in addition to the issuance of EUR 100 billion in ‘social’ bonds under the European instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE), which is intended to preserve employment; Emphasizes in this respect that a crucial factor in the use of Next Generation EU is, alongside the investment in a greener economy, is to intensify policy to restructure the EU economies toward medium and high-level technologies; applauds the high level of interest that investors have demonstrated in European bonds;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need for sustainable and sound fiscal and structural growth- enhancing policies that are based on a commitment to credible fiscal ruland social inclusive policies; calls for further reflection on the adequacy of the stability and growth pact framework despite the challenging circumstances and calls for the introduction of a permanent Golden Rule for sustainable investments; supports the plan outlined in Next Generation EU to use, in addition to monetary policy, a fiscal impulse, notably borrowing EUR 750 billion from capital markets bonds to finance the recovery and green transition, in addition to the issuance of EUR 100 billion in ‘social’ bonds under the European instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE), which is intended to preserve employment; applauds the high level of interest that investors have demonstrated in European bonds;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights, in this respect, that a higher amount of EU's own resources through various taxes is a step in the right direction in becoming a true fiscal entity, and therefore, strengthening the role of the euro;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that an adequate supply of safe assets is a precondition for international currency status, and expresses its regret at the limited availability of euro- denominated safe assets; underlines, therefore, the need to create European safe assets; considers that the proposed issuance of a common debt to finance recovery will provide an EU-level reserve asset benchmark and increase the supply of euro-denominated safe assets; calls on the Commission to submit a legislative proposal for the creation of a true European safe asset; expects the ECB to conduct an assessment of the possibility of issuing certificates of deposit under its existing legal basis;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that as large and permanent current account surpluses create instability for a prominent international role of a currency, the Euro area growth model should be rebalanced and the export-led tendency shall be offset by measures that stimulate the internal demand, to a level compatible with potential supply;
Amendment 182 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that a strengthened international role of the euro would enhance the EU’s capability to enforce open strategic autonomy; recommends, therefore, actions intended to both design and implement policy measures that foster the international role of the euro and support market-driven shifts in this direction;
Amendment 183 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Emphasises that the euro is not only an economic project but also a political one; stresses the irreversible nature of the single currency; draws attention to the requirement for every Member State, with the exception of Denmark, to adopt the single currency once they have met the Maastricht convergence criteria;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Advocates, in this context, that policies critical for and conducive to strengthening the international role of the euro should target, inter alia, international trade, fiscal and monetary policy mix, financial services and capital market, payments systems, the climate, the digital transformation, energy, and foreign and security policies; highlights that such policies must be pursued with the objective of achieving the general objectives of the Union, as defined in Article 3 TFEU, notably sustainable development, convergence, full employment, and social progress;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the importance of the attainment of price stability targets and the credibility of monetary policy for the attractiveness of the euro as an international currency; notes that the target for inflation has not been systematically attained and further efforts are needed; highlights the effects of ECB’s monetary policy on the stability of financial markets and its significance for the international role of the euro;
Amendment 215 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that, besides its primary mandate of maintaining price stability and its secondary mandate of supporting the general economic policies in the Union, the ECB is tasked with promoting the smooth operation of payment systems; underlines the importance of having autonomous European payment solutions; calls on the ECB to ensure an adequate balance between financial innovation and stability and consumer protection;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses the stability of financial markets in the Euro-area as a precondition for international currency status; highlights that the Euro-area faces significant challenges related to climate change, cybersecurity, money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as geopolitical challenges including Brexit that may impact financial stability; calls for further initiatives aimed at reducing these risks;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Takes note of the ECB report on the digital euro, and of the value a digital currency can add in strengthening the international role of the euro; takes note of the ongoing work and experiences of central banks and other organisations in regard to crypto-assets; stresses the importance of monitoring the development of crypto-assets and the increased risks for economic sovereignty and cyber-security; supports the ECB’s efforts in ensuring a high level of cyber resilience;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Takes note ofWelcomes the ECB report on the digital euro, and of the value a digital currency can add in strengthening the international role of the euro; supports the ECB’s efforts in ensuring a high level of cyber resilience;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 2 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation)1a, _____________________ 1a OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
Amendment 36 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the two most common components of crypto-assets adopted are (i) the private nature of the asset, and (ii) the use of cryptography and distributed ledger technology (DLT) or similar technology to underpin exchanges of the asset and its inherent or perceived value;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, at present, crypto-assets are neither issued nor guaranteed by a central bank or public authority in the Union, and can have a variety of uses, including as a means of exchange, for investment purposes, and in order to access a good or service;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Amendment 39 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas stablecoins exhibit similar features to crypto-assets and do not take the form of any specific currency, but rely on a set of tools which aim to minimise fluctuations of their price as denominated in a currency; whereas some crypto-assets, including stablecoins and their associated technologies, have the potential to increase efficiencies, competition and transparency and to bring substantial opportunities and benefits to society, since some of them could lead to cheaper and faster payments and offer new funding sources for SMEs;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas experts of the European Central Bank (ECB) noted in their publication of 20193 , that even though crypto-assets are highly speculative, they do not represent an immediate threat to financial stability; whereas that view has been shared by both ESMA[1][5]3a and the EBA[2][6]3b; _________________ 3 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/economic- bulletin/articles/2019/html/ecb.ebart20190 5_03~c83aeaa44c.en.html#toc4 3a ESMA Advice - Initial Coin Offerings and Crypto-Assets (https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/ files/library/esma50-157- 1391_crypto_advice.pdf) 3b EBA Report with advice for the European Commission on crypto-assets (https://eba.europa.eu/sites/default/docum ents/files/documents/10180/2545547/6749 3daa-85a8-4429-aa91- e9a5ed880684/EBA%20Report%20on%2 0crypto%20assets.pdf)
Amendment 58 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas recent research suggests that crypto-assets are mainly used as a speculative investment, rather than as a means of payment for goods or services offered by a legal merchant; whereas the ESAs have highlighted that crypto-assets which do not qualify as financial instruments within the coverage of Union financial regulation pose specific risks, namely in terms of investor and consumer protection as well as to market integrity; whereas specific risks highlighted include fraud, cyber-attacks, money laundering, operational resilience and market manipulation;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2034(INL)
Ib. whereas within the range of crypto-assets which qualify as financial instruments under Union law, the classification as such relies on the national competent authorities applying the national implementation of Union law, which creates discrepancies in the supervisory and regulatory approach, harming consistency and a level playing field in the Union; whereas such classification and integration within the Union legislative framework is not without difficulties, since different crypto- assets present different features, which may change over time;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 69 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas large technology firms and global digital platforms are increasingly offering financial services; where those large operators in the digital sector benefit from competitive advantages such as economies of scale, vast cross-border user networks, easy access to financing and the ability to harvest large swaths of data provided by users through data processing technologies such as ‘big data analytics’, which generate tremendous added value in a variety of ways; whereas the presence of ‘Big Tech’ firms in the FinTech markets has the potential to harm fair competition and innovation;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that FinTech will be integral to the success of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and encourages the Commission to consider how to harness the benefits of FinTech in driving forward capital market integration in the Union; whilst at the same time addressing at regulatory and supervisory level the specific risks that FinTech, namely crypto-assets, pose;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point c
Paragraph 6 – point c
c. a risk-based approach based on transparency and accountability;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point c a (new)
ca. respect for the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, as guaranteed by Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 163 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Points out that Union level measures should not stiflecan enhance a regulatory and supervisory level playing field across the internal market and bring certainty to businesses and consumers, thereby offering opportunities for businesses to grow and develop within the Union while avoiding forum shopping and regulatory arbitrage;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights the importance of the triangle of trust, identity and data in order to ensure that operators, consumers and supervisors are able to have confidence in digital finance; considers appropriate to further analyse initiatives for implementing CBDCs both within the Union and on a global level; calls on the Commission and EU supervisory authorities to promote research and international discussions in this field, assessing potential benefits and all implications; believes that parameters and principles for analysis should rely on the role of CBDCs in supplementing the decline in cash use, ensuring people’s trust in the financial system, providing for greater financial inclusion and access to a public means of payment, all the while guaranteeing financial stability and the pursuit of socio-economic objectives;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that developing a pan- European taxonomy for crypto-assets is desirable as a step towards fostering a common understanding, facilitating collaboration across jurisdictions and providing greater regulatory certainty for market participants engaged in cross border activity; recommends taking into account the importance of international cooperation and global initiatives as regards frameworks for crypto-assets, bearing in mind in particular their borderless nature; cautions, however, that developing an open-ended taxonomy template may be more appropriate for this evolving market segment; believes, however, that there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to legal qualification of crypto-assets and therefore a framework which allows for monitoring, adaption and product intervention by EU supervisors is important;
Amendment 214 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes, therefore, that any further categorisation should be balanced and flexible in order to give space for innovation in the sector while ensuring that risks can be identified and mitigated at an early stage;
Amendment 215 #
2020/2034(INL)
10a. Expresses concern about the serious carbon footprint attached to the use and dissemination of crypto-assets; calls on the Commission to take this into account in any forthcoming regulatory initiative, having in mind the EU’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and to the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Is concerned about the findings of a recent research1a demonstrating that half of the crypto-assets transactions is linked to illegal activities, like the buying or selling of illegal goods or services (weapons, drugs transactions), money laundering and, payments in ransomware attacks; highlights recent findings which suggests that 76 billion dollars of illegal activity per year involves Bitcoins; _________________ 1a Electronicallyavailable via https://ssrn.com/abstract=3102645.
Amendment 217 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Further stresses that clear guidance on the applicable regulatory and prudential processes is needed in order to provide regulatory certainty regarding crypto-assetsCalls for clearer guidance on regulatory and prudential processes to follow in order to provide regulatory certainty and adequate supervision for a particular crypto-assets; subscribes to the view of the Basel committee and EBA that banks acquiring crypto-assets, should apply a conservative prudential treatment to such exposures, especially for high risk crypto-assets; shares furthermore the view that strong due diligence, a robust governance and risk management, full disclosure of any exposure and a solid dialogue with the supervisors are all of paramount importance; believes that the forthcoming revision of the capital requirements framework should include amendments in this respect;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Further stresses that clear guidance is needed on the applicability of existing regulatory and prudential processes to crypto-assets which qualify as financial instruments as far as EU legislation is concerned, in order to provide regulatory certainty regarding crypto-assets; stresses that this guidance must be provided consistently at the EU level, to avoid different practices of qualification and supervision by national authorities, which creates an un-level playing field, forum shopping and regulatory arbitrage in the internal market;
Amendment 228 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Points out that applying existing regulations to previously unregulated crypto-assets will be necessary, as will creating bespoke regulatory regimes for evolving crypto-asset activities, such as initial coin offerings; Stresses that initial coin offerings have potential in funding SMEs, innovative start-ups and scale-ups, can accelerate technology transfer, and can be an essential part of the Capital Markets Union;
Amendment 233 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to assess the advantages of proposing legislative framework for initial coin offerings and initial exchange offerings to increase legal certainty, investor and consumer protection, raise warnings, and reduce risks stemming from asymmetric information, fraudulent behaviour and illegal activities; Stresses however that wider regulation of crypto-assets and related activities may have trade-offs, such as risking legitimising crypto-assets and encouraging wider adoption; Highlights therefore that it will also require further supervisory resources and in-house technological know-how for supervisors;
Amendment 235 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Takes the view that, if a wide legislative framework is proposed, the “same services, same rules” principle must apply while being subject to the necessary adaptations; stresses that, where appropriate, strict fit and proper tests should be applied to those who issue the assets and that in order to increase investor protection and transparency, a standardised and regulated whitepaper should be published at the time of issuance; Highlights that a harmonised regulatory framework only makes sense , if supervision is coordinated at the EU level; notes, in particular, the need to oversee the work of national innovation facilitators, such as innovation hubs and regulatory sandboxes, and ensure that they do not undermine the level playing field in the internal market, and that mechanisms for cooperation and coordination are put in place.
Amendment 236 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 267 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that with the increasing digitalisation of financial services, as well as outsourcing to external IT solution or maintenance providers, such as cloud providers, the exposure of financial institutions and markets to disruption caused by internal failures, or external attacks or as a consequence of financial distress (resolution) is becoming more pronounced;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Takes note of the fact that while the total costs of cyber incidents are notoriously hard to establish, industry estimates range from USD 45 billion to USD 654 billion for the global economy in 2018; highlights that the financial sector has traditionally been a key target for cybercriminals looking for financial gain; is concerned by the ESRB analysis which shows that it is indeed conceivable that a cyber-incident could evolve into a systemic cyber crisis that threatens financial stability1a; _________________ 1a ESRB publishes a report on systemic cyberattacks in February 2020 (https://www.esrb.europa.eu/news/pr/date/ 2020/html/esrb.pr200219~61abad5f20.en. html)
Amendment 278 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point a
Paragraph 16 – point a
a. modernisation and compliance with international standards, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Standard 239;
Amendment 284 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the need for further information sharing, in particular on incidents, and enhanced coordination between relevant regulatory and supervisory authorities, taking into account that building resilience and preparedness to deal with large scale cyber and operational incidents requires effective cooperation not only cross- borders but also across various sectors;
Amendment 287 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 294 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on the Commission and supervisors to put in pace non-legislative actions to bolster the operational preparedness in the financial sector to deal with large-scale cyber and operational incidents, through joint exercises, operational protocols (“playbooks”), secure collaboration tools and investments in reinforcements of critical infrastructures and European redundancy capacities; highlights the need for supervisors to have in-house expertise and adequate resources to carry out such exercises and supervisory actions;
Amendment 299 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that the Union is the global standard setter as regards personal data protection; highlights that the transfer and use of personal and non-personal data in the financial services sector should meet all relevant standards whilebe in accordance with fundamental rights, relevant legislation and international agreements and allowing for the flow of data needed to scale up innovative finance initiatives to be guaranteed in a lawful and secure manner;
Amendment 303 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Requests, in this regard, that the Commission examines how to ensure that digital finance entities can access on an equitable basis relevant and useful data to help ensure that innovative FinTech businesses can grow within the Union and beyond; calls on the Commission to monitor the offering of financial services by “BigTech” firms, and also how the competitive advantages inherent to these operators may distort competition in the market, harm the interests of consumers and innovation;
Amendment 320 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Points out that customer data or “big data” is being increasingly used by financial institutions; recalls the provisions of Article 71 of the GDPR and calls on all stakeholders to increase efforts to guarantee the enforcement ofiterates the conclusions and recommendations from its Resolution of 14 March 2017 on fundamental rights implications of big data: privacy, data protection, non- discrimination, security and law- enforcement; recalls the legislative framework for processing of personal data provided by the GDPR and calls on all stakeholders to ensure the enforcement of the rights therein; highlights, in particular, the principle regarding the individuals’ right to own and control over their data and the rights therein; o data portability;
Amendment 327 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Believes that the lack of accessible data and information regarding FinTech activities can be a detriment to growth; advocates for increased transparency and enhanced reporting of FinTech activity so as to reduce asymmetries and risks in particular regarding incumbent big data operators that may draw disproportionate benefits from increased access to data;
Amendment 331 #
2020/2034(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for effective oversight of ’big data’ analytics in a way that addresses the opacity of models while ensuring that there is sufficient access to relevant and quality data; emphasises the need for much greater algorithmic accountability and transparency with regard to data processing and analytics as an essential tool to guarantee that the individual is appropriately informed about the processing of their personal data; calls on the Commission to assess which initiatives, legislative and non-legislative, can be taken in this regard;
Amendment 66 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Following the end of the transition period, barriers to trade and to cross-border exchanges between the Union and the United Kingdom will be present. Bhave become a reality with broad and far-reaching consequences for businesses, citizens and public administrations are expected. Those consequences are unavoidable and stakeholders need to make sure that they are ready for them.
Amendment 74 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Union is committed to mitigating the economicnegative economic and social impact of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union and to show solidarity with all Member States, especially the moworst affected ones, including their regions and local communities, if applicable, in such exceptional circumstances.
Amendment 82 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) A Brexit Adjustment Reserve (the ‘Reserve’) should be established to provide support to counter adverse consequences in Member States, regions and sectors, in particular those that are worst affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union, and thus to mitigate the related negative impact on the economic, social and territorial cohesion. It should cover in whole or in part the additional public and private expenditure incurred by Member States for measures specifically taken to mitigate those consequences.
Amendment 84 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) It is the opinion that Member States benefitting from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve have to provide all of the necessary public support evidence to maintain and create quality jobs where employment was negatively affected or lost due to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Considers that special attention in the allocation of the means of this Reserve should be given by the Member States to small and medium-sized enterprise as, contrary to most large companies, they are less prepared and have fewer resources to tackle e.g. regulatory burdens and transportation difficulties.
Amendment 98 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 b (new)
Recital 5 b (new)
(5b) Member States should rely on their regional public entities, if applicable, to select the adversely affected sectors and businesses while implementing the financial support from the Reserve.
Amendment 112 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Calls on the European Commission to provide the European Parliament with an impact assessment on the fluctuation of the British pound (GBP) in relation to the euro (EUR) in order to highlight the adverse consequences of the UK’s withdrawal on EU businesses and economic sectors, beginning 1 January 2019, the start of the reference period for financial contribution from the Reserve.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Member States, together with the European Commission, while implementing the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, have to seek to establish synergies with support received from the European Structural Funds, as well as to avoid overlaps between the use of this Reserve and Structural Funds.
Amendment 140 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) To ensure equal treatment of all Member States and consistency in the evaluation of the applications, the Commission should assess the applications in a package. It should look in particular into the eligibility and the accuracy of the expenditure declared, the direct link of the expenditure with measures taken to address the adverse consequences of the withdrawal and the measures put in place by the Member State concerned to avoid double funding. Upon assessment of the applications for a financial contribution from the Reserve, the Commission should clear the pre- financing paid, and recover the unused amount. In order to concentrate the support on Member States moworst affected by the withdrawal, where the expenditure in the Member State concerned, accepted as eligible by the Commission, exceeds the amount paid as pre-financing and 0.06% of the nominal Gross National Income (GNI) for 2021 of the Member State concerned, it should be possible to allow for a further allocation from the Reserve to that Member State within the limits of the financial resources available. Given the extent of the expected economic shock, the possibility to use the amounts recovered from the pre-financing for the reimbursement of additional expenditure by Member States should be provided for.
Amendment 152 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) In their efforts to support their adversely affected sectors and regions, Member States should apply the principles laid down in the European Code of Conduct on Partnership.
Amendment 166 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
The Reserve shall provide support to counter the adverse consequences of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union in Member States, regions and sectors, in particular thosmall and medium- sized enterprises that are worst affected by that withdrawal, and to mitigate the related impact on the economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 193 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) measures to assist in particular small and medium-sized businesses and local communities adversely affected by the withdrawal;
Amendment 210 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) measures to facilitate the integration of returning EU workers from the UK, by way of social programs for job searching;
Amendment 251 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 325 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. The European Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and Council a detailed report by June 2023 on the implementation process of this regulation; following such a report, the European Parliament and Council may ask the European Commission to fine- tune this implementation process of the Reserve.
Amendment 326 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Member States shall be responsible for informing and publicising to Union citizens the role, the results and impact of the Union contribution from the Reserve through information and communication actions. To alleviate the negative impact on businesses and economic sectors, and to avoid administrative bottlenecks, Member States should strengthen their information campaigns to raise awareness about the new rules in place after the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
Amendment 377 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – table 1 – column 2 – row 8
Annex II – table 1 – column 2 – row 8
Amendment 378 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – table 1 – column 2 – row 15.4
Annex II – table 1 – column 2 – row 15.4
Measures to support employmentjob protection and creation through short-time work schemes, re-skilling and training in adversely affected sectors
Amendment 142 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The majority of crypto-assets fall outside of the scope of EU legislation and raise, among others, challenges in terms of investor protection, market integrity, energy consumption and financial stability. They therefore require a dedicated regime at Union level. By contrast, other crypto-assets qualify as financial instruments within the meaning of Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID II)33 . In so far as a crypto-asset qualifies as a financial instrument under that Directive, a full set of Union financial rules, including Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Prospectus Regulation)34 , Directive 2013/50/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Transparency Directive)35 , Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Market Abuse Regulation)36 , Regulation (EU) No 236/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Short Selling Regulation)37 , Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Central Securities Depositories Regulation)38 and Directive 98/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Settlement Finality Directive)39 may apply to its issuer and firms conducting activities related to it. The so-called tokenisation of financial instruments, that is to say their transformation into crypto-assets to enable them to be issued, stored and transferred on a distributed ledger, is expected to open up opportunities for efficiency improvements in the entire trading and post-trading areasome parts of the trading and post- trading area provided that such crypto- assets are generated in an energy friendly way. Furthermore, as the financial instrument and the related risks remain the same regardless of whether a DLT is used, the fundamental trade-offs involving credit risk and liquidity remain in a tokenised world. Therefore, the success of token-based systems will fully depend on how well they interact with traditional account-based systems. _________________ 33Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 349). 34Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC (OJ L 168, 30.6.2017, p. 12) 35 Directive 2013/50/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 amending Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market, Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading and Commission Directive 2007/14/EC laying down detailed rules for the implementation of certain provisions of Directive 2004/109/EC (OJ L 294, 6.11.2013, p. 13) 36Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse (market abuse regulation) and repealing Directive 2003/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directives 2003/124/EC, 2003/125/EC and 2004/72/EC (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 1) 37Regulation (EU) No 236/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2012 on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps (OJ L 86, 24.3.2012, p. 1). 38Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on improving securities settlement in the European Union and on central securities depositories and amending Directives 98/26/EC and 2014/65/EU and Regulation (EU) No 236/2012 (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 1) 39Directive 98/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 1998 on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems (OJ L 166, 11.6.1998, p. 45)
Amendment 147 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) At the same time, regulatory gaps exist due to legal, technological and operational specificities related to the use of DLT and crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments. For instance, there are no transparency, reliability and safety requirements imposed on the protocols and smart contracts underpinning crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments which is highly problematic. The underlying technology could also pose some novel forms of cyber risks that are not appropriately addressed by existing rules. Several projects for the trading and post- trading of crypto-assets qualifying as financial instruments have been developed in the Union, but few are already in operation or they have limited scale. Given this limited experience as regards the trading and post-trading of transactions in crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments, it would currently be premature to bring significant modifications to the Union financial services legislation to enable the full deployment of such crypto-assets and their underlying technology. At the same time, the creation of financial market infrastructures forFurthermore, as highlighted by the ECB advisory groups on market infrastructures for securities and collateral and for payments, the use of DLT would entail similar challenges to those faced by solutions relying on conventional technology (such as fragmentation and interoperability issues) and would at the same time potentially create new ones (for example, relating to the legal validity of tokens). Given this limited experience as regards the trading and post-trading of transactions in crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments ias currently constrained by some requirements embedded inwell as the risks highlighted by the ECB, a very cautious approach is needed and it would be very premature to bring significant modifications to the Union’s financial services legislation that would not be fully adapted to crypto-assets qualifying as financial instruments and to the use of DLT. For instance, trading platforms for crypto-assets usually give direct access to retail investors, while traditional trading venues usually give access through financial intermediarieso enable the full deployment of such crypto-assets and their underlying technology.
Amendment 157 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to allow for the development of crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments and DLT, while preserving a high level of financial stability, market integrity, transparency and, investor protection and a low consumption of energy, it would be useful to create a pilot regime for DLT market infrastructures. A pilot regime for DLT market infrastructures should allow such DLT market infrastructures to be temporarily exempted from some specific requirements under the Union financial services legislation that could otherwise prevent them from developing solutions for the trading and settlement of transactions in crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments. The pilot regime should also enable the European Securities and Markets Authorities (ESMA) and competent authorities to gain experience on the opportunities and specific risks created by crypto-assets that qualify as financial instruments, and by their underlying technology, which should be characterised by a low level of energy consumption.
Amendment 175 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) A DLT securities settlement system should be a securities settlement system operated by a CSD authorised under Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 (the Central Securities Depositories Regulation) that has received a specific permission under this Regulation. A DLT securities settlement system, and the CSD operating it, should be subject to the relevant requirements of Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 (the Central Securities Depository Regulation), except where the national competent authority has granted the CSD operating the DLT securities settlement system with one or several exemptions, in accordance with this Regulation. Such an exemption can only be granted provided the DLT securities settlement system operates in an energy friendly way.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) A DLT MTF or a CSD operating a DLT securities settlement system should only admit to trading or record DLT transferable securities on their distributed ledger. DLT transferable securities should be crypto-assets that qualify as ‘transferable securities’ within the meaning of Directive 2014/65/EU (the Market in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID II) and that are issued, transferred and stored on a distributed ledger. DLT market infrastructures should bear the liability for risks related to the functioning of the DLT they operate, notably ledger transparency risks, cyber risks and operational risks.
Amendment 185 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to ensure a level playing field with transferable securities admitted to trading on a traditional trading venue within the meaning of Directive 2014/65/EU (the Market in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID II) and ato ensure high levels of market integrity, investor protection and financial stability, the DLT transferable securities admitted to trading on a DLT MTF should always be subject to the provisions prohibiting market abuse in Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation).
Amendment 187 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) A DLT MTF should be able to request one or several exemptions on a temporary basis, as listed under this Regulation, to be granted by the competent authority after ESMA has issued its recommendation, if it complies with the conditions attached to such exemptions as well as additional requirements set under this Regulation to address novel forms of risks raised by the use of DLT. TheA DLT MTF should also comply with any compensatory or corrective measure imposed by the competent authority in order to meet the objectives pursued by the provision for which an exemption has been requested.
Amendment 213 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) A DLT market infrastructure should have specific and robust IT and cyber arrangements related to the use of DLT. These arrangements should be audited by the competent authority before any exemption is given, in order to check whether they are fit for purpose and proportionate to the nature, scale and complexity of the DLT market infrastructure’s business plan. The costs of such an audit should be borne by the DLT market infrastructure. These arrangements should also ensure the continued reliability, continuity and security of the services provided, including the reliability of smart contracts that are potentially used. DLT market infrastructures should also ensure the integrity, security, confidentiality, availability and accessibility of data stored on the DLT. The competent authority of a DLT market infrastructure should be allowed to request an audit to ensure that the overall IT and cyber arrangements are fit for purpose. The costs of such an audit should be borne by the DLT market infrastructure.
Amendment 218 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Where the business plan of a DLT market infrastructure would involve the safekeeping of clients’ funds, such as cash or cash equivalent, or DLT transferable securities, or the means of access to such DLT transferable securities, including in the form of cryptographic keys, the DLT market infrastructure should have adequate arrangements in place to safeguard their clients’ assets, which should be approved by the competent authority before any exemption is given. They should not use clients’ assets on own account, except with prior express consent from their clients. The DLT market infrastructure should segregate clients’ funds or DLT transferable securities, or the means of access to such assets, from its own assets or other clients’ assets. The overall IT and cyber arrangements of DLT market infrastructures should ensure that clients’ assets are protected against fraud, cyber threats or other malfunctions.
Amendment 226 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) The competent authority which would examine the application submitted by a prospective DLT market infrastructure should have the possibility to refuse a permission if there were reasons to believe that the DLT market infrastructure would pose a threat to financial stability, investor protection or market integrity or if the application were an attempt to circumvent existing requirements.
Amendment 231 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Since DLT market infrastructures could receive temporary exemptions from existing Union legislation, they should closely cooperate with competent authorities and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) during the time of their specific permission. DLT market infrastructures should inform the competent authorities and ESMA about any material change to its business plan and its critical staff, any evidence of cyber threats or attacks, fraud or serious malpractice, of any change in the information provided at the time of the initial application for permission, of any technical difficulties, and in particular those linked to the use of DLT, and of any new risks to investor protection, market integrity and financial stability that was not envisaged at the time where the specific permission was granted. Where notified of such a material change, the competent authority should request the DLT market infrastructure to apply for a new permission or exemption or it should take any corrective measures it deems appropriate. DLT market infrastructures should also provide any relevant data to competent authorities and ESMA, whenever such data is requested. To ensure investor protection, market integrity and financial stability, twhere notified of such a material change, the competent authority should request ESMA to issue a recommendation and, on that basis, request the DLT market infrastructure to apply for a new permission or exemption or to take any corrective measures that ESMA deems appropriate. DLT market infrastructures should also provide any relevant data to competent authorities and to ESMA, whenever such data is requested. The competent authority which granted the specific permission to the DLT market infrastructure should be able to recommend any corrective measures, after consultation witha recommendation has been issued by ESMA.
Amendment 255 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘DLT transferable securities’ means ‘transferable securities’ within the meaning of Article 4(1)(44) (a) and (b) of Directive 2014/65/EU that are issued, recorded, transferred and stored using a DLT, which is not built or based on a proof of work consensus mechanism;
Amendment 273 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) shares, the issuer of which has a market capitalisation or a tentative market capitalisation of less than EUR 2100 million; or
Amendment 277 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) convertible bonds, covered bonds, corporate bonds, other public bonds and other bonds, with an issuance size of less than EUR 2500 million.
Amendment 291 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The total market value of DLT transferable securities recorded in a CSD operating a DLT securities settlement system shall not exceed EUR 2.5 billion. Where a DLT MTF records the DLT transferable securities instead of a CSD, in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 4, the total market value of the DLT transferable securities recorded by the investment firm or market operator operating the DLT MTF shall not exceed EUR 2.5 billion.
Amendment 414 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
ESMA shall publish on its website the list of DLT MTFs, the start and end dates of their specific permissions and the list of exemptions granted to each of them. Furthermore, ESMA shall publish on its website all requests for exemptions that have been made under this Regulation, indicating in each case whether ESMA recommended that the exemption be accepted or refused.
Amendment 481 #
2020/0267(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) the benefits and costs resulting from the use of a DLT, in terms of any efficiency improvements, energy consumption and risk reducmitigations across the entire trading and post-trading chain, including without limitation, with regard to the recording and safekeeping of DLT transferable securities, the traceability of transactions, corporate actions, reporting and supervision functions at the level of the DLT market infrastructure;
Amendment 16 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission’s communication on a Digital Finance Strategy32 aims to ensure that the Union’s financial services legislation is fit for the digital age, and contributes to a future-ready economy that works for the people, including by enabling the use of innovative technologies. The Union has a stated and confirmed policy interest in developing and promoting the uptake of transformative technologies in the financial sector, including blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT), provided this transformation is fully in line with the objectives of the EU green deal and based on climate friendly technologies. _________________ 32Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a Digital Finance Strategy for EU COM(2020)591.
Amendment 34 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) A dedicated and harmonised framework is therefore necessary at Union level to provide specific rules for crypto- assets and related activities and services and to clarify the applicable legal framework. Such harmonised framework should also cover services related to crypto-assets where these services are not yet covered by Union legislation on financial services. Such a framework should support innovation and fair competition, while ensuring a high level of consumer protection and market integrity in crypto-asset markets. A clear framework should enable crypto-asset service providers to scale up their business on a cross-border basis and should facilitate their access to banking services to run their activities smoothly. It should also ensure financial stability and address monetary policy risks that could arise from crypto- assets that aim at stabilising their price by referencing a currency, an asset or a basket of such. While increasing consumer protection, market integrity and financial stability through the regulation of offers to the public of crypto-assets or services related to such crypto-assets, a Union framework on markets in crypto-assets should not regulensure thate the underlying technology and should allow for the use of both permissionless and permission-based distributed ledgerre climate friendly and in line with the EU green deal objectives.
Amendment 43 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Crypto-assets issuedand central bank money issued based on DLT or in digital form by central banks acting in their monetary authority capacity or by other public authorities should not be subject to the Union framework covering crypto- assets, and neither should services related to crypto- assets and central bank money issued based on DLT or in digital form that are provided by such central banks or other public authorities.’
Amendment 45 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Pursuant to the fourth indent of art 127(2), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), one of the basic tasks to be carried out through the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) is to promote the smooth operation of payment systems. The ECB may, pursuant to Article 22 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank(hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’), make regulations to ensure efficient and sound clearing and payment systems within the Union and with other countries. In this respect, the European Central Bank (ECB) has adopted regulations on requirements for systemically important payment systems. This Regulation is without prejudice to the responsibilities of the ECB and the national central banks (NCBs) in the ESCB to ensure efficient and sound clearing and payment systems within the Union and with other countries.
Amendment 53 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) A distinction should be made between three sub-categories of crypto- assets, which should be subject to more specific requirements. The first sub- category consists of a type of crypto-asset which is intended to provide digital access to a good or service, available on DLT, and that is only accepted by the issuer of that token (‘utility tokens’). Such ‘utility tokens’ have non-financial purposes related to the operation of a digital platform and digital services and should be considered as a specific type of crypto-assets. A second sub-category of crypto-assets are ‘asset-referenced tokens’. Such asset- referenced tokens aim at maintaining a stable value by referencing several currencies that are legal tender, one or several commodities, one or several crypto-assets, or a basket of such assets. By stabilising their value, those asset- referenced tokens often aim at being used by their holders as a means of payment to buy goods and services and as a store of value. A third sub-category of crypto- assets are crypto-assets that are intended primarily as a means of payment aim at stabilising their value by referencing only one fiat currency. The function of such crypto-assets is very similar to the function of electronic money, as defined in in Article 2, point 2, of Directive 2009/110/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council35 . Like electronic money, such crypto-assets are electronic surrogates for coins and banknotes and are used for making payments. These crypto- assets are defined as ‘electronic money tokens’ or ‘e-money tokens’. _________________ 35Directive 2009/110/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 on the taking up, pursuit and prudential supervision of the business of electronic money institutions amending Directives 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC and repealing Directive 2000/46/EC (OJ L 267, 10.10.2009, p. 7).
Amendment 56 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Despite their similarities, electronic money and crypto-assets referencing a single fiat currency differ in some important aspects. Holders of electronic money as defined in Article 2, point 2, of Directive 2009/110/EC are always provided with a claim on the electronic money institution and have a contractual right to redeem their electronic money at any moment against fiat currency that is legal tender at par value with that currency. By contrast, some of the crypto-assets referencing one fiat currency which is legal tender do not provide their holders with such a claim on the issuers of such assets and could fall outside the scope of Directive 2009/110/EC. Other crypto-asset referencing one fiat currency do not provide a claim at par with the currency they are referencing or limit the redemption period. The fact that holders of such crypto-assets do not have a claim on the issuers of such assets, or that such claim is not at par with the currency those crypto-assets are referencing, could undermine the confidence of users of those crypto-assets. To avoid circumvention of the rules laid down in Directive 2009/110/EC, any definition of ‘e-money tokens’ should be as wide as possible to capture all the types of crypto- assets referencing one single fiat currency that is legal tender. To avoid regulatory arbitrage, strict conditions on the issuance of e-money tokens should be laid down, including the obligation for such e-money tokens to be issued either by a credit institution as defined in Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council36 , or by an electronic money institution authorised under Directive 2009/110/EC. For the same reason, issuers of such e-money tokens should also grant the users of such tokens with a claim to redeem their tokens at any moment andHolders of electronic money as defined in Article 2, point 2, of Directive 2009/110/EC are always provided with a claim on the electronic money institution and have a contractual right to redeem their electronic money at any moment against fiat currency that is legal tender at par value againstwith theat currency referencing those tokens. Because e-money tokens are also crypto- assets and can also raise new challenges in terms of consumer protection and market integrity specific to crypto-assets, they should also be subject to rules laid down in this Regulation to address these challenges to consumer protection and market integrity. _________________ 36Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 65 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) It is necessary to lay down specific rules for entities that provide services related to crypto-assets. A first category of such services consist of ensuring the operation of a trading platform for crypto- assets, exchanging crypto-assets against fiat official currencies that are legal tender or other crypto-assets by dealing on own account, and the service, on behalf of third parties, of ensuring the custody and administration of crypto- assets or ensuring the control of means to access to such crypto-assets. A second category of such services are the placing of crypto-assets, the reception or transmission of orders for crypto-assets, the execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of third parties and the provision of advice on crypto-assets. Any person that provides such crypto-asset services on a professional basis should be considered as a ‘crypto-asset service provider’.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) To ensure that all offers to the public of crypto-assets, other than asset- referenced tokens or e-money tokens, in the Union, or all the admissions of such crypto-assets to trading on a trading platform for crypto-assets are properly monitored and supervised by competent authorities, all issuers of crypto-assets should be legal entities whose corporate structure should not incorporate entities established in either non cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or high risk third countries.
Amendment 72 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In order to ensure consumer protection, prospective purchasers of crypto-assets should be informed about the characteristics, functions and risks of crypto-assets they intend to purchase. When making a public offer of crypto- assets in the Union or when seeking admission of crypto-assets to trading on a trading platform for crypto-assets, issuers of crypto-assets should produce, notify to their competent authority and publish an information document (‘a crypto-asset white paper’) containing mandatory disclosures. Such crypto-asset white paper should contain general information on the issuer, on the project to be carried out with the capital raised, on the public offer of crypto-assets or on their admission to trading on a trading platform for crypto- assets, on the rights and obligations attached to the crypto-assets, on the underlying technology used for such assets and on the related risks. To ensure fair and non-discriminatory treatment of holders of crypto-assets, the information in the crypto-asset white paper, and where applicable in any marketing communications related to the public offer, shall be fair, clear and not misleading. This white paper should be approved by the competent authority.
Amendment 73 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 77 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups should not be subject to excessive administrative burdens. Offers to the public of crypto- assets in the Union that do not exceed an adequate aggregate threshold over a period of 12 months should therefore be exempted from the obligation to draw up a crypto-asset white paper. However, EU horizontal legislation ensuring consumer protection, such as Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council38 , Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council39 or the Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts40 , including any information obligations contained therein, remain applicable to these offers to the public of crypto-assets where involving business-to- consumer relations. _________________ 38Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85/577/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 64). 39Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to- consumer commercial practices in the internal market and amending Council Directive 84/450/EEC, Directives 97/7/EC, 98/27/EC and 2002/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘Unfair Commercial Practices Directive’) (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22) 40Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29).
Amendment 82 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) UAlthough undue administrative burdens should be avoided. Competent authorities should therefore not be required to approve a crypto-asset white paper, a crypto-asset white paper should be approved by the competent authority before its publication. CFurthermore, competent authorities should, however, after publication, have the power to request that additional information is included in the crypto-asset white paper, and, where applicable, in the marketing communications.
Amendment 86 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Crypto-asset white papers and, where applicable, marketing communications that have been duly notified to and been approved by a competent authority should be published, after which issuers of crypto- assets should be allowed to offer their crypto-assets throughout the Union and to seek admission for trading such crypto- assets on a trading platform for crypto- assets.
Amendment 87 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to further ensure consumer protection, the consumers who are acquiring crypto-assets, other than asset- referenced tokens or e-money tokens, directly from the issuer or from a crypto- asset service provider placing the crypto- assets on behalf of the issuer should be provided with a right of withdrawal during a limited period of time after their acquisition. In order to ensure the smooth completion of an offer to the public of crypto-assets for which the issuer has set a time limit, this right of withdrawal should not be exercised byThe right of withdrawal can be exercised again in case of changes to the white paper, in order to protect the consumer afternd this until the end of the subscription period. Furthermore, the right of withdrawal should not apply where the crypto-assets, other than asset-referenced tokens or e- money tokens, are admitted to trading on a trading platform for crypto- assets, as, in such a case, the price of such crypto-assets would depend on the fluctuations of crypto-asset markets.
Amendment 88 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Asset-referenced tokens aim at stabilising their value by reference to several fiat currencies, to one or more commodities, to one or more other crypto- assets, or to a basket of such assets. They could therefore be widely adopted by users to transfer value or as a means of payments and thus pose increased risks in terms of consumer protection and market integrity compared to other crypto-assets. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens should therefore be subject to more stringent requirements than issuers of other crypto- assets.
Amendment 89 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To ensure the proper supervision and monitoring of offers to the public of asset-referenced tokens, issuers of asset- referenced tokens should have a registered office in the Union and its corporate structure should not incorporate entities established in either non cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or high risk third countries.
Amendment 90 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Offers to the public of asset- referenced tokens in the Union or seeking an admission of such crypto-assets to trading on a trading platform for crypto- assets should be possible only where the competent authority has authorised the issuer of such crypto-assets and approved the crypto-asset white paper regarding such crypto-assets. The authorisation requirement should however not apply where the asset-referenced tokens are only offered to qualified investors, or when the offer to the public of asset- referenced tokens is below a certain threshold. Credit institutions authorised under Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council41 should not need another authorisation under this Regulation in order to issue asset-referenced tokens. In those cases, the issuer of such asset- referenced tokens should be still required to produce a crypto-asset white paper to inform buyers about the characteristics and risks of such asset-referenced tokens and to notify it to the relevant competent authority, before publication. _________________ 41Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 338).
Amendment 95 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) A competent authority should refuse authorisation where the prospective issuer of asset-referenced tokens’ business model may pose a serious threat to financial stability, monetary policy transmission and monetary sovereignty. The competent authority should consult the EBA and ESMA and, where the asset- referenced tokens is referencing Union currencies, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central bank of issue of such currencies before granting an authorisation or refusing an authorisation. The EBA, ESMA, and, where applicable, the ECB and the national central banks should provide the competent authority with a non-binding opinion on the prospective issuer’s application. Where authorising a prospective issuer of asset- referenced tokens, the competent authority should also approve the crypto-asset white paper produced by that entity. The authorisation by the competent authority should be valid throughout the Union and should allow the issuer of asset-referenced tokens to offer such crypto-assets in the Single Market and to seek an admission to trading on a trading platform for crypto- assets. In the same way, the crypto-asset white paper should also be valid for the entire Union, without possibility for Member States to impose additional requirements.
Amendment 98 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) To ensure consumer protection, issuers of asset-referenced tokens should always provide holders of asset-referenced tokens with clear, fair and not misleading information. The crypto-asset white paper on asset-referenced tokens should include information on the stabilisation mechanism, on the investment policy of the reserve assets, on the custody arrangements for the reserve assets, and on the rights provided to holders. Where the issuers of asset-referenced tokens do not offer a direct claim or redemption right on the reserve assets to all the holders of such asset-referenced tokens, the crypto-asset white paper related to asset-referenced tokens should contain a clear and unambiguous warning in this respect. Marketing communications of an issuer of asset-referenced tokens should also include the same statement, where the issuers do not offer such direct rights to all the holders of asset-referenced tokens.
Amendment 102 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Issuers of asset-referenced tokens should have robust governance arrangements, including a clear organisational structure with well-defined, transparent and consistent lines of responsibility and effective processes to identify, manage, monitor and report the risks to which they are or might be exposed. The management body of such issuers and their shareholders should have good repute and sufficient expertise and be fit and proper for the purpose of anti- money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism. Issuers of asset- referenced tokens should also employ resources proportionate to the scale of their activities and should always ensure continuity and regularity in the performance of their activities. For that purpose, issuers of asset-referenced tokens should establish a business continuity policy aimed at ensuring, in the case of an interruption to their systems and procedures, the performance of their core payment activities. Issuers of asset- referenced tokens should also have a strong internal control and risk assessment mechanism, as well as a system that guarantees the integrity and confidentiality of information received. Information on governance arrangements should be sent together with the draft white paper to the competent authority and should be assessed during the white paper approval process.
Amendment 105 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Issuers of asset-referenced tokens are usually at the centre of a network of entities that ensure the issuance of such crypto-assets, their transfer and their distribution to holders. Issuers of asset- referenced tokens should therefore be required to establish and maintain appropriate contractual arrangements with those third-party entities ensuring the stabilisation mechanism and the investment of the reserve assets backing the value of the tokens, the custody of such reserve assets, and, where applicable, the distribution of the asset-referenced tokens to the public. The corporate structure of issuers of asset referenced tokens should not incorporate entities established in either non cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or high risk third countries.
Amendment 106 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) To address the risks to financial stability of the wider financial system, issuers of asset-referenced tokens should be subject to capital requirements. Those capital requirements should be proportionate to the issuance size of the asset-referenced tokens and therefore calculated as a percentage of the reserve of assets that back the value of the asset- referenced tokens. Competent authorities should however be able to increase or decrease the amount of own fund requirements required on the basis of, inter alia, the evaluation of the risk-assessment mechanism of the issuer, the quality and volatility of the assets in the reserve backing the asset- referenced tokens or the aggregate value and number of asset- referenced tokens.
Amendment 111 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) To protect holders of asset- referenced tokens against a decrease in value of the assets backing the value of the tokens, issuers of asset-referenced tokens should invest the reserve assets in secure, low risks assets with minimal market, concentration and credit risk. As the asset- referenced tokens can be used as a means of payment, all profits or losses resulting from the investment of the reserve assets should be borne by the issuer of the asset- referenced tokens.
Amendment 114 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Some asset-referenced tokens may offer all their holders rights, such as redemption rights or claims on the reserve assets or on the issuer, while other asset- referenced tokens may not grant such rights to all their holders and may limit the right of redemption to specific holders. Any rules regarding asset-referenced tokens should be flexible enough to capture all those situations. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens should therefore inform the holders of asset-referenced tokens on whether they are provided with a direct claim on the issuer or redemption rights. Where issuers of asset-referenced tokens grant direct rights on the issuer or on the reserve assets to all the holders, the issuers should precisely set out the conditions under which such rights can be exercised. Where issuers of asset- referenced tokens restrict such direct rights on the issuer or on the reserve assets to a limited number of holders of asset-referenced tokens, the issuers should still offer minimum rights to all the holders of asset-referenced tokens. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens should ensure the liquidity of those tokens by concluding and maintaining adequate liquidity arrangements with crypto-asset service providers that are in charge of posting firm quotes on a predictable basis to buy and sell the asset-referenced tokens against fiat currency. Where the value of the asset-referenced tokens varies significantly from the value of the reserve assets, the holders of asset-referenced tokens should have a right to request the redemption of their asset-referenced tokens against reserve assets directly from the issuer. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens that voluntarily stop their operations or that are orderly wound-down should have contractual arrangements in place to ensure that the proceeds of the reserve assets are paid to the holders of asset-referenced tokens.
Amendment 122 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) Crypto-asset services should only be provided by legal entities that have a registered office in a Member State and that have been authorised as a crypto-asset service provider by the competent authority of the Member State where its registered office is located and its corporate structure should not incorporate entities established in either non cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes or high risk third countries. The notion of crypto asset service provider is wide .The whole lifecycle of a crypto asset service is relevant, and the decentralization of any individual element of operations does not affect the qualification as a crypto asset service provider and does not relieve such a provider of its obligations. The qualification of crypto asset service provider leads to the application of the Travel Rule, which requires the crypto asset service providers to perform extensive Know Your Customer and Anti- Money Laundering checks for the originator and beneficiary of transactions.
Amendment 124 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) This Regulation should not affect the possibility for persons established in the Union to receive crypto-asset services by a third-country firm at their own exclusive initiative. Where a third-country firm provides crypto-asset services at the own exclusive initiative of a person established in the Union, the crypto-asset services should not be deemed as provided in the territory of the Union. Where a third-country firm solicits clients or potential clients in the Union or promotes or advertises crypto-asset services or activities in the Union, it should not be deemed as a crypto-asset service provided at the own exclusive initiative of the client. In such a case, the third-country firm should be authorised as a crypto-asset service provider. A practise whereby a third-country firm includes general clauses in its Terms of Business or through the use of online pop-up “I agree” boxes whereby clients state that any transaction is executed on the exclusive initiative of the client, should not deemed as an attempt to circumvent the rules of this Regulation.
Amendment 129 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
Amendment 133 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) It is necessary to ensure users’ confidence in crypto-asset markets and market integrity. It is therefore necessary to lay down rules to deter market abuse for crypto-assets that are admitted to trading on a trading platform for crypto-assets. However, as issuers of crypto-assets and crypto-asset service providers are very often SMEs, it would be disproportionate to apply all the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council44 to them. It is therefore necessary to lay down specific rules prohibiting certain behaviours that are likely to undermine users’ confidence in crypto-asset markets and the integrity of crypto-asset markets, including insider dealings, unlawful disclosure of inside information and market manipulation related to crypto- assets. These bespoke rules on market abuse committed in relation to crypto- assets should be applied, where crypto- assets are admitted to trading on a trading platform for crypto-assets. _________________ 44 European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse (market abuse regulation) and repealing Directive 2003/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directives 2003/124/EC, 2003/125/EC and 2004/72/EC (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 1).Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the
Amendment 147 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 77
Recital 77
Amendment 181 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Amendment 186 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Amendment 198 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘asset-referenced token’ means a type of crypto-asset that purports to maintain a stable value by referring to the value of several fiatofficial currencies that are legal tender,or one or several commodities or one or several crypto-assets, or a combination of such assets;
Amendment 207 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘electronic money token’ or ‘e- money token’ means a type of crypto-asset the main purpose of which is to be used as a means of exchange and that purports to maintain a stable value by referring to the value of a fiat currency that is legal tendern official currency;
Amendment 217 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) ‘issuer of crypto-assets’ means a legal person who offers to the public any type of crypto-assets or a person or entity with direct or indirect control over such crypto assets seeks the admission of such crypto-assets to a trading platform for crypto-assets;
Amendment 228 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) ‘offer to the public’ means an offer to third parties to acquire a crypto-asset in exchange for fiat currency or other communication to persons in any form and by any means, presenting sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the crypto-assets to be offered, so as to enable potential holders to decide to purchase those crypto-assets;
Amendment 234 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) ‘crypto-asset service provider’ means any person whose occupation oror entity who has been authorised to provide one or more crypto- asset services in accordance with art.53 to third parties on a professional buasiness is the provision of one or mores. A person or entity shall qualify as a crypto-asset service provider if, amongst others, - the operator conducting a crypto asset service as a business on behalf of its customers as well as anyone involved in the business development activity; - anyone directing the creation, the development or the launching of the software to provide a crypto- asset services to third parties on a professional basisfor profit even if the platform becomes fully automated and the provider is no longer involved - decision-making entity that controls the terms of the financial service which is provided;
Amendment 250 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 21
(21) ‘reserve assets’ means the basket of fiatofficial currencies that are legal tender, commodities or crypto-assetof countries or commodities, backing the value of an asset-referenced tokens, or the investment of such assets;
Amendment 258 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28 a (new)
(28a) proof of stake’ mechanisms request participants to demonstrate ownership of a pre-defined crypto-asset to allow mining or validating block transactions;
Amendment 261 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
(28b) The ‘Proof of work’ consensus, requires all miners (participants to the DLT) to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate a new transaction, adding a block to the chain and permanently and irreversibly recording a new transaction;
Amendment 273 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) has measures in place to prevent the misuse of the offering of crypto-assets to the public or trading on a platform for crypto-assets for the purposes of money laundering or financing of terrorism in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 274 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(eb) does not have a parent undertaking, or a subsidiary, that is established in: (a) a third country which is listed as a high-risk third country having strategic deficiencies in its regime on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, in accordance with Article 9 of Directive (EU)2015/849;(aa) third country which is listed in Annex I *or Annex II* of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes;” (aaa) third jurisdictions with a 0 % corporate tax rate or with no taxes on companies’ profits.
Amendment 275 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
(ec) issues crypto-assets which are generated through ‘proof of stake’ mechanisms;
Amendment 277 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 279 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 281 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Amendment 283 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
Amendment 285 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
Amendment 291 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f
Amendment 301 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The crypto-asset white paper shall contain a clear and unambiguous statement that: (a) the crypto-assets may lose their value in part or in full; (b) the crypto-assets may not always be transferable; (c) the crypto-assets may not be liquid; (d) where the offer to the public concerns utility tokens, that such utility tokens may not be exchangeable against the good or service promised in the crypto-asset white paper, especially in case of failure or discontinuation of the project; (e) where applicable, public protection schemes protecting the value of crypto assets and public compensation schemes do not exist and crypto-assets are not covered by public investor compensation or deposit guarantee schemes.
Amendment 323 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) information on the underlying technology, which can not be based on a proof of work mechanism, and standards applied by the issuer of the crypto-assets allowing for the holding, storing and transfer of those crypto-assets;
Amendment 327 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) information on the validation mechanism or consensus process, namely how the crypto-asset is generated through “proof of stake” mechanisms;
Amendment 328 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) a description of sustainability indicators in relation to adverse impacts on the climate and other environmental, social and governance-related adverse impacts related to the issuance of the crypto-asset;
Amendment 329 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Amendment 331 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The crypto-asset white paper shall not contain any assertions on the future value of the crypto-assets, other than the statement referred to in paragraph 5, unless the issuer of those crypto-assets can guarantee such future value.
Amendment 340 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 9
Article 5 – paragraph 9
9. The crypto-asset white paper shall be drawn up in at least one of the official languages of the home Member State orand in a language customary in the sphere of international finance.
Amendment 341 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – point b
Article 6 – point b
(b) the information in the marketing communications shall be fair, clear and not misleading, and shall describe the risks and rewards of purchasing crypto-assets in an equally prominent manner;
Amendment 342 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – point d
Article 6 – point d
(d) the marketing communications shall clearly state that a crypto-asset white paper has been published and indicate the address of the website of the issuer of the crypto-assets concerned as well as a contact number and email address of the issuer.
Amendment 346 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall not require an ex ante approval ofe a crypto- asset white paper, norand of any marketing communications relating to it before their publication. The approval or refusal shall be given not later than 20 working days after the notification.
Amendment 354 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(da) 3a.The notification of the crypto- asset white paper shall also explain how the issuer complies with paragraphs (ea) (eb) and (ec) of Article 4 (1).
Amendment 359 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Issuers of crypto-assets, other than asset-referenced tokens or e-money tokens, shall , after the approval of the competent authority, publish their crypto-asset white paper, and, where applicable, their marketing communications, on their website, which shall be publicly accessible, by no later than the starting date of the offer to the public of those crypto-assets or the admission of those crypto-assets to trading on a trading platform for crypto- assets. The crypto-asset white paper, and, where applicable, the marketing communications, shall remain available on the issuer’s website for as long as the crypto-assets are held by the public.
Amendment 363 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The published crypto-asset white paper, and, where applicable, the marketing communications, shall be identical to the version notifiapproved toby the relevant competent authority in accordance with Article 7, or, where applicable, modified in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 365 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. After publication of the approved crypto- asset white paper in accordance with Article 8, and, where applicable, Article 11, issuers of crypto-assets may offer their crypto-assets, other than asset- referenced tokens or e-money tokens, throughout the Union and seek admission to trading of such crypto-assets on a trading platform for crypto-assets.
Amendment 367 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Issuers of crypto-assets, other than asset-referenced tokens or e-money tokens, shall modify their published crypto-asset white paper, and, where applicable, published marketing communications, to describe any change or new fact that is likely to have a significant influence on the purchase decision of any potential purchaser of such crypto-assets, or on the decision of holders of such crypto-assets to sell or exchange such crypto-assets. This modified crypto asset white paper shall be approved by the competent authority before publication.
Amendment 372 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Consumers shall have a period of 14 calendar days to withdraw their agreement to purchase those crypto-assets without incurring any cost and without giving reasons. The period of withdrawal shall begin from the day of the consumers’ agreement to purchase those crypto-assets and will restart every time a modification is made to the white paper and this until the end of the subscription period.
Amendment 375 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) maintain all of their systems and security access protocols to appropriate Union standards and refrain from issuing crypto-assets on a protocol that uses a proof-of-work mechanism.
Amendment 378 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. Where an offer to the public of crypto-assets, other than asset-referenced tokens or e-money tokens, is cancelled for any reason, issuers of such crypto-assets shall ensure that any funds collected from purchasers or potential purchasers are duly returned to them as soon as possible and not later than 20 working days.
Amendment 387 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 388 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) over a period of 12 months, calculated at the end of each calendar day, the average outstanding amount of asset- referenced tokens does not exceed EUR 51 000 000, or the equivalent amount in another currency;
Amendment 389 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 393 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Amendment 404 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) where applicable, proof that natural persons who either own, directly or indirectly, more than 205% of the applicant issuer's share capital or voting rights, or who exercise, by any other means, control over the said applicant issuer, have good repute and competence;
Amendment 405 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o a (new)
(oa) a description of the internal policies in place to prevent the misuse of asset-referenced tokens for the purposes of money laundering or financing of terrorism, in accordance with in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 406 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o b (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o b (new)
(ob) a description of the validation mechanism or consensus process, namely how the asset-referenced token is generated through “proof of stake” mechanisms.
Amendment 407 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o c (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point o c (new)
(oc) a description of sustainability indicators in relation to adverse impacts on the climate and other environmental, social and governance-related adverse impacts of the issuance of the asset- referenced tokens.
Amendment 415 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) a detailed description of the claim that the asset-referenced token represents for holders, including the contribution to such claim of each asset being referenced when more than one asset is referenced.
Amendment 418 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Amendment 420 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) information on the validation mechanism or consensus process, namely how the asset-referenced token is generated through “proof of stake” mechanisms
Amendment 421 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point h b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point h b (new)
(hb) a description of sustainability indicators in relation to adverse impacts on the climate and other environmental, social and governance-related adverse impacts related to the issuance of the asset-referenced token
Amendment 422 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 426 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
4. The crypto-asset white paper shall be drawn up in at least one of the official languages of the home Member State orand in a language customary in the sphere of international finance.
Amendment 433 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. The EBA, ESMA, the ECB and, where applicable, a central bank as referred to in paragraph 3 shall, within 2 months after having received the draft decision and the application file, issue a non- binding opinion on the application and transmit their non-binding opinions to the competent authority concerned, except that such opinions issued by the ECB and the national central banks shall be binding as regards the conduct of monetary policy, and the promotion of the smooth operation of payment systems. That competent authority shall duly consider those non-binding opinions and the observations and comments of the applicant issuer.
Amendment 440 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall, within one month after having received the non- binding opinions referred to in Article 18(4), take a fully reasoned decision granting or refusing authorisation to the applicant issuer and, and, within 5 working days, notify that decision to applicant issuers. Where an applicant issuer is authorised, its crypto-asset white paper shall be deemed to be approved.
Amendment 445 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the applicant issuer’s business model may pose a serious threat to financial stability, monetary policy transmission or monetary sovereignty provided, however, that the competent authority shall act in accordance with the opinion of the ECB or the national central bank of issue of the relevant Union currency as regards the conduct of monetary policy and the promotion of the smooth operation of payment systems.
Amendment 457 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) take any appropriate corrective measures to ensure financial stability. and the proper conduct of monetary policy and the promotion of the smooth operation of payment systems, after having requested and obtained a binding opinion from the ECB and/or the relevant central banks of Member States the currency of which is not the euro, provided, however, that the competent authorities shall act in accordance with such opinions as regards the conduct of monetary policy and the promotion of the smooth operation of payment systems.’
Amendment 460 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Amendment 462 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the marketing communications shall clearly state that a crypto-asset white paper has been published and indicate the address of the website of the issuer of the crypto-assets, as well as an email address and a telephone number of the issuer.
Amendment 463 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Amendment 467 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens shall as soon as possible andnot later than 10 working days of the completing of the audit in a clear, accurate and transparent manner disclose on their website the outcome of the audit of the reserve assets referred to in Article 32.
Amendment 474 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 –subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 28 – paragraph 1 –subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) any natural persons who either own, directly or indirectly, more than 205% of the asset-backed crypto-asset issuer's share capital or voting rights, or who exercise, by any other means, a power of control over the said issuer;
Amendment 475 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens shall disclose to the holders of their asset- referenced tokens and to the competent authority the general nature and sources of conflicts of interest and the steps taken to mitigate them.
Amendment 479 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 3
3. Natural persons who either own, directly or indirectly, more than 205% of the share capital or voting rights of issuers of asset-referenced tokens, or who exercise, by any other means, a power of control over such issuers shall have the necessary good repute and competence.
Amendment 481 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 30 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the rights or the absence of rights granted to the holders of asset-referenced tokens, as specified in Article 35;
Amendment 487 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 12 –subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 30 – paragraph 12 –subparagraph 1 – introductory part
12. The EBA, in close cooperation with ESMA and the ESCB, shall develop draft regulatory technical standards specifying the minimum content of the governance arrangements on:
Amendment 494 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Competent authorities of the home Member States may require issuers of asset-referenced tokens to hold an amount of own funds which is up to 20 % higher than the amount resulting from the application of paragraph 1, point (b), or permit such issuers to hold an amount of own funds which is up to 20 % lower than the amount resulting from the application of paragraph 1, point (b), where an assessment of the following indicates a higher or a lower degree of risk:
Amendment 496 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Without prejudice to the provisions under paragraph 3, issuers of asset- referenced tokens shall conduct, on a regular basis, stress testing that shall take into account severe but plausible financial (such as interest rate shocks stress scenarios, and nonfinancial such as operational risk) stress scenarios. Based on the outcome of such stress tests, the competent authorities of the home Member States will require issuers of asset-referenced tokens to hold an amount of own funds which is above 20 % higher than the amount resulting from the application of paragraph 1, point (b) in certain circumstances given the risk outlook and stress test results.
Amendment 498 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the criteria for requiring higher own funds or for allowing lower own funds, as set out in paragraph 3.
Amendment 500 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(ca) the common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios to be included in the stress tests in accordance with paragraph 3a.The draft regulatory technical standards should be updated periodically taking into account the latest market developments;
Amendment 506 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 32 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The reserve shall be insulated in accordance with national law in the interest of the holders of the asset- referenced token against the claims of other creditors on the issuer, in particular in the event of insolvency. The reserve shall be composed and managed so as to cover at all times the risks associated to the claims on the issuer from holders of the asset-referred token.
Amendment 509 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) contain a detailed assessment of the risks, including credit risk, market risk, concentration risk and liquidity risk resulting from the reserve assets;
Amendment 510 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – point g
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – point g
(g) describe the procedure to purchase asset-referenced tokens and to redeem such tokens against the reserve assets, and list the persons or categories of persons who are entitled to do so.
Amendment 514 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) concentration risks in the custody of reserve assets are avoided.
Amendment 517 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. The credit institutions and crypto- asset service providers that have been appointed as custodians in accordance with paragraph 3 shall not carry out other activities with regard to issuers of asset-referenced tokens that may create conflicts of interest between those issuers, the holders of the asset-referenced tokens, and themselves unless all of the following conditions have been complied with: referenced tokens.
Amendment 518 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – point a
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – point a
Amendment 519 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 33 – paragraph 7 – point b
Amendment 522 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
1. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens that invest a part of the reserve assets shall invest those reserve assets only in highly liquid financial instruments with minimal market and credit, credit and concentration risk. The investments shall be capable of being liquidated rapidly with minimal adverse price effect.
Amendment 525 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 4 –subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 4 –subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) liquidity requirements establishing which percentage of the reserve assets should be comprised of daily maturing assets, reverse repurchase agreements which are able to be terminated by giving one working day's prior notice or cash which is able to be withdrawn by giving one day's prior notice;
Amendment 528 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) liquidity requirements establishing which percentage of the reserve assets should be comprised of weekly maturing assets, reverse repurchase agreements which are able to be terminated by giving 5 working days' prior notice or cash which is able to be withdrawn by giving 5 working days' prior notice;
Amendment 531 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c c (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c c (new)
(cc) concentrating requirements preventing the issuer from investing more than a certain percentage of assets issued by a single body;
Amendment 533 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c d (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c d (new)
(cd) concentration requirements preventing the issuer from keeping in custody more than a percentage of crypto assets or assets with crypto assets service providers or credit institutions which belong to the same group, as defined in art 2(11) of directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and the Council;
Amendment 538 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Amendment 547 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Amendment 574 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Amendment 580 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 4
Article 35 – paragraph 4
Amendment 588 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 5
Article 35 – paragraph 5
Amendment 600 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 a (new)
Article 35 a (new)
Article 35a 1. Holders of asset-referenced tokens shall be provided with a claim on the issuer of such asset-referenced tokens or on the reserve assets. Any asset- referenced token that does not provide all holders with a claim shall be prohibited. Issuers of asset-referenced tokens shall establish a policy setting out: (a) the conditions, including thresholds, periods and timeframes, for holders of asset-referenced tokens to exercise those rights; (b) the mechanisms and procedures to ensure the redemption of the asset- referenced tokens, including in stressed market circumstances, in case of an orderly wind-down of the issuer of asset- referenced tokens as referred to in Article 42, or in case of a cessation of activities by such issuer; (c) the valuation, or the principles of valuation, of the asset-referenced tokens and of the reserve assets when those rights are exercised by the holder of asset- referenced tokens; (d) the settlement conditions when those rights are exercised.
Amendment 609 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The EBA shall classify asset- referenced tokens as significant asset- referenced tokens on the basis of the following criteria, as specified in accordance with paragraph 6 and where at least threewo of the following criteria are met:
Amendment 658 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 3
Article 41 – paragraph 3
3. Issuers of significant asset- referenced tokens shall assess and monitor the liquidity needs to meet redemption requests or the exercise of rights, as referred to in Article 34, by holders of asset-referenced tokens. For that purpose, issuers of significant asset-referenced tokens shall establish, maintain and implement a liquidity management policy and procedures. That policy and those procedures shall ensure that the reserve assets have a resilient liquidity profile that enable issuer of significant asset- referenced tokens to continue operating normally, including under liquidity stressed scenarios. Issuers of significant asset-referenced tokens shall also conduct liquidity stress testing, on a regular basis, and depending on the outcome of such tests, the EBA may decide to strengthen liquidity risk requirements. Where an issuer of significant asset-referenced tokens offers two or more categories of crypto-asset tokens and/or provides crypto asset services, these stress tests shall cover all of these activities in a comprehensive and holistic manner.’ .
Amendment 661 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 4
Article 41 – paragraph 4
4. The percentage referred to in Article 31(1), point (b), shall be set at 3 % of the average amount of the reserve assets for issuers of significant asset-referenced tokens. In addition, issuers of significant asset-referenced tokens shall conduct, on a regular basis, stress testing that shall take into account severe but plausible financial (such as interest rate shocks) stress scenarios and non-financial(such as operational risk) stress scenarios. Where an issuer of significant asset referenced tokens offers two or more categories of crypto-asset tokens and/or provides crypto-asset services, these stress tests shall cover all of these activities in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Based on the outcome of such stress tests, the EBA where relevant, may impose additional own funds requirements on top of the 3%requirement.
Amendment 666 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 41 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 669 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) does not have a parent undertaking, or a subsidiary, that is established in: i)a third country which is listed as a high- risk third country that has strategic deficiencies in its regime on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, in accordance with Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council; ii)a third country that is listed in Annex I or annex II of the EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes; iii) third jurisdictions with a 0 % corporate tax rate or with no taxes on companies’ profits.
Amendment 670 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) issues electronic money tokens which are generated through ‘proof of stake’ mechanisms.
Amendment 674 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 2
Article 43 – paragraph 2
Amendment 690 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 5
Article 44 – paragraph 5
5. Issuers of e-money tokens shall prominently state the conditions of redemption, including any fees relating thereto, in the crypto-asset white paper as referred to in Article 46. Issuers will also refrain from issuing crypto-assets on a protocol that uses a proof-of-work mechanism.
Amendment 715 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) information on the validation mechanism or consensus process, namely how the e-money token is generated through “proof of stake” mechanisms
Amendment 716 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point g b (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 2 – point g b (new)
(gb) description of sustainability indicators in relation to adverse impacts on the climate and other environmental, social and governance-related adverse impacts related to the issuance of the e- money token
Amendment 720 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 7
Article 46 – paragraph 7
7. The crypto-asset white paper shall be drawn up in at least one of the official languages of the home Member State orand in a language customary in the sphere of international finance.
Amendment 728 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49
Article 49
Funds received by issuers of e-money tokens in exchange of e-money tokens and that are invested in secure, low-risk assets in accordance with Article 7(2) of Directive 2009/110/EC shall be invested in assetshighly liquid financial instruments with minimal market and credit risks in accordance with Article 34(4) of this Regulation, instead of Article 7(2) of Directive2009/110/EC, denominated in the same currency as the one referenced by the e-money token.’
Amendment 732 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1
Article 50 – paragraph 1
1. The EBA after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro shall classify e-money tokens as significant e-money tokens on the basis of the criteria referred to in Article 39(1), as specified in accordance with Article 39(6), and where at least threewo of those criteria are met.
Amendment 733 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2
Article 50 – paragraph 2
2. Competent authorities of the issuer’s home Member State shall provide the EBA, the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro with information on the criteria referred to in Article 39(1) of this Article and specified in accordance with Article 39(6) on at least a yearly basis.
Amendment 739 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3
Article 50 – paragraph 3
3. Where the EBA, after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro, is of the opinion that e-money tokens meet the criteria referred to in Article 39(1), as specified in accordance with Article 39(6), the EBA shall prepare a draft decision to that effect and notify that draft decision to the issuers of those e- money tokens and the competent authority of the issuer’s home Member State. The EBA shall give issuers of such e-money tokens and their competent authorities the opportunity to provide observations and comments in writing prior the adoption of its final decision. The EBA, after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro, shall duly consider those observations and comments.
Amendment 747 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. Where, on the basis of the programme of operation, the EBA, after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro, is of the opinion that the e-money tokens meet the criteria referred to in Article 39(1), as specified in accordance with Article 39(6), the EBA shall prepare a draft decision to that effect and notify that draft decision to the competent authority of the issuer or applicant issuer’s home Member State. The EBA shall give the competent authority of the issuer or applicant issuer’s home Member State the opportunity to provide observations and comments in writing prior the adoption of its final decision. The EBA, after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro, shall duly consider those observations and comments.
Amendment 751 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
3. Where, on the basis of the programme of operation, the EBA after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro is of the opinion that the e-money tokens do not meet the criteria referred to in Article 39(1), as specified in accordance with Article 39(6), the EBA shall prepare a draft decision to that effect and notify that draft decision to the issuer or applicant issuer and the competent authority of the issuer or applicant issuer’s home Member State.
Amendment 755 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 4
Article 51 – paragraph 4
4. 4. The EBA, after consultation of the ECB and the relevant central banks of Member States whose currency is not the euro, shall take its final decision on whether an e-money token is a significant e-money token within three months after the notification referred to in paragraph 1 and immediately notify the issuers or applicant issuer of such e-money tokens and their competent authorities thereof. The decision shall be immediately notified to the issuer or applicant issuer of e-money tokens and to the competent authority of its home Member State.
Amendment 762 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 53 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. Crypto-asset services shall only be provided by legal persons that have a registered office in a Member State of the Union and that have been authorised as crypto-asset service providers in accordance with Article 55crypto asset service providers as defined in art 3 par 1 point 8. These providers will have a registered office in a Member State of the Union and does not have a parent undertaking, or a subsidiary, that is established in (a) third country which is listed as a high- risk third country having strategic deficiencies in its regime on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, in accordance with Article 9 of Directive (EU)2015/849; (aa) third country which is listed in Annex I *or Annex II* of the EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes;” (aaa) third country jurisdictions with a 0 % corporate tax rate or with no taxes on companies’ profits. The crypto asset service providers have been authorised as crypto-asset service providers in accordance with Article 55 and will only provide services linked to crypto assets which are not generated by a proof of work mechanism.
Amendment 771 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 775 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. Legal persons that intendIn order to be able to provide crypto- asset services shall apply for authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider, crypto-asset service providers as defined in art 3 par 1 point 8 will apply for authorisation to the competent authority of the Member State where they have their registered office.
Amendment 778 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the name, including the legal name and any other commercial name to be used, the legal entity identifier of the applicant crypto-asset service provider, the website operated by that provider, a contact email address, a contact telephone number and its physical address;
Amendment 787 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) for all natural persons involved in the management body of the applicant crypto-asset service provider, and for all natural persons who, directly or indirectly, hold 205% or more of the share capital or voting rights, proof of the absence of a criminal record in respect of infringements of national rules in the fields of commercial law, insolvency law, financial services law, anti-money laundering law, counter-terrorism legislation, and professional liability obligations;
Amendment 805 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point p
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point p
(p) where the applicant crypto-asset service provider intends to exchange crypto-assets for fiat currency or crypto- assets for other crypto-assets, a description of the non-discriminatory commercial policy governing the relationship with clients as well as a description of the methodology for determining the price of the crypto assets they propose for exchange against funds or other crypto assets;
Amendment 809 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point r a (new)
Article 54 – paragraph 2 – point r a (new)
(ra) a description of the applicant crypto assets service provider’s internal control mechanisms and procedures for compliance with Directive 2015/849 of the European Parliament and the Council as well as a description of the internal procedures to report on a regular basis crypto transactions to the competent tax authorities.
Amendment 810 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 3
Article 54 – paragraph 3
Amendment 814 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 55 – paragraph 1
Article 55 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall, within 25 working days of receipt of the application referred to in Article 54(1), assess whether that application is complete by checking that the information listed in Article 54(2) has been submitted. Where the application is not complete, the authorities shall set a deadline by which the applicant crypto-asset service providers arewill have a maximum of 10 working days to provide the missing information.
Amendment 816 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 55 – paragraph 2
Article 55 – paragraph 2
2. Competent authorities mayshall refuse to review applications where such applications remain incomplete after the deadline referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 836 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 a (new)
Article 56 a (new)
Amendment 840 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the commercial name, physical address, email address and telephone number of the crypto-asset service provider and website of the crypto-asset service provider or the trading platform for crypto-assets operated by the crypto-asset service provider;
Amendment 841 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 57 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the name and address of the competent authority which granted authorisation and its contact details, including an email address as well as telephone number towards the single point of contact in charge of questions and problems around crypto asset service providers;
Amendment 842 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 59 – paragraph 3
Article 59 – paragraph 3
3. Crypto-asset service providers shall warn clients of risks associated with purchasing crypto-assets, in particular the significant price volatility of crypto-assets, combined with the inherent difficulties of valuing crypto-assets reliably. They should further warn clients explicitly that by investing in these types of product, they should be prepared to lose all their money.
Amendment 859 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 60 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. The insurance policy referred to in paragraph 2 shall be disclosed to the public through the crypto asset service provider's website and shall have at least all of the following characteristics:
Amendment 860 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 60 – paragraph 4 – point d
(d) it is provided by a third-party entity without any corporate link with the crypto asset service provider.
Amendment 865 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 6
Article 60 – paragraph 6
Amendment 866 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 60 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. For the purposes of paragraph 1 point (b), crypto-asset service providers shall calculate their fixed overheads for the preceding year, using figures resulting from the applicable accounting framework.
Amendment 870 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 61 – paragraph 2
Article 61 – paragraph 2
2. Natural persons who either own, directly or indirectly, more than 205% of the crypto-asset service provider's share capital or voting rights, or who exercise, by any other means, a power of control over the said crypto-asset service provider shall provide evidence that they have the necessary good repute and competence.
Amendment 876 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 61 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 61 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
7. Crypto-asset service providers shall have internal control mechanisms and effective procedures for risk assessment, including effective control and safeguard arrangements for managing ICT systems in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/xx of the European Parliament and of the Council.65 as well as effective procedures to comply with the obligations in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing under Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council. They shall monitor and, on a regular basis, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control mechanisms and procedures for risk assessment and take appropriate measures to address any deficiencies. _________________ 65 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on digital operational resilience for the financial sector and amending Regulations (EC) No 1060/2009, (EU) No 648/2012, (EU) No 600/2014 and (EU) No 909/2014 - COM(2020)595.
Amendment 887 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62
Article 62
Crypto-asset service providers shall notify, with a period of maximum 5 working days, their competent authority of any changes to their management body and shall provide their competent authority with all the necessary information to assess compliance with Article 61.
Amendment 891 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 63 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
3. Crypto-asset service providers shall, promptly place any client’s funds, with a central bank or a credit institutionredit institution or, where the relevant eligibility criteria and conditions for opening an account are met, a central bank.
Amendment 894 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 4
Article 64 – paragraph 4
4. Crypto-assets service providers shall investigate all complaints in a timely and fair manner,fair manner and within 3 working days after reception of the complaint. The crypto asset service provider will notify a reference number of the complaint to the client and communicate the outcome of such investigations to their clients within a reasonable period of time not going beyond 25 working days.
Amendment 898 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 65 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 65 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. Crypto-asset service providers shall disclose to their clients and, potential clients the generaland the competent authority the specific nature and sources of conflicts of interest and the steps taken to mitigate them.
Amendment 900 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 65 – paragraph 4
Article 65 – paragraph 4
4. Crypto-asset service providers shall assess and at least annually review, their policy on conflicts of interest and take all appropriate measures to address any deficiencies and communicate them to the competent authority.
Amendment 901 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 66 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 66 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) crypto-asset service providers retain the expertise and resources necessary for evaluating the quality of the services provided, for supervising the outsourced services effectively and for managing the risks associated with the outsourcing on an ongoing basis and shall provide proof of this expertise and resource to the competent authority before the outsourcing starts.;
Amendment 902 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 66 – paragraph 3
Article 66 – paragraph 3
3. Crypto-asset service providers shall enter into a written agreement with any third parties involved in outsourcing. That written agreement, a copy of which will be transferred to the competent authority of the crypto asset service providers at the beginning of the outsourcing relation, shall specify the rights and obligations of both the crypto-asset service providers and of the third parties concerned, and shall allow the crypto-asset service providers concerned to terminate that agreement.
Amendment 903 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 66 – paragraph 4
Article 66 – paragraph 4
4. Crypto-asset service providers and third parties shall, upon request, make available to the competent authorities and the relevant authorities all information necessary to enable those authorities to assess compliance of the outsourced activities with the requirements of this Title.
Amendment 915 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
1. Crypto-asset service providers will be authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets provided they have set up a partnership with a credit institution which has opened real-name bank accounts for their customers. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets shall lay down operating rules for the trading platform. These operating rules shall at least:
Amendment 917 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
For the purposes of point (a), the operating rules shall clearly state that a crypto-asset shall not be admitted to trading on the trading platform, where a crypto-asset white paper has not been published, unless such a or where the crypto- asset benefits from the exemption set out in Articles 4(2).provider is not connected to an open real-name bank account
Amendment 918 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
The operating rules of the trading platform for crypto-assets shall prevent the admission to trading of crypto-assets which have inbuilt anonymisation function unless the holders of the crypto-assets and their transaction history can be identified by the crypto-asset service providers that are authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets or by competent authorities.
Amendment 921 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 2
Article 68 – paragraph 2
2. These operating rules referred to in paragraph 1 shall be drafted in one of the official languages of the home Member States orand in another language that is customary in the sphere of finance. Those operating rules shall be made public on the website of the crypto-asset service provider concerned.
Amendment 922 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 4 – point e a (new)
Article 68 – paragraph 4 – point e a (new)
(ea) prevent and detect insider dealing, market manipulation and attempted insider dealing and market manipulation.
Amendment 927 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 10 a (new)
Article 68 – paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets whose annual revenue is above a threshold set by the ESMA shall report complete and accurate details of transactions in crypto- assets traded on its platform to the competent authority as quickly as possible, and no later than the close of the following working day.
Amendment 929 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 10 b (new)
Article 68 – paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets whose annual revenue is below the threshold mentioned in paragraph 12 shall keep at the disposal of the competent authority, for at least five years, complete and accurate details of transactions in crypto- assets traded on its platform.
Amendment 931 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 10 c (new)
Article 68 – paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised for the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets shall keep at the disposal of the competent authority, for at least five years, the relevant data relating to all orders in crypto-assets which are advertised through their systems. The records shall contain the relevant data that constitute the characteristics of the order, including those that link an order with the executed transaction(s) that stems from that order and the details of which shall be reported or kept at the disposal of the competent authority in accordance with paragraphs 11 and 12.
Amendment 935 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 70 – paragraph 1
Article 70 – paragraph 1
1. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to execute orders for crypto- assets on behalf of third parties shall take all necessary steps to obtain, when executing orders, the best possible result for their clients taking into account the best execution factors of price, costs, speed, likelihood of execution and settlement, size, nature or any other consideration relevant to the execution of the order, unless the crypto-asset service provider concerned executes orders for crypto-assets following specific instructions given by its clients. Where a crypto-asset service provider executes an order on behalf of a retail client, the best possible result shall be determined in terms of the total consideration, representing the price of the crypto-assets and the costs relating to execution, which shall include all expenses incurred by the client which are directly relating to the execution of the order, including execution venue fees, clearing and settlement fees and any other fees paid to third parties involved in the execution of the order.
Amendment 939 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 70 – paragraph 3
Article 70 – paragraph 3
3. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to execute orders for crypto- assets on behalf of third parties shall provide appropriate and clear information to their clients on their order execution policy and any significant change to it.ask the client or potential client to provide information regarding that person’s knowledge and experience in crypto- assets, the client’s objectives, risk tolerance, financial situation including the ability to bear losses, and basic understanding of risks involved in purchasing crypto-assets so as to enable the crypto-asset service provider to assess whether the crypto-asset envisaged is appropriate for the client. Where the crypto-asset service provider considers, on the basis of the information received under the first subparagraph, that the crypto-asset is not appropriate to the client or potential client, it shall warn the client or potential client
Amendment 943 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 71 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 71 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) c. incentives paid by the issuer to the crypto asset service provider.
Amendment 947 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 1
Article 73 – paragraph 1
1. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to provide advice on crypto- assets shall assess whether compatibility of such crypto-assets with the needs of the clients and recommend them only when this is in the interest of the clientrypto-asset services or crypto-assets are suitable for the clients, considering the clients’ knowledge and experience in crypto- assets, objectives and ability to bear losses.
Amendment 952 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 73 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to provide advice on crypto-assets shall in good time before providing advice on crypto-assets inform potential clients: (a) whether or not the advice is provided on an independent basis; (b) whether the advice is based on a broad or on a more restricted analysis of different crypto-assets and, in particular, whether the range is limited to crypto- assets issued or offered by entities having close links with the crypto-asset service provider or any other legal or economic relationships, such as contractual relationships, so close as to pose a risk of impairing the independent basis of the advice provided; Crypto-asset service providers shall also provide potential clients with information on all costs and associated charges, including the cost of advice, where relevant, the cost of crypto-assets recommended or marketed to the client and how the client may pay for it, also encompassing any third-party payments.
Amendment 957 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 73 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. For the purposes of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1, crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to provide advice on crypto-assets shall request information about the client or potential client’s knowledge of, and experience in crypto-assets, the clients' objectives, financial situation including risk tolerance, financial situation including the ability to bear losses, and basic understanding of risks involved in purchasing crypto-assets. Crypto-asset service providers that are authorised to provide advice on crypto- assets shall warn clients that, due to their nature, (a) the crypto-assets may lose their value in part or in full; (b) the crypto-assets may not always be transferable; (c) the crypto-assets may not be liquid; (d) the value of crypto-assets may fluctuate; (e) where applicable, public protection schemes protecting the value of crypto assets and public compensation schemes do not exist and crypto-assets are not covered by public investor compensation or deposit guarantee schemes.
Amendment 975 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 77 – paragraph 2
Article 77 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1008 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 89 – paragraph 2
Article 89 – paragraph 2
2. Where, despite the measures taken by the competent authority of the home Member State, the crypto-asset service provider or the issuer of crypto-assets persists in infringing this Regulation, the competent authority of the host Member State, after informing the competent authority of the home Member State, ESMA and where appropriate the EBA, shall take all appropriate measures in order to protect consumers and shall inform tlients of crypto assets service providers and holders of crypto assets in particular retail holders. This includes the possibility to prevent crypto asset service providers and issuers or offerors seeking admission to trading, to continue to conduct their activities. The Commission, ESMA and where appropriate the EBA, will be informed thereof without undue delay.
Amendment 1009 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 92 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) infringements of Articles 15 to 17 and 21, Articles 23 to 367 and Article 42;
Amendment 1010 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 92 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) infringements of Article 53, 56 and Articles 58 to 734;
Amendment 1011 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 92 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) maximum administrative pecuniary sanctionfines of at least twice the amount of the profits gained or losses avoided because of the infringement where those can be determined;
Amendment 1012 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 92 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) in the case of a legal person, maximum administrative pecuniary sanctionfines of at least 125% of the total annual turnover of that legal person according to the last available financial statements approved by the management body;
Amendment 1013 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 92 – paragraph 4 – point d
(d) in the case of a legal person, maximum administrative pecuniary sanctions of at least 125% of the total annual turnover of that legal person according to the last available financial statements approved by the management body;
Amendment 1014 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 92 – paragraph 6 – point f
Article 92 – paragraph 6 – point f
(f) in the event of repeated infringements of Articles 78, 79 or 80, a permanent ban of any member of the management body of a crypto-asset service provider or any other natural person who is held responsible for the infringement, from exercising management functions in the sector of crypto-asset service providers;
Amendment 1023 #
2020/0265(COD)
99 Colleges for issuers of significant asset-referenced tokens and significant e- money tokens
Amendment 1130 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
(ja) an assessment of the impact of this regulation on decentralised finance applications.
Amendment 1131 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point n
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point n
(n) a description of developments in business models and technologies in the crypto-asset market with a particular focus on the environmental impact of new technologies;
Amendment 1133 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point r
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point r
(r) the costs of complying with this Regulation for issuers of crypto-assets, other than asset-referenced tokens and e- money tokens as a percentage of the amount raised through crypto-asset issuances;, as well as the turn over and the total profits generated by issuers through these issuances in the period covered.
Amendment 1134 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point s
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point s
(s) the costs for crypto-asset service providers to comply with this Regulation as a percentage of their operational costs;, as well as the turn over and the total profits generated by these service providers, generated via these services in the period covered.
Amendment 1135 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point t
Article 122 – paragraph 2 – point t
(t) the costs for issuers of issuers of asset-referenced tokens and issuers of e- money tokens to comply with this Regulation as a percentage of their operational costs; as well as the turn over and the total profits generated by these issuers through the issuances in the period covered.
Amendment 1139 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 123
Article 123
Amendment 1148 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 126 – paragraph 2
Article 126 – paragraph 2
2. This Regulation shall apply from [please insert date 186 months after the date of entry into force].
Amendment 1149 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 126 – paragraph 3
Article 126 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1151 #
2020/0265(COD)
2. Except for issuers of asset- referenced tokens that are exempted from authorisation in accordance with Article 15(3), dDetails about the authorisation as an issuer of asset-referenced tokens and name of the competent authority which granted such an authorisation.
Amendment 1154 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 12
Annex V – point 12
12. The issuer infringes Article 26(2) by not disclosing as soon as possible and/or, not later than 10 working days of the completing of the audit in a clear, accurate and transparent manner on their website the outcome of the audit of the reserve assets referred to in Article 32.
Amendment 1155 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 18
Annex V – point 18
18. The issuer infringes Article 28(1), by not maintaining and implementing effective policies and procedures to prevent, identify, manage and disclose conflicts of interest between the issuer itself and its shareholders, the members of its management body, its employees, any natural persons who either own, directly or indirectly, more than 205% of the issuer's share capital or voting rights, or who exercise, by any other means, a power of control over the said issuer, the holders of significant asset-referenced tokens, any third party providing one of the functions as referred in Article 30(5), point (h), or any natural or legal person granted with a direct claim or a redemption right in accordance with Article 35(3).
Amendment 1156 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 29
Annex V – point 29
29. Unless it has been permitted to hold a lower amount of own funds in accordance with Article 31(3), tThe issuer infringes Article 31(1) point (a) or 41(4) by not abiding, at all times, to the own funds requirement.
Amendment 1157 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 53
Annex V – point 53
Amendment 1158 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 55
Annex V – point 55
Amendment 1159 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 63
Annex V – point 63
63. The issuer infringes Article 41(3) by not establishing, maintaining or implementing a liquidity management policy and procedures or by not having policy and procedures that ensure that the reserve assets have a resilient liquidity profile that enables the issuer of significant asset-referenced tokens to continue operating normally, including under liquidity stressed scenarios., or by not conducting liquidity stress testing, on a regular basis, or by not complying with the decision following up on the outcome of the liquidity stress testing
Amendment 1160 #
2020/0265(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – point 17
Annex VI – point 17
17. Unless it has been permitted to hold a lower amount of own funds in accordance with Article 31(3), tThe issuer infringes Article 41(4) by not abiding, at all times, to the own funds requirement.
Amendment 43 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In the past years, the Commission has been monitoring the application and, in 2019, completed an evaluation of Directive 2011/16/EU22. While significant improvements have been made in the field of automatic exchange of information, there is still a need to improve existing provisions that relate to all forms of exchanges of information and administrative cooperation. In order to take into account the evolution of the situation with regard to tax transparency, this directive might need to be regularly updated. _________________ 22European Commission, Commission Staff Working Document, Evaluation of the Council Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and repealing Directive 77/799/EEC, SWD(2019) 328 final.
Amendment 50 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The mainstream digitalisation of many sectors of the economy coupled with the fast developing digital economy calls into question the suitability of the Union corporate tax models designed for brick and mortar industries, including with regard to the extent that valuation and calculation criteria could be re-invented to reflect the commercial activities of the 21st century. Although those situations highlight shortcomings that are completely different in nature, they all create obstacles which impede the proper functioning of the internal market and give rise to distortions between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. This directive will solve the problems of information exchange with regard to digital platforms.
Amendment 51 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) Digital goods and services tend to be highly mobile and intangible and therefore more prone to suffer from aggressive tax planning practices, since many business models do not require physical infrastructure in order to carry out transactions with customers and make profits. In particular, online sellers and sellers operating via platforms currently enjoy the opportunity to make revenues that are poorly reported, hence at high risk of remaining undertaxed or not taxed at all.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Given the digital nature and flexibility of digital platforms, the reporting obligation should extend to those platform operators that perform commercial activity in the Union but are neither residents for tax purposes, nor incorporated or managed nor have a permanent establishment in a Member State. This would ensure a level playing field among the platforms and prevent unfair competition. In order to facilitate this, foreign platforms should be required to register and report in one single Member State for the purpose of operating in the internal market, taking into account the location of their global or regional headquarter, the effective place of management as well as the existence of substantial economic activity in that chosen Member State.
Amendment 71 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the effectiveness of the process, responses to requests for joint audits should be provided within a given timeframe. Rejections of requests should be duly justified and subject to a right of reply by the requesting Member State authority. The procedural arrangements applicable to a joint audit should be those of the Member State where the relevant audit action takes place. Accordingly, evidence collected during a joint audit should be mutually recognised by the participating Member State(s). It is equally important that the competent authorities agree on the facts and circumstances of the case and endeavour to reach an agreement on how to interpret the tax position of the audited person(s). In order to ensure that the outcome of a joint audit can be implemented in the participating Member States, the final report should have equivalent legal value to the relevant national instruments that are issued as a result of an audit in the participating Member States. Where necessary, Member States should provide the legal framework for the performance of a corresponding adjustment.
Amendment 75 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of Directive 2011/16/EU and in particular, for the automatic exchange of information between tax authorities, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to adopt a standard form, with a limited number of components, including the linguistic arrangements. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council25. The Commission is entitled to produce reports and documents, using the information exchanged in an anonymised manner, so as to take into account the taxpayers’ rights to confidentiality and in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents. _________________ 25 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 79 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30 a (new)
Recital 30 a (new)
(30a) The Commission has announced its intention to propose a revision of this directive to allow for the exchange of information regarding crypto-assets. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) adopted a broad definition of virtual currency and recommended incorporating within the scope of AML/CFT obligations any natural or legal person who conducts activities including exchange between crypto-assets, transfer of crypto-assets and participation in and provision of financial services related to initial coin offerings.
Amendment 80 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 3 – point 9 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – point 9 – point a a (new)
(aa) The following point is inserted in the first subparagraph: (aa) for the purpose of Articles 8a, 8aa, and 8ab, the systematic notification of new information communicated to the other Member States.
Amendment 83 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 5a – paragraph 1
Article 5a – paragraph 1
1. For the purposes of a request as referred to in Article 5, the requested information shall be deemed to be foreseeably relevant where at the time the request is made the requesting authority considers that, in accordance with its national law, there is a reasonable possibility that the requested information be relevant to the tax affairs of one or several taxpayers, whether identified by name or otherwise, and be justified for the purposes of the investigationassessing, collecting and managing taxes.
Amendment 84 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 5a – paragraph 2
Article 5a – paragraph 2
2. With the aim to demonstrate the foreseeable relevance of the requested information, the requesting competent authority shall provide the requested authority with supporting information, in particular on the tax purpose for which the information is requested and the grounds that point to the requested information as being held by the requested authority or as being in the possession or control of a person within the jurisdiction of the requested authority.
Amendment 85 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
(3a) In article 6, paragraph 4 is amended as follows: “4. When specifically requested by the requesting authority, the requested authority shall communicate original documents provided that thie transmission of original documents is not contrary to the provisions in force in the Member State of the requested authority. ” Or. en (02011L0016-20200701)
Amendment 87 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
(3b) In Article 7(1), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: “1. The requested authority shall provide the information referred to in Article 5 as quickly as possible, and no later than sixthree months from the date of receipt of the request. ” Or. en (02011L0016-20200701)
Amendment 92 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Before 1 January 2023, Member States shall inform the Commission of at least fourll categories listed in paragraph 1 in respect of which the competent authority of each Member State shall, by automatic exchange, communicate to the competent authority of any other Member State, information concerning residents in that other Member State. The information shall concern taxable periods starting on or after 1 January 2024.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point -a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – title
Article 8a – title
(-a) The title is amended as follows: “Scope and conditions of mandatory automatic exchange of information on advance cross-border rulings and advance pricing arrangements ” (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Or. en (02011L0016-20200701)
Amendment 96 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point -a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point -a a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 8a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
(-aa) In paragraph 3, the following subparagraph is added: “The competent authority shall not negotiate and agree new bilateral or multilateral advance pricing arrangements with third countries that do not permit their disclosure to competent authorities of other Member States as from 1 January 2022.”
Amendment 97 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8a – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 8a – paragraph 6 – point b
(b) a summary of the advance cross- border ruling or advance pricing arrangement, including a description of the relevant business activities or transactions, the resulting effective tax rate of the tax payer in the requested Member State or series of transactions and any other information that could assist the competent authority in assessing a potential tax risk, withoutomitting information that could leading to the disproportionate disclosure of a commercial, industrial or professional secret or of a commercial process, or of information whose disclosure would be contrary to public policy..
Amendment 98 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8aa – paragraph 2
Article 8aa – paragraph 2
(5a) In Article 8aa, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: “2. The competent authority of a Member State where the country-by- country report was received pursuant to paragraph 1 shall, by means of automatic exchange and within the deadline laid down in paragraph 4, communicate the country-by-country report to any other Member State in which, on the basis of the information in the country-by-country report, one or more Constituent Entities of the MNE Group of the Reporting Entity are either resident for tax purposes or subject to tax with respect to the business carried out through a permanent establishment. The competent authority of a Member State where the country-by-country report was received pursuant to paragraph 1 shall also communicate the country-by- country report to the European Commission, which is responsible for the centralised register of country-by-country reports, available to its competent services. The Commission shall publish anonymised and aggregated country-by- country report statistics on an annual basis for all Member States.” Or. en (02011L0016-20200701)
Amendment 101 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8ac – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 8ac – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The information referred to in point (a) and (b) should be made accessible to other competent authorities of Member States to deter and prosecute infringements to local and/or national law, without prejudice to the rules on tax secrecy and data protection applicable in the Member State in which the Reportable Seller is resident.
Amendment 103 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 8ac – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 8ac – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall lay down rules pursuant to which a Reporting Platform Operator may choose to register with the competent authorities of a single Member State in accordance with the rules laid down in paragraph F of Section IV of Annex V, taking into account the location of its global or regional headquarters, the effective place of management as well as the existence of substantial economic activity in that chosen Member State, in the absence of identification for VAT purposes as indicated in paragraph F of Section IV of Annex V.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
A competent authority shall respond to a request in accordance with the first subparagraph within 30 days, to confirm its agreement or communicate its reasoned refusal to the requesting authoritydemand for complementary information to the requesting authority via a second request. The competent authority should respond to that second request within 30 days.
Amendment 114 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 12a – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12a – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. A request for a joint audit by a competent authority of a Member State may be rejected on justified grounds and, in particular, for any offor the following reasons:
Amendment 115 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point a
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Information communicated between Member States in any form pursuant to this Directive shall be covered by the obligation of official secrecy under the national law of the requested Member States and requesting Member State and enjoy the protection extended to similar information under the national law of the Member State which received it. Such information may be used for the assessment, administration and enforcement of the domestic laws of the Member States concerning the taxes referred to in Article 2 as well as VAT, information referred to in Article 8ac, paragraph 2, second subparagraph, and other indirect taxes..
Amendment 116 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new)
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 17 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 4 a (new)
(13a) In Article 17, the following paragraph is inserted: “4a. The possibility to refuse the provision of information referred to in paragraph 4 shall not apply if the requesting authority is able to demonstrate that the information will not be disclosed to the public and will only be used for the purpose of the assessment, management and control of the relevant tax affairs of the person or group of persons concerned by the request for information.”
Amendment 124 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Directive 2011/16/EU
Article 23a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 23a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Reports and documents produced by the Commission, referred to in the first subparagraph, may be used by the Member States only for analytical purposes, and shall not be published or made available to any other person or body without the express agreement of the Commission, in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents.
Amendment 131 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2011/16/EU
ANNEX V – Section III – point B – paragraph 2 – point b
ANNEX V – Section III – point B – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the Financial Account Identifier, insofar as it is available toas collected by the Reporting Platform Operator and insofar as the competent authority of the Member State where the Reportable Seller is resident has not notified the competent authorities of all other Member States that it does not intend to use the Financial Account Identifier for this purpose;
Amendment 132 #
2020/0148(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2011/16/EU
ANNEX V – Section III – point B – paragraph 3 – point b
ANNEX V – Section III – point B – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the Financial Account Identifier, insofar as it is available toas collected by the Reporting Platform Operator and insofar as the competent authority of the Member State where the Reportable Seller is resident has not notified the competent authorities of all other Member States that it does not intend to use the Financial Account Identifier for this purpose;
Amendment 138 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the Union and in the world, posed a risk of significant distortions to the internal market by the asymmetric national responses, calling for an urgent and coordinated response from the Union in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences for all Member States. The challenges linked to the demographic context have been amplified by COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The medium and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will critically depend on how quickly Member States’ economies will recover from the crisis, which in turn depends on the fiscal space Member States have available to take measures to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis, and on the resilience of their economies. Reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies back on a sustainable recovery path and avoid further widening of the divergences in the Union.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent and coordinated response from the Union in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences for all Member. The challenges linked to the demographic context have been amplified by COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The medium and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will critically depend on how quickly Member States’ economies will recover from the crisis, which in turn depends on the fiscal space Member States have available to take measures to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis, and on the resilience of their economies. Reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience, increase their productivity and competitiveness, will therefore be essential to set the economies back on a sustainable recovery path and avoid further widening of the divergences in the Union.
Amendment 162 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The implementation of reforms contributing to achieve a high degree of resilience of domestic economies, strengthening adjustment capacity and unlocking growth potential are among the Union’s policy priorities. They are therefore crucial to set the recovery on a sustainable, fair and inclusive path and support the process of upward economic and social convergence. This is even more necessary in the aftermath of the pandemic crisis to pave the way for a swift recovery.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Past experiences have shown that investment is often drastically cut during crises. However, it is essential to support investment in this particular situation to speed up the recovery and strengthen long- term growth potential. Investing in green and digital technologies, capacities and processes aimed at assisting clean energy transition, boosting energy efficiency in housing, research and innovation, well- functioning internal market, public administration and other key sectors of the economic are important to achieve sustainable growth and help create jobs. It will also help make the Union more resilient and less dependent by diversifying key supply chains.
Amendment 201 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Currently, no instrument foresees direct financial support linked to the achievement of results and to implementation of reforms and public investments of the Member States in response to challenges identified in the European Semester, and with a view to having a lasting impact on the productivity, competitiveness and resilience of the economy of the Member States.
Amendment 214 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Against this background, it is necessary to strengthen the current framework for the provision of support to Member States and provide direct financial support to Member States through an innovative tool. To that end, a Recovery and Resilience Facility (the ‘Facility’) should be established under this Regulation to provide effective financial and significant support to step up the implementation of reforms and related public investments in the Member States. The Facility should be comprehensive and should also benefit from the experience gained by the Commission and the Member States from the use of the other instruments and programmes and, in particular, the Structural Reform Support Program and Technical Support Instrument.
Amendment 246 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the translation of the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and to be climate neutral by 2050, the Facility established by this Regulation will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and environmental sustainability and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 30% of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectivesand environmental objectives. The Facility should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and "do no significant harm" principle.
Amendment 273 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to implement these overall objectives, relevant actions will be identified during the Facility’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. Also, due attention should be paid to the impact of the national plans submitted under this Regulation on fostering not only the green transition, but also the digital transformation and the response to the demographic challenges. They will both play a priority role in relaunching and modernising our economy.
Amendment 283 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 285 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 308 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objective should be the promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesion. For that purpose, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050, thereby restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the crisis, fostering employment creation and to promoting sustainable growth. Restoring growth potential will be also pursued through measures to address the difficult demographic situation of different Member States, that hampers long-term growth, due to shrinking workforce.
Amendment 316 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objective should be the promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesion. For that purpose, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050, thereby restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the crisis, fostering employment creation, well- functioning of the single market and to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
Amendment 339 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) To ensure its contribution to the objectives of the Facility, the recovery and resilience plan should comprise measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects through a coherent recovery and resilience plan. The recovery and resilience plan should be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, with the national reform programmes, the strategic orientations on the reforms and public investments discussed between the Council and the European Parliament, the national energy and climate plans, the just transition plans, and the partnership agreements and operational programmes adopted under the Union funds. To boost actions that fall within the priorities of the European Green Deal and, the Digital Agenda and the Industrial Strategy, the plan should also set out measures that are relevant for the green and digital transitions as well as to improve the conditions to strengthen the resilience in addressing global impacts. The measures should enable a swift deliver of targets, objectives and contributions set out in national energy and climate plans and updates thereof. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. Reforms and investments should also contribute to the reduction of asymmetries and foster convergence and cohesion between and within Member States.
Amendment 369 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) To inform the preparation and the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans by Member States, the Council should be able to discuss, within the European Semester, the state of recovery, resilience and adjustment capacity in the Un and in order to enhance the dialogue between the Union Institutions and to ensure greater transparency and democratic accountability in the economic dialogue, the Council and the European Parliament should be able to discuss, within the European Semester, strategic orientations on the reforms and public investments for the EU as a whole taking into account the state of recovery, resilience and adjustment capacity in the Union. These strategic orientations should effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion. To ensure appropriate evidence, this discussion should be based on the Commission’s strategic and analytical information available in the context of the European Semester and, if available, on the basis of the information on the implementation of the plans in the preceding years.
Amendment 400 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the national ownership and a focus on relevant reforms and investments, Member States wishing to receive support should submit to the Commission a recovery and resilience plan that is duly reasoned and substantiated. The recovery and resilience plan should set out the detailed set of measures for its implementation, including targets and milestones, and the expected impact of the recovery and resilience plan on growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience; it should also include measures that are relevant for the green and the digital transitions; it should also include an explanation of the consistency of the proposed recovery and resilience plan with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the contextpriorities identified in the context of the European Semester, as well as an explanation of how the planned reforms and investments addresses challenges to good and effective public administration and capacity gaps through capacity building. Member States should ensure the principle of partnership in the preparation of the recovery and resilience plans, building ofn the European Semestmulti-level governance approach and ensuring the involvement of civil society and social partners. Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States should be sought and achieved throughout the process.
Amendment 423 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Commission should assess the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member States and should act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned. The Commission will fully respect the national ownership of the process and will therefore take into account the justification and elements provided by the Member State concerned and assess whether the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member State is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendation addressed to the Member State concerned or in oEuropean Semester or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the context of the European Semester; whether the plan addresses the strategic orientations on ther relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission informs and investment priorities of the European Union discussed by the European Council and the European SemesterParliament; whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green and the digital transitions and to addressing the challenges resulting from them; whether the plan is linked with previous or planned reforms in the framework of the Structural Reform Support Program or Technical Support Instrument and is expected to have a lasting impact in the Member State concerned; whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis and contribute to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion; whether the justification provided by the Member State of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan submitted is reasonable and plausible and is commensurate to the expected impact on the economy and employment; whether the proposed recovery and resilience plan contains measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions; and whether the arrangement proposed by the Member State concerned are expected to ensure effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicators. When assessing the plans the Commission should build on the experience and expertise acquired through the Structural Reform Support Program and Technical Support Instrument to ensure that reforms planned under this instrument are coherent and properly designed to be effectively implemented.
Amendment 433 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Commission should assess the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member States and should act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned. The Commission will fully respect the national ownership of the process and will therefore take into account the justification and elements provided by the Member State concerned and assess whether the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member State is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendation addressed to the Member State concerned or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semester; whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green and the digital transitions and to addressing the challenges resulting from them; whether the plan is expected to have a lasting impact in the Member State concerned; whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis and contribute to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion; whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to address the demographic challenges; whether the justification provided by the Member State of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan submitted is reasonable and plausible and is commensurate to the expected impact on the economy and employment; whether the proposed recovery and resilience plan contains measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions; and whether the arrangement proposed by the Member State concerned are expected to ensure effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicators.
Amendment 442 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to contribute to the preparation of high-quality plans and assist the Commission in the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans submitted by the Member States and in the assessment of the degree of their achievement, provision should be made for the use of expert advice and, at the Member State request, peer counselling. The Commission support in the preparation of the plan and their implementation should also draw on the expertise in building more effective institutions and efficient public administration and reflect the objectives of the Facility, notably the strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 445 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to contribute to the preparation of high-quality plans and assist the Commission in the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans submitted by the Member States and in the assessment of the degree of their achievement, provision should be made for the use of expert advice and, at the Member State request, peer counselling and technical support.
Amendment 505 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) For effective monitoring of implementation, the Member States should report on a quarterlybiannual basis within the European Semester process on the progress made in the achievement of the recovery and resilience plan. Such reports prepared by the Member States concerned should be appropriately reflected in the National Reform Programmes, which should be used as a tool for reporting on progress towards completion of recovery and resilience plans. For the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans, Member States can make use of the Technical Support Instrument in accordance with Regulation XX/YYYY [establishing Technical Support Instrument].
Amendment 519 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) In order to ensure an efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the Union budget and to respect the principle of sound financial management, actions under this Regulation should be consistent with and be complementary to ongoing Union programmes, whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure. In particular, the Commission and the Member State should ensure, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to safeguard the consistency, coherence, complementarity and synergy among sources of funding and technical support received through the Technical Support Instrument. To that effect, Member States should be required to present the relevant, information on existing or planned Union financing when submitting their plans to the Commission. Financial support under Facility should be additional to the support provided under other Union funds and programmes, and reform and investment projects financed under the Facility should be able to receive funding from other Union programmes and instruments provided that such support does not cover the same cost.
Amendment 527 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Pursuant to paragraphs 22 and 23 of the Interinstitutional Agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by this Regulation on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, should include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the instruments on the ground. Spending under the Facility should be subject to a discharge procedure.
Amendment 534 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) It is opportune that the Commission provides an annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Facility set out in this Regulation. This report should include information on the progress made by Member States under the recovery and resilience plans approved; it should also include information on the volume of the proceeds assigned to the Facility under the European Union Recovery Instrument in the previous year, broken down by budget line, and the contribution of the amounts raised through the European Union Recovery Instrument to the achievements of the objectives of the Facility. In this regard, the Commission should propose a set of common output and performance indicators.
Amendment 555 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The recovery and resilience plans to be implemented by the Member States and the corresponding financial contribution allocated to them should be establishadopted by the Commission by way of implementing act. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred onuncil and the European Parliament by means of a delegated act, on a proposal from the Commission. The implementing powers relatinged to the adoption of the recovery and resilience plans and to the payment of the financial support upon fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets should be exercised by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, under the examination procedure thereof13 . After the adoption of an implementing delegated act, it should be possible for the Member State concerned and the Commission to agree on certain operational arrangements of a technical nature, detailing aspects of the implementation with respect to timelines, indicators for the milestones and targets, and access to underlying data. To allow the continuous relevance of the operational arrangements in respect of the prevailing circumstances during the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, it should be possible that the elements of such technical arrangements may be modified by mutual consent. Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union apply to this Regulation. These rules are laid down in the Financial Regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective EU funding. __________________ 13 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 1072 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. When assessing the recovery and resilience plan and in the determination of the amount to be allocated to the Member State concerned, the Commission shall take into account the wider objectives of the Facility as laid out in Article 4, the analytical information on the Member State concerned available in the context of the European Semester, the strategic policy orientations on reforms and public investments discussed by the Council and the European Parliament, the experience on reforms acquired through the Structural Reforms Support Program and Technical Support Instrument, as well as the justification and the elements provided by the Member State concerned, as referred to in Article 15(3), and any other relevant information including, in particular, the one contained in the National Reform Programme and the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned and, if relevant, information from technical support received via the Technical Support Instrument.
Amendment 1147 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) whether the recovery and resilience plan is linked to reforms undertaken or planned under the Structural Reforms Support Program or Technical Support Instrument and is expected to have a lasting impact on the Member State concerned;
Amendment 1156 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to address the most recent strategic orientations discussed by the European Parliament and the Council on the reforms and public investments that effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, ensure the well- functioning of the single market, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 1169 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social, social and demographic impact of the crisis, and contribute to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 1231 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall adopt a decision within four months of the official submission of the recovery and resilience plan by the Member State, by means of an implementing delegated act. In the event that the Commission gives a positive assessment to a recovery and resilience plan, that decision shall set out the reforms and investment projects to be implemented by the Member State, including the milestones and targets, and the financial contribution allocated in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 1302 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 7
Article 17 – paragraph 7
7. The implementingdelegated acts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 27(25(a).
Amendment 1353 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Upon completion of the relevant agreed milestones and targets indicated in the recovery and resilience plan as approved in the implementingdelegated act of the Commission, the Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment of the financial contribution and, where relevant, of the loan tranche. Such requests for payment may be submitted by the Member States to the Commission on a biannual basis. The Commission shall assess, within two months of receiving the request, whether the relevant milestones and targets set out in the decision referred to in Article 17(1) have been satisfactorily implemented. For the purpose of the assessment, the operational arrangement referred to in Article 17(6) shall also be taken into account. The Commission may be assisted by experts.
Amendment 1399 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
The Member State concerned shall report on a quarterlybiannual basis within the European Semester process on the progress made in the achievement of the recovery and resilience plans, including the operational arrangement referred to in Article 17(6). To that effect, the quarterly reports of the Member States shall be appropriately reflected in the National Reform Programmes, which shall be used as a tool for reporting on progress towards completion of the recovery and resilience plans.
Amendment 1417 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Spending under the Facility shall be subject to a discharge procedure by the European Parliament.
Amendment 1425 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission and the Member States concerned shall, in a measure commensurate to their respective responsibilities, foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the instruments established by this Regulation and other Union programmes and instruments, and in particular with the Technical Support Instrument and measures financed by the Union funds. For that purpose, they shall:
Amendment 1431 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the Facility and measure the achievement of the objectives set out in Articles 4. Indicators to be used for reporting on progress and for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of the Facility towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives are set in Annex III. The monitoring of implementation shall be targeted and proportionate to the activities carried out under the Facility. The Commission should present a set of output and performance indicators that clearly capture the objectives laid out in Article 4.
Amendment 42 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Member States have been affected by the crisis due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in an unprecedented manner. The crisis hampers growth in Member States, which in turn aggravates the serious liquidity shortages due to the sudden and important increase in public investments needed in their health systems and other sectors of their economies. This has created an exceptional situation which needs to be addressed with specific measuresand immediate measures that reach the real economy swiftly, to stimulate investment, economic growth and job creation.
Amendment 57 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) An additional exceptional amount of EUR 58 272 800 000 (in current prices) for budgetary commitment from the Structural Funds under the Investment for growth and jobs goal, for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 should be made available to support Member States and regions most impacted in crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic or preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy, with a view to deploying resources quickly to the real economy through the existing operational programmes. Resources for 2020 stem from an increase in the resources available for economic, social and territorial cohesion in the multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 whereas resources for 2021 and 2022 stem from the European Union Recovery Instrument. Part of the additional resources should be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission. The Commission should set out the annual breakdown of the remaining additional resources for each Member State on the basis of an allocation method based on the latest available objective statistical data concerning Member States’ relative prosperity and the extent of the effect of the current crisis on their economies and societies. The allocation method should include a dedicated additional amount for the outermost regions given the specific vulnerability of their economies and societies. In order to reflect the evolving nature of the effects of the crisis, the breakdown for 2021 should be revised at the end of 2020 on the basis of the same allocation method, using the latest statistical data available by 15 December 2020, and the breakdown for 2022 should be revised in 2021 on the basis of the same allocation method using the latest statistical data available by 19 October 2021 to distribute the 2022 tranche of the additional resources.
Amendment 80 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the ERDF, as extended by Regulations (EU) 2020/460 and (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council5, Member States should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services, for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. Other investments with a proven high job creation potential, such as urban renewal, should also be supported. Technical assistance should also be supported. It is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, which should also constitute a single investment priority, to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. _________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L99, 31.3.2020, p. 5); Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, (OJ L 130, 23.4.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 98 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) For the ESF, Member States should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed, job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, support to youth employment measures, education and training, skills development and, to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children, and to reduce poverty, including through income support measures and the reinforcement of the public services provision. It should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self- employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. Union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.
Amendment 103 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) In order to accelerate investment and induce economic growth and job creation, Member States could also use the additional resources to increase the co-financing rate of projects, for the share of investments executed between 1 September 2020 and 31 December 2021, even if the projects were initiated or approved before the entry into force of this regulation.
Amendment 107 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) In order to increase beneficiaries’ ability to initiate their investments swiftly, where applicable, Member States should provide high levels of initial pre-financing to projects.
Amendment 158 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 4
Article 92 b – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall adopt a decision, by means of implementing acts, setting out the breakdown of the additional resources as appropriations from the Structural Funds for 2020 and 2021 for each Member State in accordance with the criteria and methodology set out in Annex VIIa. That decision shall be revised at the end of 2020 to set the breakdown of the additional resources for 2021, based on the data available by 15 December 2020, and shall be revised again in 2021 to set out the breakdown of the additional resources for 2022 based on data available by 19 October 2021.
Amendment 170 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 13
Article 92 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 13
The additional resources shall be implemented in accordance with the rules of the Fund to which they are allocated or transferred, taking into account the provisions defined in the current regulation.
Amendment 186 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3
For the ERDF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support investment in products and services for health services, to provide support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, investments contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens, and economic measures in the regions which are most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. Other investments with a high job creation potential, such as urban renewal, shall also be supported.
Amendment 200 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
For the ESF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self- employed, even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. The additional resources shall also support job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular to support the twin green and digital transitions, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children. Poverty reduction, including through income support measures, shall also be supported, as well as the reinforcement of public service provision.
Amendment 208 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Member States may also use the additional resources to increase the co- financing rate for projects, for the share of investments executed between 1 September 2020 and 31 December 2021, even if the projects were initiated or approved before the entry into force of this regulation.
Amendment 213 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
The revised financing plan set out in Article 96(2)(d) shall set out the allocation of the additional resources for the years 2020, 2021 and, where applicable, for 2022, without identifying amounts for the performance reserve and with no breakdown per category of regions, for 2020 and shall, where applicable, be revised for 2021 and 2022.
Amendment 219 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 92 b – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. By way of derogation from paragraph 9, where a Member State intends to use the additional resources for the purposes of paragraph 8a, those resources shall be programmed in priorities that include those projects that will have their co-financing rates increased.
Amendment 171 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) assigned revenue as referred to in paragraph 2 up to a maximum amount of EUR 1 2752 550 000 000 in current prices.
Amendment 175 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The resources referred to in paragraph 1(b) shall be provided by repayments stemming from financial instruments established under the programmes listed in Annex I to this Regulation up to a maximum amount of EUR 275550 000 000 and from the surplus of the provisioning for the EU guarantee established by the EFSI Regulation up to a maximum amount of EUR 12 000 000 000.
Amendment 238 #
2020/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The amount of the grant shall not exceed 15% of the amount of the loan provided by the finance partner under this Facility. For projects located in territories in NUTS level 2 regions with a GDP per capita not exceeding 75% of the average GDP of the EU-27 as referred to in Article [102(2)] of Regulation [new CPR], the amount of the grant shall not exceed 230% of the amount of the loan provided by the finance partner.
Amendment 886 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.2 – table
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.2 – table
1.2. Identifying (a) the territories expected to be the most negatively affected and justifying this choice with the corresponding estimation of the economic and employment impacts based the outline of Section 1.1; and (b) the other territories where projects may be envisaged under pillars 2 and 3 of the Just Transition Mechanism
Amendment 890 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – table – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a new
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – table – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a new
- Energy performance of region’s households, describing the existing energy poverty in the region(s).
Amendment 891 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – table – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a new
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – table – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a new
- expected evolution of the energy poverty indicators.
Amendment 892 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.2 – table – indent 2
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.2 – table – indent 2
- Development needs to address the transition challenges; - Objectives and results expected through implementing the JTF priority, including the targets concerning reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonisation, improvement in energy efficiency and increase of renewable energy for the relevant region(s).
Amendment 895 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.4 – table 3
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.4 – table 3
Amendment 908 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 1 – RCO 120
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 1 – RCO 120
Amendment 909 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 03
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 03
RCR 03 – SMEEnterprises introducing product or process innovation, out of which SMEs
Amendment 910 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 04
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 04
RCR 04 - SMEEnterprises introducing marketing or organisational innovation, out of which SMEs
Amendment 911 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 05
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 05
RCR 05 - SMEEnterprises innovating in-house, out of which SMEs
Amendment 912 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 29
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 1 – RCR 29
Amendment 913 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 – RCO 101
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 – RCO 101
RCO 101 – SMEEnterprises investing in skills development
Amendment 914 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 – line 2 a (new) – RCO 120
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 – line 2 a (new) – RCO 120
RCO 120 - Enterprises investing in skills for industrial transition and entrepreneurship
Amendment 915 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – RCR 97
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – RCR 97
RCR 97 – Apprenticeships supported in enterprises, out of which SMEs
Amendment 916 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – RCR 98
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – RCR 98
RCR 98 – Enterprises staff, out of which SMEs staff, completing Conttrainuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET)for skills for smart specialisation (by type of skill: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other)
Amendment 917 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – line 3 a (new) – RCR 105
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 – line 3 a (new) – RCR 105
RCR 105 - Enterprises staff, out of which SMEs staff, completing training for skills for industrial transition and entrepreneurship
Amendment 918 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 a (new) – line 1 – RCO 18
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 a (new) – line 1 – RCO 18
RCO 18 – Dwellings with improved energy performance
Amendment 919 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 a (new) – line 2 – RCO 19
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 4 a (new) – line 2 – RCO 19
RCO 19 - Public buildings with improved energy performance
Amendment 920 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 1 – RCR 26
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 1 – RCR 26
RCR 26 - Annual primary energy consumption (of which: dwellings, public buildings, enterprises, other)
Amendment 921 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 2 – RCR 29
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 2 – RCR 29
RCR 29 - Estimated greenhouse gas emissions
Amendment 922 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 3 – RCR (new)
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 4 a (new) – line 3 – RCR (new)
RCR new – population excluded from energy poverty
Amendment 925 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 7 a (new) – line 1 – RCO 61
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 7 a (new) – line 1 – RCO 61
RCO 61 – Surface of new or modernised facilities for employment services
Amendment 926 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 a (new) – line 1 – RCR 65
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 a (new) – line 1 – RCR 65
RCR 65 –Annual users of new or modernised facilities for employment services
Amendment 927 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 1 – RCO 66
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 1 – RCO 66
RCO 66 - Classroom capacity of new or modernised childcare facilities
Amendment 928 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 2 – RCO 69
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 2 – RCO 69
RCO 69 - Capacity of new or modernised health care facilities
Amendment 929 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 7 b (new) – line 3 – RCO 70
Annex III – table – column 1 – Outputs – row 7 b (new) – line 3 – RCO 70
RCO 70 - Capacity of new or modernised social care facilities (other than housing)
Amendment 930 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 1 – RCR 70
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 1 – RCR 70
RCR 70 - Annual users of new or modernised childcare
Amendment 931 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 2 – RCR 72
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 2 – RCR 72
RCR 72 – Annual users of new or modernised e-health care services
Amendment 932 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 3 – RCR 73
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 3 – RCR 73
RCR 73 - Annual users of new or modernised health care facilities
Amendment 933 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 4 – RCR 74
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 4 – RCR 74
RCR 74 - Annual users of new or modernised social care facilities
Amendment 934 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 5 – RCR 01
Annex III – table – column 2 – Results – row 7 b (new) – line 5 – RCR 01
RCR 01 - Jobs created in supported entities
Amendment 4 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
— having regard to the Commission communication of 21 Nov17 December 20189 entitled ‘Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2020’ (COM(2019)0650), and to the Commission’s Alert Mechanism Report 2020 of 17 December 2019 (COM(2019)0651),
Amendment 5 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the European Investment Bank Report 2019/2020, "Accelerating Europe´s transformation"
Amendment 19 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 14 January 2020 on the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (COM(2020) 21 final)
Amendment 21 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 b (new)
Citation 25 b (new)
- having regard to the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund (COM(2020) 22 final)
Amendment 24 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
- having regard to REGULATION (EU) 2018/1999 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action
Amendment 52 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas gaps and labour market segregation remain high throughout the European Union, contributing to gender differences in pay, pensions, decision- making and wealth;
Amendment 66 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. Whereas net public investment in the euro area fluctuated during previous decade around a level near to zero leading to a deterioration of public infrastructures; Whereas the lack of investment in the European Union does not originate from a lack of saving, but goes hand in hand with an external surplus still expected to reach 3% in the euro area while some Member States have continued running large and persistent surpluses above levels
Amendment 68 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. Whereas it is expected that climate change and the deterioration of the environment will have significant negative impact on economic activities that results in slower productivity gains or sudden, catastrophic events with a non- negligeable probability
Amendment 70 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. Whereas an estimated supplementary investment in the energy, transport and building sectors in the size of 260 millions a year are necessary to only reach a 40%reduction of greenhouse gaz; the financing of those investments will have to come from European and national budgetary means as well as by private investors
Amendment 72 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Amendment 73 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
C e. Whereas insufficient or late investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation orin the protection of biodiversity will substantially increase the cost of the unavoidable adjustment
Amendment 74 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
C f. Whereas the Member States are due to submit final National Energy and Climate Plans including an estimation of investment needs and financing sources to meet decarbonization targets
Amendment 75 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
C g. Whereas an approach to digitalization that is ecologically sustainable, human-centric approach and based on European values will require well designed, conditional financial public support and careful regulation
Amendment 76 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
C h. whereas annual revenue losses caused by aggressive corporate tax planning in the EU ranges from EUR 50- 70 billion to EUR 160-190billion depending on the methodology; whereas latest estimates of tax evasion within the EU point to a figure of approximately EUR 825 billion per year
Amendment 77 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C i (new)
Recital C i (new)
C i. whereas tax optimization, tax evasion and tax avoidance for the benefit of some large companies and individuals have resulted in billions of euros in lost revenue for public finance management in several Member States at the expense of SMEs and other taxpayers; contributing to increasing inequality and imbalances
Amendment 100 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the role of the European Green Deal as the EU’s new growth strategy defining ecological issueswith sustainability and the wellbeing of citizens as principal goalits fcor the Unione; notes, with regard to the scope of the European Semester, the inclusion of the SDGs and of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), which willmight require the adjustment of existing indicators and the creation of new ones to monitor the implementation of EU economic, environmental and social policies, as well as coherence between policy goals and budgetary means; notes the need to implemenreflect long-term planningconcerns in addition to short- term economic policy management to tackle climate change;
Amendment 143 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes that long-term potential growth is affected by negative demographic situation, therefore demanding policies to overcome this situation and to foster productivity;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that the transition to a new growth model requires significant amount of public and private investment; stresses the importance of a properly funded EU budget able to deliver on the common challenges committed and to meet citizens expectations; recalls the need to create the right conditions for private investment to accelerate the transformation and the importance to complete the Capital Markets Union to support long-term investment, including the one for the transitions, and foster higher-risk investment for young and innovative firms.
Amendment 173 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. urges the Eurogroup and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council to assess the orientation to begiven to national fiscal and economic policies in the light of the climate urgency and of the risks and costs that will follow from insufficient or late action
Amendment 196 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a European Green Industrial Strategy and the reinforcement of the ambition of the Mobility Package in terms of support to investment on Green Mobility; calls for a Program to support investment in energy-efficient housing and reduce the energy poverty;
Amendment 238 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Reiterates the need to further deepening the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and reminds that his can only be achieved by introducing a real Eurozone budget
Amendment 248 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its call for a European stabilisation function and, through a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme, with a view to protecting citizens and reducing pressure on public finances during external shocks so as to overcome social and economic imbalances;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reminds, that one of the core policy areas of the European Semester and a prerequisite of sustained economic well-being is financial stability; therefore it is essential to ensure that financial institutions are better regulated and supervised both in the Eurozone and all over the EU, to put an end to the era of "too-big-to-fail" and massive bailouts paid for by taxpayers;
Amendment 271 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 282 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls the importance of the efficient regulation of the banking and financial sectors in order to prevent a new crisis; believes that such regulation must integrate the ecological situation; emphasises the importance of completing the Banking Union, through the adoption of the Third Pillar of the Banking Union (EDIS), and the need to reform the European Stability Mechanism, as the backstop for the SRF;
Amendment 291 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Stresses the urgent need for a fully-fledged capital markets union, in order to increase the financing to the real economy and promote growth;
Amendment 322 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the systematic inclusion of tax matters in the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs), with the aim of ensuring economic coherence across EU Member States as well as the fairness of EU tax systems; believes that the CSRs could ensure a fair balance between sources of revenue and should also include innovative elements aiming at promoting the Green Deal; further believes that they should also support Member States in tackling tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning; calls for the swift adoption of own-resources legislation at European level, namely through the adoption of Digital Tax and Carbon Border Tax at the European level;
Amendment 328 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on Member States to support and implement EU actions to combat Tax Fraud, Tax Avoidance and Aggressive Tax Planning and anti-money laundering, and in particular, the implementation of the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), so that the EU complies with current international standards; calls on the European Commission to publish a first assessment of the ATAD which should have been transposed since 1 January 2019; demands that such assessment includes an analysis on the level of corporate tax revenues, on tax strategies put in place by multinationals and on growth as well as an assessment of the robustness of implementation against new tax avoidance strategies
Amendment 335 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. supports the Commission’s initiatives to achieve increased transparency, a reformed VAT system and recognises the work that has been done on the common consolidated corporate tax base; welcomes efforts on the international level to fight tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance; notes that improving effectiveness of national tax systems can increase government revenues significantly
Amendment 336 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Remains concerned about the implications of tax competition within the EU and with third countries on the sustainability of tax systems and tax collection, as well as consequences on fiscal capacity and fair competition in the EU Internal Market
Amendment 337 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17 d. Calls for the establishment of an Annual Survey on the European Tax Gap, which would allow to survey the evolution of the tax gap over time and ultimately a guidance on taxation and transparency policy
Amendment 338 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17 e. Reiterates the need for an annual listing of harmful tax practices that could feed into taxation policy formulation
Amendment 353 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Notes that despite of the recovery in the European labour market, productivity growth has slowed and strong disparities persist. Noting that skills constraints are still one of the main obstacles to investment, considers that technological changes can have a significant impact on jobs and that a long term strategy to foster adaptative and inclusive systems for skills development is needed;
Amendment 354 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Notes that there are significant disparities in the Members States’ job market situations; highlights the important role of investment in promoting growth and job creation;
Amendment 358 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note of AMR 2020’s finding that wage growth at euro area level remains below what would be expected at the current levels of unemployment on the basis of historical data, and that this affects the inflation rate; highlights that the currently low productivity and inflation together with structural reforms transferring collective bargaining to the enterprise level are detrimental to wage growth and are leading to greater income inequality and an increase in the numbers of working poor, with in-work poverty affecting almost one in ten workers in Europe; accordingly advocates wage growth; Reminds that wage levels are unfairly low for substantial groups of European workers, which results in social tension, and has a negative impact on economic activity and growth; calls therefore on the Commission to propose legislation on EU-wide rules for fair minimum wages guaranteeing a dignified quality of life for all workers, as well as a minimum level of social protection; calls for policies to support the establishment of a minimum income scheme and collective bargaining as the main driver for a positive wage dynamic
Amendment 406 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Reiterates the European Parliament’s call for strengthening its democratic role in the economic governance framework; calls therefore for an Interinstitutional Agreement on Sustainable European Governance granting Parliament a right of consent on the policy recommendations presented in the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey and the Euro area fiscal and on the package of Country-specific Recommendations
Amendment 411 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Invites the stakeholders in this necessary next step to create enhanced democratic accountability mechanisms at both EU and national levels, while formalising the scrutiny role of the EP in the European Semester; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the social dialogue, including over the CSRs, and to engage in dialogue with the social partners; on jobs and their quality there of, such as the fiscal, industrial and tax policies
Amendment 413 #
2019/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. calls the Commission and the MS to enhance the social dialogue including with regard to the CSRs and to engage in a dialogue with social partners on jobs and job quality there of, such as the fiscal, industrial and tax policies
Amendment 1 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission proposal of 24 November 2015 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 806/2015 in order to establish a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (COM(2015)0586),
Amendment 2 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
- having regard to the 2010 Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission,
Amendment 6 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to the endorsement by the Euro Summit on 14 December 2018 of the report of the Eurogroup in its inclusive format establishing a High- Level Working Group with a mandate to work on next steps towards a roadmap for beginning political negotiations on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS), adhering to all elements of the 2016 roadmap in the appropriate sequence,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
- having regard to the endorsement by the same Euro summit of the terms of reference of the common backstop for the Single Resolution Fund, which set out how the backstop will be operationalised, and anticipated provided sufficient progress has been made in risk reduction, to be assessed in 2020,
Amendment 8 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
- having regard to the report adopted by the European Commission on 30 April 2019 by assessing the implementation of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) and the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation (SRMR),
Amendment 47 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas recent large-scale money laundering scandals involving financial institutions in the EU demonstrate that prudential and anti-money laundering supervision cannot be treated separately and that a proper system of supervision and enforcement of EU legislation is lacking;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the European banking sector still remains largely the main provider of financing to companies, in contrast with other jurisdictions, where capital markets account for a considerable share of financing to companies;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the full implementation of the Banking Union is necessary to deliver more financing to the economy – both to households and companies, specially SMEs –, promoting investment and job creation;
Amendment 72 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the support of the [incoming] President of the European Commission and the President of the ECB for the completion of the Banking Union and, more globally, the Economic and Monetary Union, through the creation of a fiscal capacity designed to provide the euro area with an adequate stabilisation function;
Amendment 92 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes however that the prospect of low risk and low profitability, the deterioration of the macroeconomic scenario and geopolitical tensions as well as cyber risks and data security are among the major challenges the EU banking sector is facing;
Amendment 99 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the crucial role of the banking sector in channelling funding into sustainable investments and enabling the transition to a climate-neutral economy; calls further on all European banks to sign up the UN-led Principles for Responsible Banking and report annually on their efforts to sustainable financing and to reducing climate change-related risks in their balance sheets;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines the importance of protecting consumer rights, namely regarding banking fees, the transparency of products costs, profitability and risks; calls, in this respect, on the European Banking Authority to devote more focus in fulfilling its mandate on properly collecting, analysing and reporting on consumer trends, and also on the review and coordination of financial literacy and education initiatives by the competent authorities;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the ratio of non- performing loans (NPLs) held by significant institutions has fallen by more than half from the start of ECB banking supervision, in November 2014, to June 2019; underlines the need to protect customers’ rights in the context of NPL transactions and calls on Member States to put measures in place to ensure that borrowers, who might be in already vulnerable financial situations, are not subject to aggressive and unfair treatment and practices by poorly-regulated debt buyers and collectors;
Amendment 187 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that innovative financial technologies are profoundly transforming the financial sector, including banking and payment services; highlights the need to address the challenges posed by these new technologies, such as ensuring sustainable business models, a level playing field in terms of regulation and supervision, and cybersecurity; underlines the financial institutions’ responsibility in ensuring clients’ data protection and security in accordance with EU law;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the agreement on the exchange of information between the ECB and the AML/CFT supervisors; recalls its serious concern about regulatory and supervisory fragmentation in the AML/CFT area, which is ill-suited to supervise the increasing cross-border activity in the EU; welcomes, in this regard, the Council Conclusions of 5 December 2019, which give a mandate to the Commission to explore ways of ensuring better cooperation between authorities and conferring AML tasks to a Union body, and to turn certain parts of the Anti-money Laundering Directive into a Regulation, to ensure a single rulebook; calls on the Commission to start working on the overhaul of the EU AML framework and legislation to effectively address the risks posed by cross-border illegal activity to the integrity of the EU financial system and the security of EU citizens;
Amendment 243 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is concerned by the lack of mechanisms in the Banking Union to ensure that emergency liquidity can be provided to a bank in the event of a resolution and calls on the Commission to attempt to address this gap without further delay;
Amendment 256 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that banks need to be able to operate across borders while managing their capital and liquidity at a consolidated level, in order to diversify their risks and address any lack of profitability; highlights that rules should allow for greater flexibility for the parent company in this regard, while specifying that, in the event of a crisis, the parent company should provide capital and liquidity to the subsidiary located in the host country; notes the importance of the convergence of liquidation rules among Member States;
Amendment 260 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Urges the Commission to put forward measures for a robust bank resolution and insolvency framework;
Amendment 275 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the completion of the Banking Union through the creation of a fully mutualised EDIS, to protect depositors against banking disruptions and to ensure confidence among depositors and investors across the Banking Union; welcomes the support of the [incoming] President of the Commission and the President of the ECB for the establishment of EDIS;
Amendment 280 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Is concerned that the European Parliament has not been kept informed of discussions taking place in the context of the High-Level Working Group on EDIS, which reports to the Eurogroup;
Amendment 281 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23 b. Notes that the European Commission is a participant in the High- Level Working Group and recalls Article 9 of the 2010 Framework Agreement which contains the obligation for the Commission to guarantee equal treatment, in particular, on legislative matters, between the European Parliament and the Council;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23 c. Urges the Council to resume negotiations on EDIS, proposing meaningful steps to move forward, without further delay;
Amendment 103 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
Paragraph 5 – indent 1
- The deepening of the European Monetary Union, including a fiscal capacity for the euro area able to providing a counter-cyclical stabilisation function, namely the unemployment reinsurance scheme, supported by the [incoming] President of the European Commission;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – indent 2
Paragraph 5 – indent 2
- The completion of the banking union, including the implementation of the backstop for the Single Resolution Fund and a fully mutualised European deposit insurance scheme that would reduce risks, promote fair competition, facilitate the expansion of pan-European banking and reinforce the stability of the euro area as a whole;
Amendment 160 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the negative effects on banks’ net interest income have been counterbalanced so far by the benefits from more bank lending and lower costs for provisions and losses; notes that banks’ profitability has increased steadily since 2012, with return on equity surpassing 6% since 2017.
Amendment 239 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is extremely worried about the risks due to the delay in setting up the banking union, and calls for the swift completion of the banking union with a fully mutualised European deposit guarantee scheme and the implementation of the backstop to the Single Resolution Fund;
Amendment 242 #
2019/2129(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 14 – point 1 (new)
(1) Calls for accelerated steps to implement a true safe asset for the euro area;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
- having regard to the Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights on the 17th November 2017 in Gothenburg,
Amendment 2 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
- having regards to the report of the European Parliament on financial crimes, tax evasion and adopted on 26 March 2019 (2018/2121(INI)),
Amendment 3 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 c (new)
Citation 24 c (new)
- having regards to the Paris Agreements on climate changes in 2015 and the UN 2030 climate and energy framework,
Amendment 5 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 d (new)
Citation 24 d (new)
- having regards to UN Agenda 2030 and the SDGs,
Amendment 6 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas according to the Commission’s forecasts, the GDP growth rate for 2019 stands at 1.2 % of GDP per capita in the euro area and 1.4 % in the EU28, and is expected to rise to 1.4 % and 1.6 % respectively in 202010, based on the assumption of a status quo in terms of trading patterns between the EU27 and the UK and notwithstanding the mainly negative risks to the global economic outlook; whereas the economic recovery is uneven across the EU; whereas further policy action will nonetheless be required to address unresolved legacies of the global economic crisis; whereas globalisation has not brought the same benefits for all, leading to persistent high levels of income inequality and slow reduction of poverty, needing new efforts to ensure growth and equity; ____________________ 10 Commission’sEuropean Economic Forecast – Summer 2019 (Interim) of 10 July 2019
Amendment 12 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas annual revenue losses caused by aggressive corporate tax planning in the EU ranges from EUR 50- 70 billion to EUR 160-190 billion depending on the methodology;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas latest estimates of tax evasion within the EU point to a figure of approximately EUR 825 billion per year;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas nominal corporate tax rates have decreased at EU level from an average of 32 % in 2000 to 21,9 % in 201810a, which represents a decrease of 32 %; ____________________ 10aTaxation Trends in the European Union, Table 3: Top statutory corporate income tax rates (including surcharges), 1995-2018, European Commission, 2018.
Amendment 15 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas some assessments of effective tax rates in the EU diverge from 2,2 % to 30 %10b; ____________________ 10bPublic hearing of 24 January 2019 on ‘The Evaluation of the Tax Gap’.
Amendment 16 #
2019/2110(INI)
Ce. whereas despite a small decline in poverty, 113 million remain at risk, far short of the Europe 2020 target, with large imbalances between member states with more than a 1/3 of population in BG, RO and EL and growing in-work poverty (9.6 %);
Amendment 19 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the general government deficit is expected to rise from 0.5 % to 0.9 % in the euro area and from 0.6 % to 1.0 % in the EU28 in 2019, and to remain at that level in 2020; whereas the debt-to- GDP ratio in 2019 stands at 85.8 % in the euro area and 80.2 % in the EU28 and is forecast to decrease to 84.3 % and 78.8 % respectively in 2020; whereas some Member States record high current account surpluses and European macro- economic imbalances are still large;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas, according to Eurostat and Word Inequality Database, inequality of income distribution in the euro area has increased since the beginning of the financial crisis; whereas tax competition between European states, continually increased, which has undermined the progressivity of taxes increasing the unfair tax burden and undermining public finances;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the incomes of the richest 1% jumped twice as fast as the average and captured a share of growth similar to those captured by the bottom 50%; In 2017, the richest 20% in the EU earned over 5 x the poorest 20%;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, in the light of the risks of trade tensions between the US and the China alongside the persistent uncertainty related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the global outlook risks bending towards the downside; not to mention the risks of recession and crisis in Germany and the situation in Italy;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, in the light of the risks of trade tensions between the US and the China alongside the persistent uncertainty related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the risks of recession in Germany and the global outlook risks bending towards the downside;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas tax optimization, tax evasion and tax avoidance for the benefit of some large companies and individuals have resulted in billions of euros in lost revenue for public finance management in several Member States at the expense of SMEs and other taxpayers; contributing to increasing inequality and imbalances;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the current European Semester is not designed to drive the necessary economic, social and environmental transformations the EU and its Member States are committed to, within the Commission’s 2030 climate target, the UN SDGs and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2110(INI)
Fc. whereas the implementation of the UN SDGs and the Paris Agreement goals requires a comprehensive, broad and long-term EU strategy in which a reformed European Semester needs to be embedded;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Fd. whereas global CO2 emissions have increased by 55% in 20 years; whereas human activities have altered 75% of the terrestrial environment and 66% of the marine environment; whereas 1 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction; considering that the value of agricultural production has increased four-fold since 1970; whereas almost half of coral reef cover has disappeared since the 1870s;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F e (new)
Recital F e (new)
Fe. whereas gaps and labour market segregation remain high throughout the European Union, contributing to gender differences in pay, pensions, decision- making and wealth;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Agrees that effectiEmphasizes a low level of public inve structural reforms, accompanied by well-targetedment and a lack of ambitious and socially balanced reforms in some Member States, therefore well-targeted investments and social inclusive and sustainable investments and responsible fiscal policies, continue to provide a successful compass for preparing the EU for its future and present challenges;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls the importance of efficient regulation of banking and financial sectors to prevent a new crisis especially in the matter of shadow banking;
Amendment 58 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights, that in order to achieve the implementation of the Commission’s 2030 climate target, it is of importance to transform the European Semester into a tool of boosting social inclusive and sustainable investments and introduce a multi-annual sustainability pact, based on the UN SDGs and underpinned by the European Pillar Social Rights;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Calls on the Commission, to enlarge the reference indicators of the European Semester by including social and environmental indicators to be able to take into account the sustainability impact of reforms and fiscal consolidation;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the average level of debt-to-GDP is projected to decline; notes, however, that the average level still remains significantly above the level required by the Stability and Growth Pact; points out the possibility of rising debt service costs; underlines, therefore, the importance of bringing down overall debt levels, in line with EU fiscal rulescluding private debt;
Amendment 72 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a Supports flexibility in the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact as proposed by the Commission in 2015; considers that much more flexibility should be set up to boost investments and ecological transition in the EU; calls, therefore, to reform the Stability and Growth Pact and introduce a Euro area fiscal instrument;
Amendment 91 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. RegretsTakes note that the aggregate fiscal stance appears to be mildly expansionary in 2019, while emphasising that the European Fiscal Board considers a neutral stance as more appropriate;
Amendment 104 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights, the importance of socially-balanced and countercyclical fiscal policies for macro-economic stabilisation and as a tool to prevent excessive swings in the financial cycle, in order to make the economy more resilient to disruptions, flanked by socially and environmentally sustainable structural policies and reforms;
Amendment 118 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights, however, the persistent structural problem of insufficient economical activities, steaming from a too low level of public and private investments in essential services, social protection and wages, leading to persistent social and regional inequalities;
Amendment 120 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Remembers that the convergence of Member States’ economies is provided for in the Treaty of the European Union; underlines the importance of convergence policies to assure a balanced development of European economy, promote its growth and create jobs; stresses the need to reform the European Stability Mechanism and complete the Banking Union to promote convergence;
Amendment 121 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Reminds, that one of the core policy areas of the European Semester and a prerequisite of sustained economic well-being is financial stability; therefore it is essential to ensure that financial institutions are better regulated and supervised both in the Eurozone and all over the EU, to put an end to the era of "too-big-to-fail" and massive bailouts paid for by taxpayers;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights, however, the persistent structural problem of insufficient economical activities, steaming from a too low level of public and private investments in essential services, social protection and wages, leading to persistent social and regional inequalities.
Amendment 125 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Emphasizes the importance of the completion of the Banking Union with a European insurance on deposits mechanism to ensure confidence among depositors and investors across the Banking Union;
Amendment 130 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Supports shifting the tax burden away from labour and strengthening education and training systems and investment in skills; stresses the effectiveness of flexibleow income workers/citizens and towards more progressive tax and effective collection, tackling evasion and avoidance; stresses the need to reinforce security and social rights to ensure effectiveness and sustainability of labour market policies;
Amendment 139 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States to set in place proper policies to ensure equal access to education, and to provide investment to ensure equal access to lifelong education and training and to close the gender gap;
Amendment 141 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Is concerned about the extent women are affected by austerity policies, and feminization of poverty; notes that the financial and economic crisis since 2008 hit men harder initially; underlines however, that women were affected more strongly in the long run through cuts in public spending, decreases in generosity in work-life balance policies, failure to close gender and pension pay gap and cutbacks in social security systems;
Amendment 142 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Reminds that all EU countries would benefit from increased fiscal capacity and notes that additional resources can be found through a willing and effective policy against tax fraud and tax avoidance including support for an EU Financial Transactions Tax;
Amendment 143 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on Member States to support and implement EU actions to Aggressive Tax Planning; combat Tax Fraud, Tax Avoidance and Aggressive Tax Planning and anti-money laundering, and in particular, the implementation of the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), so that the EU complies with current international standards; calls on the European Commission to publish a first assessment of the ATAD which should has been transposed since 1 January 2019; demands that such assessment includes an analysis on the level of corporate tax revenues, on tax strategies put in place by multinationals and on growth as well as an assessment of the robustness of implementation against new tax avoidance strategies;
Amendment 144 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on Member States to support and implement EU actions to combat Aggressive Tax Planning; . Reiterates the call of the Parliament and the Commission stating that EU tax policy should not be dependent on a unanimity rule that can be misused for purely national interests, at the expense of the Single Market and other Member States’ needs. A move to qualified majority voting in taxation would enable Member States to control more effectively the part of their sovereignty that they have pooled together in the interests of the Union as a whole and for greater collective and individual results. Invites therefore the Commission to put this statement in practice and make swiftly use of the specific passerelle clause in the Treaties which offers an obvious route to move away from unanimity in the tax area;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the on-going international negotiations on tax and digitalisation, and in particular, welcomes the Programme of Work to Develop a Consensus Solution to the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy (Programme of Work) as proposed by the Inclusive Framework and the OECD and endorsed by G20 Finance Ministers last June;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls for further stabilization of the Euro area by increasing its capacity to absorb large-scale economic shocks and respective consequences for the labour market through the introduction of a European Unemployment Insurance Scheme, as proposed by the President- elect of the European Commission, combining a self-insurance mechanism for national unemployment insurance systems with a European re-insurance as a solidarity mechanism for extreme shocks;
Amendment 162 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Remains concerned about the implications of tax competition within the EU and with third countries on the sustainability of tax systems and tax collection, as well as consequences on fiscal capacity and fair competition in the EU Internal Market;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Supports the French and German position to have a second pillar in the current Programme of Work aiming at granting taxing rights that would strengthen the ability of jurisdictions to tax profits where the other jurisdiction with taxing rights applies a low effective rate of tax to those profits, by 2020; understand that this would leads to a de facto minimum effective level of taxation worldwide which would mitigate the negative effect of tax competition;
Amendment 166 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Invites the Commission and the Council to look for new resources that would both allow to speed up the needed ecological transition and create fiscal capacity to finance needed social and sustainable investment [including investments in healthcare, education]; welcomes the announcement of the Commission President to propose a Carbon Border Tax and to review the Energy Taxation Directive;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Highlights the fact that, in the recent period, real wage growth has lagged behind productivity growth, while improvements have occurred in the labour market; stresses, against this background, the room for wage increases in certain sectors and areas, to ensure good standards of living, taking into account the need to tackle poverty, including growing in-work, inequalities and boost growth;
Amendment 179 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Agrees that the economic upswing needs to be supported by public and private investment, particularly in innovation, and notes that there is still an investment gap in the euro area; welcomes the fact that in some Member States investments already exceed the pre-crisis level, and regrets that in others investment is still lagging behind or is not picking up at the necessary speed; insists that investment has declined on average at EU level by 2.3 points and by 2.7 points in the euro area. They accounted for 20.1% of European GDP in 2017 compared with 22.4% 10 years ago;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasizes, that a boost in public investment accompanied by higher wages is a prerequisite for an inclusive sustainable and ecological transition while reducing unemployment;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Emphasises, in the context of the decline of public investment resulting from fiscal adjustment processes, the need to further improve the functioning of the Stability and Growth Pact; Therefore calls on the Commission to revert the SGP to a golden rule under which the deficit would exclude investment expenditure for ecological transition and social investment- enhancing purposes, allowing it to become an important instrument of structural policies to Member States;
Amendment 196 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on Member States, while pursuing policies in full respect of the Stability and Growth Pact, to support public and private investment, improve the quality and composition of public finances, and rebuild fiscal buffers, especially in euro area countries with high levels of public debt;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that, more than relying its recovery on cyclical factors, the way to a prosper European economy is by encouraging public and private investment, innovation, skills development and promoting domestic demand;
Amendment 204 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Warns that the longer the current savings-oriented policy – primarily focused on spending cuts – continues without an effective investment plan to generate revenue through growth, social cohesion and solidarity, the more it will become clear that Europe's economic convergence and prosperity is at risk of growing social inequalities;
Amendment 210 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines that investment in tangibles and intangibles in order to increase productivity, skills and innovation, along with the growth-enhancing socially- balanced structural reforms, will increase long-term growth potential;
Amendment 211 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Stresses that the support for the transition towards a low-carbon and circular economy will create new jobs in services and in the development of new and more sustainable products and markets; stresses that investments to foster such a transition should be significantly increased at both national and EU levels;
Amendment 214 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to provide an assessment of the gap between the need for green investments and the concrete realization of these; including an annual analysis of green investment needs; calls for annual monitoring of the implementation of green investments in each Member Stat;.
Amendment 216 #
Amendment 217 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Recalls that the fight against aggressive tax planning strategies is essential to provide fair treatment of taxpayers, safeguard public finances, and preserve social cohesion and fight inequalities;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Insists on the need to implement an ambitious pCBCR and CCCTB;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 f (new)
Paragraph 14 f (new)
14f. Recalls the need to implement the recommendations of the special committee TAXE 3; stresses that the complexity of tax systems can give rise to legal loopholes facilitating tax fraud schemes such as cum-ex;
Amendment 220 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 g (new)
Paragraph 14 g (new)
14g. Encourages a stronger coordination and harmonization of taxation with the objective to reduce the differences among Member States over a ten-year period, thus making any possible company relocation unattractive;
Amendment 223 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Agrees withNotes the Council’s recommendations thabut Member States should also increase their growth potential by modernising their economies and strengthening their resiliencepublic investments especially in ecological transition and social investment;
Amendment 225 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Highlights that improvements on how the European Semester operates will imply a change in the way Country Specific Recommendations are elaborated, decided and applied; considers that the policy outcome should reach beyond the current conception of structural reforms and fiscal consolidations measures, towards socially and environmentally sustainable reforms capable of driving the necessary economic, social and environmental transformations in favour of well-being for all through sustainable growth, inclusiveness and cohesion, and quality job creation;
Amendment 237 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Insists on the need for the CSR to take due account of the 20 key principles and rights to support fair and well- functioning labour markets outlined in the European Pillar of Social Rights, which should serve as a compass for a renewed process of upward convergence towards better working and living conditions in the European Union;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Shares the Commission's concerns over developments in the housing market in some Member States; stresses that rising interest rates and housing prices and rent costs are affecting households' private debt and families’ budgets; underlines that this debt plays a role in the stability of the euro area; calls on the Commission to take initiatives in this area in line with recommendation 19 of the Social Pillar;
Amendment 241 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Recalls the need of stronger surveillance of the employment and social situation in Europe and appropriate and constant follow up at every step of the European Semester to boost quality jobs creation and accordingly achieving smart, sustainable;
Amendment 243 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Recalls the need of stronger surveillance of the employment and social situation in Europe and appropriate and constant follow up at every step of the European Semester to boost quality jobs creation and accordingly achieving smart, sustainable;
Amendment 250 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes that taxation has regularly become part of the proposed country-specific recommendations for many Member States; welcomes in particular the attention given to spillover effects of taxpayers' aggressive tax planning strategies between Member States; calls on the Commission, the Council and concerned Member States to make proposals to counter the mentioned phenomenon;
Amendment 251 #
2019/2110(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Supports recommendation that invite Member States to ensure a greater stability and fairness of their fiscal capacity and tax collection, such as limiting the scope and number of tax expenditures and broadening the tax base; invites the Commission and the Council to better look at the impact of progressivity of tax systems in that regard;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, as indicated in the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2018, the estimated level of error in spending on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ increased from 3 % in 2017 to 5 % in 2018; regrets that, even if it should be stressed that errors in the implementation of the budget do not automatically imply a fraud, the positive trend of the last years has been reversed;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes the work done by the audit bodies, while stressing that errors in the implementation of the budget do not automatically imply a fraud; points out that a thorough analysis of the audit results is required before charges are brought against beneficiaries;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the absorption of European Structural and Investment Funds (‘ESI Funds’) has continued to be slower than planned - by the end of 2018, only 27,3% -; notes that this value is even lower than the absorption rate of 2011, the corresponding year of the previous Multiannual Financial Framework; points out that simplification of the rules could increase the take-up of ESI funds;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the importance of achieving a rapid political agreement between the institutions on the 2021-2027 MFF, in order to avoid delaying the implementation of the ESI Funds in the next programming period;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights the need to analyse financial performance indicators as drivers of decision making;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission and the Council to establish an Action Plan in the first half of 2020 to speed-up the implementation of ESI Funds in the current programming period, with clear incentives for the rapid and effective absorption of available funds, strengthening the Strategic Objectives of the Union, in particular the Fight against Climate Change and Social and Territorial Cohesion;
Amendment 382 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 9
Article 12 – paragraph 9
9. Member States shall ensure that where the competent authorities of the host Member State have evidence that a credit servicer providing services within its territory, in accordance with Article 11, is in breach of the obligations arising from the national provisions transposingrequirements laid down in Article 5 of this Directive, it shall transmit that evidence to the competent authorities of the home Member State and request that they take appropriate measures.
Amendment 383 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 11
Article 12 – paragraph 11
11. Member States shall ensure that where, after having informed the home Member State no adequate measures were taken in a reasonable time or despite measures taken by the competent authorities of the home Member State or in an urgent case, where immediate action is necessary to address a serious threat to the collective interests of the borrowers, given that the credit servicer continues to be in breach of the applicable rules, including its obligations under this Directive and other national rules, the competent authorities of the host Member State are entitled to take appropriate administrative sanctions or penalties and remedial measures in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Directive within its territory after informing without delaapplicable rules after informing without delay the competent authorities of the home Member State. In addition, the competent authorities of the host Member State may prohibit further activities of such credit servicers in its Member State until an adequate decision is taken by the competent authoritiesy of the home Member State or a remedial measure is taken by the credit servicer.
Amendment 407 #
2018/0063A(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that a credit purchaser is not subject to any additional administrative requirements for the purchase of creditor’s rights under a non-performing credit agreement or the non-performing credit agreements itself other than as provided for by the national measures transposing this Directive, the consumer protection law or governing contract law. Member States shall ensure that relevant Union and national law concerning in particular the enforcement of contracts, consumer protection, borrower's rights, credit origination, bank secrecy rules and criminal law continues to apply to the credit purchaser upon the transfer of the creditor’s rights under a credit agreement or the credit agreement itself to the credit purchaser. The level of protection provided under Union and national law to consumers and other borrowers shall not be affected by the transfer of the creditor’s rights under a credit agreement or the credit agreement itself to the credit purchaser.
Amendment 99 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) credit institutions established in a participating Member State, including those affiliated to an institutional protection scheme as referred to in Article 113(7) of Regulation No 575/2013;
Amendment 117 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point9
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 19 – paragraphs 3 5 7 and 10
Article 19 – paragraphs 3 5 7 and 10
Amendment 208 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o –title
Article 41 o –title
Article 41o Repayment of funding and determination of excess loss and lossliquidity
Amendment 211 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o – paragraph 1
Article 41 o – paragraph 1
1. The participating DGS shall repay the fundingliquidity support provided by the Board under Article 41n, less the amount of any excess loss cover in case of coverage under Article 41a in accor dany loss cover in case of coverage under Article 41d orce with a repayment plan as referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article 41h.
Amendment 213 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o – paragraph 2
Article 41 o – paragraph 2
2. UntilWithin 3 monthsof the determinationof the insolvency or resolution procedure, the Board shall determine, on an annual basis, the amount the participating DGS has already recovered from the insolvency procedure or has already be referred to in Article 41m, the Board, after consulting the relevant designated authority, shall establish a repayment paid in accordance with Article 75 of Directive 2014/59/EU. The participating DGS shalllan that ensures that the funding provide tod by the Board all information necessary to make this determination. The participating DGS shall pay to the Board a share of that amount which corresponds to the share that is covered by EDIS in accordance with Article 41a, Article 41d or Article 41hunder Article 41n will be repaid in full within six years by the participating DGS.
Amendment 215 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o – paragraph 3
Article 41 o – paragraph 3
3. In case of coverage under Article 41a, the participating DGSshall also pay to the Board, by the end of the first calendar year after the funding was provided, an amount equal to the ex-post contributions that the participatingDGS may raise within one calendar year in accordance with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 10(8) of Directive 2014/49/EU, less the amount of ex-post contributions it raised in accordance with point (b) of Article 41b(1) of this RegulationThe repayment plan initially shall, to the largest extent possible, be based on the expected funding from the sources referred to in paragraph 5.
Amendment 221 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o – paragraph 4
Article 41 o – paragraph 4
4. After the termination of the insolvency procedure or resolution procedure of the credit institution concerned, the Board shall without delay determine the excess loss in accordance with Article 41d or the loss in accordance with Article 41h. Where this determination results in arepayment obligation ofthe participating DGS that differs from the amounts repaid in accordance with the second and third paragraph, the difference shall be settled between the Board and the participating DGS without deThe following conditions for the repayment planshallapply: (a) the minimum annualrepayment bythe participating DGS shall be on average 10% of the funding provided by the Board under article 41n; and b) each year, the Board shall reassess the level of expected recoveries and recalibrate the repayment plan for the remaining years in accordance with that assessment, and assess any need to extend the repayment playn.
Amendment 223 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 o – paragraph 4a (new)
Article 41 o – paragraph 4a (new)
4a. As long as a participating DGS has liquidity support outstanding with the DIF, at least 50% of any extraordinary contributions raised in accordance with Article 10(8) of Directive 2014/49/EU, at least 50% of any recoveries on the DGS’s claims pursuant to Article 9(2) of Directive 2014/49/EU and Article 75 of Directive 2014/59/EU, and at least 50% of any repayment of or income derived from measures taken in accordance with Article 109 of Directive 2014/59/EU or Article 11(3) and 11(6) of Directive 2014/49/EU shall be repaid to the DIF. This shall be reflected in the repayment plan.
Amendment 232 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 41 q a (new)
Article 41 q a (new)
Article 41qa Terms of loans provided by the DIF 1. The Board shall determine the key financial terms and conditions of the liquidity facility in a standardised agreement. 2. The Board and the participating DGS that has requested liquidity support in accordance with Article 41a shall enter into an agreement based on the standardized agreement as referred to in paragraph 1. 3. In case the participating DGS requests an extension of the maturity of the loan in accordance with Article 41o(7), an interest rate not higher than the ECB marginal facility rate may be charged until the remaining time to maturity of the loan.
Amendment 269 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 1
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 1
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt adelegated acts in accordance with Article 93 in order to specify a risk-based method for the calculation of contributions in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article.
Amendment 270 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 2
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 2
Amendment 273 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 3
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 3
Amendment 278 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point34
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – introductory part
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – introductory part
Amendment 280 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Regulation (EU) 806/2014
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – point d
Article 74 c – paragraph 5 –subparagraph 4 – point d
(d) the quality of the institution’s assets, including its level II and III assets;
Amendment 309 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 94 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 94 – paragraph 3 a (new)
39a. in Article 94, the following paragraph is added: 3a. By [insert one year after entry into force of this amending Regulation] the Commission shall review and assess the functioning of EDIS I and the transition to a fully mutualised insurance scheme that provides funding to and covers the losses of participating deposit guarantee schemes. It shall review the functioning of EDIS I in order to create a single European deposit insurance scheme, possibly backed by a publicly funded liquidity mechanism. The review shall assess in particular the following: (a) the adequacy of the funding mechanism and the target level of EDIS I, and the cases of use of the liquidity mechanism; (b) the scope of the measures financed by EDIS I under article 41a and by the entities referred to in Article 2(2), point (b); (c) the conditions for an extension of EDIS I from providing liquidity support to a loss coverage mechanism and its features; (d) the appropriateness of introducing a publicly funded backstop mechanism to support the DIF. By [insert one year after the date referred to in the first paragraph] the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of this assessment. The report shall be accompanied by a legislative proposal, where appropriate.
Amendment 321 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 40
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 40
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 99 – paragraph 5 a
Article 99 – paragraph 5 a
5a. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, Article 1(2), Part IIa and Part III, Title V Chapter 2 Section 1a shall apply without undue delay and from [OP insert date of entry into force of this Regulation];