2029 Amendments of Isabel SANTOS
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 78 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) work towards fostering an even stronger, mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and the US in order to face the new and dangerous realities shaping our societies and communities and the changing geopolitical scene;
Amendment 94 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) foster the EU’s open strategic autonomy as a means to pursue theand safeguard EU’s own legitimate interests while strengthening the transatlantic bond and increasing the joint leverage of the EU and the US on the world scene;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) reinforce the accountability and resilience of our democratic systems in the run-up to the elections next year on both sides, as well as enhance transatlantic dialogue and cooperation on policies supporting democracy, humaparticularly in rlights and the rule of law and combating disinformation and foreign interference from authoritarian regim of recent meddling attempts in electoral processes;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) foster, in this regard, close cooperation in combating and countering disinformation and foreign interference from authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 131 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(eb) enhance transatlantic dialogue and cooperation on policies supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) continue the full EU-US coordination on effective international sanctions on Russia, Belarus and all those who facilitate and support Russia’s aggression in order to undermine Russia’s ability to continue the war and other aggressions against its neighbours, and to prevent sanction circumvention;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) continue EU-US cooperation in working with Ukraine to support its reform process and to develop a long-term reconstruction plan, under mechanisms that assure resilience, accountability and full transparency of those efforts;
Amendment 155 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) strengthen bilateral cooperation between the EU and US in the context of international forums such as the G7 and G20, as well as at UN General Assembly level, in order to isolatpressure Russia and foster cooperation with countries genuinely interested inlike-minded countries in the promotingon of multilateralism and defendingce of the rules- based international order;
Amendment 164 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) continue the excellentand further the cooperation on countering foreign information manipulation and interference and reinforce our readiness against the malign usage of technological advancement to harm our shared interests;
Amendment 172 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) assess the importance of the strong convergence of transatlantic positions towards China, building more and more on the ‘de-risking’ strategy according to the EU’s strategic autonomy priorities, while looking for ways to cooperate with China on some global challenges;
Amendment 180 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) explore ways to create synergies and possibilities of EU-US engagement with China in multilateral frameworks on common and global challenges, such as climate change, health-related risks, respect for human rights, cyberspace, arms control, non-proliferation and emerging disruptive technologies;
Amendment 189 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) reach out jointly to countries of the Global South and reinforce our capacity to work in a genuine and transparent partnership and our commitment to democratic values, a rules-based international order and to working with the Global South on an attractive alternative path totowards an effective digital development;
Amendment 195 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
Amendment 209 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) work with the US and partners around the world to minimise risks arising from the proliferation of sensitive technologies, while preserving maximum levels of openness towards international cooperation;
Amendment 215 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) deepen cooperation in forging democratic standards for the use of technology by aligning their digital diplomacy strategies in order to defend our shared values, enhance our security and foster democracy-serving digital standards at home and worldwide;
Amendment 219 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) deepen joint transatlantic efforts to secure key transatlantic infrastructure and to advance secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure for information and communication technologies around the world with partners;
Amendment 253 #
2023/2126(INI)
(s) underline the need to continue the good bilateral engagements on our respective policies towards the Middle East Peace Process and the “Two State Solution”, as well as to continue to coordinate our efforts to encourage positive developments in the wider region;
Amendment 267 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
(ta) establish a strategic partnership for the Arctic and for Antarctica, in particularly on matters of sustainability and scientific research, which would guarantee political stability and regional peace;
Amendment 274 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) further operationalise closer transatlantic dialogue and cooperation on renewable energy sources in accordance with EU Green Agenda;
Amendment 302 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y
Paragraph 1 – point y
(y) deepen partnerships in the areas of cooperation envisaged by the NATO Strategic Concept and the EU Strategic Compass, particularly in the areas of military mobility, defense research, dual- use infrastructure, resilience and inclusive joint exercises;
Amendment 332 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac
Paragraph 1 – point ac
(ac) deepen cooperation in space security with the US and promote the EU- US Space Dialogue structure as complementary to the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence;
Amendment 340 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad
Paragraph 1 – point ad
(ad) jointly address the spread of Russian and Chinese information manipulation and interference, particularly in the context of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its impact on the Western Balkans, Africa and Latin America;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas victims of corporate abuse, such as child labour and other forms of labour exploitation, pollution and environmental degradation, land displacement or violations of trade union’s rights as representatives of worker’s, face multiple and overlapping obstacles to accessing remedies; whereas impunity for human rights abuses by transnational corporations remains largely unaddressed in the absence of a robust and comprehensive regulatory framework and alignment at global and regional level;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that corporate social responsibility solely on a voluntary basis risks creating market distortions and unfair competition for the enterprises that choose to comply with international standards or that are subject to national or regional obligations; recognises that although some progress has been achieved, voluntary approaches have so far not lead to the elimination of human rights violations in the context of business operations; welcomes, therefore, the current shift in terms of normative developments from soft-law initiatives towards binding standards;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes, with concern, that many procedural, substantive and practical barriers persist regarding access to justice for victims, including difficulties in identifying the competent court, barriers related to jurisdictional standards, short statutory limitation periods, excessive evidentiary burdens, limited liability owing to the corporate veil, access to legal representation and information, prohibitive costs of representation abroad, as well as other inequalities between claimants and defendants; notes with concern cases of victims facing intimidation or violence from the businesses involved in response to seeking justice;
Amendment 45 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. SOnce again reiterates its strongly supports for the work being carried out in the UN through the OEIGWG to develop the instrument; expresses its appreciation for the work of the successive Chairs from Ecuador in steering this complex endeavour and welcomes the supportive role of the ’Friends of the Chair’ group;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission, the European External Action Service and the Member States to engage proactively with all partner states and prioritise the topic in their dialogues with non-EU countries and regional organisations, including in the human rights dialogues; calls on the EU to promote as well the development of non-judicial mechanisms, such as ombudsman offices or national contact points, to provide accessible and efficient remedies for victims; further calls on the EU to advocate for robust whistle-blower protection legislation to safeguard individuals who expose corporate human rights abuses worldwide;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 51 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Parliament’s growing role in the EU’s external action, gradually evolving from a somewhat marginal to a substantial one, combining its legislative, budgetary and scrutiny powers with multiple forms of engagement with countrinternational organisations, countries and communities and societies from outside the EU;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the fact that despite its distinctive contribution to the achievement of EU foreign policy goals, Parliament hais yet to be fully and effectively recognised by the Commission, the Council and the EEAS as an integral player within the ‘Team Europe’ approach;
Amendment 68 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes, therefore,In this regard, believes that great untapped potential exists for Parliament to further develop its diplomatic role and contribution to the achievement of EU foreign policy objectives;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 73 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights Parliament’s specific, dynamic and public contribution to the EU’s foreign and security policy through the work of its committees working on external affairs, including the subcommittees on Human Rights and on Security and Defence, which contribute to relations with non-EU countries and international organisations;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, under the overall oversight of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, standing delegations provide important and complement theary work to that of the committees by establishing a regular and sustained forum for political dialogue with non-EU countries, including through joint parliamentary bodies and multilateral assemblies;
Amendment 83 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the standing delegations play a key role as a relayintermediary role between Parliament and its partners around the world, facilitating interaction, debating positions and policies of common interest, and also listening to partndifferent partners and other stakeholders and conveying their views to the competent bodies within Parliament;
Amendment 91 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that Parliament’s official missions outside the EUto non-EU countries form an integral part of EU external policy, which must and therefore must enjoy the full support of the EU delegations; in this regard, highlights the importance of both Committees missions and electoral observation missions as key instruments in promoting democratisation;
Amendment 99 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the political dialogue carried out by Parliament and Members of the Parliament with governmental, parliamentary and civil society actors across the world contributes to promoting EU views and values on global standardalues and priorities in areas such as climate and energy diplomacy, connectivity, artificial intelligence and digital and technological policies; in this regard, underlines the importance of collaborative work between the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Subcommittees on Human Rights and on Security and Defence and all the other Committees;
Amendment 107 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the consistent dedication of Parliament toin placing EU values, such as human rights and, democracy and rule of law, at the heart of EU external action and providing a key forum in which to hear and amplify the voice of civil society and democratic actors from around the world;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the importance and unique nature of Parliament’s democracy support programmes that support the strengthening and consolidation of democracy;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls, in particular, for Parliament’s oversight over the work under the EU foreign and security policyCFSP activities to be reinforced by enhancing the level of accountability and the transparency of the EEAS and the Commission’s external services;
Amendment 135 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Insists on Parliament’s right to be informationed swiftly and timely on CFSP matters under Article 36 TEU; in this respect, stresses the importance of finalising, as soon as possible, the update of 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 ; _________________ 5 OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 1.
Amendment 136 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that Parliament’s oversight function and power to monitor the negotiation and implementation of international agreements should grants it a critical role in shaping the Union’s engagement and relation with third countries and its overall action in the international arena;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Insists that all key strategic policy documents adopted by the Commission and the Council inand relationed to the conduct of EU external policy should integrate the role of ParliaParliament’s assessment therein;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a further strengthening of Parliament’s relations with the Member States’ national parliaments, which are well-placed bodies to act as a relay towardsconvey key messages to Member States’ executive branches;
Amendment 153 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Considers that Parliament hascan play a unique role to play in bringing EU’s foreign policy priorities closer to European citizens, in particular by engaging with sub-state entities such as regional governments and parliaments;
Amendment 162 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that, in the context of democratic backsliding in termsand of respect for human rights and democracy worldwide, Parliament has a specific role to play in helping democratically elected parliaments globally to consolidate their institutional role and internal working methods;
Amendment 165 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Highlights the specific role of Parliament in helpsupporting partner countries and, in particular, enlargement countries to strengthen their role in the EU accession proces, by establishing closer consultations and communications between its Members and Delegations and partners in those countries; in this regard, underlines its role in shaping enlargement policy and reiterates the importance of the Own Initiative Reports on candidate countries;
Amendment 176 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call to enhance the EU’s institutional capacities for conflict prevention and mediation, and; believes that the Parliament can provide expertise and a substantial diplomatic contribution through its bodies and actions in this area;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that the wide interparliamentary network which Parliament has developeddeveloped and promoted by Parliament through its standing delegations offers a prime vehicle to discuss and coordinate positions with international partners in multilateral forums, for example in relation tosuch as UN resolutions, climate diplomacy or positions at the G20, as well as to clarify the intentions of the EU to partners and promote its actions;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
– having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
Amendment 5 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– Having regard to the Yogyakarta Principles,
Amendment 26 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas all forms and manifestations of hatred and intolerance, including hate speech and hate crime, are incompatible with the Union values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights, as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU;
Amendment 28 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
K b. whereas conversion practices can rely on different methods such as electroshocks, taking hormones or exorcism rites; and it is estimated that 2% of LGBTIQ+ persons in the EU have been actually submitted to conversion practices and 5% have been offered conversion, although the real figures could be much higher;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that European humanitarian aid should be gender-, age- and LGBTIQ+- sensitiv, protection- and LGBTIQ+-sensitive, while taking into consideration intersectionality as a cross- cutting principle, and in line with humanitarian principles;
Amendment 108 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Council to adopt a decision to include hate speech and hate crime as a criminal offence within the list under Article 83(1) TFEU, so that the Commission can initiate the second stage of the procedure; and on the Commission and the Member States to define and criminalise hate speech, hate crimes and violence motivated by SOGIESC bias, including online;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Commission to explore the EU legal framework and the possible avenues that could be followed to counter and ban conversion practices at EU level, and to push Member States to ban ‘conversion practices’ on the grounds of SOGIESC;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for a ban on forced abortions and on forced sterilisations, especially for persons with disabilities; underlines the importance of LGBTIQ+ persons’ autonomy and physical and mental health;
Amendment 118 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Calls on the Member States to advance legal equality for LGBTIQ+ people with disabilities, through explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity needed in all areas of life including employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and credit;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the next LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy is accompanied by an implementation plan, a strong mainstreaming structuredriven by a more robust strand, accompanied by a target-oriented implementation plan, a strong mainstreaming structure ensuring LGBTIQ+ rights are mainstreamed across all EU policies including all grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, and resource allocation; to include a timeline, ensuring the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes, including the consultation of LGBTIQ+ organisations;
Amendment 145 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Calls on the Council to restart the negotiations on the horizontal anti- discrimination directive that has been blocked since 2008;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38 b. Calls for including the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in the EU’s anti-discrimination legal framework, based on a broad interpretation of the grounds of sexual orientation and sex and the principle of equality between women and men set forth in the Treaties. Notes that this will ensure legal certainty and comprehensiveness of the protection of all citizens of our Union, as this Parliament has already agreed in the Equality Bodies directive
Amendment 147 #
2023/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38 c. Underlines the importance of respecting self-determination and autonomy and of promoting LGBTIQ+ people’s physical and mental health. Underlines that the position of the Parliament on the proposal for a directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence includes adding FGM, IGM and forced sterilisation to the so-called Eurocrimes.
Amendment 27 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the coercive policies and the growing assertiveness of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including its aggressive stance towards Taiwan, as well as the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine have exposed the EU’s vulnerabilities and reaffirmed the need to ‘de-risk’ its relations vis-à-vis the PRC and other unon- democratic third countries;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas China’s acquisition of critical infrastructure, especially in the EU’s neighbourhood, including the Western Balkans, and in Africa, poses an increasing risk to the trade-security nexus;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that China’s party-driven political system and economy often require private companies to align their commercial interests with the CCP’s military, repression and political interference activities; highlights that, consequentially, Chinese companies’ international activities helpsupport the CCP to’s goals of expanding its influence over foreign countries and, undermineing geopolitical rivals and increase Chinese’s influence;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that MCF must be understood in a larger political and strategic context, taking into account its interconnections with other initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (including the Digital Silk Road); believes that the ultimate aim of MCF is to advance China’s long-term strategic goal to become the world’s leading power and to undermine the rules-based international order;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that both diplomatic and military communication travels through privately owned undersea cables provided by Chinese companies, such as HMN Technologies, a PLA cyber intelligence– affiliated entity; expresses its grave concern over the undersea data cable systems operated by Chinese company HMN Technologies, which connect EU Member States’ territories and the Indo- Pacific region, including Member State and NATO military bases in the region, creating security vulnerabilities as regards to cyber security, underwater surveillance and the collection of intelligence;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. In this regard, is concern with the sale of a Dutch company, the backbone of Estonia’s internet infrastructure, to a Chinese company linked to the PLA; highlights the need for a joint effort among the Member States to prevent similar cases;
Amendment 106 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. NoteHighlights that the screening of stakeholders with access to critical infrastructure cannot be limited to direct investment; calls for the current instruments that address foreign direct investment and foreign subsidies to be expanded to include generalised screening procedures for all stakeholders involved in EU critical infrastructure projects; calls on the Commission, with the support of the Member States, to map, track and assess China’s access to critical infrastructure in the EU; stresses that the Member States are ultimately responsible for infrastructure protection, but have not consistently implemented current guidelines on foreign direct investment or set up national-level investment-screening mechanisms;
Amendment 116 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the potential of the Commission’s proposal for a European economic security strategy to expand the EU toolkit to exports or outward investments in a narrow set of key enabling technologies with military applications, inter alia, in the areas of quantum computing, advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence; calls for the swift adoption of the Commission’s proposals and for the Member States to fully implement the EU’s expanded regulatory framework to exclude entities that could contribute to MCF;
Amendment 138 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is cognisant ofExpresses concerned regarding the PRC’s penetration of the EU market and its wider neighbourhood; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to ensure that the measures taken to strengthen the resilience of the EU in the face of Chinese influence are also extended to the EU’s closest partners, in particular accession countries and those part of the EUs neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 (new)
Citation -1 (new)
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,
Amendment 2 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 a (new)
Citation -1 a (new)
– having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) ratified by Syria on 21 April 1969,
Amendment 3 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 b (new)
Citation -1 b (new)
– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) ratified by Syria on 21 April 1969,
Amendment 4 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 c (new)
Citation -1 c (new)
– having regard to the accession of Syria as a Member State to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as of 14 October 2013,
Amendment 5 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 d (new)
Citation -1 d (new)
– having regard to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) ratified by Syria on 14 December 2013,
Amendment 8 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 e (new)
Citation -1 e (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254 as adopted on 18 December 2015,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 f (new)
Citation -1 f (new)
– having regard to the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2664 as adopted on 9 December 2022,
Amendment 11 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 g (new)
Citation -1 g (new)
– having regard to the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2672 as adopted on 9 January 2023,
Amendment 12 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 h (new)
Citation -1 h (new)
– having regard to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 77/301 of 29 June 2023, establishing an Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic,
Amendment 14 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 i (new)
Citation -1 i (new)
– having regard to the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic of 14 August 2023 to the 54th regular session of the Human Rights Council,
Amendment 17 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 l (new)
Citation -1 l (new)
– having regard to the operation update for October 2023 by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),
Amendment 18 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 j (new)
Citation -1 j (new)
– having regard to the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 16 November 2023 on the request for the indication of provisional measures for the application of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Canada and the Netherlands v. Syrian Arab Republic),
Amendment 20 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 k (new)
Citation -1 k (new)
– having regard to the order of the Paris Judicial Court (TJP) of 14 November 2023 issuing an international arrest warrant against Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, Maher Al-Assad, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam Al-Hassan,
Amendment 22 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 m (new)
Citation -1 m (new)
– having regard to European Council Decision 2023/1035 of 25 May 2023, that extends the EU sanctions until 1 June 2024,
Amendment 28 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas since 2011 half a million Syrians have died and 142 million have been displaced - around 7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and more than 5 million displaced in neighbouring countries - due to violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups, but mainly as a result of the fierce repression by the Syrian regime, with the help of its allies, of its own people; whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones;
Amendment 37 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, according to UN reports, 90% of the Syrian population lives in poverty and lacks basic goods;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas the ICJ´s order directed Syria to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other abuses, after having considered various reports by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syrian Arab Republic, which concluded that there were “reasonable grounds to believe that the [Syrian] Government continued to commit acts of torture and ill treatment.”;
Amendment 46 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas authoritarian foreign actors, including Russia, the Wagner militia, Hezbollah and Iran, have played a destructive role for the country since 2011, and whereas the Syrian regime does not control the whole of national territory and can remain in power only with the support of these foreign actors; whereas both countries remain major suppliers of military equipment to the regime;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas the Israel-Hamas conflict added a cycle of violence in the region; whereas the spillover effect is being felt in Syria; whereas Syria should abstain from any military involvement in the war in Gaza; whereas the allegedly Israeli strikes in Aleppo and Damascus have led to a temporary halt of the UN´s Humanitarian Air Service;
Amendment 64 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Türkiye is engaging in large-scale armed conduct on Syrian territory on a regular basis; whereas, in October 2023, the Turkish Parliament voted to extend the mandate that allows for military operations in Syria for another two years;
Amendment 78 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas several countries in the region have started to normalise their relations with the Syrian regime, which has led to Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League as decided by the League´s foreign ministers on 7 May 2023, in Cairo, despite Syria´s record of serious international crimes and without any indication that its abusive practices have ceased;
Amendment 79 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas meetings between the Arab League and Syrian regime representatives have been suspended in the meantime;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EU and its Member States have been the largest donors to the people affected by the conflict since 2011, contributing EUR 30 billion; whereas the European aid pledged at the Brussels Conference in June 2023 amounts to EUR 3.8 in humanitarian, development, stabillion out of a total of EUR 5.6 billion; whereas the EU and the Member States provided emergency assistance during the earthquake in Syria and on 23 February 2023 the EU decided on a temporary exemption from sanctions on humanitarian grounds to facilitate the delivery of aid to the victimssation and resilience assistance;
Amendment 82 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the EU together with its Member States pledged at the Brussels Conference in June 2023 amounts to EUR 3.8 billion out of a total of EUR 5.6 billion; whereas the EU and the Member States provided emergency assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake in Syria and on 23 February 2023 the EU decided on a temporary exemption from sanctions on humanitarian grounds to facilitate the delivery of aid to the victims;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas, since mid-August, anti- regime protests have occurred in the Druze-majority Syrian governorate of Souweïda; whereas the demonstrations have been calling for political, civil and human rights for all Syrians;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) reaffirm the EU’s support for Syria’s continued democratic aspirations, despite the regime’s total repression since the peaceful protests in 2011, which has been bolstered by decisive military and financial assistance from Iran and Russia to enable Assad and his cronies to retain power; denounce the regime´s granting of contracts that allow Russia and Iran to access the country´s resources at the expense of the Syrian people;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) stress that despite the sovereign decision of some Arab states to readmit Syria to the Arab League, the Syrian regime has not given any indication that it wants to combat narcotrafficking, a problem originating in Syria and which affects the whole region; condemn the stranglehold of the Assad family and its allies, including Hezbollah, on the drug Captagon, which is estimated to be worth USD 57 billion; note that the brother of Bashar Al-Assad commands the army unit responsible for facilitating the drug’s production;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) condemn the stranglehold of the Assad family and its allies, including Hezbollah, on the drug Captagon, which is estimated to be worth USD 57 billion; note that the brother of Bashar Al-Assad, Maher Al-Assad, commands the army unit responsible for facilitating the drug’s production;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) stress that the fight against impunity in Syria is a moral and political imperative for Europe; welcome the judicial progress made by the Franco- German Joint Investigation Team regarding the 11 000 bodies of torture victims identified in the César report, the suspension of Syria from the International Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the progress made in Germany, France and Sweden in bringing Syrian criminals to justice; welcome the ICJ’s November order directing Syria to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other abuses;
Amendment 195 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) invite the international community, at the 2024 Brussels Conference, to increase urgently its humanitarian assistance to the 15.3 million Syrians who depend on it on a daily basis; insist on access to clean water, sanitation, education and long- term budget support tailored to women’s needs; point out that the EU is the biggest contributor in this regard; welcome the continued efforts of Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye and Iraq to host 6 million refugees while facing difficult economic conditions;
Amendment 196 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) welcome the continued efforts of Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt to host 6 million refugees while facing difficult economic conditions themselves; reiterate the need to guarantee the status of refugees, refraining from any discrimination towards minorities;
Amendment 207 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) strongly condemn Russia’s countless vetos against delivering aid to the people in the north; denounce once again Russia’s attempts to tarnish the image of white helmets, namely on the renewal of UNSC Resolution 2672 (2023) by not allowing to extend the access through Bab al-Hawa; denounce once again Russia’s attempts to tarnish the image of the White Helmets; note the government´s decision to grant further access to UN humanitarian agencies and partners through the corridor of Bab al-Hawa until 13 January 2024, and Bab al-Salam and AlRai until 13 February 2024; remind all parties responsible of the absolute need to keep these accesses open;
Amendment 219 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) recall that Syria cannot be regarded, in whole or in part, as a safe country for the return of its nationals living as refugees in Europe and around the world, people who have fled the crimes of the regime and risk torture and enforced disappearance if they return to Syria; stress that each and every return must be done voluntarily and met with dignified conditions;
Amendment 221 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) recall the vulnerability of Palestine refugees in Syria and of those displaced to neighbouring countries; call in this regard for sustained and additional support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), enabling the Agency to meet the basic needs of an increasingly vulnerable population;
Amendment 15 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas a changing geopolitical context stemming from emerging powers confronting traditional players, attacks on the multilateral system, emerging technologies, climate change, food security issues and migration are among the factors contributing to the spread of conflicts around the world;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the multilateral, rules- based order is being reshaped and some former alliances are beginning to re- emergechallenged;
Amendment 35 #
2023/2050(INI)
D. whereas the Council has appointed nine EU special representatives for different conflict regions to act as mediators and peace facilitators, but their initiatives and the effects of their actions are not visiblneed to be more visible and effective;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU still does not have the necessary confidence to initiate mediation in areas of strategic importance;
Amendment 48 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Russian illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine highlights the need for stronger and more ambitious, credible, strategic and unified EU action on the world stage, and accentuates the necessity of the EU autonomously setting its own strategic objectives and developing and using the capabilities needed to pursue them;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the main obstacle to the EU’s global leadership in preventive diplomacy is the lack of will on the part of the Member States to step away from their individual interests in external relations in order to build joint capacity together; whereas this illustrates the need to reform the decision-making process on matters of foreign policy;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas EU’s actions on preventive diplomacy must be primarily guided by an unwavering commitment to cooperation for democracy and development and trust-building measures between different parts;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge the strong link between EU internal and external security and reflect this when approaching conflict prevention; in this regard, underlines the need to fully exploit the possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty in strengthening existing coordination mechanisms;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) highlights that respect for human rights and the safeguarding of civil liberties must be at the core of internal and external security policy;
Amendment 94 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) adapt the EU’s conflict prevention tools to the changing nature of conflicts, including as a result of climate change and consequent disasters, the rise of new technologies and food scarcity;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) fully use the means at their disposal to prevent conflict, align the EU’s prevention tools with its geopolitical agendapriorities and EU values and act as a caretaker during global tragedies;
Amendment 106 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) call on the Member States to step away from theiret aside individual interests in external relations and build joint capacity together in conflict prevention and mediation;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ensure effective complementarity across Parliament’s preventive diplomacy actions;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2050(INI)
(g) tailor state-building assistance to the cultural, historical and political context of the relevant country receiving it and continuously update it in response to conditions on the ground through rigorous and detailed political analysis for a common strategic response; stresses that such efforts require communications to be opened and fostered with local stakeholders, including civil society organisations and NGOs;
Amendment 131 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point h
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point h
(h) ensure that the EU’s conflict Early Warning System is sufficiently proactive and based on forward-looking, comprehensive and robust analysis of risk factors;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2050(INI)
(i) closely and systematically involve the EU delegations in countries and regions at risk of conflict or dealing with frozen conflict in monitoring the situation on the ground and contributing to the EU conflict Early Warning System;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) consider cultural and historical background when appointing special representatives and envoys in order to avoid sparking controversy in conflict regions should the appointment come from a Member State with historical ties to the region concerned;
Amendment 151 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) improve the transparency and parliamentary scrutiny of the work of the EU special representatives and envoys by providing Parliament with regular and detailed reports on their activities and achievements; promote closer relations between EU special representatives and envoys and the Parliament, in light of the inter-parliamentary diplomatic efforts;
Amendment 167 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) enhance the EU’s ability to rigorously and continuously analyse the political and security situation in crisis regions and adapt the EU’s response to shifting realities on the ground; recalls that any efforts on the ground must be complementary to diplomatic efforts between governments, representatives and other relevant actors on a state-level;
Amendment 177 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) aim to come up with lessons learnt from failed preventive diplomacy efforts in Nagorno-Karabakh in order to avoid future escalations like the one that occurredmediation that resulted in the Azerbaijan’s violent seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September 2023, and situations similar to the one during and after the 2020 war when the EU’s passive stance gave other regional actors, such as Russia, Iran and Türkiye, the opportunity to continue exerting their influence in the region;
Amendment 199 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) ensure a coordinated and dynamic,dynamic and multilateral approach to early warning, conflict prevention and mediation between the EU and other international organisations, such as the UN and the OSCE;
Amendment 203 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) empower national actors, including civil society representatives, to serve as key players in effective prevention and mediation;
Amendment 207 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa
Paragraph 1 – point aa
(aa) use diplomatic means and multilateral platforms for peace to strengthen and consolidate anticipatory relationships before conflicts arise;
Amendment 220 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
(ac a) recall that conflict prevention cannot be instrumentalized for security and geopolitical purposes thus risking counterproductive peace and security repercussions in the long-term;
Amendment 222 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad
Paragraph 1 – point ad
(ad) strengthen the EU’s ability to speak with one voice and to act as a truly global player in response to crises by implementing the necessary reforms to the decision-making processes;
Amendment 225 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae
Paragraph 1 – point ae
(ae) work towards ensuring that the EU takes up a prominent leadership position in peacemaking and mediation around the world by fostering more resilient and enduring connections with other countries through its instruments and mechanisms, such as the Global Gateway;
Amendment 240 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ag
Paragraph 1 – point ag
(ag) step up communication efforts in order to ensure that the EU is seen as a key stakeholder in preventive diplomacy and that its actions and success stories are not undermined by false narratives spread or claimed by other global poweactors present in conflict regions;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of 25 June 1993,
Amendment 8 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
– having regard the Report on the serious threat to the OSCE human dimension in Belarus since 5 November 2020,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
– having regard the Human Rights Watch World Report 2022 on Belarus,
Amendment 22 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas almost three years after the so-called elections on 9 August 2020, the Belarusian authorities are continuing their repression against the Belarusian people; whereas more than 50 000 Belarusians have been illegally arrested and tortured, more than 1 500 persons remain imprisoned on political grounds, many others live under the continuous pressure of intimidation, threats and possible arrest and fabricated charges pressed against them and around 300 000 have left the country for fear of a similar fate;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Lukashenka regime is dangerously undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by deepening Belarus’ integration into the Union State with Russia; whereas the regime continues its policy of russification of Belarus and suppression of Belarus language and national identity;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Lukashenka regime is dangerously undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by deepening Belarus’ integration into the Union State with Russia, risking (partial) de facto governance from Moscow;
Amendment 44 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Lukashenka regime continues to marginalise national and religious minorities, as well as to prosecute political parties, trade unions and civil society organisations, and lawyers representing political prisoners;
Amendment 46 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the Belarus Orthodox church in many cases serves the interests of the regime - it has removed senior bishops and lower clergy seen as disloyal to the regime, and given the regime lists of priests who have supported protests against the falsified presidential elections of 2020; whereas the leadership of the Belarusian Orthodox Church supports Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Belarusian authorities actively support and have become acfully complicesit in Russia’s unjustified war of aggression and its war crimes against Ukraine;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Lukashenka regime poses a direct threat to the EU and its citizens by continuing to instrumentalise migration' security, accepting the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory and refusing to implement nuclear safety requirements at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Astravyets;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have a well-established and internationally recognised structure, including the recent formation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels and whereas both the United Transitional Cabinet, members in the diaspora of various democratic opposition parties and other Belarusians play a vital role in the continued active support to political prisoners, their families and activists still in Belarus;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have a well-established and internationally recognised structure, including the Coordination Council, the recent formation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the other leaders of democratic political parties have declared their European aspirations for the new Belarus;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. UrgesDemands from the Belarusian regime to end this spiral of violence, torture and repression against dissenting voices and perceived critics, to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners, their family members and all persons arbitrarily detained, and to engage in a genuine dialoguethe negotiations with representatives of the democratic forces and civil society in order to find a way out of the current political crisis through the organisation of free and fair elections to be organised under international observation led by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe;
Amendment 119 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Expresses deep concern over the alleged use of the forced labour of inmates in Belarusian penal colonies in particular by suppliers to major EU-based companies; calls on all EU-based companies to terminate relations with any Belarusian suppliers which use forced labour in their supply chains as far as not yet falling under restrictive measures, and calls on the Council to impose sanctions on any Belarusian companies which use forced labour in their supply chains;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Demands that the Lukashenka regime provides a proper medical care to all political prisoners and provides access to them for the international medical experts; demands an independent investigation into the deaths of political prisoners under custody by the regime;
Amendment 138 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Denounces politically motivated ‘show trials’ and trumped up charges aimed at instilling fear in representatives and supporters of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, free trade unions and human rights defenders, and in particular the recent sentencing to long prison terms of Nobel Peace Prize and Sakharov Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Uladzimir Labkovich, Raman Pratasevich, Henadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vatslau Areshka, and Mikalai Statkevich, as well as the sentencing in absentia of leading figures of the democratic forces such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Maroz, Volha Kavalkova, Siarhei Dyleuski, Valery Tsapkala, Stsiapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik on spurious charges of ‘conspiracy to seize power’ or ‘forming extremist organisations’; encourages the Council and the Commission to identify novel avenues to work towards the release of all political prisoners;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Denounces politically motivated ‘show trials’ aimed at instilling fear in representatives and supporters of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, free trade unions and human rights defenders, and in particular the recent sentencing to long prison terms of Nobel Peace Prize and Sakharov Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Uladzimir Labkovich, Raman Pratasevich, Henadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vatslau Areshka, Maryna Zolatava, Ludmila Chekina and Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk as well as the sentencing in absentia of leading figures of the democratic forces such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Maroz, Volha Kavalkova, Siarhei Dyleuski, Valery Tsapkala, Stsiapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik on spurious charges of ‘conspiracy to seize power’ or ‘forming extremist organisations’;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Denounces politically motivated ‘show trials’ aimed at instilling fear in representatives and supporters of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, free trade unions and human rights defenders, and in particular the recent sentencing to long prison terms of Nobel Peace Prize and Sakharov Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Uladzimir Labkovich, Raman Pratasevich, Henadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vatslau Areshka, as well as the sentencing in absentia of leading figures of the democratic forces such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Maroz, Volha Kavalkova, Siarhei Dyleuski, Valery Tsapkala, Stsiapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik on spurious charges of ‘conspiracy to seize power’ or ‘forming extremist organisations’;
Amendment 150 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the Belarussian government to end discrimination and violence against all minorities, in particular ethnic, religious and sexual minorities;
Amendment 156 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Belarussian government to impose an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as a step towards its abolition;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses its earlier call on the EU to ensure that the special tribunal to punish Russian crimes committed in- and against Ukraine must also have jurisdiction to be able to also investigate and eventually prosecute Aliaksandr Lukashenka and his regime;
Amendment 176 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Belarusian regime’s involvement in Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, including the massive provision of ammunition and military hardware to the Russian aggressors and the use of Belarusian territory and airspace as a staging ground to launch missile attacks on military and civilian targets in Ukraine; notes that the vast majority of Belarusians disapprove of this multifaceted involvement in Russia’s war of aggression; expresses its support for the Belarusian volunteers, in particular the ‘Kalinouski’ and ‘Pahonia’ regiments, who are bravely fighting alongside the Ukrainian army to repel the aggressors;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to take all the actions necessary to enable the criminal prosecution of Belarusian officials who are complicit in the war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and the crime of aggression committed in Ukraine in particular noting the regime's collaboration, responsibility and active involvement in facilitating and executing the abduction and deportation of at least 2150 Ukrainian Children as investigated by the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAU);
Amendment 185 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to take all the actions necessary to enable the criminal prosecution of, including issuing an international arrest warrant of Aliaksandr Lukashenka and of all other Belarusian officials who are complicit in the war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and the crime of aggression committed in Ukraine;
Amendment 197 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to harmonize sanctions regime against Belarus and Russia in order to reduce possibility of sanction evasion; calls on the EU and its international partners to start legal proceedings against any EU or 3rd country individual or entity that helps Belarus with sanctions evasion;
Amendment 199 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on member states to refrain from lobbying openly or behind the scenes in favour of softening any of the restrictive measures against Belarus and instead to foster solidarity among member states to find solutions for problems caused by the imposed sanctions;
Amendment 203 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with great concern the rampant economic, political and military integration of Belarus into the Union State with Russia; condemns the announced deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons under Russian command on Belarusian territory; calls for the EU and the Member States to maintain unity in addressing the multifaceted threats posed by the Lukashenka regime to the EU, in particular the continued state-engineered illegal migration crisis at the borders of Belarus with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and to work in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure nuclear safety at the Belarusian NPP;
Amendment 205 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with great concern the rampant economic, political and military integration of Belarus into the Union State with Russia; condemns the announced deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons under Russian command on Belarusian territory; reiterates that such deployment is in violation of NPT, and that it may trigger further nuclear redeployments in the region; calls on the EU and its Member States to take all possible step to prevent such deployment; calls for the EU and the Member States to maintain unity in addressing the multifaceted threats posed by the Lukashenka regime to the EU, in particular the continued state-engineered illegal migration crisis at the borders of Belarus with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and to work in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure nuclear safety at the Belarusian NPP;
Amendment 215 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to maintain unity in addressing the multifaceted threats posed by the Lukashenka regime to the EU, in particular the weaponisation of migrants at the borders of Belarus; stresses the need to guarantee the right to asylum while providing humane and dignified reception conditions to migrants and asylum-seekers stranded at the border;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the need for Council and Commission to be prepared for different scenarios such as (forced) replacement of Lukashenka or the de-facto annexation of Belarus materializing in complete annexation or occupation and to consult with the United Transitional Cabinet regarding these different scenarios;
Amendment 217 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Condemns the increasing restrictions by the regime on the activities of the democratic parties, independent trade unions, civil society organisations; calls on the EU and its Member States to continue and increase support and cooperation with them;
Amendment 251 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on signing of an agreement to formalise and systematise cooperation between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus, including the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council;
Amendment 255 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on the EU institutions to continue its support to the independent Belarus academic institutions, including European Humanities University, as well as to cultural, educational and professional training programs;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas inequalities are amongst the root causes of instability, insecurity and violence;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of the EU’s external action;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas human development remains a key area for the EU’s external and development policies; whereas investments in health care, education, nutrition and social protection are paramount to ensure universal access to these services which constitute basic human rights;
Amendment 46 #
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 and EU’s new priorities; recognises the enhanced importance of strategic partnerships with partner countries and the specific role of EU investments, which have to reflect both the interests of the EU and the interests of our partners;
Amendment 70 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
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;
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 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 205 #
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 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;
Amendment 225 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. ConsiderUnderlines that the geopolitical challenges that emerged with the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine 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; 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;
Amendment 232 #
2023/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Insists that Parliament is an integral part of Team Europe and should be treated as such, and; therefore, it expects more frequent, detailed and meaningful information about the implementation of the Instrument;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the European Court of Human Rights, Cyprus v. Turkey, Judgment of 2001,
Amendment 119 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States, particularly Cyprus;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Remains deeply concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary, the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, the serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly freedom of expression and, of association and of assembly – and the constant attacks on the fundamental rights of members of the opposition, lawyers, journalists, academics and civil society activists in Türkiye; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; expresses concern about the deterioration of the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitutionstresses the need for a free, transparent and balanced media landscape;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Remains deeply concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary; urges the government to ensure due process and the right to a fair trial to all; expresses concern about reports of excessive violence being imposed on prisoners; strongly stresses the need to ensure humane treatment of all prisoners, in accordance with basic human rights;
Amendment 216 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; condemns Türkiye’s military action in Syria; calls on Turkey to end its occupation of Syrian territories and its impact on the Kurdish population;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Expresses concern about the deterioration of the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution; in this regard, urges Türkiye to re-join to the Istanbul Convention;
Amendment 219 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Recognizes Türkiye’s hosting of 4 million refugees and the challenges stemming from those efforts; reiterates that returns of refugees should only happen on a voluntary basis, if and only if are done safely; firmly objects to any instrumentalisation and weaponisation of migrants by the Turkish Government; underlines the need to ensure the protection of all refugees’ and migrant’s rights and freedoms;
Amendment 228 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and, fundamental rights and the protection and inclusion of all ethnic, religious and sexual minorities that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process;
Amendment 289 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Praises the important work of the United Nations-facilitated bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons (CMP); it recalls Türkiye that this is a major long- standing humanitarian issue that severely perpetuates the suffering of the Greek- Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot missing persons and of their relatives; calls on Türkiye to conduct a meaningful and effective investigation for the ascertainment of the fate or whereabouts of the Greek-Cypriot missing persons - in line with the 2001 judgment on the interstate application of Cyprus against Turkey - delivered by the European Court of Human Rights, and to grant CMP full access to all relevant archives and military areas to be followed up by concrete actions and further expedited;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges Montenegro to put in place a credible and effective criminal justice response to corruption; notes the improvement in the prevention of corruption and the positive trend in the work of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption; is concerned about the lack of progress in the fight against corruption, including high-level corruption;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on Montenegro to step up its efforts to combat hate speech, online harassment, politically biased reporting and foreign influence in the Montenegrin media; recalls that hate speech incidents against ethnic and sexual minorities, such as homophobic incidents against LGTBIQ+ persons, are a matter of grave concern;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2202(INI)
18. Expresses its concern about the deep political polarisation in the media landscape and the pressure being put on the local media market by expanding regional media competition; calls for further efforts in fostering a wide and respectful dialogue between different stakeholders, including civil society, to ensure political stability and reduce the polarisation;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes some positive steps, such as the introduction of tougher penalties for attacks and threats against journalists, and the establishment of the ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media; reiterates, however, the need for the effective implementation of its findings and recommendations; highlights the need for an environment conducive to investigative journalism; stresses the importance of media freedom, media independence and media transparency as key elements a strong democracy;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the country’s multi- ethnic identity and calls for the further promotion of and respect for all languages, cultural heritage and traditions of local communities; regrets the fact that societal polarisation and divisions have intensified; emphasises the need to protect the rights of all of the nationall minorities and urges for strengthened, applied and implemented institutional and legal frameworks in this regard, including a new anti-discrimination law’ political, social and economic rights;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Emphasises the need to protect the rights of all minorities and urges for strengthened, applied and implemented institutional and legal frameworks in this regard, including a new anti- discrimination law; in this regard, recalls the need to implement fully and effectively the 2021-2025 Strategy for the inclusion of Roma and Egyptians; calls for further steps to be taken to promote the wide inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community, including in the public sector;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on Montenegro to improve access to justice and to ensure better follow-up and enforcement of rights in proceedings on domestic violence, as well as enhanced protection; demonstrates concern regarding all gender-based violence; in this regard, stresses the need to eradicate all forms of discrimination and to address deeply rooted societal behaviours that discriminate against women;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines the key role of civil society organisations in functioning democracies; stresses that civil society, together with independent experts and local stakeholders, should be consulted in developing key legislation; notes that funding rules for civil society organisations have been set up, but only a limited number of the ministries have launched calls to award grants to these organisations;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to the Dayton Peace Agreement that establishes the mandate of the OSCE Mission in BiH,
Amendment 104 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recognizes BiH´s continued dialogue with the OSCE Mission on its goal to promote stability and reconciliation, advance understanding of and respect for human rights and in confidence and security building;
Amendment 277 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Notes local authorities’ efforts in the promotion of LGBTI+ friendly environment; calls for practical steps to be taken to promote the inclusion of and to prevent violence against LGBTI+ community;
Amendment 291 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Calls for harmonization and implementation of legislation in line with the Istanbul Convention;
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 12 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU has allocated EUR 76 million for the first four years (2021- 2024) of its seven-year Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 for Uzbekistan, with an additional EUR 7 million earmarked for supporting human rights and civil society organisations; whereas the EU has contributed over EUR 5.2 million to the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region under the European Green Deal; whereas the EU committed of planting over 27 000 trees in 2022, in cooperation with the Uzbek government's attempts to reclaim the land from the Aralkum desert;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which aims to achieve genuine change in the country in socioeconomic development, efficient administration and respect for human rights; stresses that the constitutional reform is an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law and to give the reforms a solid legal foundation with access to free and open internet and media; calls on the authorities of Uzbekistan to continue this process in consultation with citizens and stakeholders, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe , based on international norms and best practices;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. NAcknowledges that there are serious challenges to regional engagement in the current geopolitical climate, particularly with the global non- recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan and the impact of international sanctions on economic plans and connectivity initiatives; notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites Uzbekistan to use its contacts with the Taliban to call for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls and minorities, which are essential conditions for greater international engagement with Afghanistan, including through connectivity to support human rights and prevent the effects of regional radicalisation and conflict-induced migration; reiterates its strong condemnation of the Taliban’s decisions to ban women and girls from attending secondary and university education and to prohibit the employment of women with non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Commends Uzbekistan for hosting refugees from Afghanistan and for the annual international meetings on Afghanistan since 2019, which have seen participation from a diverse range of states, including the Taliban, and provided a forum for constructive discussions on regional stability; urges the Uzbek government to sign and ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and allow more Afghan refugees to seek refuge or to transit the country;
Amendment 101 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the agreement of 27 January 2023 between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, which settles the outstanding issues between the two sides and completes a process that lasted three decades; commends Uzbekistan for being able to settle complex issues of water use, delimitation, and border disputes with its neighbours, like Tajikistan; acknowledges Uzbekistan's instrumental role in fostering closer ties with neighbouring countries, including Kazakhstan, through a range of connectivity projects; emphasises the importance of regional stability and urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any potential conflict in a peaceful and diplomatic manner; encourages Uzbekistan, as the leading electricity producer in Central Asia, to prioritize sustainable energy solutions for the region's long-term benefit;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the Uzbek government's adoption of the Water Sector Development Strategy 2020-2030 and their efforts to mobilise international support to tackle the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster; welcomes that the EU and other organisations/institutions are involved in the improvement of the environmental, but also of the socio-economic situation in the Aral Sea region; calls on the international community to continue supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to address global water problems and to mitigate the consequences of the Aral Sea tragedy, such as the recently announced Aral Culture Summit project, which will bring together the local and international community and promote sustainable agriculture;
Amendment 118 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Takes notes of the upcoming constitutional referendum in Uzbekistan, scheduled for 30 April 2023, which aims to bring significant changes to the country's legal framework; is, however, concerned about the motives behind Uzbekistan's proposed constitutional changes, particularly the suspicion that the reform is designed to allow President Mirziyoyev to extend his time in office; urges the government to ensure that any change to term limits is made in a transparent and democratic manner and that it does not undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law; underlines that the process of Uzbekistan's democratisation should be accelerated with this new constitution, if adopted, given that the country is still far from having a genuinely pluralistic political environment;
Amendment 132 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the barriers to NGO registration and the obligations imposed on NGOs receiving foreign funding by the Regulation on Coordination Between Non- Governmental Non-Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities in the Implementation of International Grant Projects approved by Decree No 328 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on 13 June 2022, which shrink the space for civil society activities and impede the exercise of the freedom of association; underlines that the barrier to NGO registration will also affect EU-Uzbekistan business relations since EU and Member States’ due diligence legislation will require NGO monitoring capacity; stresses that the EU funding should be conditional on the improvement of the situation of human rights;
Amendment 139 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. SExpresses deep concern over Uzbekistan's poor record on democracy, media freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as reported by international human rights organisations; regrets that opposition parties are practically not allowed to function inside the country and that ethnic and religious minorities are often underrepresented in state structures and discriminated against; calls on the Uzbek government to respect the freedom of association both for NGOs and political parties; regrets that despite some improvements in the fight against corruption, bribery, nepotism and extortion are still widespread throughout the public administration; stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers, content producers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and, threats, torture and to investigate any attacks against them; including the promotion of Uzbek language media and enhanced digital training programs against disinformation also based on the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Digital Services Act (DSA); strongly condemns the draft Information Code proposed by Uzbekistan's Information and Mass Communications Agency, which poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and human rights in the country;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassmentviolence, harassment, unfounded detention, pressure and threats and to investigate any attacks against them; underlines that transparency and freedom of media are essential for the consolidation and the safeguarding of democracy;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that despite the adoption of a number of laws, including the Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence of 2019, gender-based violence against women remains widespread; regrets that domestic violence is not defined or specifically criminalised in Uzbekistan’s legislationacknowledges the recent legislative measures in Uzbekistan on providing women and children with greater legal protection against gender-based violence; calls on the authorities to takecontinue taking measures to bring Uzbekistan into line with its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, as indicated in the concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Uzbekistan by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; calls on Uzbek authorities to work with civil society organisations and international partners to address these issuescontinue their work with local and international civil society organisations and partners to address these issues; expects the Uzbek authorities to promote gender equality in the education sector, in the workplace and in the whole public administration; calls on the government to decriminalise consensual same-sex sexual conduct and emphasises the need for non-discrimination and protection of the LGBTIQ+ community;
Amendment 174 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Expects the Uzbek authorities to ensure equal opportunities and access to education for all students in Uzbekistan, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Amendment 179 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10d. Stresses the need to take legal and practical steps to ensure the protection, the non-discrimination and the effective inclusion of minorities; emphasises that the protection of the LGBTI+ community and the registration of NGOs working on sexual diversity issues is not guaranteed by the current legal framework; underlines the importance of freedom of religion and belief;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right of citizens to vote, to stand for and to be elected in periodic, genuine democratic elections are fundamental, internationally recognised human rights;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas genuine democratic elections are an indispensable aspect of inclusive and accountable governance, as they provide a mandate to the authorities from citizens;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the right to participate in genuine elections is not respected in autocratic and illiberal regimes, which conduct sham elections with the goal of entrenching their power; whereas such elections are not free and fair or transparent, lack real political contestation and place undue restrictions on the right to both vote, to stand for election and be elected;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the severity and scale of attacks against non-partisan election observers –including harassment, defamation, threats, violations of rights and physical violence – have intensified in recent years, creating an environment of uncertainty and insecurity with regard to their important work; whereas the EU considers election observers to be human rights defenders;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas tensions between democracies and authoritarian regimes are becoming more geopolitical; whereas this trend requires the EU to raise its democratic concerns to the highest political level, including by building more strategic alliances for democracy and by considering the promotion and defence of democracy as a strategic interest and as a key part of its geo-economic and trade strategies;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the EU should adopt a systematic approach concerning the right to participate, including by demonstrating its strong link with human rights, democracy and the rule of law; whereas EU actors should not contribute to legitimising leaders of illiberal and autocratic regimes;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) design and implement more decisive and effective EU actions to promote and protect the right to participate, as part of a much broader strategy on human rights and democracy support;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) recognise the crucial role of civil society in delegitimising and denouncing fake elections in the eyes of local populations; support civil society organisations, human rights defenders and the media, including through capacity building and communications strategies, and by gathering data on violations of the right to participate in genuine elections; support, in particular, local elections observers, whose activities increase people’s belief that their right to participate in genuine elections will be respected; highlights that media financing transparency and a true free and independent media are key to prevent undue influences;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) givprovide more support to initiatives related to election observation training and, knowledge building and engagement with local media and civil society organisations;
Amendment 85 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) underlines the need to equip EU election observation missions with appropriate and up-to-date technical expertise on electronic voting and similar systems;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) explore the possibility of introducing a standing invitation for election observation within the democratic clause in EU agreements, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences and equivalent mechanisms, given the current reluctance of many countries to send election observation invitations to the EU; support Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group and its work, especially in the framework of election observation;
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 25 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure the mainstreaming of the outermost regions and their specificities in future legislative acts, including, when appropriate, by conducting dedicated impact assessments; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure monitoring and reporting tools on the implementation of legislative measures in the outermost regions to assess their adequacy and tailor-made solutions;
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 6 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the action plan entitled ‘Strategic Compass for Security and Defence – For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’, which was approvdopted by the Council on 21 March 2022 and endorsed by the European Council on 25 March 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the Response Force of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Response Force (NRF),
Amendment 24 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational missions abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, NATO, international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational mississions and operations abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union has extensive experience in deploying multinational missions abroad in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world; whereas these common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions regularly operate alongside and complement missions of the Member States, United Nations, and other international organisations and third countries;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas candidate and association countries have also contributed to CSDP missions;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Strategic Compass sets out EU-level action in many of these areas; whereas the European Defence Fund and the European Peace Facility are EU instruments which have already been deployed and that are designed to improve military capabilities and foster operational cooperation and burden- sharing abroad;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the European Defence Fund is an EU instrument which has already been deployed and is designed to improve military capabilities including regarding the industrial base;
Amendment 74 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Amendment 77 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Battlegroup Concept has helped develop multinational defence cooperation and interoperability, as well as transformation for rapid deployment and force modernisation, yet, despite these benefits, the non-use of this asset over a period of 15 years has been politically embarrassing given the EU’s aspirations in this area, and raises questions over the justifiability of its costs;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas problems related to decision making and political will have structurally hampered the deployment of the EU Battlegroups since their creation in 2007;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in cases when EU battlegroups have not been used, individual EU Member States have often acted outside the EU framework instead, either on their own or with other EU or non-EU states, inevitably constraining, if not undermining, the EU’s stated aspiration for ‘integration’ across policy tools, institutions and actors in pursuit of common interests and values also in foreign policy, and also excluding both formal and informal democratic oversight and scrutiny through the European Parliament;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in cases when EU bBattlegroups have not been usdeployed, individual EU Member States have oftenccasionally acted outside the EU framework instead, either on their own or with other EU or non-EU states;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas there has been confusion about the list of tasks for the Battlegroups;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas the Battlegroups’ format has appeared insufficient to operate successfully in hostile environments and has also been considered not sufficiently adaptable to meet the variable needs of a range of crisis situations, while also the pace of political decision making and potential deployment have been criticised, particularly when compared with alternative national options to address quickly evolving problems on the ground;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas the ‘costs lie were they fall' principle for Battlegroup funding provides no incentive for troop contributing Member States to actually deploy them during their standby period; whereas this has been an underlying reason for vetoes in troop contribution by Member States; whereas the additional costs for the use of a Battlegroup are also not covered largely, if not wholly, by common funding, yet giving further reasons to Member States on why the Battlegroup should not be used during their rotation turn;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J d (new)
Recital J d (new)
Jd. whereas the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Council have formally recognised financing of the Battlegroups as ‘the most significant obstacle; whereas evidence and previous examples suggest that it appeared to be much easier to come to a decision if there are no additional costs for nations involved;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J e (new)
Recital J e (new)
Je. whereas whenever Member States were unwilling to authorise the use of their Battlegroups despite a clear need, opportunity and feasibility to do so, they were not publicly called out and were allowed to save face; whereas this meant that each time the use of Battlegroups was discussed but did not materialise, a negative precedent was created that undermined the spirit of solidarity and cooperation; whereas instead of creating a virtuous circle whereby the successful use of the Battlegroup in one case would create political incentives and mutual obligations for their future use, a vicious circle emerged that eroded political willingness to use such asset;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J f (new)
Recital J f (new)
Jf. whereas the early years of the Battlegroups’ existence were marked by declining momentum for EU CSDP, particularly due to defence cuts after the 2008 financial crisis;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J g (new)
Recital J g (new)
Jg. whereas actual convergence among Member States in terms of threat priorities faced by the European Union and the need to be able to rapidly respond to them remained relatively limited; whereas the Strategic Compass considerably advances in this area through the common threat analysis, significantly addressing this issue;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the Strategic Compass sets out a clear roadmap for implementing EU- level actions, in particular for transforming the EU battlegroup system,by establishing a rRapid dDeployment cCapacity (RDC) building on substantially modified EU Battlegroups and paving the way towards entrusting the implementation of specific CSDP tasks to a group of Member States within the Union framework in accordance with Articles 42(5) and 44 of the TEU;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the practicalossible implementation of Article 44 of the TEU, as well as the establishment and operation of the EU RDC, should be considered among the main aspects of the CSDP on which the Vice- President of the European Commission / High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) needs to regularly consult Parliament;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
Oa. whereas potential participants in such coalitions of the willing apparently feared that the cost-benefit calculation is not favourable enough to justify the expected loss of control over the key parameters of an operation;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas, in line with Article 41 of the TEU and previous practice building on the experience of the European security and defence college, the administrative and operating expenditure for the RDC should be charged to the Union budget except for expenditure that is covered by the European Peace Facility, notwithstanding the possibility for participating Member States to make free- of-charge contributions to the RDC;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the VP/HR’s proposal, enshrined in the Strategic Compass, to establish anthe EU RDC; stresses the importance of the EU having the necessary capabilities and structures to take action rapidly and decisively during crises in order to serve and protect the Union’s citizens, interests and values across the world;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Highlights that the RDC is a key element for the European Union's strategic autonomy and will represent a significant improvement of our capacities in security and defence; Highlights that the establishment of the RDC will create new security synergies and strengthen collective defence also in the relations with our partners;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Strongly encourages the VP/HR to propose a Council Decision onthe establishing an EU RDC to protect the Union’s values and serve its interests along the following lines:
Amendment 179 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) The conceptual planning for the RDC should be focused, but not limited to, on crisis management tasks laid in TEU Article 43, but precepts of Article 42 and Solidarity Clause 222 should not be excluded;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b
Paragraph 2 – point b
(b) The RDC’s tasks should include, but not be limited to, rescue and evacuation operations, initial entry and initial phase of stabilisation operations, temporary reinforcement of other missions, and acting as a reserve force to secure exit; the Council could assign further tasks as referred to under Article 44 of the TEU, and the duration and scope of the assignments should be consistent with resources allocated to the RDC; notes that flexibility should be introduced in task and scenario planning in order to be prepared to address all possible crisis situations;
Amendment 192 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point c
Paragraph 2 – point c
(c) The RDC should number at least 5 000 troops, excluding strategic enablers such as air and sea lift personnel, intelligence assets, special operations forces and medical evacuation and care units; the target number for the RDC should be at least between 7 000 and 10 000 troops in total; notes that an exact number of minimum troops can only be given after conceptual planners have analysed the potential scenarios;
Amendment 202 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO; further notes that the term ‘non- permissive environment’ can refer to a terrorist or a conventional threat, but could also include all kinds of hybrid threats, such as cyber-attacks, information warfare or even weapons of mass destruction; notes that the RDC is not limited to use in such environment but also in so-called permissive environments if decided to;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO; notes that the scenarios should cover, among others, two guidelines in the Strategic Compass: a) operations in a ‘non-permissive environment’, and b) the suggested role division with NATO and the related most likely geographical areas for the RDC to focus on;
Amendment 208 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d
Paragraph 2 – point d
(d) The RDC should frequently simulate scenarios and hold joint exercises at the strategic, joint forces and tactical level, to be scheduled by the HR/VP, following uniform training and certification standards such as those in NATO;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) The Commander of the RDC should the Director General of the EU Military Staff (EUMS) or a commanding officer with the same rank and it should be organised according to the common scheme of European multinational joint staffs;
Amendment 233 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point g
Paragraph 2 – point g
(g) Similarly, its operating expenditure should be funded from the Union budget with the exception of expenditure that is charged to the European Peace Facility; notes that EPF budget rules permit it, ‘if the Council so decides’; encourages the Council to decide positively in such cases;
Amendment 241 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) Since the RDC will be constituted of up to 10000 troops that will train and ultimately go into action together, the soldiers should be able to enjoy the same working and social rights;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 256 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the increase in ambition of the RDC compared to Battlegroups is primarily in quality because it solves the shortfall of the Battlegroups, which lacked high readiness air and sea components and strategic enablers; considers that the RDC has great potential to substantially improve on the Battlegroups, strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, and positively contribute to the EU’s integrated approach to security and peace;
Amendment 257 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Considers that the EU Battlegroup Concept suffers from structural design flaws as Battlegroup contributor nations on standby are supposed to act in relation to needs on the ground, and to protect the Union’s values and serve its interests as laid down in the EU’s Treaties, EU strategic documents and concrete policies, while in practice, Battlegroup contributor states still undertook national cost-benefit calculations each time a request for deployment was made, and did not hesitate to cast their veto even if they preferred to provide alternative justifications; calls on the Member States to transform the EU Battlegroup System to match the needs of the Capacity; considers that the EU Battlegroups should be funded from the Union budget during their stand-up, stand-by and stand-down phases;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Acknowledges that it is only natural that Member States have their own strategic cultures that may differ in important aspects, like perception of the most salient threats, willingness to use lethal force and accept risks, authorisation requirements and scrutiny by parliaments and public opinion, and attitudes towards key partners, but yet there needs to be further steps towards greater convergence over this issues given the common challenges the EU and its Member States face;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls for, insofar the EU RDC relies on rotating units and reformed Battlegroups, the rotation period of six months for Member States be extended to remove incentives on Member States to delay decision making when it is ‘their turn’, keeping in mind that smaller countries may not be able to maintain those long periods and should be allowed to rotate faster;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Points out that more than 50% of the seven years budget of the EPF has already been spent towards assisting Ukraine counter the Russian invasion, with five more years to go, which can significantly frustrate the development and use of the RDC; notes therefore that decisions need to be taken on how to increase the budget in order to come back to the agreed levels for the remaining years while maintaining the necessary assistance to Ukraine;
Amendment 261 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Calls on the Member States and EEAS to urgently address structural gaps in strategic enablers through utilising the EU Military Committee’s, European Defence Agency’s and EDF’s expertise and capacities in combination with coordinated efforts through the Permanent Structured Cooperation framework; stresses that these strategic enablers need to be tailor-made for the RDC’s needs and will be prioritised for its use; calls on the Commission and the HR/VP to also identify the financial needs to address those gaps;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Highlights that the VP/HR should have a major role in synchronising actions with NATO such that the EU ambition is not frustrated by NATO and vice versa;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the bulk of the RDC modules should need to stay at a standard readiness level, except those for high urgency tasks; notes that, depending on the security situation, the MPCC could decide to increase the readiness of modules which might be necessary for a specific mission;
Amendment 274 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that the EU RDC should also serve as a driver for capability development, in particular with regard to solving European shortfalls in the area of strategic enablers;
Amendment 275 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points out that the EU should interact and coordinate with NATO in order to create synergies between the readiness categories of the EU RDC and the NATO Response Force;
Amendment 276 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Notes that given that the EU RDC deployment depends on the short notice availability of Communication and Information Structures (CIS), development of integrated CIS structures at the European level is advisable, including drawing on the EU's secure connectivity programme;
Amendment 277 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Considers that the EU Satellite Centre should provide their services and expertise to the EU RDC and calls for the future necessary arrangements to be made, including ensuring that adequate funding is made available to EUSatCen under the relevant headings of the Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 278 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Recalls that sustained investment in solving Europe’s military shortfalls should be sought by European collaboration also, instead of by only seeking national solutions, as it is a basic requirement to effectively realise the EU RDC and therefore to successfully contributing in developing the EU as a serious and credible geopolitical actor;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Highlights that the aspirations expressed in the SC will only be met if Member States are able to increase their national defence capabilities;
Amendment 282 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the RDC should have permanent operational headquarters under the Military Planning and Conduct Capability in order to ensure its effectiveness; (MPCC), to ensure its effectiveness; stresses the need to bring the MPCC to full operational capacity and improve its capabilities through increasing the number of its permanent staff up to 350, relocating it to larger premises jointly with other CSDP-related structures such as the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, the EU Intelligence and Situation Centre and the EUMS, and urgently develop a dedicated communication and information system for its needs; notes that is advisable to keep one or more national ‘High Readiness’ OHQs as a fall-back option to anticipate a scenario in which multiple crises present themselves at the same time;
Amendment 292 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that ultimately, the RDC should build-up on the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) towards a full architecture of Operation Headquarters (OHQ), able to conduct all EU military operations by offering the opportunity to centralise military and strategic command and control in Brussels, and allowing to coordinate also with actors responsible for civilian crisis management as well as having fluid interlocution with the EEAS and the European Commission;
Amendment 295 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Considers that, in order to avoid the risk of decisions about the creation and design of the RDC becoming disconnected from the core aspirations of the EU’s integrated approach, the HR/VP should regularly inform the European Parliament as stated in TEU Article 36, and the European Parliament should check and demand that all EU actions are sufficiently coordinated to maximise coherence and effectiveness;
Amendment 299 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU RDC to have the possibility tof being deployed and act ing in case of emergenciesy, natural disasters such as floods or wildfires, or other significant civil- protection criseis inside EU territory, where possible, at the proposal of the VP/HRHR/VP, in close coordination with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and following the pertinent authorisation procedures;
Amendment 309 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the potential of the EU RDC to positively contribute to the Commission's RESCEU approach, especially in matters such as forest fire fighting inside EU territory;
Amendment 310 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights the positive contribution of the European aerospace industry to our defence and civil protection capabilities, and in particular Airbus’ success in equipping the A400M as a firefighter tank plane, and the future FCAS system led by France, Germany and Spain;
Amendment 314 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – introductory part
Paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. Calls on the Member States participating in the RDC to agree to act in the name of the European Union as mandated by the Council under Article 44 of the TEU and to thereby use all the tools in the Treaty to increase credibility, flexibility, and efficiency of the EU’s crisis management:
Amendment 329 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the political and economic incentives need to change in order to improve the prospects for using Article 44; calls for greater access to common funding for additional costs to Member States utilising Article 44 and greater flexibility concerning operational decisions and the drafting of the Crisis Management Concept and Operational Plan; suggests the use of scenarios to simulate potential use of Article 44 in advance and to clarify associated modalities;
Amendment 332 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that incentives for the use of the RDC need to change in order to allow greater proportion of the costs to be carried from the EU common budget, or at least the costs which cannot be planned for; for the Council to provide more freedom to these coalitions for instance, by letting them write the operating plan, especially in situations when speed is essential; in making oversight requirements for operations proportionate and reasonable, rather than requiring such coalitions to seek a unanimous agreement for every small operational change; and ensuring that Article 44 covers the whole operation, not just parts of it;
Amendment 334 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that the use of Article 44 offers significant benefits compared to Member States acting outside the EU framework in situations where troop deployment needs to be rapid to prevent further escalation and where the risks to combat troops are at the higher end;
Amendment 337 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that the use of Article 44 offers significant benefits such as speed, flexibility and freedom of action, whilst preserving joint EU action compared to Member States acting outside the EU framework;
Amendment 339 #
2022/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Member States and the RDC to follow the EU’s integrated approach to ensure effective coordination of an EU response throughout the different phases of a crisis or conflict, combining defence and security activities with development and diplomatic actions;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas recent years have shown a growing pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing journalists, in particular war correspondents and investigative journalists working to expose corruption; whereas this is a situation that requires urgent action to uphold the essential role of the independent media in ensuring transparency and accountability;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2022, 66 journalists were killed and 64 were reported missing; whereas, in line with the data published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 1,668 journalists have been killed worldwide in connection with their work between 2003 and 2022 and a total of 533 journalists are detained in accordance with RSF’s 2022 annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas transparency of media ownership and funding is an absolute precondition for ensuring media pluralism and independent journalism;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas female journalists face gender-specific forms of violence, such as sexual and online harassment; whereas online harassment and abuse are often highly sexualised, based not on the content of victims’ work, but on their physical traits, cultural backgrounds or private lives; whereas these threats may lead female journalists to self-censor and have a chilling effect on press freedom and freedom of expression; whereas experts have consistently found evidence that women are in the minority across media sectors, particularly in creative roles, and are severely underrepresented at senior decision-making levels; whereas misogyny behaviour and gender-based violence against women journalists online cannot be tolerated or normalised; whereas sexist hate speech is stigmatising, generates fear and shame, as well as psychological, professional and reputational damage, it also raises concerns related to digital privacy and security threats; whereas in extreme cases, online threats that are not criminalised can escalate to physical violence, harassment and abuse in offline contexts;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas in several countries, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are used by political and financial actors for the purpose of silencing critical voices or scaring journalists into halting investigations into corruption and other matters of public interest; whereas this is especially common in countries with defamation or libel laws that are easier to abuse, as well in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas the spread of misinformation, fake news, propaganda and disinformation creates a climate of global scepticism among the population with regard to information in general, which exposes journalists to distrust and poses a threat to freedom of information, democratic debate and the independence of the media, and has increased the need for high-quality media sources; whereas the public online space of journalistic information needs to be distinguished from other online environments that don’t follow the same legislation, rules and ethics of journalism; whereas the online space should be regulated in order to protect journalists and citizens from propaganda, fake news and disinformation;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its concern about the lack of specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation at global scale; calls on public figures and authority representatives to refrain from denigrating journalists in public, as this undermines trust in the media across society; underlines the important role of journalists in reporting on protests and demonstrations and calls for them to be protected so that they can carry out their jobs without fear; calls on third countries to enact legislation and policies with the objective of preventing, protecting and prosecuting cases of repression of journalists, as well as to involve them in these processes so their experiences and knowledge can be reflected in the outcome;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores the fact that journalists and media workers often work in precarious conditions, as well as temporary and unstable contracts, which compromises their ability to work in a safe and enabling environment; underlines the precarity of employment conditions for journalists, specially in times of conflict, where they are underpaid, overexploited and sent without the necessary protection; stresses that adequate working conditions for journalists and media workers are crucial to fostering high-quality journalism, allowing journalists to fulfil their missions and upholding the right to information and the right to be informed;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls that media organizations worldwide have a duty of care towards journalists employed by them or producing the content these organizations acquire; underlines that journalists should receive the necessary training, particularly safety and first aid, from media organizations; stresses that special attention should be given to freelance and young journalists as this category is particularly increasing and many endure precarious labour and safety conditions;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on media companies operating in third countries to respect due diligence and labour obligations regarding employed journalists, as well as those from which they acquire journalistic content; further stresses the importance of these companies respecting the rights and freedoms of their employees as well as ensuring minimum and dignified working conditions; recalls the importance of the EU corporate sustainability due diligence mechanism and its application to media companies in order to ensure human rights protection in this sector;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the need to pay particular attention to satire and humour, which are used by press cartoonists to inform, promote democratic values, defend human rights and fundamental freedoms and protest against crime, corruption and abuses of power, and which are used in evidencing and combating censorship;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the attempts by public authorities to silence independent media or undermine their freedom and pluralism; warns against practices that indirectly subdue such media by means of financial patronage and condemns, in particular, attempts to control media public service; deplores the adoption by third countries of so-called foreign agents laws which are being used to silence and repress journalism; stresses that the EU must uphold the protection of journalist and freedom of opinion and expression as one of its main priorities, and to this end, lead a pact and work in alliance with other democracies and like- minded partners;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Condemns the use of SLAPPs to silence or intimidate journalists and outlets and to create a climate of fear to suppress their reporting; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission proposal for a directive against SLAPPs targeting journalists in the EU, and asks the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to encourage third countries, principally like-minded partners who have not yet done so, to take similar initiative at national level and to engage on this matter at international level; calls for additional support in legal assistance for journalists being the target of SLAPPs, and for the EU to develop comprehensive guidelines for prosecutors tackling SLAPPs and to provide them and judges with training on the matter;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 155 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Urges the EU, Member States and international organisations to further promote already-existing protection mechanisms and to ensure that they are known and accessible to journalists and relevant civil society organisations in third countries, paying special attention to those in remote areas;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Welcomes and encourages further projects resembling Reporters Without Borders’ digital vest app, which should be available in other EU languages besides Spanish, or the Hannah Arendt Initiative aiming at protecting journalists in situations of danger by setting-up an emergency program for averting immediate threats to media workers in their countries of origin in a targeted and rapid manner; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to support these sorts of initiatives and develop an early warning mechanism with tailor-made guidelines for journalists to follow when they are at risk;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms, governments and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers, taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; calls on the need to implement measures to protect journalists from online and gender-based violence on social media and other digital platforms; stresses the importance of promptly removing online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists in order to curb their uncontrolled spread;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers, taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; stresses the importance of promptly removing online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists in order to curb their uncontrolled spread; urges third countries authorities to investigate and prosecute cases of online harassment and abuse;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EU delegations and EU Member States’ diplomatic missions to apply the EU human rights guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline in a uniform and consistent manner as they pertain to protecting journalists and defending press freedom; strongly encourage the EEAS and Member States to undertake all efforts to promote, harness and share examples of good practices, especially with EU officials prior to assignments in third countries;
Amendment 173 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to always weigh the option of voiced public action against silent diplomacy; highlights the importance of building civil society’s understanding of the EU delegations’ modus operandi; encourages, in this regard, the EU delegations to make, to the extent possible, more public statements, both pre-emptively and in response to serious violations of or restrictions on the right to the freedom of opinion and expression; recalls the importance of the EU Delegations in this regard as those implementing the EU mechanism for protection of Human Rights Defenders, which includes journalists, as well as EU dedicated programmes to support independent media and journalists’ safety; highlights the need for the EEAS and the EU Delegations to count with the appropiate financial and personnel resources in order to better tackle the challenges that journalists face worldwide;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to further stregnhten their capacity building suppport by assisting third countries in developing and enacting legal frameworks favourable to the protection of journalists, freedom of expression and freedom of information;
Amendment 185 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on EU delegations, EU Member State diplomatic missions and like-minded partners to engage in proactive outreach to and support for journalist communities in third countries with a view to supporting their work and working conditions, to make regular assessments of the press freedom environment in each respective third country, including ongoing or emerging risks to journalists, and to seek ways to put in place either measures that could prevent abuses from occurring or protection measures, including providing demonstrable and visible moral support to journalists at risk; calls on both EU Delegations and Member States to provide additional financial and human resources to the protection of journalists;
Amendment 204 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Urges Member States to lead by example regarding the protection of journalists when performing their duties, and the concomitant observance of the human rights to freedom of expression and information that integrate the basis of democracy;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030,
Amendment 24 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 a (new)
Citation 37 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliamentary Research Service European Implementation Assessment of 24 August 2022 of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders,
Amendment 25 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 39 a (new)
Citation 39 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 September 2022 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market,
Amendment 27 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 41 a (new)
Citation 41 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2018 on violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, including land grabbing,
Amendment 28 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 43 a (new)
Citation 43 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability,
Amendment 35 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 a (new)
Citation 50 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 June 2022 on global threats to abortion rights: the possible overturning of abortion rights in the US by the Supreme Court,
Amendment 36 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 b (new)
Citation 50 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 7 July 2022 on the US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and Women’s health in the EU,
Amendment 37 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 c (new)
Citation 50 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 June 2022 on a new trade instrument to ban products made by forced labour,
Amendment 38 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 d (new)
Citation 50 d (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2022 on intersectional discrimination in the European Union: the socio- economic situation of women of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent,
Amendment 58 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas environmental emergencies, including climate change and deforestation give rise to human rights violations not only against the people directly affected, but also against humanity as a whole; whereas it is important to recognise the link between human rights and environmental protection;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be the cornerstone of the Union’s external policy; recalls that the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 should be used as a roadmap of the EU’s priorities concerning human rights and therefore be at the centre of all EU external policies; strongly encourages the Union, to that end, to strive for a continued ambitious commitment to make the protection of human rights a central part of all EU policies in a streamlined manner and to enhance the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies in this field;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; expresses, in this regard, its deep grief at the human suffering and serious human rights violations caused by the Russian armed forces at the EU’s bordersis conflict; welcomes the joint efforts of the EU and its Member States in response to the war; welcomes, moreover, the solidarity shown by a great number of countries towards Ukraine, as highlighted by their stance during the sessions and votes of the UN General Assembly on the crisis in Ukraine; calls for the EU and its Member States to give the Ukrainian people the support they need to defend democracy, human rights and international law; welcomes the unprecedented ambition of the sanctions imposed in the context of the war and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to use all of the instruments at their disposal to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to free Ukraine from its occupiers;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; expresses, in this regard, its deep grief at the human suffering and serious human rights violations caused by the Russian armed forces at the EU’s borders; welcomes the joint efforts of the EU and, its Member States and civil society in response to the war; welcomes, moreover, the solidarity shown by a great number of countries towards Ukraine, as highlighted by their stance during the sessions and votes of the UN General Assembly on the crisis in Ukraine; calls for the EU and its Member States to give the Ukrainian people the support they need to defend democracy, human rights and international law; welcomes the unprecedented ambition of the sanctions imposed in the context of the war and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to use all of the instruments at their disposal to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to free Ukraine from its occupiers, and the people seeking support in EU Member States;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the EU and its Member States to intensify their efforts all over the world to support democracy and human rights; calls on the EU and its Member States, in this regard, both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners, to thwart unacceptable attempts to weaken democratic institutions and universal human rights, especially those that present authoritarian regimes as superior to democracies and diminish the space for and role of civil society; calls on the EU institutions, including the European External Action Service, to ensure EU and Member States human rights obligations are consistently implemented in the EU’s foreign policy; in this regard, encourages the EU to make use of all diplomatic tools, both privately and publicly, and both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, to raise human rights issues with partner country counterparts, including individual human rights defender cases;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU to reflect on how to promote a human rights-based approach in all EU instruments and strategies in order to strengthen the EU’s human rights foreign policy; underlines that the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe), including its thematic programme on human rights and democracy, is one of the main tools at the EU’s disposal to improve the human rights situation around the world and help foster resilient, inclusive and democratic societies; stresses that the engagement of local civil society actors is vital to protect human rights and democracy in their countries and reiterates its call to fully engage them in all of the EU’s relevant external activities; highlights the importance that NDICI – Global Europe attaches to the promotion of human rights and democracy with strategic international and local partners; underlines Parliament’s role in the instrument’s programming process and calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to share all the relevant information in a timely manner in order to enable Parliament to play its role accordingly, in particular during high-level geopolitical dialogues with the Commission; notes the importance of the project to create an European Diplomatic Academy that would prepare current and future EU diplomats to converge and be prepared to uphold common EU values including the foreign policies for human rights and democracy;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Fully supports the work of the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights in defending and advancing human rights in the world through engagement with third countries and cooperation with like-minded partners, and his important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the EU’s human rights policies through efforts to increase their coherence; underlines the need for close cooperation between the EUSR for Human Rights and other EUSRs on countries and regions in order to further improve this consistency, and calls for greater visibility for the role of the EUSR for Human Rights; stresses the importance of placing human rights concerns at the heart of diplomatic relations with all counterparts, in particular with countries considered as strategic partners;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that, although the European Parliament upholds a degree of informal cooperation with the EEAS enhanced by Council Decision of 26 July 2010 and the “VP/HR's declaration of political accountability of 2010”, is necessary to further strengthen the framework of inter-institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations, on human rights issues; calls for a “Framework Agreement on the promotion and defence of human rights and democracy worldwide ”between the European Parliament and the EEAS; highlights the need for the European Parliament and the EEAS to develop together guidance notes for the implementation of EU Human Rights’ instruments, such as the EU Human Rights Guidelines or EU mechanisms on due diligence, fight against corruption, among others, in third countries;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with regret that the post of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU has remained vacant for more than a year; reiterates its call for the Council and the Commission to carry out a prompt, transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy as part of renewing and reinforcing its mandate, to provide the Special Envoy with adequate resources, and to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; notes the challenges involved in the positioning of an EU human rights envoy outside the immediate authority of the EEAS, and therefore calls on the EU to consider repositioning the role to fit under the EEAS or, failing that, for an exceptionally close working relationship between the envoy and the EEAS; recalls that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
EU human rights dialogues and other bilateral contacts with third countries
Amendment 143 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; is alarmed by reports that open civil society consultations are not always organised ahead of such meetings, or that consultations are held very late in the process, when the EU position is already formed, and without giving proper notice to civil society organisations; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow- up to and transparency of these cases;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities, including trade policy, with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow- up to and transparency of these cases;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow-up to and transparency of these cases; urges all EU Delegations to ensure proper implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), and systematically raise individual cases with authorities, request visits to detained HRDs, monitor trials, and go out to visit HRDs and their communities when they are based in remote areas outside of the capital city;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the EU to ensure that human rights obligations are consistently implemented in the EU’s foreign policy; in this regard, encourages the EU to make use of all diplomatic tools, both privately and publicly, and both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, to raise human rights issues with partner country counterparts, including individual human rights defender cases; stresses the importance of placing human rights concerns at the heart of the EU parliamentary activity, including by upgrading the Subcommittee on Human Rights to a stand-alone committee;
Amendment 154 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 a (new)
Subheading 6 a (new)
EU Delegations’ promotion and defence of human rights worldwide
Amendment 158 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls to update the EU’s Human Rights Guidelines in order to provide them with more concrete requirements for action and detailed and concrete steps to protect human rights in the world, as well as more transparency in their implementation; calls to involve the European Parliament in every step of the update of the EU’s Human Rights Guidelines; considers of utmost importance to take every possible action to raise the profile of the abovementioned EU Guidelines in EU Delegations and missions;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Regrets the cases of different approaches between EU Member States' embassies and EU Delegations on human rights protection and promotion in third countries, which is a shared commitment among EU Member States; underlines that EU Member States´ embassies should have as a priority to play an increasing role in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as supporting civil society in third countries, which should not be conducted only by EU Delegations in general;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Calls for EU Delegations to establish permanent human rights working groups that brings together Member States’ embassies and EU Delegations, incorporating as well representatives from other international and regional human rights actors in the respective third country;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7
Subheading 7
EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (GHRSR-Magnitsky Act)
Amendment 170 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime has been increasingly used as an essential tool that strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor through the use of targeted sanctions by the Council; calls for the restrictive measures that have already been adopted to be implemented effectively and in full, and for the adoption of additional measures if necessary; reiterates its request for a legislative proposal to extend the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption or, alternatively, for a proposal for a new thematic sanctions regime against serious acts of corruption in order to effectively target the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the Council’s decisions and implementation of sanctions under the GHRSR; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to strive to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations for future targeted sanctions, as stipulated in its resolutions and elsewhere; welcomes the listings made in 2021 under the new GHRSR; calls on the European External Action Service and Member States to develop a strategy to improve the interplay between the GHRSR and geographical sanction regimes, in particular through prioritising the use of the global regime to tackle violations that cannot directly be linked to a state;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime has been increasingly used as an essential tool that strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor through the use of targeted sanctions by the Council; calls for the restrictive measures that have already been adopted to be implemented effectively and in full, and for the adoption of additional measures if necessary; reiterates its request for a legislative proposal to extend the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption or, alternatively, for a proposal for a new thematic sanctions regime against serious acts of corruption in order to effectively target the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the Council’s decisions and implementation of sanctions under the GHRSR; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to strive to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations for future targeted sanctions, as stipulated in its resolutions and elsewhere; calls for the creation of an International Anti- Corruption Court;
Amendment 192 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls for the requirement to ratify the main human, labour rights and environmental conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)) before concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) negotiations, for the respect of these conventions to be elevated to essential elements of FTAs and for dedicated clauses to be agreed; further calls for the substantive clauses of the FTAs to recognize that States Parties must respect, protect and realise human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, customary law and the international conventions to which they are part; those should also expressly state that investors and companies have to respect international human rights law and domestic law that is not in contradiction to international standards; explicit reference should be made to due diligence in the supply chain;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Calls for the substantial enhancement of the quality of ex-ante and ex-post sustainability impacts assessments (SIA), when deploying impact assessments on human rights, the objective should be to ensure that the agreement being negotiated, in its detailed worded clauses, provides sufficient tools to avoid negative impacts on human rights; civil society organisations should be part of the Steering Committees; assessments should be conducted by human and labour rights experts, with a proven track record, and inputs from civil society should be taken into account;
Amendment 198 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights that 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Parliament’s decision to exert political leadership in committing to a major advancement in its democracy support activities, which it has implemented through a Comprehensive Democracy Support Approach since 2014; welcomes, in particular, its support for capacity-building for partner parliaments, mediation and fostering a culture of dialogue and compromise, including among young political leaders, as well as for empowering women parliamentarians, human rights defenders and representatives from civil society organisations and the free media; calls on the Commission to continue to pursue and step up its activities in these areas and to bolster funding and assistance for EU bodies and agencies, as well as other grant-based organisations; underlines that in the current context of heightened global tensions and repression in an increasing number of countries, direct support for civil society and people who express critical and dissenting opinions is of the utmost importance; stresses the importance of EU election observation missions and Parliament’s contribution to developing and enhancing their methodology; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to consider updating the election observation methodology to reflect the developments of the last two decades; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for local electoral observers and calls for enquiring about possible EU action in this respect; reiterates its call for the EU to closely collaborate with domestic and international organizations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organizations of the Declaration of Principles for international election observations;
Amendment 200 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums promoting this way the highest standards on human rights; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, and to refrain from backwards steps that weaken human rights protections; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world;
Amendment 201 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; highlights in this regard the need for adequate funding for all UN human rights bodies, notably the treaty bodies and special procedures; calls on the UN Secretary- General, to this end, to provide appropriate resources from the UN budget and urges the EU Member States to increase their voluntary contributions; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world; considers that several human rights actors are not properly accounted in nowadays’ architecture of international organizations and multilateral fora; calls to move forward towards an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, which would strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 207 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to lead efforts in multilateral fora to promote the adoption of a universally- recognised definition of terrorism; further calls them to lead efforts in the context of the 8th UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review in 2023 to insert strong language recognising the negative impact counter-terrorism laws and policies have had on civic space and urging all states to take the necessary steps to reform or repeal their counter-terrorist legislation to ensure it does not negatively impact civil society and human rights defenders; urges the EU and its Member States to lead efforts within UN fora to establish a constructive dialogue with civil society and human rights defenders, and ensure they are meaningfully involved at all stages of the development and implementation of counter-terrorist policies;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authoritarian regimes, including undermining the functioning of UN bodies; underlines that the diminished effectiveness of these bodies brings with it real costs in terms of conflicts, lives lost and human suffering, and seriously weakens the general ability of countries to deal with global challenges; calls on the EU Member States and like-minded partners to intensify their efforts to reverse this trend; underlines the need to carry out an impartial, fair and transparent review of the applications for consultative status on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) by non-governmental organisations (NGOs); urges the EU and Member States to participate in the General Debate and urge the ECOSOC members to continue to address the unjustified obstacles for NGOs to obtain their ECOSOC accreditation, in particular those whose applications have been pending for a very long time; Or.
Amendment 220 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Strongly condemns authoritarian and illiberal regimes attempts to challenge the universality of human rights; highlights that these regimes seek to undermine human rights by relativize them and claiming them to be a weapon of cultural hegemony deployed by Western countries; stresses that the EU must uphold the defence of the universality of human rights as a main priority, and work in alliance with like- minded partners and human rights defenders worldwide;
Amendment 230 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 239 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the fight against impunity; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide the ICC with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the ICC by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the EU has provided support for the very first time to the ICC’s investigation capacitiesEU and EU Member States unprecedented support for the role of the ICC and calls on EU member states to match this commitment to thelp it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine sustainable funding needed to deliver justice in all situations that come before the Court;
Amendment 243 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the fight against impunity; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide the ICC with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the ICC by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue their efforts to counter them, and respond to threats and sanctions against human rights defenders cooperating with the Court; welcomes the fact that the EU has provided support for the very first time to the ICC’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine;
Amendment 248 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call on the Commission to develop a comprehensive EU action plan on fighting impunity, which, among others, should include a chapter on Ukrainethe important role of civil society organisations in the struggle against impunity and the need for their protection, on all situations that require it and on measures to fight impunity for gender-based and sexual and reproductive rights violations in conflict settings; calls for the EU and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity, including support for universal jurisdiction at national level, special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression, as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of crimes; calls on the Commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant EU and Member State instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by Ukrainian civilians;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call on the Commission to develop a comprehensive EU action plan on fighting impunity, which should include a chapter on Ukraine; notes in this regard the adoption by Parliament and the Council of the pilot project on the European Observatory on the Fight against Impunity; calls for the EU and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity, including support for universal jurisdiction at national level, special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression, as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of crimes; calls on the Commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant EU and Member State instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by Ukrainian civilians;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns in strong terms enforcement of blasphemy laws across the globe that carry the possibility of death penalty to the convicted; reiterates that the freedom to choose one’s religion, to believe or not to believe at all remains a fundamental human right that cannot be punished by death or any degrading treatment; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; urges the EU and its Member States to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; calls for transparency around death sentences and executions in countries which do not disclose these statistics; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 263 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; recognises the importance of civil society organisations and human rights defenders in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;
Amendment 268 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is deeply concerned about the long- term negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the general state of democracy and human rights worldwide; highlights the disproportionate adverse impact on groups in most vulnerable situations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, LGBTIQ persons, impoverished people, persons belonging to ethnic, belief and religious minorities, refugees and migrants and persons in prison or detention; is further concerned about delays and barriers in access to health services, among them, sexual and reproductive health services and the consequent increase in unintended pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence, unsafe abortions, and maternal and neonatal deaths; praises the role that human rights defenders and journalists have played, sometimes even risking their lives, in reporting or attempting to prevent human rights violations during the pandemic;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is deeply concerned about the long- term negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the general state of democracy and human rights worldwide; highlights the disproportionate adverse impact on groups in most vulnerable situations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, LGBTIQ persons, impoverished people, persons belonging to ethnic, belief and religious minorities, refugees and migrants and persons in prison or detention; praises the role that human rights defenders and journalists have played, sometimes even risking their lives, in reporting or attempting to prevent human rights violations during the pandemic; regrets the use of the COVID-19 prevention measures as an excuse to deny visits of family members or lawyers to detention facilities and to violate the rights of the detainees;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates that personal liberty and freedom of assembly are cornerstones of democracy; is deeply concerned by the growing use of mass surveillance technologies by authoritarian regimes to curtail these freedoms, which increased further under the guise of COVID-19 prevention measures; calls for a strict and effective ban on sales of mass surveillance technologies to authoritarian regimes; calls for a greater response to the mass infiltration of disinformation and conspiracy theories within the digital sphere, perpetuated largely but not exclusively by authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 285 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by women and their equal treatment with men, including the right to education, movement and freedom of expression, thought and religion; underlines that women continue to be the main victims in violent crises and that sexual and, gender-based and reproductive violence has continued in many places around the world, notably being used in armed conflicts as a weapon of war; calls for more concerted efforts to eliminate the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and fight impunity of the perpetrators of such violence; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; stresses that women human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers have been particularly targeted, with online harassment and intimidation increasing rapidly jointly with ongoing threats and attacks; highlights the increase in domestic violence and setbacks to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both developing and developed countries and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support the right of women to bodily integrity, dignity and autonomous decision-making;
Amendment 287 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by women and their equal treatment with men; underlines that women continue to be the main victims in violent crises and that sexual and gender-based violence has continued in many places around the world, notably being used in armed conflicts as a weapon of war; calls for more concerted efforts to eliminate the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and fight impunity of the perpetrators of such violence; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; stresses that women human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers have been particularly targeted, with online harassment and intimidation increasing rapidly; highlights the increase in domestic violence and setbacks to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both developing and developed countries and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support the right of women to bodily integrity, dignity and autonomous decision-making; reiterates the need for robust action to ensure the full implementation of GAP III and recalls that GAP III specify that 85% of official development assistance (ODA) should go to programmes that have gender equality as a significant or principal objective;
Amendment 300 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 17 a (new)
Subheading 17 a (new)
Sexual and reproductive health and rights
Amendment 303 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Regrets that the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and compliance with international human rights obligations and commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals remains lacking; recalls the need for States to guarantee access to comprehensive SRHR services, including modern contraceptive methods, safe and legal abortion, maternal, prenatal and postnatal healthcare, assisted reproduction, and access to SRHR information and education, including comprehensive sexuality education, without any form of discrimination; acknowledges important progress on SRHR including legislation of access to abortion, victories defeating attempts to pass retrogressive legislation, and praises the important work of civil society and human rights defenders in that regard; strongly condemns roll backs of existing SRHR entitlements in both developing and developed countries, which are contrary to human rights obligations under the principle of non- retrogression; expresses concern regarding laws, policies and practices that continue to deny or restrict SRHR in many countries worldwide; calls for further strengthening of legal rights and protections and removal of barriers to access SRHR globally and in the EU and its Member States and reiterates its call to include the right to safe and legal abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; stresses the European Parliamentary Research Service European Implementation Assessment of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders which affirms that women human rights defenders working on SRHR represent one of the most dramatically repressed strands of global activism, and as such calls on the EU and its Member States to publicly and privately condemn attacks and threats against human rights defenders working in this area, proactively ensure adequate representation of SRHR defenders in consultations, and financially support their work; calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support and promote SRHR, including access to abortion, in multilateral and bilateral relations in accordance with international human rights law and standards;
Amendment 307 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights throughout the EU’s external policies; calls for more concerted efforts to protect children’s rights in crisis or emergency situations and welcomes the Council conclusions on this subject; expresses concern that the growing number of such crisis situations around the world, coupled with the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increasing violations of child rights around the world, including violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse including genital mutilation, trafficking, child labour, child forced labour, recruitment as child soldiers, a lack of access to education and healthcare, malnutrition and extreme poverty; highlights the need to create paths of reintegration and reparation to children that have been victims of violations of their rights and that the UN Agenda on Children and Armed Conflict must be streamlined into all of the EU’s external policies; stresses the disproportionate and long-term effects of food insecurity on children, which directly affects not only their health and development but also their education, as well as increasing the outrageous practice of child marriage; stresses that 2021 was the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour and recalls the EU’s zero tolerance policy on this practice;
Amendment 318 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that the right to education has suffered particular setbacks, with unparalleled disruptions to education due to COVID-19 but also to religious extremism and gender discrimination against girls; recalls that every child has the right to comprehensive sexuality education that is non-discriminatory, evidence-based, scientifically accurate and age-appropriate; calls for the EU to step up its work to provide access to education, including innovative ways to circumvent the obstacles imposed by national authorities; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to step up their support for third countries to help them adapt to the challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of education; stresses that support could take the form of an increased funding allocation through NDICI – Global Europe, but could also include providing capacity- building and best practices based on the lessons learned through the EU delegations worldwide;
Amendment 326 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the adopCalls for a systematic implementation of the EU strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021- 2030 as a tool to improve the situationrights of persons with disabilities worldwide, particularly poverty and discrimination, but also problems with access to education, healthcare and employment and participation in political life; underlines that the duty of caring for pe need for a structured dialogue with Organisations of Persons with dDisabilities is commonly borne by their families and calls for the EU to assist third countries in the development of policies in support of carers for persons with disabilities; (OPDs) in partner countries to ensure a meaningful participation and successful involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring of EU programmes; calls for investment, training, and capacity building of EU delegations to implement the articles 11 (humanitarian action) and 32 (international cooperation) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which the EU ratified in 2011; calls on the Member States to implement legislative measures that safeguard physical integrity, freedom of choice and self-determination with regard to the sexual and reproductive life of persons with disabilities, as directed by the European Parliament in its resolution of 24 June 2021 on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health;
Amendment 334 #
2022/2049(INI)
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to rights violations in all spheres of life including access to education, healthcare, work, access to justice, and that these issues have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; in particular reiterates its call on Member States to adopt and implement strategies, policies and programmes to advance the rights of marginalised groups of women and to eradicate the systemic, financial, legal, practical and social barriers they face and to ensure their rights are protected and respected in all Member States; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end;
Amendment 338 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end; calls on the EEAS to develop, in collaboration with Member States, specific local strategies to help fight caste-based discrimination in the countries most affected by it, in dialogue with local representatives and civil society organisations, and to invite these to consultations deriving from EU agreements or instruments;
Amendment 347 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 21 a (new)
Subheading 21 a (new)
National, ethnic and linguistic minorities
Amendment 350 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Recalls the obligations of states to protect the rights of their national, ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic minorities within their respective territories; calls on the Commission to support the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities worldwide, including within its human rights and democracy thematic programme; calls on the governments of the EU’s partner countries to respect the fundamental human rights of national, ethnic and linguistic minorities, including their culture, language, religion, traditions and history, in order to preserve their cultures and diversity; reiterates the need for those governments to fulfil the obligations and commitments they have assumed under international treaties and agreements; deplores any attempts to disregard the fundamental and human rights of ethnic and linguistic minorities through their forced assimilation;
Amendment 356 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for the EU to step up its efforts to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer persons (LGBTIQ); stresses that LGBTIQ persons and their defenders around the world continue to face human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings; calls for the full implementation of the LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020- 2025 as the EU’s tool for improving the situation of LGBTIQ people around the world;
Amendment 358 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines the utmost importance of freedom of expression and access to reliable information for democracy and flourishing civic space; expresses deep concern about the growing limitations to freedom of expression in many countries around the world, particularly for journalists, through censorship or the need for self-censorship and the abuse of counter-terrorism laws, anti-money laundering, defamation or anti-corruption laws to silence journalists and civil society organisations, civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including numerous violations of the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of association and assembly; expresses concern, moreover, about the physical safety of journalists and their being targeted in conflicts;
Amendment 362 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines the utmost importance of freedom of expression and access to reliable information for democracy and flourishing civic space; expresses deep concern about the growing limitations to freedom of expression in many countries around the world, particularly for journalists, through censorship or the need for self-censorship and the abuse of counter-terrorism laws or anti-corruption laws to silence journalists and civil society organisations; denounces the use of overly-broad terminology allowing authorities to outlaw countless acts and criminalise legitimate human rights work, and the lack of sufficient human rights safeguards in many of these legislations, in particular regarding the right to a fair trial; expresses concern, moreover, about the physical safety of journalists and their being targeted in conflicts;
Amendment 367 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders, including environmental rights defenders worldwide; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding freedom of expression, including media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 368 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders worldwide; underlines that this practice further restricts space for civil society and human rights defenders across the globe, in a context where civic space has been continuously shrinking for several years, with increasing attacks against the rights to freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly perpetrated by public authorities as well as by private actors; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 369 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders worldwide; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding media freedom and pluralism; underlines that SLAPPs against journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders should be documented and included in the monitoring, reporting and assessing activities of EU Delegations;
Amendment 381 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believrecalls that freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief is a fundamental right of every human being and applies to all persons equally; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe, to identify as a humanist or atheist, and to manifest non-religious convictions through expression, teaching and practice is still violated in many countries around the world; stresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some governments still use it as a pretext for further discriminatory practices including violence against and scapegoating religious minorities; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to work with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees;
Amendment 383 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe is still violated in many countries around the world; stresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some governments still use it as a pretext for further discriminatory practices including violence against and scapegoating religious minorities; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to work with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees; stresses the importance of the separation of religion and State, and of secular spaces, for the full implementation of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and all other human rights;
Amendment 398 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to implement ambitious programmes to defend freedom of religion or belief worldwide, including encouraging and supporting international efforts to collect evidence of crimes of atrocity, bringing the perpetrators to court, rendering criminal sentences effective, and compensating the victims; calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to work with third countries to adopt measures to prevent and fight hate crime;
Amendment 403 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Strongly supports the work of human rights defenders and highlights the risks they face in their endeavours to protect human rights, including threats against them and their families, harassment and violence; condemns the fact that hundreds of human rights defenders have been killed for their work, the majority of whom were environmental defenders; welcomes the EU’s efforts to support human rights defenders in their work, including the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism; calls for such efforts to be intensified in order to mitigate the growing risks faced by human rights defenders around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States including arbitrary detention and imprisonment, verbal and physical attacks, legal harassment and restrictions; calls for the EU and its Member States to address actively legislative or administrative attempts to close down the space for the defence of human rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to actively promote and support, in particular the EUSR for Human Rights and EU ambassadors, to be more active in the publication of public statements in support of human rights defenders and activists at risk and those imprisoned for long periods, as well as helping to conduct prison visits for the latter and facilitating external visits to their families;
Amendment 406 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Deplores the widespread adoption of so-called “foreign agents” laws, which include provisions contrary to international law that force individuals and entities receiving funding from abroad to register them selves as foreign agents, in many countries; expresses particular concern over the use of these laws to stigmatise and restrict the work of civil society and human rights defenders (HRDs), including through restrictions of the right to access funding; calls on the EU institutions, in particular the European External Action Service in coordination with the Commission, to develop a coordinated strategy to challenge restrictive legislations such as foreign agents laws in all their bilateral contacts with partner countries;
Amendment 413 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States, to fully implement their political commitments on the protection of at-risk HRDs, such as those included in the EU Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights 2020-2024 and in the EU Guidelines on HRDs, and develop a more predictable, coordinated and consistent policy on visas for HRDs, allowing for flexible and reactive protocols in critical situations; specifically urges the EU and its Member States to i) propose a specific facilitated procedure for HRDs within the EU visa code, setting common criteria and defining elements of a facilitated procedure, ii) include instructions in the EU Visa Handbook on granting facilitations to HRDs and their family members, iii) work towards amending the legal instruments on visas, particularly the Visa Code, and iv)introduce amendments to the Temporary Protection Directive that allow temporary protection status in the EU to be granted to defenders at risk;
Amendment 416 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36 c. Expresses concern over the obstacles encountered by human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide to access EU visas; recalls the importance of this essential security and protection tool, that allows HRDs to access safe haven when necessary, as well as engaging in existing opportunities for rest and respite and temporary relocation programmes, or carrying out essential international advocacy, mobilisation or networking activities in the EU territory; calls for the harmonisation, coordination and effort- sharing among both the Member States and the EU in this regard;
Amendment 424 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration and asylum policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, particularly focusing on displaced women, children, ethnic, religious and belief minorities and persons with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 426 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; recalls that the EU and its Member States, in their external and extraterritorial actions, agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration, borders and asylum, shall respect and protect human rights, notably those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the right to asylum, notably the individual assessment of asylum applications and the principle of non-refoulement; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 427 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; reiterates its call on the Commission to ensure transparent ex-ante risk assessments performed by independent EU bodies and experts on the impact of any formal, informal or financial EU cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 428 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; deplores the illegal pushbacks and the number of deaths occurring along migration routes as its consequence, which are in violation of international and EU law; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 437 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Recalls its commitment to the rights of refugees, as provided by international human rights and refugee laws, in particular the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol thereto; recalls the obligations of states to protect refugees and respect their rights in accordance with the relevant international law; notes with concern that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order reached an unprecedented 89 million by the end of 2021, 36.5 million of whom are children; recalls that refugees and migrants, especially undocumented migrants, face barriers in access to healthcare around the world, that sexual and gender-based violence is a frequent occurrence during displacements, and that in many settings survivors of sexual and gender-based violence do not receive the essential sexual and reproductive healthcare they need; stresses, in this context, that international action and cooperation is more essential than ever to ensure protection for refugees;
Amendment 444 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Notes that 5.3 million Ukrainians have entered the EU since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; underlines the importance ofUnderlines the importance of a shift from temporary to long term protection for refugees from frozen or prolonged conflicts, accompanied by a proper and realistic assessment of the time that Ukrainianspeople who have fled the wars will probably need to stay outside their country, as long-term stays require different kinds of responses and funding from the host countries, including a greater focus on access to education, economic opportunities, housing, healthcare and integration in the host societies;
Amendment 449 #
Amendment 450 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements, arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders; recommends that the EU and its Member States include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence, and ensure that multinational companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations; reiterates the call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples, including to their language, lands, territories and resources; welcomes the work that civil society and NGOs are doing on these issues; reaffirms the need to create a grievance mechanism to lodge complaints regarding violations and abuses of indigenous peoples’ rights resulting from the activities of multinational businesses; recalls its decision to appoint a standing rapporteur on indigenous peoples within Parliament, with the objective of monitoring the human rights-related situation of indigenous peoples; calls on countries to ratify the provisions of ILO Convention 169 of 27 June 1989 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; Urges governments to pursue development and environmental policies that respect economic, social and cultural rights, and are inclusive of indigenous people and local populations, in line with the UNSDGs;
Amendment 455 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves, such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians, who are directly targeted, have to endure grave human rights violations, and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the EU to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts, to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations, and to provide assistance to the victims; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify healthcare- related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones, particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants, women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual exploitation, rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the Commission and Member States to give high priority to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights in their humanitarian aid response, as well as accountability and access to justice and redress for sexual and reproductive rights violations and gender- based violence, including in terms of training for humanitarian actors and future funding;
Amendment 457 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves, such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians, who are directly targeted, have to endure grave human rights violations, and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the EU to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts, addressing their root causes, investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts, seeking and maintaining space for political solutions, creating alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations, providing further financial and technical support and personnel to peacekeeping civilian missions and military operations missions, and promoting trust-building initiatives between belligerents, to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations, and to provide assistance to the victims;
Amendment 460 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40 a. Expresses concern over frequent violations of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment; is particularly alarmed by reports of Member States issuing licenses for exports towards countries involved in serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law;
Amendment 465 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed by the Russian armed forcesand is deeply concerned by the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by Russian armed forces in the war of aggression against Ukraine; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to offer their full support for the actors, measures and mechanisms to this end, including the Ukrainian prosecutors, investigators and judiciary, the ICC, the Commission of Inquiry of the UN Human Rights Council, and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the Commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process, including additional funding from the NDICI – Global Europe, and urges the Member States to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine and the Commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of Eurojust to support the fight against impunity in all situations; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the war crimes committed on Ukrainianits territory, which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the ICC to deliberate on these crimes; notes that 7.3 million Ukrainians have entered the EU since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, out of which 4 million are registered for Temporary Protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe;
Amendment 477 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates that the right to be free from hunger is a human right; underlines its grave concerns about the challenges to the right to food and food security and the affordability of food in many countries around the world; calls for the EU, the Member States and the international community to immediately step up their efforts to halt the trend of emerging serious food shortages; underlines that while the parlous food security situation has several causes, it has been aggravated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the fifth-largest grain exporter in the worldthe many conflicts occurring around the globe; strongly condemns the use of food insecurity as a political instrument of war;
Amendment 486 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines that human rights, a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as laid out in Resolution 48/13 of the UN Human Rights Council, and stresses its appreciation for the peacefucritical work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders, journalists, whistle-blowers and their lawyers, as well as indigenous activists, to preserve and safeguard such anthe environment despite the threat of violence against them and the risk to their lives; recognises, moreover, the important role of civil society organisations, including environmental faith-based organisations, as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation and protection of the environment;
Amendment 489 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines that human rights, a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as laid out in Resolution 48/13 of the UN Human Rights Council, and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers, as well as indigenous activists, to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises, moreover, the important role of civil society organisations, including environmental faith-based organisations, as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; stresses that climate change also undermines the enjoyment of other human rights, including the right to food security, safe drinking water and sanitation, health, adequate housing, self-determination, work and development; draws attention, furthermore, to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security, as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between states;
Amendment 493 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally, in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the EU are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law, including the rights of indigenous people, and do not contribute to deforestation or damage to natural ecosystemsethnic minorities and environmental rights defenders, and do not contribute to the destruction or damage of natural ecosystems with actions such as deforestation, pollution or waste spillages; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change, as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts, despite producing fewer greenhouse gases than richer countries, which are less likely to be as impacted by climate change;
Amendment 500 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the EU to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards, as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes, however, that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries; calls for the substantive clauses of the trade agreements to recognize that States Parties must respect, protect and realise human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, customary law and the international conventions to which they are part; condemns in the strongest terms the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights and environmental defenders in countries with which the EU has concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); highlights that these crackdowns are illustrations of the way these countries’ authorities maintain civil society under threat, in blatant violation of both their human rights international obligations and essential elements of the FTAs and Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) concluded with the EU;
Amendment 504 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted;
Amendment 507 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations, including caste-based discrimination in relevant countries; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly investigate and respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted;
Amendment 508 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted; stresses the importance of all countries fully implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and calls on the EU Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; encourages the EU and its Member States to participate constructively in the work of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights;
Amendment 511 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46 a. Calls for the parties involved in the negotiations of EU agreements, establishing or strengthening EU relations with a third country, as well as in the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, to examine the inclusion of a conditionality in these agreements concerning the possibility of a bilateral standing invitation to observe their respective elections; stresses that this electoral observation conditionality should be addressed as well in already existing agreements, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, in case of their revision by means of a possible Protocol;
Amendment 514 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour; highlights the importance of holding companies accountable through judicial mechanisms including civil liability; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders, including workers, workers representatives, trade unions, human rights defenders, local communities including vulnerable ones such as Dalits, indigenous groups, migrant workers, informal workers and home workers; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour; calls on the EU to include caste-based forced, bonded and child labour in the categories used in the upcoming EU Forced Labour Instrument, using a positive, resolution-based approach that avoids further damage to victims in fighting these problems;
Amendment 516 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour and accountability with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listedlarge undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings publicly listed or operating in high-risk economic sectors;; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour;
Amendment 530 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations, including through surveillance, monitoring, harassment and limitations to freedom of expression for persecuted minorities; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies, which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical, and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected, a process which must be subjected to an equally objective and individual assessment conducted by the respective Union’s institution, body, office or agency, and approved by the EU ethics body; notes with interest the case lodged against the Council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19 ; _________________ 18 Judgment of the CJEU of 22 March 2018, Emilio De Capitani v European Parliament, T-540/15, EU:T:2018:167; judgment of the CJEU of 1 July 2008, Sweden and Turco v Council of the European Union, Joined Cases C-39/05 P and C-52/05, EU:C:2008:374. 19 Case lodged on 7 May 2021, De Capitani v Council of the European Union, T- 163/21.
Amendment 91 #
2022/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to increase transparency within the EU based on ‘transparency by default’; imploredemands the Commission not to consider any proposal to revise Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 that would lower the standards of transparency and access to documents; deplores the fact that negotiations have long been at a standstill and strongly urges the Council and the Commission to resume negotiations with the other institutions on the basis of Commission’s proposals from 2008 and 2011; notes that any reform will need to address key issues such as the scope of the grounds for refusal, the public-interest test, transparency in the legislative process, and opposition to block exemptions; calls for the Council, the Commission and Parliament to work constructively with the ultimate aim of giving EU citizens wider and improved access to documents;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of Parliament’s Transparency Register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all Members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to Parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the European Parliament; Certain people - i.e. human rights defenders, political opposition, religious and ethnic minorities, and independent journalists - should, on duly justified grounds regarding their protection and security, and upon approval of the EU ethics body, be exempted from this mandatory requirement.
Amendment 102 #
2022/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for a revision of the Staff Regulations, especially Article 22(c) thereof, in order to align them with the standards of the Whistleblower Directive; reiterates its call for a special committee tasked with identifying potential flaws in the European Parliament’s rules on transparency, integrity and corruption and with making proposals for reforms; recalls its commitment to setting up a committee of inquiry to investigate cases of corruption and improper actions by EU countries, non-EU countries, private companies and corporate lobbying seeking to buy influence in the European Parliament; recalls its position that the Commission should put forward a proposal to set up a new ethics body for the EU institutions as soon as possible;
Amendment 314 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘media service’ means a service as defined by Articles 56 and 57 of the Treaty, including television, radio broadcasts, on-demand audiovisual media services, audio podcasts or press publications, where the principal purpose of the service or a dissociable section thereof consists in providing programmes or press publications to the general public, by any means, in order to inform, entertain or educate, under the editorial responsibility of a media service provider;
Amendment 318 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
(3a) 'news and current affairs' means the news and current affairs as defined in Directive 2019/789/EU;
Amendment 338 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
(15) ‘State advertising’ means the placement, publication or dissemination, in any media service, of a promotional or self-promotional message, normally in return for payment or for any other consideration, by, for or on behalf of any national or regional public authority, such as national, federal or regional governments, regulatory authorities or bodies as well as state-owned enterprises or other state-controlled entities at the national or regional level, or any local government of a territorial entity of more than 1 million inhabitants;
Amendment 347 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
(16a) ‘foreign information manipulation and interference’ describes a mostly non- illegal pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values, procedures, and political processes. Such activity is manipulative in character, conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner. Actors of such activity can be state or non-state actors, including their proxies inside and outside of their own territory;
Amendment 360 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Recipients of media services in the Union shall have the right to easily access or receive a plurality of independent news and current affairs content, produced with respect for editorial freedom of media service providers and safeguarding the autonomy, independence and security of journalists, to the benefit of the public discourse.
Amendment 369 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall respect effective editorial freedom of media service providers and safeguard the autonomy, independence and security of journalists. Member States, including their national regulatory authorities and bodies, shall not:
Amendment 374 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) interfere in or try to influence in any way, directly or indirectly, editorial policies and decisions by media service providers, except for the exercise of its legally conferred powers and for the possibility to issue directives, recommendations or advocate good practices;
Amendment 385 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) detain, compel, sanction, intercept, subject to surveillance or search and seizure, or inspect media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees or their family members, or their corporate and private premises, on the ground that they refuse to disclose information on their sources, unless this is justified by an overriding requirement in the public interest, in accordance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and in compliance with other Union law;
Amendment 409 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Without prejudice and in addition to the right to effective judicial protection guaranteed to each natural and legal person, Member States shall designate an independent authority or body, such as the Press Ombudsperson, to handle complaints lodged by media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees or their family members, regarding breaches of paragraph 2, points (b) and (c). Media service providers shall have the right to request that authority or body to issue, within three months of the request, an opinion regarding compliance with paragraph 2, points (b) and (c).
Amendment 428 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The head of management and the members of the governing board of public service media providers shall be appointed through a transparent, open and non-discriminatory procedure, aimed at achieving a gender balanced representation, and on the basis of transparent, objective, non- discriminatory and proportionate criteria laid down in advance by national law.
Amendment 435 #
2022/0277(COD)
3. Member States shall ensure that public service media providers have adequate and streinforced and sustainable financial resources for the fulfilment of their public service mission, through a transparent, open and non-discriminatory procedure, and on the basis of objective and proportionate criteria laid down in advance by national law. Those resources shall be such that editorial independence is safeguarded.
Amendment 457 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the name(s) of their direct or indirect owner(s) with shareholdings enabling them to exercise influence on the operation and strategic decision making and whether their direct of indirect ownership is held by a government, state- owned enterprise or any other public body; ;
Amendment 463 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) the legal name and contact details of any advertisers, sponsors or donors of any amount larger than EUR 1000 of private or commercial nature providing remuneration or financial resources to the media service provider;
Amendment 470 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) any situation liable to give rise to a potential conflict of interest;
Amendment 494 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Without prejudice to national constitutional lawprovisions consistent with the Charter and national laws on media pluralism and media freedom, media service providers providing news and current affairs content shall take measures that they deem appropriate with a view to guaranteeing the independence of individual editorial decisions. In particular, such measures shall aim to:
Amendment 512 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The national regulatory authorities or bodies shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation and compliance of the obligations laid down in this Article.
Amendment 533 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the national regulatory authorities or bodies have adequatreinforced and sustainable financial, human and technical resources to carry out their tasks under this Regulation.
Amendment 544 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The national regulatory authorities or bodies shall maintain a structured cooperation with representatives of civil society organisations active in the fields covered by this Regulation for consultation, exchange of information and pooling of knowledge purposes.
Amendment 562 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission and the Parliament shall designate a representative to the Board. The representatives of the Commission and the Parliament shall participate in all activities and meetings of the Board, without voting rights. The Chair of the Board shall keep the Commission representatives of the Commission and the Parliament informed about the ongoing and planned activities of the Board. The Board shall consult the Commission and the Parliament in preparation of its work programme and main deliverables.
Amendment 575 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. The Board, in agreement with the Commission, may invite experts and observers to attend its meetings.
Amendment 585 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Article 10 – paragraph 8
8. The Board shall adopt its rules of procedure by a two-thirds majority of its members with voting rights, in agreement with the Commission.
Amendment 587 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Amendment 596 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The main task of the secretariatBoard shall designate a secretariat which main task shall be to contribute to the execution of the tasks of the Board laid down in this Regulation and in Directive 2010/13/EU.
Amendment 600 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Without prejudice to the powers granted to the Commission by the Treaties and the competences of national regulatory authorities or bodies, the Board shall promote the effective and consistent application of this Regulation and of national rules implementing Directive 2010/13/EU throughout the Union. The Board shall:
Amendment 610 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) advise the Commission, where requested by iupon mutual agreement, on regulatory, technical or practical aspects pertinent to the consistent application of this Regulation and implementation of Directive 2010/13/EU as well as all on other matters related to media services within its competence. Where the Commission requests advice or opinions from the Board, it may indicate a time limit, taking into account the urgency of the matter;
Amendment 614 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) when requested byin agreement with the Commission, provide opinions on the technical and factual issues that arise with regard to Article 2(5c), Article 3(2) and (3), Article 4(4), point (c) and Article 28a(7) of Directive 2010/13/EU;
Amendment 616 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
(e) in agreement with the Commission, draw up opinions with respect to:
Amendment 634 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – introductory part
(f) upon request of the Commission, draw up opinions with respect to:
Amendment 689 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 7
Article 13 – paragraph 7
7. Where the requesting authority does not consider the measures taken by the requested authority to be sufficient to address and reply to its request, it shall inform the requested authority without undue delay, explaining the reasons for its position. If the requested authority does not agree with that position, or if the requested authority’s reaction is missing, either authority may refer the matter to the Board. Within 14 calendar days from the receipt of that referral, the Board shall issue, in agreement with the Commission, an opinion on the matter, including recommended actions. The requested authority shall do its outmost to take into account the opinion of the Board.
Amendment 699 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. If no amicable solution has been found following mediation by the Board, the requesting national authority or body or the requested national authority or body may request the Board to issue an opinion on the matter. In its opinion the Board shall assess whether the requested authority or body has complied with a request referred to in paragraph 1. If the Board considers that the requested authority has not complied with such a request, the Board shall recommend actions to comply with the request. The Board shall issue its opinion, in agreement with the Commission, without undue delay.
Amendment 786 #
Amendment 790 #
2022/0277(COD)
1. The Board shall regularly organise a structured dialogue betweenmaintain a structured cooperation with providers of very large online platforms, representatives of media service providers and representatives of civil society to discuss experience and best practices in the application of Article 17 of this Regulation, to foster access to diverse offers of independent media on very large online platforms and to monitor adherence to self- regulatory initiatives aimed at protecting society from harmful content, including disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference as well as to ensure the autonomy, independence and security of journalists.
Amendment 792 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. The Board shall report onmake the results of the dialogue to the Commission. is structured cooperation available to the public.
Amendment 794 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The organisations referred to in paragraph 1 shall be registered in the Transparency Register and the list thereof shall be made public by the Board.
Amendment 8 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, the Commission should monitor and report regularly to the European Parliament regarding the human rights situation in the third countries beneficiary of the visa waiver and should suspend the visa exemption in case of violations in the country concerned; such provision should apply also to the third countries whose nationals are already exempted from the visa requirement;
Amendment 14 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Qatar is the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage and other Gulf countries should follow Qatar’s lead in regularising their labour systems, including the freedom of movement of workers and the dismantling of the kafala; * Annual progress report on the technical cooperation programme agreed between the Governement of Qatar and the ILO - 7th October 2019
Amendment 38 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) Ecuador has made substantial progress in preparing for the visa- free status, notably with the introduction of the biometric passport and the Regulation to the Organic Law on Human Mobility.
Amendment 39 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
Amendment 42 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) in point 1 of Annex I, (“STATES”) the references to Kuwait and Qata, Qatar and Ecuador are deleted.
Amendment 48 #
2022/0135(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
Annex II – point 1
Annex II – point 1
(ii a) between the references to … and to …., the following reference is insered: “Ecuador (*)” (*) The exemption from the visa requirement shall apply from the date of entry into force of an agreement on visa exemption to be concluded with the European Union
Amendment 290 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Violence against women and domestic violence can be exacerbated where it intersects with discrimination based on sex and gender, and other grounds of discrimination prohibited by Union law, namely nationality, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, in a way that they are inseparable and produce specific types of discrimination. Member States should therefore pay due regard to victims affected by such intersectional discrimination, through providing specific measures where intersecting forms of discrimination are present. In particular, lesbian, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LBTIQ) women, women with disabilities and women with a minority racial or ethnic background are at a heightened risk of experiencing gender- based violence.
Amendment 478 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Given the complexities and gravity of offences of violence against women and domestic violence and specific support needs of victims, Member States should ensure additional support and prevention of such offences is provided by designated bodies. Given their expertise in matters of discrimination on grounds of sex and gender, national equality bodies, set up in accordance with Directives 2004/113/EC42 , 2006/54/EC43 and 2010/41/EU44 of the European Parliament and of the Council, are well placed to fulfil these tasks. Such bodies should in addition have legal standing to act on behalf or in support of victims of all forms of violence against women or domestic violence in judicial proceedings, including for the application for compensation and removal of online illegal content, with the victims’ approval. This should include the possibility of acting on behalf or in support of several victims together. To enable these bodies to effectively carry out their tasks, Member States should ensure that they are provided with sufficient human and financial resources. _________________ 42 Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services, (OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37). 43 Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), (OJ L204, 26.7.2006, p. 23). 44 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC, (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 657 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Member States should ensure that the data collected are limited to what is strictly necessary in relation to supporting the monitoring of the prevalence and trends of violence against women and domestic violence and design new policy strategies in this field. When sharing the data collected, no personal data should be included, in a way to protect anonymity and confidentiality, and respect the key principles of data protection and fundamental rights.
Amendment 1069 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. The assessment shall take into account the victim’s individual circumstances, including whether they experience discrimination based on a combination of sex and gender, and other grounds, and therefore face a heightened risk of violence, as well as the victim’s own account and assessment of the situation. It shall be conducted in the best interest of the victim, paying special attention to the need to avoid secondary or repeated victimisation.
Amendment 1175 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) how to cater to the enhanced protection and support needs of victims experiencing discrimination based on a combination of sex and gender, and other grounds;
Amendment 1610 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 44 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 44 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The statistics shall include the following data disaggregated by sexgender, age of the victim and of the offender, relationship between the victim and the offender and type of offence:
Amendment 313 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 6
Article 29 – paragraph 6
6. The Executive Director shallmay decide whether it is necessary to locate one or more staff in one or more Member Statesto post one or more liaison officers at the Union institutions and at relevant Union bodies, offices and agencies, in particular Europol, for the purpose of carrying out the Agency's tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Before deciding to establish a local office, tThe Executive Director shall obtain the prior consent of the Commission, and the Management Board and the host Member State(s) concerned. The decision shall specify the scope of the activities to be carried out atby the localiaison officers in a manner that avoids unnecessary costs and duplication of administrative functions of the Agency. A headquarters agreement with the host Member State(s) concerned may be concluded.
Amendment 328 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) the fees paid for services rendered in accordance with Article 37; and
Amendment 329 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) any financial contributions from the organisations and bodies and third countries referred to in Articles 53 and 54, respectively.; and
Amendment 330 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 36 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(d a) Union funding under indirect management or in the form of ad hoc grants in accordance with the financial rules applicable to the Agency and with the provisions of the relevant instruments supporting the policies of the Union;
Amendment 345 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 8
Article 38 – paragraph 8
8. The Agency's budget shall be adopted by the Management Board by a majority of two-thirds of members entitled to voteManagement Board shall adopt the Agency's budget. It shall become final following final adoption of the general budget of the European Union. Where necessary, it shall be adjusted accordingly.
Amendment 346 #
2022/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 9
Article 38 – paragraph 9
9. For any building project likely to have significant implications for the budget of the Agency, the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/71566 apply. _________________ 66 OJ L 122, 10.5.2019, p. 1.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes the central role of NDICI- Global Europe, including its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), in providing the policy steer and key priorities for the European Financial Architecture for Development (EFAD); is remindful of the need for the European Parliament’s close involvement to enable general orientation and scrutiny of the programming and implementation;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Recalls that the EFAD shall be based on an inclusive architecture, working with all European development banks and financial institutions, building on their respective expertise and added value, contributing to stronger development impact and additionality; calls on the Commission to propose concrete and timely actions to strengthen cooperation among those actors and to promote inclusive partnerships with smaller European development finance institutions in a Team Europe spirit, including through a tailored approach to support the latter in accessing to financing and in their pillar assessment applications;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to move forward from the current status quo and provide a strong and clear policy steer, under the appropriate political guidance, to ensure consistency of EU action as Team Europe by proposing concrete actions for applying the enhanced EFAD in the successful implementation of European initiatives, such as the Global Gateway strategy, the Green Deal or the Strategic Compass after its adoption, in order to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and promote the EU’s values through its partnerships;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reaffirms the specific role and responsibility of the European Investment Bank (EIB) as the EU’s financial arm with a global reach; calls for the EIB to be further capitalised on as an exclusively EU-owned tool for reinforcing its operations in support of the EU’s external policy priorities and ensure inclusive association with European development banks and financial institutions under a Team Europe approach; welcomes, in this regard, the establishment of EIB Global;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the significantly enhanced open architecture under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) and calls on the Commission and Member States to provide the EIB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European bilateral financing institutions and European development finance institutions with a reliable and enhanced operational environment, where they can effectively undertake their strengthened roles in external lending operations and mobilise resources from the private sector; is cognizant of the fact that resources of the magnitude required for the relevant initiatives such as the Global Gateway will not be attained in the absence of public and private actors joining forces; calls on the EIB, the EBRD and other European Development Finance Institutions to strengthen cooperation and coordination and to concentrate on their specific added value operations as well as on delivery and development impact on the ground;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Team Europe approach provides a unique opportunity to leverage EU impact and visibility in the world far more than is currently the case to further promote our values and interests, while leaving no one behind; expresses the need for an inclusive Team Europe spirit to also be put into action in the EFAD; notes that the key to the success of the Team Europe approach is EU policy- guided cooperation and coordination in a transparent and inclusive environment; emphasises that Parliament’s close involvement in the strategic orientation of Team Europe initiatives is key to preserving their democratic legitimacy;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Team Europe approach provides a unique opportunity to leverage EU impact and visibility in the world far more than is currently the case; expresses the need for an inclusive Team Europe spirit to also be put into action in the EFAD; notes that the key to the success of the Team Europe approach is EU policy- guided cooperation and coordination in a transparent and inclusive environment; emphasises that Parliament’s close involvement and scrutiny in the strategic orientation of Team Europe initiatives is key to preserving their democratic legitimacy;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines in this context that the EFAD requires a decentralised approach to be successfully implemented, and thus recalls the need to strengthen the role of EU Delegations as focal points to facilitate upstream discussions with Member States, the EIB, the European Development Finance Institutions, private sector actors and other partners on the ground in a Team Europe approach;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2252(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recognises that the EFAD is focused on most vulnerable regions and where the needs are greatest, notably least developed and fragile countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, but urges that it be borne in mind that around two thirds of the EIB and EBRD’s combined external operations are concentrated in accession and neighbourhood countries where the EU needs to deliver on the recently launched Economic and Investment Plans for the Western Balkans as well as in the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods; calls in this regard for the EIB and EBRD’s operations and role to be strengthened with enhanced cooperation through concrete actions.
Amendment 17 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the 2019 Poznan Declaration on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas BiH citizens aspire towards Euro-Atlantic integration for sustainable peace, democracy and prosperity; whereas the European Parliament has continuously supported BiH path into the EU;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas BiH’s progress on its EU accession path depends on the implementation of the 14 key priorities in the Commission’s opinion on BiH’s EU membership application, and; whereas EU assistance should address the persistent lack of progress in that regard with BiH counterparts;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and EUFOR Althea are integral in preserving peace, security and stability, in BiH and the Western Balkans region;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the High Representative used the Bonn Powers to suspend Republika Srpska Law on Immovable Property;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas all BiH citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout BiH territory regardless of their ethnic background; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law and has so far failed to do so;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges BiH todecision-makers to show commitment to the European project by advanceing on the 14 key priorities, notably by restoring the independence of the judiciary, strengthening the rule of law, intensifying the fight against corruption and organised crime, securing media freedom and an enabling environment for civil society, and protecting vulnerable groups;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its clear support for BiH’s democratic transformconsolidation through European integration, based on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, grounded in the principles of equality and non- discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitutionpeople living in BiH following the ECHR decisions in the Seidic-Fince group of cases;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on all UNSC Members to ensure the renewal and continuity of the mandate of the OHR, as a crucial anchor of BiH stability;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in BiH and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balancnegotiate in good will and promptly reach a democratic human rights based agreement, to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2245(INI)
6. Strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations, all hate rhetoric and disruptive action, including withdrawal from institutions, particularly by the leadership of the Republika Srpska entity, which destabilises the country, undermines its statehood in violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; reject which are essential to advance towards EU integration; condemns all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions, which undermine state institutions, constitutional and legal order, judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full, non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU and the international community to use all available tools, including targeted sanctions, against destabilising actors in the country, notably Milorad Dodik in the country; welcomes the set of sanctions already adopted in this respect; calls on all EU Member States to ensure similar targeted sanctions can be adopted by the Council;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that the EU future of BiH depends on sustainable peace and genuine dealing with the past and reconciliation, warranting its democratic, inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges BiH to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (RECOM);
Amendment 140 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages authorities to intensify cooperation and data sharing on missing persons and to ensure redress for the families of civilian victims, and the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced people, the full respect of their rights and the return of their property, as well as reconstruction assistance, job creation and social measures and education rights on the regional and national level;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the amendments to the BiH Criminal Code outlawing the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; deplores any attempt not to implement this decision; strongly condemns all forms of historical revisionism, denial, or minimisation or glorification of war crimes including non- compliance with decisions of international and domestic tribunals; calls for implementation of the amendments and effective investigations and prosecution of genocide denial;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges BiH’s political actors to make progress on reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the EU; calls for an inclusion of civil society organisations in the process, during the transition and beyond; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms, thus endangering access to EU funding under IPA III, which must be based on strictboth incentives and strict rule of law conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. SRecalls on respecting the democratic principle of holding regular elections, in accordance with the Electoral Law; stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens, enhance accountability and transform BiH into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings, opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this endregrets that US and EU facilitation efforts to this end took place with ethno-nationalist leaders outside of parliamentary structures; highlights the importance of the BiH Parliament as the legitimate arena for the ongoing negotiations on electoral reform, as a legitimate and supported BiH Parliament constitutes avital sign of a functioning democratic state;
Amendment 200 #
Amendment 207 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls the need for laws on gas and electricity, renewables, energy efficiency and climate, and to step up environmental and nature protection and ambition towards a green transition; calls on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans to fully support BiH in this respect;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Urges BiH authorities to opt out from new coal generation facilities financed by China that are contrary to the EU directives on state aid and the country's commitments resulting from the Green Agenda;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice, state capture, nepotism, cronyism, high-level corruption and criminal infiltration; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across BiH to improve the professionalism and integrity of the judiciary; notably calls for strengthening of the monitoring of performances of judiciary actors and the improvement of corruption monitoring mechanisms;
Amendment 227 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Reiterates the need to investigate political and administrative links to organised crime and to effectively prosecute high-profile corruption cases;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the need to update laws and align with the EU on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, and to establish an asset recovery office; financing of political parties, and protection of whistleblowers;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the poor cooperation of BiH’s law enforcement agencies and their failure to effectively collaborate with Europol, Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; welcomes bilateral efforts supported by Europol and Eurojust aimed at dismantling people smuggltrafficking networks;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-upthe safety of journalists with systematic and efficient prosecution; calls on the authorities to take immediate and effective investigative steps in a timely manner; calls on the authorities to assign a special layer of protection to journalists in the criminal codes;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deplores threats from the authorities against civil society; condemns growing restrictions on freedom of expression in theand freedom of assembly in BiH, notably in Republika Srpska entity;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Stresses the need to ensure the participation of citizens in the democratic life of the country through effective, meaningful and inclusive involvement of civil society organisations in the EU integration process; calls on authorities to ensure an enabling environment for civil society upholding international standards; calls on the authorities to develop and implement a strategic framework of cooperation with civil society and to guarantee an inclusive policy dialogue;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Commission to refocus IPA III support to in-country democratic forces, institutions and procedures and to civil society organisations;
Amendment 262 #
Amendment 265 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the need to safeguard the rights of minorities and inclusion of vulnerable populations; calls for stronger country-wide human rights and anti- discrimination strategies and the implementation of an independent body to deal with human rights violations and issues; urges the prevention and proactive prosecution of hate crimes, hate speech and disinformation as well as gender-based and sexual violence;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2245(INI)
24 a. Calls for the amendment of the criminal codes in the Federation of BiH and Brčko District to expand provisions on incitement to hatred and violence so that they include sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics as protected grounds;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Is concerned by the level of gender-based violence, for which the institutional response needs to be improved and at abuses against women rights defenders; expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate the prosecution of crimes of sexual violence and provide reparation to women victims of war crimes; underlines the importance to provide reparation, access to specialised support services, legal aid and safe accommodation to women survivors of war crimes;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Recalls the need for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in all EU external financial instruments, and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small civil society organisations (CSOs) and especially women civil society organisations (WCSOs);
Amendment 275 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Calls for the need to introduce legislation to protect LGBTI+ and for the prosecution of violence and hate crimes against them, as well as for promotimg their social inclusion and adopt a relevant action plan;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 e (new)
Paragraph 24 e (new)
24 e. Calls for the adoption of the Action Plan for Equality of LGBTI Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021- 2023, which has been stalled since 2020;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 f (new)
Paragraph 24 f (new)
24 f. Welcomes the conclusion of the Intersectoral Working Group on same-sex rights and partnership, which officially recommended a law on same-sex partnership to be drafted; calls on the government to bring this to the government session without delay;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 g (new)
Paragraph 24 g (new)
24 g. Welcomes the fact that the Government of the Canton of Sarajevo covered the security costs of the 2021Sarajevo Pride; calls for the amendment and harmonization of laws regulating freedom of assembly to come in line with international and EU standards;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 h (new)
Paragraph 24 h (new)
24 h. Stresses the need to duly prevent discrimination of Roma and other ethnic minorities, to improve access to healthcare, education, labour market and to develop and implement strategies on social inclusion;
Amendment 290 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 i (new)
Paragraph 24 i (new)
24 i. Demands BiH to develop and adopt a new action plan on child protection;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 j (new)
Paragraph 24 j (new)
24 j. Stresses that the strengthening of the welfare state in BiH is an important condition for social cohesion;
Amendment 298 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its call to urgently end segregation and discrimination in education, including by implementing court rulings to end the discriminatory illegal practice of ‘two schools under one roof’; stresses the need to invest more in the education sector – from pre-school to higher education in order to achieve better and equal opportunities for all including vulnerable groups;
Amendment 300 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Welcomes the continued participation of BiH thanks to IPA support to the Erasmus+, Creative Europe and Europe for Citizens Programmes; stresses that educational and cultural exchanges and joint projects are an essential part of bringing the citizens of BiH and of the EU closer;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Urges BiH authorities to address the increasing youth unemployment rate, and to concentrate resources and leverage to ensure a future for BiH young people in their country:
Amendment 304 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Calls on the authorities to foster the social dialogue among social partners on all socio-economic matters and to strengthen the role of trade unions bargaining for collective agreements;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Deplores the failure of authorities to address the severe migration-related humanitarian crisis at the border of Croatia and BiH; recalls the need for solidarityhuman rights-based solutions on migration and asylum, ensuring adequate humanitarian assistance and appropriate reception capacities across the country; welcomes the opening of the EU-funded centre in Lipa, especially also medical assistance and vaccination strategies, and appropriate reception capacities across the country; recalls the need for the establishment of accessible and efficient asylum system in the country as well as a full range of integration services for asylum seekers; reiterates its serious concerns over the rights of people in transit in BiH; expresses deep concerns about pushbacks of refugees to Serbia and Montenegro, as well as the limitation of their movement and limitation of public transport inside the country; underlines that the “externalisation” of EU border management and migration control to BiH authorities is of concern in light of violations of human rights standards; states that it is the EU’s duty to conduct a humane and migration approach, that aims at protecting the fundamental rights of persons in need of international protection in countries of transit such as BiH;
Amendment 311 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Condemns the closure of Miral camp on 28 April and that people who were living there were forcibly moved to Lipa camp which is far away from any infrastructural accessibility;
Amendment 312 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Condemns the eviction of squats by the police by force on 28 April which happened when people were sleeping; condemns that people were moved to Lipa camp;
Amendment 330 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the EU to take concrete steps to integrate the Western Balkans and BiH within a broader strategic and security context, also in view of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, disinformation and malign interference destabilising the country and region; stresses the need for the EU to boost its proactive strategic communication to counter attempts at diminishing the EU’s credibility and actions in the region and jeopardizing the country’s unity;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Underlines the need for EU to boost assistance and technical expertise to BiH for the protection and securitization of its cyber domain;
Amendment 335 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28 b. Urges the EU to assist BiH in increasing its green energy security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the precariousness of the energy prices;
Amendment 338 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes EU-funded efforts to boost demining and the disposal of weapons, ammunition and explosives; underlines that BiH officially aligns itself with the criteria and principles of the Common Position on Arms Export and is a State Party to most disarmament, non- proliferation and arms control treaties;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28
Citation 28
— having regard to its resolution of …9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation,
Amendment 25 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU remains fully committed to supporting Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration, based on good neighbourly relations, and continues being by far the biggest trade and investment partner and the largest provider of financial assistance to the country;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas Albania remains a trustworthy foreign policy partner with its full CFSP alignment;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas Albania joined the EU efforts in supporting Ukraine by sanctioning Russia, aligning with the votes in the UNGA and working in its capacity as a member of the UNSC;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas malign foreign direct and proxy interference and disinformation aim to sow discord and to destabilise the region;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Albania has fulfilled all the conditions for the scheduling of the first Intergovernmental Conference, as already affirmed in the report of the European Parliament on the 2019-2020 Commission report on Albania, and is advancing in its accession process;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its clear support for Albania’s democratic transformation, underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to European integration, along with good neighbourly relations and inclusive regional cooperation;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of European integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, as continuously recommended by the Commission, given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions set by the European Council and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the transformative nature of the accession negotiations to be conducted under the revised enlargement methodology within a broader strategic context and malicious activities seeking to undermine further integration and the political stability of the Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections, including through digitalisation, data protection, equitable access to media and revised legislation and rules on political party financing and functioning;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Expresses concern over the enduring inflammatory rhetoric, which fuels the culture of intimidation, smear campaigns, violence and riotingincluding by high-level politicians, public officials and other public figures, which fuels the culture of intimidation, smear campaigns, violence and rioting; urges political actors to lead by example in advancing societal dialogue; invites Albania’s political parties to enhance competitive intra-party democracy and integrity as a stepping- stone for pluralism and democratic transformation;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underscores the need to step up the Albanian Parliament’s involvement in the EU integration process, further advancing its legislative, oversight and budgetary capacities; urges the Albanian Parliament to advance on electoral and territorial reforms;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate EU integration matters ,including by involving civil society and relevant stakeholders and ensuring transparency towards the general public; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination, evaluation and monitoring of EU-related reforms, to advance decentralisation, country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the responsibility of national and local authorities to improve transparency, accountability and inclusiveness by conducting anticipatory, meaningful and regular public stakeholder consultations; urges the authorities to ensure adequate funding, an effective and impartial functioning and consistent implementation of the decisions and recommendations of independent bodies and agencies; underlines the need to enhance participatory democracy, including by adopting a balanced referendum law;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for the establishment of proper public consultations and dialogue with the society, including on environmental issues and reconstruction and urbanization projects;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates the need to foster the culture of accountability, non-partisan access to public information and scrutiny of public institutions, in particular through an enabling fiscal and security environment and cooperation with the media and the civil society; calls for further tangible progress in improving legal and financial sustainability and self-regulation of the non-governmental and media sectors;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the need for further progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; urges political figures to stop verbal attacks, smear campaigns and acts of intimidation against journalists, such as lawsuits targeting them; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reporters; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the need for further progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reporters; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising; recalls the importance of publicly disclosing the media organizations sources of financing;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner, with the aim of improving media freedom and self-regulation and reducing media concentration, misuse, outside interference and self-censorship;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism, fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech, disinformation and fake news; stresses the need to ensure an impartial regulatory functioning of the Audiovisual Media Authority; calls for a reform of the public service broadcaster to enhance its editorial and financial independence, impartiality and professionalism;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism, fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech, disinformation and fake news; encourages the support for self-regulatory mechanism of media and stresses the need to ensure an impartial regulatory functioning of the Audiovisual Media Authority;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that the newly established Media and Information Agency should increase transparency and decentralisation and in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources; calls on the government to improve access to the reporting and scrutinising of government’s work via official and formal channels, such as press conferences and interviews;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the relevant bodies to systematically and proactively prevent and prosecute all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation and recalls the need to swiftly and thoroughly investigate all verbal and physical attacks, including against journalists, human rights defenders and people belonging to vulnerable groups, ensuring their safety and security; encourages the office of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination to be more proactive in combatting discriminatory hate speech, in particular against LGBTI persons, and to develop disaggregated data collection on the matter;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality, property rights, data protection, rights of people with disabilities and minority rights in the field of education, languages, self-identification and protection of cultural heritage; calls on authorities to ensure equal treatment for LGBTI+ and Roma minorities and tackle the multiple discrimination that these groups face, through a systemic and effective institutional approach;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Commends the adoption of the new LGBTI National Action Plan 2021- 2027 and encourages full implementation and proper budgeting via a coordination and monitoring body;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Considers that reported doubling numbers of HIV infections since last year are highly concerning; recalls that the National Strategy for People Living with HIV expired in 2020 and has not been renewed; calls on the government to take appropriate measures, in liaison with civil society, to address the rising numbers of HIV infections and ensure access to healthcare of those most vulnerable;
Amendment 165 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls the need to ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and notes the importance of addressing allegations of police misconduct and disproportionate use of force; expresses support to the independent vetting of high-ranking officers and suggests introducing regular integrity-checks of police officers; urges to advance the penitentiary reform to further improve prison conditions and treatment of prisoners;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls the need to effectively ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly without arbitrary or discriminatory case-by-case treatment and notes the importance of addressing allegations of police misconduct and investigating and prosecuting the disproportionate use of force;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls the need to address communist-era crimes, investigate enforced disappearances, prosecute those responsible and provide reparations to the survivors and their families;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Albania’s long-standing proven commitment to hosting refugees; recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due asylum process and to address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; calls on the EU to boost its support for humanitarian assistance in the region, to be conducted in full respect of the fundamental rights; notes the continued reduction of unfounded asylum claims by Albanian nationals and the fulfilment of visa liberalisation benchmarks;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Albania’s long-standing proven commitment to hosting refugees; recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due asylum process and to address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; welcomes Albania decision of sheltering Afghan citizens seeking refuge after leaving their country;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Underlines that the rule of law and judicial reforms are the backbone of a democratic transformation, ensuring legal certainty, transparency, access to justice and non-discrimination;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform, underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process, follow; expresses concern for some of its side-effects, such as the length of proceedings, low clearance rate and high backlog especially in the High Court and Administrative Court of Appeal; calls on the state authorities to ensure specific measures to reduce the backlog , to improve the citizens access to justice and to speed up judicial proceedings, facilitated by a restored functionality of relevant courts;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Urges all sides to ensure the completion of the vetting process; welcomes the progress in improving the professionalism, impartiality and accountability of the judiciary, aimed at ensuring its independence from undue influence and resolving the mounting backlog of cases; reminds of the obligation to guarantee an effective operation of judicial self-governing bodies;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Urges all sides to ensureNotes with satisfaction the agreement reached to extend the mandate for the completion of the vetting process;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation, prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; also notes the importance of implementing the FATF Action Plan and the “Moneyval recommendations” and fully implementing the recently amended legislation aligning with the EU’s rules on anti-money laundering/countering terrorism financing;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Recalls an immense potential of digitalisation for serving justice, eradicating criminal activities and conflicts of interest through asset and interest disclosure and verification;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans, firearms and goods, along with cybercrime, violent crime, extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks, including with the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, covering the intensified action against the production and trafficking of drugs, illegal weapons and people smugglers;
Amendment 228 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines that simplification and modernisation of the tax system and improved tax collection would facilitate the management of public spending and the deficit in the face of rising energy and food prices;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Stresses that improved governance, transparency, legal certainty, inclusion and social dialogue are essential for stimulating foreign direct investment and the retention of skilled workers;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Welcomes EU support to reconstruction, including the rebuilding of schools and kindergartens and cultural heritage sites in the aftermath of the Together4Albania Donors’ Conference following the devastating earthquake of November 2019;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Encourages the Albanian authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving access to social, education and healthcare services, especially for disadvantaged populations such as Roma minority and Egyptian communities, people with disabilities and the poor;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Encourages the Albanian authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving access to social and healthcare services, especially for disadvantaged populations; urges the setting of a minimum standard of living, as a means to reduce the risk of poverty;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Strongly urges authorities to step up measures on biodiversity, water, air, climate protection and regional waste management, including through comprehensive environmental and strategic impact assessments, proper public consultations and rigorous prosecution of environmental crime;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Urges the Albanian authorities to advance on implementing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which mirrors European Green Deal priorities and the Brdo Declaration, which was adopted at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brdo pri Kranju on 6 October 2021;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34b. Expresses concerns over the changing map of Protected Areas, which should not contribute to environmental degradation in Albania’s threatened coastal and wetland areas;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 c (new)
Paragraph 34 c (new)
34c. Calls on authorities to prioritize the monitoring and annual reporting of Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas, Noise Pollution in Urban Areas and Surface Water Quality; notes the necessity to regularly inform the population regarding the ambient pollution status;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Recalls that substantial efforts are needed to enforce the goals relating to efficiency, security, diversification and greening of the energy supply and transport; recalls the necessity to increase environmental sustainability of hydro- power;
Amendment 259 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Recalls the importance of the diversification of energy sources, of the implementation of the Climate Law, of developing carbon pricing instruments and addressing energy poverty;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Reaffirms the role of the future Tirana-Podgorica rail link, Elbasan- Bitola electricity interconnector and Fier- Vlora gas pipeline in enhancing the regional and trans-European connectivity;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 c (new)
Paragraph 35 c (new)
35c. Welcomes the launch of 3.2 billion Euros investment package, as part of the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) for the Western Balkans and highlights the transformative role of these investments; notes with satisfaction that one of the financed projects will be the first floating solar power plant in Albania in Vau i Dejës reservoir;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 d (new)
Paragraph 35 d (new)
35d. Welcomes the start of works on the interconnector of power transmission systems of North Macedonia and Albania;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Welcomes Albania’s strong reaction against the Russian aggression in Ukraine and continued complete alignment with EU decisions and sanctions;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Welcomes steps aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and integration through the Common Regional Market under an inclusive approach;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas many women face intersecting inequalities and discrimination in the EU; whereas intersectional discrimination refers to a situation in which several grounds of discrimination operate and interact with each other in a negative synergy, for example gender with other grounds of discrimination such as race, colour, ethnic or socio-economic status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, genetic features, religion or belief, nationality, residence status, or disability, among others, in a way that they are inseparable and produce distinct and specific types of discrimination; whereas discrimination per se is somehow addressed within the EU Policy and Legal Framework, and intersectional discrimination continues to be on the margins of both; whereas the compounded effects of intersectionality constitute a human rights violation;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the EU institutions to address intersectional forms of discrimination in EU anti-discrimination and gender equality legislation and policies; suggests to the European Court of Justice to take in due consideration in its reasoning the intersectional approach, in order to better protect those who are particularly at risk;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of taking into account the specific experience of women victims of intersectional discrimination in the design, implementation and evaluation of asylum, migration and integration policies; calls on the EU’s anti-racism Coordinator and other Coordinators active in this field to implement this task, in close cooperation with civil society organisations, academia and research while exploring new perspectives on the topic; asks for best practices and specific training in this area to be disseminated in all public and private institutions in order to reach a wider public, and enforced, whenever possible; welcomes the different recent strategies from the Commission in this field, and in particular both the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, which take into consideration this problematic;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on forthcoming presidencies of the Council to make equal treatment and the fight against discrimination a key priority and to adopt without delay the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive; stresses that this directive presents a unique opportunity to address intersectional discrimination in fields other than employment and occupation; calls on the Council to establish a Council configuration on Gender Equality and Equality to properly discuss the abovementioned topics in a permanent forum;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to collect equality data disaggregated by gender, racial and ethnic origin, sexual orientation and identity based on voluntary participation, self-identification and informed consent, while protecting anonymity and confidentiality and respecting the key principles of data protection and fundamental rights.; supports the work of the Fundamental Rights Agency in analysing this data and welcomes further developments in this field, in line with its new mandate;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to its Report on Challenges and Prospects for multilateral WMD arms control and disarmament regime of 15 December 2021;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
— having regard to its Report on the State of EU cyber defence capabilities of 7 October 2021;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2232(INI)
— having regard to the EU Action Plan against Disinformation;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between New Zealand and the European Union of 5 October 2016;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
— having regard to the EU- Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), signed in Brussels on 19 October 2018,
Amendment 23 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
Amendment 24 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 b (new)
Citation 20 b (new)
— having regard to the AUKUS security pact of 15 September 2021,
Amendment 25 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 c (new)
Citation 20 c (new)
— having regard the Global Gateway Strategy launched on 01 December 2021,
Amendment 28 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU defines the Indo- Pacific as a varied region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states; whereas the Indo-Pacific region, home to 60 % of the world’s population and seven G20 members, is a key shapercomponent of the global international order and home to increasingly important political, trade and security partners for the EU;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the recently adopted EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo- Pacific, which is based on a principled engagement with a long-term perspective, reflects a deep evolution in the way the EU looks at its interests in the region and the potential role it can play to promote its values and interests there; whereas building strong relations and security cooperation with Indo-Pacific regional organisations and countries is central to the strategy;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in recent years the dynamics in the region have given rise to intense geopolitical competition, mirrored in an increase in military spending and a more aggressive rhetoric, thereby calling into question the rules-based international order; whereas a new centre of global competition has therefore evolved in the Indo-Pacific region; whereas there is no overarching regional security order to mitigate the associated challenges; whereas such dynamics represent serious threats to stability and security in the region and beyond, impacting directly the EU’s strategic interests as a key political and economic partner of the countries in the region; whereas the EU is committed to human security, peace and international law;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas China’s rapid military build-up, coupled with its increasingly assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region and its military activities in the East and South China Seas, as well as its deliberate and repetitive violations of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone and its increasingly aggressive rhetoric, disinformation and media campaigns, are leading to rising tensions in the Indo- Pacific;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the EU counts on the new US government to cooperate strongly in security and defence issues in the Indo- Pacific and worldwide, whereas the EU and the US share the same values;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the COVID 19 crisis demonstrated the importance of reliable supply chains, and more balanced economic ties with China without being vulnerable in critical aspects of sustainable development both for Europe and for the Indo-Pacific countries, while strengthening economic and security cooperation and building partnership; whereas some countries in the region want stronger cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas the EU is already top investor and leading development cooperation and trading partner in the Indo-Pacific region;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Amendment 73 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
E e. whereas the first and most important way of ensuring peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is deepening cooperation, as well as stepping up assistance in eradicating poverty, social injustice, infectious diseases, human rights violations, environmental degradation and other roots causes to instability, insecurity and violence;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the recently adopted EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo- Pacific; recognises the added value of the strategy as the first foundation stone of the EU’s united approach to the region, and praises the inclusive and multifaceted nature of the strategy and the inclusion of security and defence as one of its seven priority areas; calls for the EU to use the strategy as a tool to effectively assertstrengthen its presence and influence in the region through furthering strategic ties and deepening cooperation on security- and defence-related matters with regional countries and organisations; believes that increased EU engagement in the region would contribute to regional security, and help overcome regional tensions and create more balanced relations among regional players; recalls that the strategy is a Team Europe project;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines that the Indo-Pacific region is very diverse, and that no one- size-fits-all approach can be applied; appreciates the holistic approach and positive agenda presented in the EU Strategy, and invites the EU to as well pursue fruitful bilateral relations with partners in the region;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the need to safeguard EU unity as a pre-conditionin order to achieve the EU’s ambition of strategic sovereignty amid the increasing competition between the United States and Chinamulti-faceted threats and increased competition between powers; recalls that the EU’s unified approach must be underpinned by a pragmatic and, principled and value-based foreign and security policy, so as to deliver peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the EU’s determination to promote an open, stable and rules-based regional security architecture, based on respect for democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law, and including secure sea lines of communication, capacity-building and an enhanced naval presence, in accordance with the legal framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); urges the EU to further engage with the democratic countries and organisations of the Indo- Pacific to foster and further build inclusive and effective partnerships, and, therefore, strengthen multilateralism via the UN and other international organisations; recalls that non-compliance or an explicit violation of these values and principles would have negative repercussions on the EU’s engagement in bilateral and regional partnerships and could lead to sanctions;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EU to make use of its position and reputation as a credible and reliable actorglobal actor for peace amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the Indo- Pacific; recalls that the added value of EU engagement in the Indo-Pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and military assistance measures, including well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the EU has a vast network of diplomatic assets to facilitate dialogue on, mediation, conflict prevention, conflict- resolution, legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures; and emphasises the capability of the EU in the field of multilateralism;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses its concern that the current tensions and disputes in the region, unless properly mediated and managed, pose a threat to free and open communication in the maritime, air, space and cyber areas, which are essential to maintain regional and global trading routes and global peace and security;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses deep concerns about China’s rapid military build-up, including its test of a hypersonic missile, and its increasingly assertive behaviour, which aims, among other things, to advance its territorial claims in the East and South China Seas; highlights that security hotspots and unresolved issues, such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme, the recent China-India border standoffs, the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and Macau, and threats posed by China to the territorial integrity of Taiwan, exert further strain on regional security and stability; highlights that the EU’s approach towards China must be unified, pragmatic, multifaceted and principled, including cooperating on issues of shared interest, such as climate change, on the one hand, and competing when it comes to providing economic, political and strategic alternatives to third countries, and confronting China on matters where our respective views diverge substantially, such as the respect for Human Rights, the treatment of the Uyghurs minority and the interference in Tibet's religious freedom, on the other hand;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses deep concerns about China’s rapid military build-up, including its test of a hypersonic missile, and its increasingly assertive behaviour, which aims, among other things, to advance its territorial claims in the East and South China Seas; highlights that security hotspots and unresolved issues, such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme, the recent China-India border standoffs, the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, and threats posed by China to the territorial integrity of Taiwan, exert further strain on regional security and stability; highlights that the EU’s approach towards China must be unified, pragmatic, multifaceted and principled, including cooperating on issues of shared interest, such as climate change, on the one hand, and competing when it comes towhile providing economic, political and strategic alternatives to third countries, and confronting China on matters where our respective views diverge substantially, such as human rights, on the other hand;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Deplores the lack of unity in the Council of the European Union over the adoption of measures to address China’s anti-democratic policy and aggressive behaviour, which endangers the sovereignty of its neighbours and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region; calls on the EU and it’s Member States to act in a unified manner regarding the policy on China; highlights the importance of taking the necessary steps to introduce qualified majority voting in the Council in the field of the common security and defence policy and the common foreign and security policy;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the very timely new EU- US dialogue on China and the establishment of EU-US consultations on the Indo-Pacific, and calls for a coordinated approach towards strengthening multilateral institutions and regional organisations, promoting democracy and ,enhancing democratic resilience and strengthening the cooperation on security matters in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the recent conclusion of the AUKUS trilateral security pact; regrets the little consultation and information of EU Allies on the pact; is of the firm opinion that strong EU-Australia relations are important for the stability of the region and that these should be further advanced and not affected by the conclusion of AUKUS; calls on the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to examine with the relevant partners possibilities to set up a permanent dialogue with AUKUS and representation at the meetings of the members of QUAD in order to align our strategies on the Indo- Pacific and strengthen synergies;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Enhancing partnerships with regional organisations and democratic countries
Amendment 166 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that enhancing existing partnerships with regional actors and building new ones is a key feature of the strategy; highlights that priority areas for cooperation should include capacity- building, hybrid threats, non-proliferation, disarmament and crisis response, maritime security, joint-exercises, cyber security, counter terrorism, tackling foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, as well as the climate/security nexus;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the longstanding cooperation between the EU and ASEAN on security and defence matters, and welcomes the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership; reiterates its strong commitment to support ASEAN’s centrality and inclusive multilateral architecture; calls for the EU to anchor and extend its presence in the region by deepening cooperation with ASEAN and its members; invites the EU and ASEAN to identify ways to involve the EU in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and in the East Asia Summit; underlines the fundamental role of the parliamentary dimension and of parliamentary diplomacy for strengthening democracy in the region, and encourages, therefore, the establishment of an EU- ASEAN Parliamentary Assembly and more numerous and regular parliamentary exchanges and missions to the region;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the EU toWelcomes the strengthening of its dialogue with NATO’between NATO and its four Asia- Pacific partners, namely Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand, with a view to addressing cross-cutting security issues and global challenges and enhancing mutual situational awareness on security developments in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, notably in the NAC+4 format; calls for the EU to develop a similar dialogue with the four Asia-Pacific partners; appreciates the focus of this cooperation on cyber defence, non-proliferation, civil preparedness and the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda; invites NATO to use its 2030 reflection process to enhance cooperation with its partners in order to defend shared values, bolster resilience and uphold the international rules-based order, while ensuring greater consistency between policies on Chinain addressing China’s growing influence;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the positive role Taiwan plays in fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region; stresses the importance of the EU’s support in maintaining the peace and security across the Taiwan strait; calls for the EU to foster constructive dialogues between China and Taiwan;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Welcomes the positive role played by New Zealand in regional peace and security; appreciates that a strong focus in the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between the EU and New Zealand on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and combating illicit trade of small arms and light weapons;
Amendment 227 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the important cooperantribution byof Indo-Pacific partners into the EU’s CSDP missions and operations through framework participation agreements (FPAs) with Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam, and calls for the conclusion of further FPAs with democratic partner countries;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the EU to inviteWelcomes the interest of like- minded Indo-Pacific partners to participate in selected PESCO projects, which would meet an agreed set of political, substantive and legal conditions; stresses that such co-operation could be in the strategic interest of the EU, inter alia when it comes to providing technical expertise or additional capabilities, particularly in the case of strategic partners like Indo-Pacific democracies;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Emphasises the importance of building a strong cooperation and partnership with the African countries of the Indo-Pacific region, and that a balanced and pragmatic approach is necessary;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Recalls the importance of trade agreements as first steps toward a stronger cooperation with democratic countries; reminds that these agreements should include strong human rights, democracy and sustainability chapters;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights that maritime security and freedom of navigation, which must be ensured in accordance with international law and, in particular, the UNCLOS, are among the key challenges in the Indo- Pacific; calls for the EU to enhance maritime cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific by establishing systematic and coordinated frameworks, including joint exercises and, port calls and fight against piracy that would advance naval diplomacy and contribute to regional maritime security;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the EU and its Members States to step-up their own maritime capacities in the region in a coordinated way, including by exploring ways to ensure a permanent European naval presence in the Indian Ocean; stresses the need to increase the EU’s capacity as an effective maritime security provider; highlights the fact that France is the only Member State with a permanent military presence in the Indian Ocean; welcomes the fact that the Netherlands and Germany have sent frigates to the region; underlines that more such naval missions will be needed in the future; welcomes the joint naval exercises that EUNAFOR Atalanta has thus far undertaken with partner countries,underlines that EUNAVFOR Atalanta has an important role of naval diplomacy; welcomes its strong contribution to regional security in the Indian Ocean, notably successfully protecting World Programme Vessels and in curbing piracy and fostering maritime security; underlines the importance of the security-development-humanitarian nexus; welcomes the joint naval exercises that EUNAFOR Atalanta has thus far undertaken with partner countries notably India, Japan and Djibouti, the cooperation with New Zealand and US Navy, and the work together with NATO Operation Ocean Shield and with Agenor; sees these cooperations around EUNAVFOR Atalanta as a best practice to be inspired from; and calls for the EU to consider expanding its geographical scope deeper into the Indian Ocean; invites notably along the coast of Mozambique; welcomes discussions in the FAC for the EU to establish a maritime area of interest in the Western Indo- Pacific with a view to extending its Coordinated Maritime Presences concept, building on the Member States’ individual assets; calls for strong synergies with EUNAVFOR Atalanta;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Underlines the important work conducted by EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia and welcomes the synergies built with EUNAVFOR Atalanta;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Welcomes the rapid launch of EUTM Mozambique;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of information and cybersecurity as annd the fight against hybrid threats as a new type of warfare targeting also elements of the critical infrastructure of the global economy and for protecting democracies from disinformation and malicious attacks; calls for strengthened cooperation with democratic Indo Pacific partners in developing global norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, on sharing best practices in cybersecurity and working together on collective attribution and coordinated sanctions in working towards strict global rules on the military use of artificial intelligence and a global ban on fully autonomous weapons systems;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the cooperation launched between the EU and a number of Indo-Pacific partners on cybersecurity and defence; calls for the EU to accelerate the establishment of an EU Cyber Diplomacy Network, aimed to promote cybersecurity norms and legal frameworks in the region; calls for mechanisms to share evidence and intelligence between the EU and democratic Indo-Pacific partners in order to feed into the establishment of cyber sanction lists;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines the growing importance of the space dimension of international cooperation and security; calls on stronger cooperation between the EU and democratic Indo-Pacific partners to strive for a global agreement preventing the weaponisation of space;
Amendment 283 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7
Subheading 7
Amendment 300 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights that the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons and the rapid build-up and deployment of new technologically advanced nuclear capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region remain major regional and global security concerns; calls for maintaining the international treaties on non- proliferation;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Warns that DPKR nuclear activities present a serious threat to international peace and security, and to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts; reiterates its will to work towards achieving a complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula; urges the DPRK to swiftly sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and return to compliance with the NPT;
Amendment 305 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Amendment 307 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 c (new)
Paragraph 32 c (new)
32 c. Calls on the states outside of the NPT framework in possession of nuclear weapons - including India and Pakistan- to refrain from the proliferation of any military-related nuclear technology and to become party to the NPT;
Amendment 308 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 d (new)
Paragraph 32 d (new)
32 d. Calls on the EU to assist efforts of universalising existing WMD disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and instruments; asks the EEAS to also work on strengthening the training and capacity-building of our partners; praises the EU chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence initiative, funded under the NDICI, in this respect, and underlines the work done in the South East Asia one;
Amendment 313 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Emphasises that the Indo-Pacific region is highly exposed to climate change, which causes serious security challenges in the region; and therefore calls for climate to be at the heart of the security pillar of the EU - Indo-Pacific cooperation;
Amendment 316 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33 b. Considers large-scale disinformation campaigns and malign foreign interference as a form of hybrid warfare; calls for stronger cooperation between the EU and democratic Indo- Pacific partners in this respect, notably on sharing best practices to counter them, improving strategic communication, and gathering evidence in order to improve collective attribution and sanctions;
Amendment 317 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 c (new)
Paragraph 33 c (new)
33 c. Underlines the crucial importance of improving the security of supply chains for critical materials such as inter alia raw materials, chemical, pharmaceutical products and points to the possibility to have stronger commercial links with democratic Indo-Pacific partners in this respect ;
Amendment 318 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 d (new)
Paragraph 33 d (new)
33 d. Welcomes the increased EU focus on protecting its critical infrastructures; calls for stronger cooperation between the EU and democratic Indo-Pacific partners in this field, notably in the exchange of best practices;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 e (new)
Paragraph 33 e (new)
33 e. Calls for further advancing the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security Agendas in the Indo- Pacific; stresses the importance and the positive added value of the participation of women in peace keeping and peace building, including in negotiations and missions;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 f (new)
Paragraph 33 f (new)
33 f. Welcomes the strong focus put on human security in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
Amendment 14 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’),
Amendment 15 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the reports of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, notably the 2016 country monitoring report on Azerbaijan,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on- azerbaijan/16808b5581
Amendment 16 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ('PACE’) titled ‘Alleged violations of the rights of LGBTI people in the Southern Caucasus’,1a _________________ 1a https://pace.coe.int/en/files/29711/html
Amendment 18 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- azerbaijan-from-8-to-12-july-2019-by- dunja-mija/168098e108
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 88 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the EU and Azerbaijan have jointly agreed, through the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, on the general principle of respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights; whereas the parties foresaw to cooperate on the respect and promotion of human rights particularly to those belonging to minorities;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Azerbaijan are at best discarded and at worst actively fought against by government and state institutions; whereas ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Index shows Azerbaijan as having the worst deficit in legislation and policy aiming to protect LGBTIQ people, ranking it in the worst place among all Council of Europe countries;
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 96 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas hate speech and hate crime against LGBTIQ persons in Azerbaijan persist, often perpetrated by religious or political actors, leading to continued violation of their human rights; whereas in February 2022, Avaz Hafizli, a journalist and LGBTIQ human rights activist, was murdered by a family member, which spurred indignation on social media vis-à-vis the government’s poor track record of fighting against hate crime;1a whereas this is only one of the many examples of hate crimes, which due to lack of trust in law enforcement and their inaction, usually go unreported and unsanctioned; _________________ 1a https://globalvoices.org/2022/02/24/azerba ijani-journalist-and-queer-activist- murdered/
Amendment 98 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas PACE adopted in 2022 a resolution on violations of the rights of LGBTI persons in the Southern Caucasus and has made a number of requests to authorities to reform legislation in order to address such violations; whereas the PACE recommendations reflect the 2016 ECRI findings, which had noted an inexistence of data on LGBTI persons and their living conditions and that hate speech against them was widespread; whereas ECRI encouraged the government to develop an LGBTI Action Plan in order to raise awareness and promote understanding for equal treatment;
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 262 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. CRecalls that the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is predicated on respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights, and that the former have not been systematically upheld in Azerbaijan; calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remains conditional on the country making substantial progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
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 278 #
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, journalists and rights defenders;
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 309 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls that the European Parliament’s position has been clear on non-discrimination with regard to LGBTIQ people, their protection against discrimination in law and practice, and the prosecution of all acts of abuse, hate speech and physical violence perpetrated against them;1a _________________ 1a Texts adopted: P9_TA(2020)0167
Amendment 312 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Urges Azerbaijani authorities to adopt anti-discrimination legislation adding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics as prohibited grounds, alongside the adoption of civil, administrative and/or criminal proceedings to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes; calls on authorities to reform criminal legislation by adding the previous grounds as aggravating circumstances and to combat LGBTIQ-phobic violence;
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 318 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Reiterates the call by PACE on the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate cases of wrongful arrest of LGBTIQ people and prevent and combat police violence against these people;
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 17 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Nagorno-Karabakh warconflict and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan haveAzerbaijan incursion into sovereign territory of Armenia and 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 23 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas periodical deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continuethe trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 has not been fully implemented and the ceasefire continues to be repeatedly violated; whereas the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agreement, introduced after the 44-day war triggered by Azerbaijan in 2020, has been violated several times resulting in more casualties;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Russia’s militarywar of aggression against Ukraine has had implications for the South Caucasus and has further complicated the security situation in the region;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2230(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 socio-economic development and stability of the whole South Caucasus region; is convinced that a durable and 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 84 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly condemns the large-scale military attackggression by Azerbaijan in September 2022 against multiple targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia and its consequences for the peace processwhich 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 2021 and stresses that the latest September aggression has no direct link to the long-lasting conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh; 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 96 #
2021/2230(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 and to urgently implement measures to prepare their respective populations for peaceful coexistence; callinsists on the Azerbaijani authorities to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric which threatens to undermine the peace processurgent 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 107 #
2021/2230(INI)
3a. Urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty that should address the security of the Armenian 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 110 #
2021/2230(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 116 #
2021/2230(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 on the ground 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 meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes Armenia’s willingness to facilitate the mission on their territory and calls on Azerbaijan to allow the presence of the EU mission on its side of the border as well; calls on the EU to play a more pro-active way and 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 149 #
2021/2230(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; demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detaineesWelcomes the release of some of the Armenian prisoners detained 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 that they be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from destroying cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for theaccountability regarding such actions; calls for 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; stresses that the destruction of cultural heritage increases tension and hatred between countries and contributes to destabilization of the region and thereby undermines the efforts of the bilateral talks held recently;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2230(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 182 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey andin the interest of reconciliation, regional stability and security as well as socio- economic development; welcomes the progress achieved so far; calls for the speedy implementation of agreements reached by the special representatives; calls on both sides to engage in the process in good faith and without preconditions;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Armenia to consider diversifying its security partnershipEncourages Armenia, in order to ensure better protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to consider the possibility of diversifying its partnerships and potential security alliances, as its long-standing reliance on Russia and its allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization has proved insufficient;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the full entry into force of CEPA on 1 March 2021 and Armenia’s commitment to its implementation; welcomes the fact that the government recognises CEPA as a strategic blueprint for key reforms in Armenia; appreciates progress made and calls on the EU- Armenia Partnership Council to work closely together on implementation of ongoing and future reforms;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the early parliamentary elections of 2021 which confirmed the strength of democracy in Armenia and the support of its people for the reform agenda; encourages the government to continue implementing reforms, despite the difficult international context and the challenges Armenia is facing in order to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and the independence of judiciary; reiterates that the EU is the largest donor supporting Armenia’s reform process;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages Armenia to continue its efforts to implement reforms and strengthen democracy, rule of law and good governance; appreciates progress already made; calls on Armenia to step up the implementation of justice and anti- corruption reforms and to undertake steps necessary to better protect human rights, especially women´s rights and rights of minorities, including LGBTIQ people; takes note of the reports of certain NGOs and representatives of opposition revealing the potential risk of regress at least in some areas; urges the government to make visible progress; calls on Armenia to continue cooperation with the EU on the implementation of reforms;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the important role of civil society in the shaping and implementation of key reforms; underlines the important role that non-governmental organisations and human rights activists play in the protection of democracy and human rights;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that over the last 10 years, the volume of Armenia-EU bilateral trade has been increasing; in this context encourages the EU and Armenia to continue to enhance their economic and trade relations;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its concerns regarding the ongoing operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant; calls for the swift adoption of a road map or action plan for the closure and safe decommissioning of the plant; welcomes the visit of the Director General of the IAEA to Armenia in October 2022 and encourages the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to foster the mutual cooperation; urges Armenia to undertake any steps necessary to bring the Metsamor nuclear powerplant up to the international standards to ensure safe and secure operation at least for the necessary transitional period until adequate replacement alternative is fully operational and energy security is guaranteed; in cooperation with international partners calls for creation and adoption of a roadmap leading to safe decommissioning and closure of Metsamor power plant once the conditions are met;
Amendment 259 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Welcomes the Armenian steps already taken concerning the green transformation and the commitment to 40% reduction of emissions by 2030; encourages Armenia to continue and step up its ambitions in line with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Welcomes the efforts of Armenia to increase energy security, diversify energy sources and increase the deployment of renewables, taking into account that natural gas imports from Russia still represent over 80% and bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Iran on energy exchange;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective meansuse fully and effectively the means at its disposal to fulfil this role;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and multidimensional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, and the still unfolding humanitarian emergency, have accelerntuated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSPthe need for the EU to be able to autonomously set its own strategic objectives and develop capabilities to pursue them;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a number of multidimensional challenges exacerbated in the recent years, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the questioning of arms control agreements, climate change, pandemics, financial crimes, the aggravation of regional conflicts that have generated population displacements, competition for natural resources, the energy and water scarcity, failed states, terrorism, organized transnational crime, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, among others;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the world has entered in a new era of "unpeace", a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty with multiplying regional conflicts and great power competition that have significant implications for the EU security;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU needs to act on the global stage with one coherent voice rooted in a common strategic culture to develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values, social fairnessjustice, fundamental rights including gender equality and its vision for a sustainable future;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft power instruments,
Amendment 68 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
- achieving European sovereignty by intercoherently linking the EU’s external actionnd internal policies, such as trade, JHA, aid, development cooperation, and security to its overall foreign policy goals,
Amendment 72 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
- further developing regional strategies, including ondiplomatic and economic engagement and security cooperation,
Amendment 77 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
- strengthening democratic oversight, accountability and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations improving their effectiveness;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between like-minded democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisations; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach to, but also anti-democratic actors within the democratic societies; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should effectively counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EU to develop its toolbox for countering foreign interference and influence operations, including new instruments that allow imposing costs on perpetrators, as well as strengthening the EEAS strategic communication activities and taskforces; welcomes the ongoing revision process of the Code of Practice on disinformation as a tool for countering disinformation in the context of the coronavirus crisis, vaccination and foreign interference;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights the need for the EU to defend and promote democracy globally by leading by example, including by ensuring strict compliance with the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law in all EU Member States, at a time when democracy is being increasingly challenged by authoritarian actors both inside and outside the EU;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights, in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti- corruption sanctions regime, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls the EU's Gender Action Plan III, which reflects that women and girls with disabilities, of minority groups, migrant women and girls and LGBTIQ persons are among those most particularly at risk; urges to further strengthen efforts in particular on gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQ persons in its human rights policies, in order to fully implement the external dimension of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and the Council's LGBTI Guidelines;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the need to consolidate the European Union as an influential global actor that invests in conflict prevention and mediation, and a leading actor in the promotion and implementation of peace at the international level;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to develop a robust global health strategy, including global and EU efforts to ensure preparedness and an effective response to upcoming crises and to secure fair and equitable access to vaccines around the world; welcomes the EU - US partnership on to the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU to develop global partnerships for the establishment of norms and standards on a rules-based, ethical use of technologies, in particular as regards artificial intelligence; ensuring the respect for international and humanitarian law addressing conflicts with fundamental rights;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and independently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoingdevelopment of the Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence towards achieving strategic autonomy; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sancttatements on international human rights issues, introduction and implementation of sanctions and all decisions regarding civilian CSDP missions; stresses that the use of Article 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act on a broad range of foreign policy issues;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council, in view of an integrated approach to conflicts and crisis; recalls that the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe provides a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals in this respect;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets thatCalls on the EEAS and the Council have not yet taken anyto take steps to review the scope and mandates for the EU Special Representatives and Special Envoys and to ensure greater transparency and visibility of their work, as requested by Parliament in its recommendation of 13 March 20191 ; _________________ 1European Parliament recommendation of 13 March 2019 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the scope and mandate for EU Special Representatives, OJ C 23, 21.1.2021, p. 146.
Amendment 248 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Achieving European sovereignty by interlinking the EU’s external actions and internal policies
Amendment 257 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the EU to ensuredevelop its strategic sovereigntautonomy in specific areas that are fundamental to the Union’s existcontinued pre-eminence on the global scene, such as economics, security and technology,promotion of EU values, fundamental rights, equitable trade, security and technology, social justice, green and digital transition and to establish a European Defence Union;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Highlights the importance of reinforcing and guaranteeing cooperation in intelligence matters in the EU, given that terrorism continues to be a threat to our European values and security and requires a multidimensional approach that involves border, police and judicial authorities, and intelligence of all Member States, as well as third states, as well as inclusive long-term policies that address the root causes of terrorism; calls for starting the necessary works to develop full and autonomous intelligence capacities for the EU;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labour between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presentIs concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; takes note of the recent resumption of dialogue between the EU and Turkey on different areas of common interests and amidst lower tensions in our relations; deplores, however, the lack of progress in the long- deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey which continues to be the main obstacle to advance on any positive agenda that could be offered to the country; insists in its call on Turkish authorities to prove the sincerity of their commitment to closer relations and alignment with the European Union through specific actions and reforms concerning fundamental freedoms and rule of law, including by abiding with ECtHR rulings on the cases of Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş; recalls, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, keeping the country as closely anchored byto the VP/HREU as possible;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process, with a focusand for opening of the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia without further delay; calls to refrain from jeopardizing the integrity and credibility of the process; emphasizing that the enlargement process should be based on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s and other external actors’ direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Expresses deep concern about the situation in Belarus; calls for continued EU efforts to maximize pressure through the strictest and broadest possible sanctions and continued international coordination aimed at the enhanced isolation of the Belarusian dictator and his regime;
Amendment 366 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States to play a more pro-active role in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, notably by pressing Azerbaijan and Armenia to address post-war issues, including the demarcation of borders and release of all remaining prisoners of war; reminds that the OSCE Minsk Group remains the only internationally recognized format for the resolution of this conflict, on the basis of the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination and equal rights, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, and calls for its swift return to its mediating role;
Amendment 379 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Supports the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the state of Israel and the state of Palestine living side-by-side together in peace, security, and mutual recognition along the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as capital of both states; calls, in this spirit, for the resumption of genuine peace efforts aimed at achieving tangible results between both sides with the support of the international community; calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence and incitement to hatred, and for full respect for international law by all actors involved in the conflict; calls for an end to unilateral actions which undermine the viability of the two-state solution on the ground, in particular the building of Israeli settlements and the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem; emphasises the importance of Palestinian elections for restoring the democratic legitimacy of and popular support for political institutions in Palestine; commends UNRWA for the essential services it provides to Palestine refugees across the Middle East and calls for continued international and EU support for the Agency; calls for a political solution for ending the blockade of and easing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, along the necessary security guarantees to prevent violence against Israel;
Amendment 393 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; deplores the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recalls, however, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible mannerreas of common interests, keeping the country as closely anchored to the EU as possible;
Amendment 410 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepared to reflect on how to adapt todevelop capabilities to act autonomously in pursuit of its foreign policy goals, given the changing role of the US on the global stage;
Amendment 425 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises that the EU’s relations with Africa are of utmost importance and that this relationship with our ‘sister continent’ should reflect a common destiny and focus on creating a credible perspective in particular for the newest generations; welcomes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’3 ; calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to deepen discussions with the EU’s African partners in order to prepare for a successful EU- African Union Summit; _________________ 3 JOIN(2020)0004.
Amendment 430 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Welcomes the conclusion of Post- Cotonou Agreement, in April 2021, and strengthening our links with OACPS countries and cooperation in multilateral forums on sustainable development agenda and climate action;
Amendment 442 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressingincluding through electoral interference, disinformation campaigns and support for the far right parties, and raise the cost for the Russian authorities of the repression of its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society;
Amendment 463 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates, as underlined in its resolution of 16 September 2021 on a new EU-China strategy4 , its call for the EU to develop a more assertive, comprehensive, and consistent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EU as a whole; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EU values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible, competing where needed, and confronting where necessary; strongly advocates for Taiwan’s full participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international organisations; deplores the deterioration of among others civil and democratic freedoms and free press in Hong Kong and Macau; reinforces its commitment to the targeted sanctions under the EU Human Rights Global Sanction Regime against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; reiterates its strong condemnation of the baseless and arbitrary sanctions imposed by the Chinese authorities on several European individuals and entities, including five MEPs; repeats its call on the Chinese government to lift these wholly unjustified restrictive measures; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0382.
Amendment 475 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf region; calls for the EU to present a coherent strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation as a key strategic objective; reiteranotes that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of security for Europe and thesuch engagement should strive to build synergies with the efforts of the regional players, such as the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, including through an increased EU support for Track II dialogue initiatives involving academics, civil society, religionus leaders and othe only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activitier actors; is encouraged by the de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and calls on both countries to swiftly conclude the process of re- establishing full diplomatic relations;
Amendment 482 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Reiterates that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of regional security and non-proliferation and the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities; insists that the path towards the revival of the JCPOA lies through the lifting of all JCPOA-related U.S. sanctions which should go hand in hand with Iran’s full return to its obligations under the JCPOA; commends the role of the HR/VP for Foreign and Security Policy and EEAS in mediating between the U.S. and Iran in efforts to revive the JCPOA;
Amendment 489 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deployreassess its external actions and means and its approach to nation-building abroad; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistan to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, professions linked with Afghan civil society, human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, academics, artists and other groups at risk, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability; emphasizes the need for the EU to conduct a thorough scrutiny of its engagement in Afghanistan since 2002, with a view of applying the lessons learned to present and future missions;
Amendment 506 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Highlights India’s rising regional and geopolitical influence; underlines that increased political engagement is required to reinforce the EU-India partnership and unleash the full potential of the bilateral relations; reiterates the need for a deeper partnership which should be based on shared values and full respect for human rights;
Amendment 512 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for special attention to be paid totepping up and enhancing cooperation with our partners in Latin America; believes that a strengthened relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is central to the EU’s geopolitical strategy in the world; stresses the need for the Union to strengthen the ties that unite the EU with LAC countries, particularly in defending the rules-based multilateral order; calls for the EU to use all available tools to deepen its cooperation with LAC partners, ensure the swift ratification of the EU-Mexico agreement, deliver on the sustainable and environmental protocol with Mercosur so that the EU association agreement with Mercosur can be ratified, and conclude the negotiations for updating the EU association agreement with Chile; urges the EU to recover its position as the preferred partner of Latin American countries in view of other geopolitical actors occupying increasing space in the region, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine diplomacy;
Amendment 519 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. WelcomesCalls for a full use of the increased involvement of the European Parliament in the programming of Global Europe and IPA III as well as the introduction of a biannual High-Level Geopolitical Dialogue as a critical tool to not only scrutinize, but also actively shape the EU foreign policy priorities;
Amendment 525 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Reminds the Council to keepof the right of the Parliament to be informed about all the stages of the procedures connected to negotiations and conclusions of the international agreements and its prerogative to grant or to withhold consent to such agreements; is determined to use these powers, as defined in the Treaties, in order to ensure transparency and democratic oversight over the international agreements negotiated on behalf of the EU, as well as the implementation of the European Peace Facility, as pointed out in its recommendation of 28 March 20195 , including as regards its complementarity with other EU instruments in the field of external action; _________________ 5European Parliament recommendation of 28 March 2019 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the Proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility, OJ C 108, 26.3.2021, p. 141.
Amendment 527 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Underlines the importance of the Parliamentary Assemblies as spaces for cooperation and institutional dialogue and their valuable contribution to European foreign action also in matters of security, as well as the need to promote their activity and guarantee their correct functioning and development;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Declaration on human rights defenders, adopted by consensus on 10 December 1998,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the UN SR Report on the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the digital age (A/HRC/41/41, 2019),
Amendment 7 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the info note of the UN Special Rapporteur Annalisa Ciampi on strategic litigation against public participations and rights to freedom of assembly and association,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 c (new)
Citation 13 c (new)
— having regard to the UN report on the adverse effect of the surveillance industry on freedom of expression (A/HRC/41/35,2019),
Amendment 11 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights ‘Human Rights Comment: Time to take action against SLAPPs’ issued on 27 October 2020,
Amendment 27 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 12 September 2012 ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations’ (COM (2012) 0492),
Amendment 28 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 b (new)
Citation 18 b (new)
— having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 8 April 2020 on the Global EU response to COVID-19,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2018 on violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, including land grabbing,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 b (new)
Citation 23 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2021 on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (2020/2129(INL)),
Amendment 32 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 c (new)
Citation 23 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 19 May 2021 on the effects of climate change on human rights and the role of environmental defenders on this matter (2020/2134(INI)),
Amendment 33 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 d (new)
Citation 23 d (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2020 on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (2019/2167(INI)),
Amendment 37 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 November 2015 on the EU’s support to transitional justice,
Amendment 38 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regard to the EU’s Policy Framework on support to transitional justice,
Amendment 39 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 of the TEU; whereas no one shall be persecuted or harassed in any way for their involvement in activities to protect human rights or democracy; whereas silencing dissenting voices and curbing public participation and access to information have a direct impact on human rights and democracy;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 44 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas EU’s policies and actions concerning Human Rights protection and promotion in the world should keep moving forward towards a more assertive, decisive and effective action, employing all our instruments; whereas the EU should undertake an assessment of its Human Rights Toolbox with the aim of strengthening it and constantly explore the best ways for the EU to effectively act with concrete actions and employing the most adequate instruments to address Human Rights’ violations and abuses worldwide;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy, resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and of universal human rights, as well as the shrinking space for civil society, observed around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights, both individually and in cooperation with like- minded international partners; calls on the EU and its Members States to act a truly global leader in the promotion and the protection of human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law, and to strongly stand up against any attack to the principles of universality, inalienability, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of the human rights.
Amendment 69 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes, which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the EU and the Member States to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance, rule of law, democratic institutions and enabling space for civil society worldwide;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the EU’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions, in which Parliament plays an active role; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for local electoral observers and calls for enquiring about possible EU action in this respect; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations, in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls Parliament’s political mediation tools, which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; calls for the EU to closely collaborate with domestic and international organizations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organizations of the Declaration of Principles for international election observation;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the EU’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions, in which Parliament plays an active role; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for domestic electoral observers; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations, in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls Parliament’s political mediation tools, which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; urges the EU to develop a closer and more ambitious international cooperation on election observation jointly with all relevant partners such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organisations of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls to strengthen the European Parliament’s overseeing of EU Delegation’s actions towards human rights violations and abuses in third countries and to take concrete and vigorous measures in case these cannot fulfil with their responsibilities in this regard; points out the need of guaranteeing that EU Delegations count with all necessary and appropriate resources and capabilities to act effectively concerning human rights issues in third countries;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the contribution of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) to defending and advancing human rights in the world; underlines the EUSR’s important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the EU’s human rights policies through engagement with third countries, cooperation with like-minded partners to advance the human rights agenda and increasing the internal and external coherence of the EU’s policies in the field;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the visibility and mandate of the EUSR’s role should be enhanced in order to have a meaningful impact on human rights; underlines that the EUSR has a flexible mandate which could be adapted to evolving circumstances; is of the opinion that the EUSR’s position could be made more effective by enhancing communication activities and developing a more public profile through, inter alia, the publication of public statements in support of human rights activists at risk, including Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists, and of human rights defenders imprisoned for long periods, thereby helping to protect their physical integrity and their essential work;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that all civil society actors, in particular independent civil society organisations, trade unions, community- led organisations and human rights defenders, have a vital role to play in the dialogues, in terms of providing input both to the dialogues and to evaluation of their outcomes; underlines that such organisations should therefore be consulted within the framework of official and informal dialogues, as well as exploratory talks; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to improve communication and transparency with regard to civil society organisations; to this end, calls on the EEAS and the Commission to appoint human rights focal points at the geographical divisions of their headquarters;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to maintain their vital support to the UN and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the UN and other multilateral forums; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger, inclusive and effective multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of UN bodies as the forum for advancing peace, conflict resolution and the protection of human rights, and welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Human Rights; calls to attribute more competences, resources and capacity of intervention to the UN bodies;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to maintain their vital support to the UN and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the UN and other multilateral forums; calls on Member States to make the EU’s foreign and security policy more effective by using the rule of qualified majority voting in the Council, especially in relation to human rights-related matters and for the adoption of sanctions; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of UN bodies as the forum for advancing peace, conflict resolution and the protection of human rights, and welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Human Rights;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the UN’s bodies, in particular the Human Rights Council, and to obstruct the rules-based international order; strongly condemns all attacks against Special Procedure mandate holders and against the independence of their mandates; calls on the EU Member States and the EU’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; highlights the need for an adequate funding of all UN human rights bodies including the treaty bodies and calls on the UN Secretary- General to provide appropriate resources from the regular budget and on EU member states to increase their voluntary contributions; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since, according to the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, all states, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and the UN Human Rights Council should address situations of violations of human rights;
Amendment 127 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the UN’s bodies, in particular the Human Rights Council, and to obstruct the rules-based international order; urges to reinvigorate UN bodies and make them more capable of making decisions, ensuring also the consistency and agility of its implementation; calls on the EU Member States and the EU’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since, according to the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, all states, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and the UN Human Rights Council should address situations of violations of human rights;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Reiterates its call in favour of actions aimed at combating impunity and to promote accountability in countries where the dynamics of impunity reward those who bear the greatest responsibility and disempower victims, through the implementation of the Pilot Project on the European Observatory on Prevention, Accountability, and Combating Impunity, adopted by the EP and the Council, also by following the request in the previous Annual Reports on the human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recognises the important role played by human rights defenders in responding to COVID-19 by taking on a multitude of new roles in addition to their everyday human rights work, but also the significant and disproportionate risks they faced, particularly more marginalised human rights defenders; notes with concern that around the world, governments used the pandemic as a mean to specifically target human rights defenders by refusing to release imprisoned human rights defenders, prolonging their incommunicado detention, restricting prison visits to jailed human rights defenders, sentencing human rights defenders on trumped-up charges in closed-door hearings;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence, including targeted killings; praises the important work undertaken by all human rights defenders around the world, sometimes at the highest of costs, and takes this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of all human rights defenders to the human rights movement; underlines the particularly severe situation, further aggravated by COVID-19, of female, environmental, labour, environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment, criminalisation and defamation campaigns, arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders, often on the basis of ill- defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to EU Delegations and Member States’ embassies in third countries to regularly visit activists in prison, monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Deems urgent that a EU-wide scheme for issuing short-term visas for the temporary relocation of human rights defenders be implemented, in particular through the inclusion of instructions in the EU Visa Handbook and amending the legal instruments on visas, particularly the Visa Code; deplores the little progress on this issue over the past year and alerts that the current situation in Afghanistan must be a wake-up call on the need to urgently revisit, in a meaningful way, a more coordinated EU policy regarding the issuing of emergency visas for human rights defenders;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8 a (new)
Subheading 8 a (new)
Freedoms of Expression, Peaceful Assembly and Association
Amendment 179 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses that recent findings, such as the NSO Pegasus scandal, confirm that spying of human rights defenders and journalists, among others, is extremely alarming, and seems to confirm the dangers in the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine human rights; calls for promoting a safe and open space and building the capacity of CSOs, NGOs, HRDs, journalists and other concerned individuals to protect themselves from government cyber surveillance and interference, and promote stronger national and international regulation in this area;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Expresses its serious concern about the particular restrictions of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including the widespread use of counter-terrorism laws and policies to silence civil society and human rights defenders; reiterates the specific challenges to freedom of opinion and expression and their link to freedom of information, including access to independent and reliable information; condemns the raise of legal harassment and restrictive legislations as forms to silence critical voices such as through strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and criminalisation of defamation on and offline;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Amendment 182 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 d (new)
Paragraph 21 d (new)
21d. Condemns the increased misuse of legislative, police power or security measures to restrict the right to protest; calls to ensure the right of peaceful assembly is protected online and offline, especially when those who assemble protests are voices of dissent;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the interdependence between human rights, a healthy environment biodiversity and combating climate change, and welcomes the UN’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment, despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for, and profiting from, environmentally harmful practices; encourages the EU and the Member States to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the Rome Statute of the ICC, and requests that the Commission study the relevance of ecocide to EU law and EU diplomacy; recommends that the scope of the serious human rights violations covered by the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime be extended to include environmental crimes;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that indigenous peoples have often been the first victims of deforestation, which endangers their rights to land, among other rights, and access to vital resources; underlines, in this regard, the right to determine and establish priorities and strategies for their self-development and for the use of their lands, territories and other resources; recalls that impunity for violations of the rights of indigenous peoples is a driving force in deforestation and therefore deems accountability for these violations to be essential;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Reiterates its call on the Union and its Member States to strengthen the linkage between human rights and the environment throughout their external action, and to use all instruments at their disposal to effectively support and protect human and environmental rights defenders;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Reminds that child rights have no boundaries and calls for a systematic and coherent approach to promote and defend children’s rights inside and outside Europe, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the 2030 Agenda;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls on the EU to mainstream children’s rights and children protection in all EU external policy, including in the context of Human Rights Dialogues, international and trade agreements, the Instrument of Pre-accession (IPA III) and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI);
Amendment 237 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Calls for the setting up of a mechanism to track all the EU interventions that are relevant for children, including those in non-social sectors such as trade, digital, environment, and security, to ensure that a do-no-harm approach to child rights is fully implemented;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, persecution and killings linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more the profoundly disproportionate impact of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; welcomes the launch of the EU’s anti-racism action plan 2020– 2025, which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions, but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; calls on governments, regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders to redouble their efforts to effectively implement the Declaration and to develop and implement action plans to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, persecution and killings linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the EU’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025, which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions, but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; calls the EU to organize a Global Anti-Racism Summit on combating global racism and discrimination in collaboration with like-minded partners and international organization such as the OSCE, UN, the African Union, the OAS and the CoE;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements, arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders; Reiterates the call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples, including to their language, lands, territories and resources; welcomes the work that civil society and NGOs are doing on these issues; recalls its decision to appoint a standing rapporteur on indigenous peoples within Parliament, with the objective of monitoring the human rights-related situation of indigenous peoples; calls on countries to ratify the provisions of ILO Convention 169 of 27 June 1989 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underlines the difficult situation, discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people around the world; calls on the EU to play a leading role in defending the rights of LGBTIQ people in international fora, including working towards the decriminalisation of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) and the elimination of intersex genital mutilation (IGM), so-called “conversion therapy” and the forced sterilisation of trans people; welcomes the fact that the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020–2025 includes the EU’s commitment to include LGBTIQ issues in all its external policies, including support under the NDICI – Global Europe Instrument and Instrument for Pre-Accession funds;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Acknowledges that LGBTIQ+ rights defenders and sex worker rights defenders faced increased physical, economic, legal and psychological risks during COVID-19 as they took on additional emergency roles to protect their communities and as state responses to the pandemic have exacerbated existing systems of classed, gendered, raced and sexualized injustice; deplores the use of COVID-19 as an excuse to crackdown on LGBTIQ+ defenders around the world through conducting raids on human rights defenders homes, mass arrests at the offices of LGBTIQ+ rights organisations, eviction from family homes, closure of human rights defender- run medical clinics, sexual harassment and detention of transgender human rights defenders at security check points established to limit social movement, homophobic and transphobic defamation portraying LGBTIQ+ rights defenders as spreaders of COVID-19;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Fully supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe, and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution, or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution, including by legal means, of belief or religious minorities, women and LGBTIQ persons; reiterates its condemnation of any attempt by authorities or governments to deny or interfere in the choice of religious or belief leaders;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on the Council, the Commission, EEAS and EU Member States to work with third countries for the adoption of measures to prevent and fight hate crime, and for the adoption of legislation that is fully compliant with international standards on the freedom of expression and the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Underlines the importance of civil society initiatives in ensuring the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and in promoting a multi- layered holistic approach that encompass human rights, conflict resolution, development, and interfaith and interreligious initiatives;
Amendment 285 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 14 b (new)
Subheading 14 b (new)
Right to participate in free and fair elections
Amendment 286 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines that the right to participate in the conduct of public affairs, particularly though elections, in addition to being a human right in itself, is intrinsically linked to a number of other human rights, the enjoyment of which are crucial to a meaningful electoral process, and are at the core of democratic governments;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Strongly condemns the loss of democratic values in several third countries and the cases of electoral integrity challenges throughout excessive violence performed by public authorities, the misuse of administrative resources by governing parties, clampdowns on political opponents, censorship and threats to independent media, increased disinformation, among other issues of equal concern; urges the EU to target and counter this extremely worrisome situation and come forward with concrete and effective proposals, reaffirming its willingness to take a leadership role on promoting human rights, democratic values and free and fair elections in third countries;
Amendment 288 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Deplores that authoritarian and illiberal regimes move away from the path of mature democracies, universal human rights and democratic standards, creating a false impression of legitimacy by means of fake electoral processes that are neither free nor fair or transparent; calls the EU and Member States to strengthen the Union’s promotion of “democratic resilience” in third countries with all the instruments at their disposal;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Calls to establish the protection of democratic and electoral processes as a main global human right concern, and for the development of an effective framework for responses to interferences of all nature in electoral processes, collaborating closely with international organizations such as the OSCE;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the EU and its Member States must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries, as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations, journalists and whistle-blowers; reiterates its concern over the use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, whistle- blowers and human rights defenders who investigate and expose corruption;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls for addressing the impunity for grand corruption as a priority because of its grave negative impact on human rights, including through the creation of a European Observatory on the fight against impunity;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Underlines the need to develop principles and work for an internationally recognised legal definition of grand corruption, including its systemic nature, as a crime in national and international law;
Amendment 297 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 c (new)
Paragraph 31 c (new)
Amendment 298 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. calls on the Commission to come forward with a legislative proposal to create a stand-alone global sanction regime to tackle acts of corruption defined on the basis of the UNCAC; ensure oversight of the European Parliament on the implementation of this new sanction regime and adopt strict reporting requirements to monitor the implementation of sanctions;
Amendment 305 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act) as an essential addition to the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox, which strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; indicates that the application of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime does not prevent or exclude the adoption of other EU’s instruments for Human Rights’ protection, thus these can be combined and complementary; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the EU or other entities as a response to the EU’s decisions under the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act; regrets the fact that the Council has decided to apply unanimity instead of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;
Amendment 306 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act) as an essential addition to the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox, which strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the EU or other entities as a response to the EU’s decisions under the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act; regrets the fact that the Council has decided to apply unanimity insteadvoting and reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the extension of the scope of the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act to include acts of corruption in order to ensure the effective targeting of the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act, consistent both with the EU’s other external policies, in particular with its human rights policies, and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions, international criminal law and international humanitarian law; welcomes the Commission’s announcement that in 2021, it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for Member States on their implementation and enforcement;
Amendment 327 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugee, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries, both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and, equally importantly, their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; recalls that the EU and its Member States, in their external and extraterritorial actions, agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration, borders and asylum, shall respect and protect human rights, notably those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the right to asylum, notably the individual assessment of asylum applications; reiterates its call on the Commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the EU’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission, which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; reiterates its call on the Commission to ensure a transparent ex ante risk assessments, performed by independent EU-bodies and experts on the impact of any formal, informal or financial EU cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons;
Amendment 339 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Calls on partner countries and international organisations for the implementation of legal frameworks and to increase the efforts of reinforced cooperation on what relates to migrant smuggling, ensuring the protection of migrants and the prevention of exploitation of migrants; recalls in this regard that state smuggling of migrants should also be sanctioned;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Reiterates its call for the establishment of a coordinated European approach in order to support and ensure a prompt and effective identification processes of those who died on their way to the EU;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reiterates that the EU and its Member States should actively support the UN Secretary-General’s and UN Security Council’s appeal for a global ceasefire, including through effective measures against illicit arms trade and enhancing the transparency and accountability of Member States' arms exports; deplores the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have increased political violence, intensified competition between armed groups and exacerbated long-simmering tensions, while leaving victims more unprotected; expresses grave concern about the increase in conflict- related sexual violence in this context, despite 2020 being the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security;
Amendment 350 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts, which, in addition to states, often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the EU to strengthen its response to conflicts, for which the Union should fully develop and be able to autonomously implement its own instruments, also in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations, including a strong focus on conflict prevention, mediation and good offices efforts, addressing the root causes of the conflicts, humanitarian aid, providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions, as well as EU missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy, and post- conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective;
Amendment 362 #
Amendment 363 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Calls for the promotion transitional justice processes that empower civil society, victims, marginalised and vulnerable populations, women, children and youth, rural and urban residents; encourages the creation of links between permanent structures such as national justice systems and national institutions or networks for atrocity prevention and transitional justice's initiatives; stresses the need to provide the tools, space and access to information to victims and affected communities.
Amendment 364 #
Amendment 367 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Emphasises that the EU has a unique opportunity to exert leverage on businesses to uphold human rights at global level with the upcoming EU binding legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability, obliging companies to prevent, identify, communicate, account for and effective remedy potential and/or actual adverse impacts on human rights, the environment and good governance inthroughout their value chain and provide for access to justice for victims and corporate liability regimes; calls for the strategylegislation to apply to all large undertakings governed by the law of a Member State, established in the territory of the Union or operating in the internal market, as well as publicly listed small and medium-sized companies; stresses the need to establish and enforce administrative controls and sanctions to make the legislation effective; calls for companies’ due diligence strategiesthe introduction of civil liability for harm caused or that a company has contributed to by failing to perform due diligence; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders, including workers, workers representatives, trade unions, human rights defenders, local communities including vulnerable ones such as Dalits, indigenous groups, migrant workers, informal workers and home workers and to be made public; welcomes the full entry into force in 2020 of the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and the EU Taxonomy Regulation as constructive steps in this field;
Amendment 370 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Reiterates that 69% of human rights defenders killed around the world were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples, often in the context of business, and emphasises the evermore crucial need, expressed by human rights defenders, for the EU to implement mandatory human rights due diligence legislation for companies;
Amendment 373 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that 2021 is the 10th anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a genuine framework whose guidelines, in particular those in the third pillar focused on access to remedy and respect for human rights defenders, provides an essential framework to cooperate with third countries on prevention, as well as on access to judicial and non-judicial complaint and redress mechanisms for victims; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to play an active role in the ongoing negotiations for a UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights, as a means to help secure a level playing field for EU companiestresses the importance for all countries to fully implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and calls on those EU Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; Stresses the need to establish an international binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other companies; encourages the EU and its Member States to participate constructively in the work of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights; considers this to be a necessary step forward in the promotion and protection of human rights;
Amendment 374 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Reaffirms the need to create a grievance mechanism to lodge complaints regarding violations and abuses of indigenous peoples’ rights resulting from the activities of multinational businesses; recommends that the EU and its Member States include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence, and ensure that multinational companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations;
Amendment 380 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights clauses in all international agreements between the EU and non-EU countries, including free trade agreements and standalone investment protection agreements; calls for a better use of these clauses, including by the setting of dedicated monitoring and problem solving mechanisms; calls for these clauses to be enforced through clear benchmarks and to be monitored, with the involvement of Parliament, civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that the establishment of specific benchmarks could lead the EU to explore the introduction of proportionality into sanctions for non-compliance; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences, including, as a last resort, suspension or the withdrawal of the EU from the agreement; recommendscalls for the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in all trade and foreign investment agreements, as well as complaints mechanisms, in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders; calls that no trade or investment agreement be negotiated without enforceable human rights clauses;
Amendment 381 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights clauses in all international agreements between the EU and non-EU countries; calls for these clauses to be enforced through clear benchmarks and to be monitored, with the involvement of Parliament, civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that the establishment of specific benchmarks could lead the EU to explore the introduction of proportionality into sanctions for non-compliance; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences, including, as a last resort, suspension or the withdrawal of the EU from the agreement for the most severe cases of human rights violations; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements, as well as complaints mechanisms, in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders;
Amendment 385 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the GSP+ Regulation, which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link, notably by linking tariffs suspension to progress on human rights, environmental rights and good governance; stresses the necessary contribution of the GSP to achievement of the Green Deal’s objectives and suggests that sustainable goods be offered preferential treatment; underlines that access to GSP+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including, if warranted, the swift revocation of GSP+ status;
Amendment 388 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the GSP+ Regulation, which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to GSP+ is contingent on respect to international conventions and progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including, if warranted, the swift revocation of GSP+ status;
Amendment 389 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Stresses the need for continued engagement and dialogue between the EU and all stakeholders - in particular civil society organizations and trade unions- in beneficiary countries, as well as further improvement of transparency and monitoring in order to ensure the GSP scheme fulfils its objective of sustainable development and good governance;
Amendment 390 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Underlines the important role played by digital technologies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; stresses that these technologies will continue to be implemented around the world in the post- pandemic period and that that they should be appropriately regulated to leverage their strength while avoiding their negative effects on human rights; in particular, stresses the importance of effective safeguards to the right to privacy and data protection in the health-related systems of mass surveillance, and of their proportionate use which should also be limited in time; stresses the evident risks of surveillance techniques to be used against human rights defenders, journalists, civil society and others in particular as they represent a serious obstacle to the defence of human rights, a risk to privacy and freedom of expression, and a serious threat to democratic institutions;
Amendment 393 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Strongly condemns the misuse of surveillance technology to monitor, intimidate and silence human rights defenders, journalists, among others, seriously undermining human rights; calls to urgently adopt robust regulations worldwide to guarantee the use of these technologies in compliance with international human rights standards and pending that, to adopt a moratorium on its sale, transfer and use, as well as to guarantee transparency on its use and that developing and trading companies comply with due diligence standards and upcoming EU legislation;
Amendment 395 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes the benefits brought about by the increased use of artificial intelligence, but stresses that the technologies must be developed, deployed and used in conformity with human rights, adopting a human rights based approach and under meaningful human supervision, in full transparency and ensuring accountability and non-discrimination, in particular to avoid both bias in automated decisions and data protection violations;
Amendment 397 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation, but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent, on the one hand, the unjustified censorshiplimitation, curation or manipulation of users’ content, including automated censorship, and, on the other, the spread of hate speech, fake news and disinformation, disinformation and intentional harmful content; calls the EU to propose ways to facilitate the human rights defenders work online and the recognition that debate on human rights should be promoted and protected in any circumstances; welcomes the adoption of the new EU rules on the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use technologies;
Amendment 405 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty in view of its cruel and irreversible nature and calls for the EU to intensify its efforts to advocate universal abolition; underlines that a positive trend emerged in 2020 towards a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty, with 123 states voting in favour of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on this matter; is extremely concerned, however, about the dramatic increase in executions in certain countries; urges the EU and its Member States to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position;
Amendment 406 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Deplores the fact that torture and inhuman or degrading treatment continue to be widespread in many countries and calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts aimed at eradicating these practices, while supporting victims and promoting mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable; urges all Member States and other countries which have not done so to ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its optional Protocol (OPCAT); recognises the importance of civil society organisations and HRDs in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Report of 2010 on Post-public employment: Good practices for preventing Conflict of Interest,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
Amendment 5 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2011) and the development of standards in the fight against corruption,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2066(INI)
— having regard to the Council Regulation (EU)2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuse,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the Council Decision (CFSP)2021/1277 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the adoption of new binding provisions by the French Parliament for the restitution of confiscated stolen assets to the people in the countries of origin,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2020 on sustainable corporate governance,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to art. 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on areas of crimes with a cross-border dimension, including corruption, in which the EU may establish common rules, by means of directives,
Amendment 17 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers Recommendation to Member States on common rules against corruption in the funding of political parties and electoral campaigns,
Amendment 18 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 b (new)
Citation 23 b (new)
— having regard to the Regulation 1141/2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations,
Amendment 35 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the OECD has declared that bribery and corruption are damaging to democratic institutions and the governance of corporations and a duty to adopt preventive measures against corruption should be part of the due diligence obligations imposed on companies operating in the Union;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 48 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power, the capture of structures of the State, a lack of accountability, the obstruction of justice, the use of improper influence, the institutionalisation of discrimination, clientelism, nepotism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things, and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption, the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like- minded democracies;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 69 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the external credibility of the EU also depends on effective anti- corruption action within its Member States and at EU level; whereas many EU Member States have put in place measures to prevent cases of undue influence and risks of corruption involving lawmakers and public officials; whereas these rules are only partially enforced and whereas harmonised rules at EU level are lacking and falling short to prevent risks of undue influence, conflict of interest and corruption;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas external actors such as Russia and China are using strategic corruption as a new foreign policy weapon within the EU, in countries in the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhood and elsewhere in the world, thus destabilising these countries and hampering their progress towards functioning democracies;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
G c. whereas foreign states and non- state actors are increasingly implementing strategies of elite capture, including at EU level and within EU Member States, and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants, among them former European politicians and highly qualified staff, recruited to advance specific interests in regulatory and legislative processes; whereas the regulation of professional activities and employment of former public officials in the private sector is a long-standing tool in the international fight against corruption and enshrined in the UNCAC;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the EU is the destination of several billion euros of misappropriated public funds and assets stolen from third countries; whereas European authorities are not yet able to confiscate and return the large majority of these stolen assets; whereas legal framework on stolen asset recovery is highly fragmented in the EU; whereas France has newly adopted a restitution mechanism for illicitly acquired assets to be returned to the country of origin;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas the protection of whistleblowers from discriminatory and retaliatory actions in public and private sector environments is essential to encourage the reporting of misuse of public funds, fraud, active bribery and other acts of corruption; whereas providing effective legal protection and clear guidance on reporting procedures is integral to efforts to combat corruption, to promote public sector integrity and accountability and to help businesses to prevent, detect and tackle bribery in commercial transactions;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
H c. whereas the private sector and business enterprises can play a significant role in addressing corruption in multinational groups and in global supply chains and have a key role in limiting Human Rights impacts and fighting corruption globally; whereas only three EU Member States are imposing legal obligation on larger companies related to the prevention and detection of corruption;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
H d. whereas States parties of the UNCAC, including all EU Member States, have committed to establishing the bribery of foreign public official as a criminal offence, punishable by criminal penalties and to establishing the liability of legal persons for the bribery of foreign public officials;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas corporate due diligence rleguislations are indispensable means to prevent and tackl, tackle and effectively remediate human rights and environmental violations globally; whereas the provisions of the UNCAC should form part of the due diligence obligations envisaged in the forthcoming Commission proposal on the matter;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas several States have in place Investor Citizenship and Residence Schemes, also called ‘golden visas’ programmes, which offer facilitated routes to citizenship or residence rights to foreign investors; whereas in order to make their programmes more competitive and to attract foreign direct investments, States, including EU Member States, tend to weaken their due diligence and integrity requirements, which increases the risk of misuse of these programmes for the purposes of money laundering or hiding funds obtained via corrupt activities and avoiding confiscation and persecution in home jurisdictions; whereas clients of these programmes increasingly come from China, followed by Russia;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas the new EU framework for targeted restrictive measures to address the situation in Lebanon provides for the possibility to impose sanctions against persons and entities responsible for undermining democracy and rule of law, including for serious financial misconduct, concerning public funds, insofar as the acts concerned are covered by the UNCAC, and the unauthorised export of capital; whereas the EU should avoid fragmentation of its legal framework with country-based sanction regimes and should rather adopt an horizontal regime against acts of corruption;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) formulate a comprehensive EU global anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the EU’s toolbox, identifying gaps, increasing funding, and expanding support to anti- corruption CSOs, as already requested by the European Parliament in its resolution of 13 September 2017 on corruption and human rights in third countries; take urgent action to prevent corruption by putting in place preventing measures, policies and practices, enhancing efforts and resources for education and training in the public and private sectors, including through public global corruption prevention campaigns;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) establish a dedicated Council Working Party for preparatory works on anti-corruption matters in order to inform the discussions in the Council;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) insist on the full implementation and enforcement of existing national and international anti-corruption instruments such as the UNCAC, OECD Convention on Combating the Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption; encourage all States that have not yet done so to ratify those anti-corruption instruments as matter of priority; launch an inclusive and comprehensive process to review the EU’s implementation of the UNCAC;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) advance efforts in all EU Member States to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions, in line with the UNCAC, and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ensure greater transparency and access to information on foreign assets detained on the EU territory, including on the origin of these assets, while taking into consideration possible threats to the owners’ safety and safeguarding their fundamental rights; encourage the adoption of legislations and take further measures to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions, in line with the UNCAC, and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ensuring that fundamental rights are respected and preventing further corrupt practices in the country of asset origin; meaningfully involve CSOs in the entire process, from identification of assets to monitoring the use of return assets;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) provide technical assistance and resources to States lacking sufficient capacity to address corruption and business-related human rights challenges; insist on the need for strengthened resources and additional capabilities for national law enforcement bodies dealing with corruption, including for enhanced technological capabilities to investigate corruption; promote and support the role of parliaments and other legislative bodies in the management of public resources and ensure their capacity to exercise effective budget oversight;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Internal-external coherence: fighting corruption in EU democracies
Amendment 135 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) strengthen the credibility of EU external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption and money laundering within the EU; recognise that systemic corruption in some EU Member States undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries and take action to terminate it; recognise that a lack of harmonisation and determined action, delays and a gap in implementing the anti- corruption regulations within the EU emboldens corrupt actors both inside and outside of the EU;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) request the Commission to put forward an EU anti-corruption directive on the basis of Art. 83 TFEU, establishing common EU rules for the definition of criminal sanctions for corruption and creating EU provisions regarding the return of confiscated stolen assets to countries of origin, including the reversal of the burden of proof for assets confiscation in corruption cases; align these standards with most advanced legal provisions in existing national legislations and best practices in EU Member States;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(g b) thoroughly analyse foreign interferences, including in the EU and its Member States, by foreign States and non-State actors using corruption as a tool to undermine democratic processes, notably by means of party funding and elite-capture;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(g c) urge Member States to prohibit extra-EU funding to political parties and those entities directly funded by political parties to campaign on their behalf; urge the strengthening of national rules, institutional frameworks and enforcement practices in respect of extra-EU funding of political foundations and electoral campaigns, particularly with transparency and oversight provisions; ensure coordination and harmonisation of national rules and enforcements practices to improve effectiveness both at EU and non-EU level, including by increasing resources for the European Coordination Network on Elections to take up this role; promote dedicated programmes on transparent political party financing and campaign spending in the EU’s external democracy support in third countries;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
(g d) adopt and apply strict standards for post-public employment and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with national post- employment rules designed to guard against corruption of former elected office holders and public officials increasingly exposed to corruption and co-opted by foreign stakeholders to exert undue influence towards EU and national institutions; tackle the current legal fragmentation, including at EU level, for post-public employment by creating harmonised rules, including at EU level, a robust oversight system and an appropriate sanction regime;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
(g e) address the impunity for grand corruption as a priority because of its grave negative impact on human rights, including through the creation of a European Observatory on the fight against impunity; develop principles and work for an internationally recognised legal definition of grand corruption, including its systemic nature, as a crime in national and international law; address ongoing cases of impunity for grand corruption by stronger enforcement of anti-corruption laws to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of grand corruption schemes; explore comprehensive approaches that includes reforms to international justice institutions, including extending the jurisdiction of the ICC; encourage States, including EU Member States, to make use of their universal jurisdiction to prosecute acts of grand corruption;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
(g f) work with third countries for the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive legislation on whistleblower protection in line with international human rights standards, providing for confidential and secure reporting mechanisms and robust legal protection from reprisals to all whistleblowers, including those reporting to CSOs, the media, and to international mechanisms; advance all efforts in EU Member States to swiftly transpose the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive into their national legislation and to effectively implement it; guarantee the same level of protection for staff of EU institutions and harmonise internal rules and standards in this regard; apply a minima the same level of protection for persons reporting breaches of national law;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
(g g) adopt common standards and mechanisms for enhanced transparency and reduction of the corruption and money laundering risk posed by ‘Citizenship by Investment’ programmes; require proper control and oversight of applicants and investments before granting ‘golden visas’ and regulate national schemes on the basis of minimum standards and practices harmonised at EU level to terminate competition between single Member States;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 3
Paragraph 1 – subheading 3
Human rights and anti-corruption: enriching and operationalising the EU’s toolbox
Amendment 157 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) create an EU anti-corruption task force, gathering anti-corruption experts, with the mandate to conduct ex-ante assessments of the level of corruption in third countries and to design comprehensive reform plans to tackle corruption prior to the conclusion of any EU agreement and the programming of EU funds; place this taskforce’s work under European Parliament’s oversight and grant this task force with adequate powers and resources to conduct investigations and evaluation on the ground and to provide technical and operational assistance to partner countries to implement required reforms; condition any EU bilateral assistance and bilateral agreement to full cooperation with this taskforce and genuine anti- corruption reform steps;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) ensure that the highest ethical and transparency standards are applied in EU funding, that CSOs and independent actors are included and that grievance mechanisms are available and accessible; ensure that all EU bodies and agencies improve access to information and refrain from charging fees for access to information; including the financing of projects and loans by the European Investment Bank (EIB), that CSOs and independent actors are fully involved in the monitoring of these funds and that grievance mechanisms are available, accessible and ensure accountability for the possible misuse of funds; ensure that all EU bodies and agencies guarantee free, swift and easy access to information, including regarding the allocation, the final recipient of funding and the final use of funds;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) include in all EU-third country trade and investment agreements, include a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with transparency provisions and binding and enforceable anti- corruption clauses; as a last resort,include commitment and high-standards of whistleblower protection in all EU trade and investment agreements with third parties; impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(l a) apply inclusive and meaningful transparency in trade negotiations, enable public oversight and public awareness of strategies and priorities; require similar degree of transparency from the negotiating partners;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) recognise the crucial role of CSOs, human rights defenders (HRDs) and investigative journalists in the fight against corruption, through changing societal norms, fighting impunity, gathering data, and achieving better implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures; insist on the need for victims of corruption to be able to participate in judicial corruption proceedings and to claim for compensations;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) insist on the importance of creating a safe and enabling environment and protecting journalists, whistleblowers, witnesses and anti-corruption activists from threats arising from their activities in preventing and fighting corruption;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) design programmes to provide more financial support to CSOs, independent media, whistleblowers and HRDs working on preventing and exposing corruption, advancing transparency and accountability,; inclumprove smaller CSOs’ access to EU funding; support against strategic lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPP suits); improve smaller CSOs’ access to EU fuparliaments in their oversight roles with capacity building and advance internal party democracy with capacity building and ingternal reforms;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
(p a) strengthen their support to civil society stakeholders targeted by strategic lawsuits against public participations (SLAPPs) and come forward with an EU directive enacting protection and legal safeguards for victims of SLAPPs, including the possibility for the victim to request the dismissal of abusive lawsuits;
Amendment 196 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) empower and allocate dedicated resources to EU delegations and Member States' representations to strengthen protection of witnesses, whistleblowers and anti-corruption HRDs, including through temporary visa schemtheir relatives and other persons close to them, as appropriate, including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in EU Member States;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) promote strong access to information laws, including improved transparency of public procurement and lobbying, with independent oversight bodies; promote greater policy coherence, including by integrating human rights due diligence and anti-corruption provisions into public procurement;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) support and strengthen independent, impartial and effective judiciaries, prosecution and law enforcement bodies; for the successful investigation, prosecution and adjudication of corruption offences, including through sufficient financial and training resources;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) continue supporting free and fair electoral processes and promote accountability to voters with special attention to electoral fraud and vote buying; promote transparency and impartiality rules to counter illicit political financing; ensure a more systematic follow-up on the recommendations of international observer missions;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – point ab
(ab) promote the inclusmeaningful and effective participation of non- governmental stakeholders, including academia and CSOs, as observers in subsidiary bodies of the Conference of States Parties of the UNCAC and other multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
(ab a) advance efforts to effectively enforce the prohibition of corruption in the private sector, in line with the UNCAC, to effectively enforce penalties on corporations for acts of corruption and to extend the prohibition of corruption to all corporation under national jurisdictions, regardless of where the act of corruption takes place;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
(ab b) require all large companies and all listed companies, included those established in the EU and non EU companies operating in the EU market, to report on the impact of their activities and on the policy they implement on anti- corruption and anti-bribery matters;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac
Paragraph 1 – point ac
(ac) urgently set up an EU mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (HRDD) instrumentlegislation that requires companies to engage actively in the identification, assessment, mitigation, prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights, and which includes strong anti-corruption provisions and obligatory grievance mechanismsundertakings, including banks and financial institutions, to identify, prevent, mitigate, cease and account for human rights violations, including acts of bribery and corruption arising from their business models and operations in their global value chains, with robust enforcement mechanisms and liability regimes enabling victims to hold companies into account and to seek for remedy;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
(ac a) ensure that due diligence obligations apply to the bribery of foreign public officials, occurring directly or through intermediaries and is imposed to all entities and business relationships on a company’s global value chain; ensure liability of the company directing, authorizing or covering acts of corruption;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
(ad a) enact binding provisions and guidance for companies to guarantee safe internal and confidential reporting by directors, officers, employees and business partners on breaches of anti- corruption rules and professional ethics within the company and to protect these stakeholders, in line with the EU whistleblower directive;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae
Paragraph 1 – point ae
(ae) reconfirm the importance of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by ensuring that all Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans do so as soon as possible, and promote the adoption of action plans and corporate due diligence legislations by third countries; engage constructively and actively in the negotiations on the UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 8
Paragraph 1 – subheading 8
Sanctioning corruption through the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act )
Amendment 260 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af
Paragraph 1 – point af
(af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to amend the current EU Global Human Rights Screate a stand-alone global sanctions regime to tackle acts of corruption defined on the basis of the UNCAC; ensure oversight of the European Parliament on the implementation of this new sanctions Rregime by extending its scope to include acts of corrupand adopt strict reporting requirements to monitor the implementation of sanctions; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the EU as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
(af a) swiftly adopt targeted sanctions, including asset freeze and travel bans, to high-ranked officials and economic actors responsible for acts of corruption; share information and coordinate with likeminded partners;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aj
Paragraph 1 – point aj
(aj) recognise the causal linkages between environmental degradastruction as an impediment to the enjoyment of human rights, and the underlying networks of corruption, bribery or organised crime; work towards mainstreaming anti- corruption in EU climate action,nd environmental action advancing transparency and good governance of natural resources and the fight against land grabbing, and focusing on the sectors most at risk, such as the extractive industries;
Amendment 284 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ak
Paragraph 1 – point ak
(ak) protect environmental HRDs and land defenders, particularly women and indigenous HRDs, who face the greatest risk of harassment, intimidation and violence and killings, including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in EU Member States;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 October 2013 on caste-based discrimination, in particular article 6 on religion as an intersectional factor of discrimination and abuse,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
— having regard to its resolutions of 17 December 2020 on forced labour and the situation of the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and of 18 April 2019 on China, notably the situation of religious and ethnic minorities,
Amendment 28 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas UN human rights treaties, together with international and EU laws provide standards for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities as an integral part of human rights;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas freedom of religion or belief is violated in almost one third of countries worldwide; whereas over 5 billion people live in countries imposing or tolerating severe violations of freedom of thought, conscience, religiousn or belief;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, physical and mental abuse, rape and sexual violence, executions, limitation of access to elective offices, judicial harassment and prosecution, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of minorities on the ground of belief or religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in societystates and non- state actors, or combination of both – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated persecution and violence against belief and religious minorities in some countries; whereas furthermore the health crisis can provide a pretext to adopt persecution measures for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; whereas belief and religious minorities have become particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and mortality due to unequal access to adequate medical care;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas women of belief and religious minorities are particularly at risk of increased discrimination and violence linked to intersectional factors such as gender, religion, caste, ethnic background, power imbalances and patriarchy;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas minorities on the ground of belief and religious often lack of adequate national representation; whereas legislation often excludes the needs and interests of these minorities, with governments employing a range of extra-legal measures that persecute, delegitimise or stigmatise minorities on the ground of belief or religion;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas social media platforms are increasingly exploited as spaces for incitement to hatred and violence; whereas belief or religious minorities continue to be subject to hate speech online and offline from individuals across the political spectrum;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 69 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 79 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities everywhere in the world, including their right to change or choose their religion or belief, in respect of the principles of equality and non- discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution, violence, incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of religion and belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on belief or religion, and its commitment to eradicating such violence;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities everywhere in the world, including their right to change or choose their rbeligionef or breliefgion, in respect of the principles of equality and non- discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution, violence, incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of rbeligionef and breliefgion;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that, regardless of their religion and beliefbelief, religion, thought and conscience, it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusion of all citizens in their societies and in political, socio-economic and cultural life;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that freedom of religion or beliefthought, belief and religion, including freedom to worship, and freedom to believe or not believe, to espouse theistic, non-theistic, agnostic or atheistic views and the right to apostasy is a human right, and that it often serves as a last bastion of liberty and as a source of fierce determination in highly repressive settings;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that the religious grounds of persecution are often intertwined with some other grounds of distinct nature, in particular those linked to ethnicity, gender and caste; condemns the ongoing persecution and serious and systematic human rights violations in some countries that can amount to crimes against humanity;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon, which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities, namely Christians (including Copts), Jews, Muslims (including Ahmadis and Alevis), Buddhists, Hindus and smaller religious groups, such as Baha’is, Sikhs and Zoroastrians, as well as groups of people who are atheists, humanists, agnostics or do not identify with any belief or religion;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 117 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 128 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 131 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Is concerned about the application of sharia, blasphemy and other religious laws over national laws in some countries, where discrimination based on religious ground is taught at school and where practices like female genital mutilation, forced conversions, birth control, abortions and marriages, among others forms of violence, are taking place in total impunity;
Amendment 138 #
Amendment 142 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 149 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 156 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 163 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 164 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 172 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 177 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted in almost all of the region and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries; expresses its regret that freedom of worship is severely limited in some of the countries in the Middle East, with the notable example of Saudi Arabia, where public practice of any religion other than Islam is strictly prohibited;
Amendment 181 #
Amendment 188 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 198 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 211 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 217 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 223 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 231 #
Amendment 234 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 242 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 249 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Tackling key challenges posed by the persecution against belief or religious minorities
Amendment 257 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the paramount importance of holding accountable perpetrators of human rights abuses against persons belonging to belief or religious minorities; calls on the EU and Member States to urgently work towards the establishment of additional UN mechanisms and committees to investigate current human rights violations against belief and religious minorities around the world;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and EU Member States to work with third countries for the adoption of measures to prevent and fight hate crime, and for the adoption of legislation that is fully compliant with international standards on the freedom of expression and the freedom of belief and religion;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Council and EU Member States to apply sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or involved in systematic violations of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities, as provided for by the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against belief or religious minority groups during the COVID-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to belief or religious minorities have been scapegoated, blamed for spreading the COVID-19 virus, and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare, food or humanitarian aid, on the basis of rbeligiousef or breliefgious criteria;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines that women belonging to belief or religious minorities have been specifically and increasingly targeted with the purpose of inflicting harm on their community as a whole; stresses that they are particularly exposed to violent attacks, kidnapping, sexual violence, forced conversion, forced and early marriage and domestic incarceration, and that lockdown measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have made their human rights situation even more precarious; calls to devote particular attention to abolishing practices and legislation that discriminate against them;
Amendment 284 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Condemns the use by authoritarian regimeState actors of legislation on security, or security imperatives, sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute or criminalize persons belonging to belief and religious minorities, to outlaw or restrict the practise or expression of their belief or religion and gatherings of believers, and to deter the membership and registration of belief or religious associations; calls on the Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation, and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges EU Member States to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Strongly condemns the use of coercive detention of belief and religious minorities in State-run re-education camps; deplores the actions of State authorities to force learning the dominant language, sing praises of the dominant party and renounce their religion in the internment camps; strongly condemns the use of forced labour of belief or religious minorities in State controlled factories; and the massive use of digital surveillance technologies to monitor and control population belonging to belief or religious minorities;
Amendment 291 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Condemns the intensified surveillance, attempts to control the functioning, practices and leadership of religious communities and minorities by some countries and the interference in their systems of belief;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Deplores the fact that more than 70in some countries in the world authorities enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy, apostasy and conversion, including the death sentence, or use laws against provoking religious offence to arbitrarily detain and ill-treat minorities on the ground of belief or religion, or claim violation of public order laws or law against incitement to violence without sufficient evidence to justify such charges; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to belief or religious minorities, and are thus seen, with good reason, as an instrument of oppression; calls for the EU to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws;
Amendment 299 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy, apostasy and conversion, including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities, and are thus seen, with good reason, as an instrument of oppression; calls for the EU to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; underlines that converts leaving a majority faith often experience the most severe violations including imprisonment, forced divorce, abduction, physical violence and murder;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes the need to protect the lawyers, NGOs and members of the civil society that help, collaborate and defend those who are persecuted on the grounds of belief or religion;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Stresses the need to eliminate discrimination in the field of employment, education, access to justice and effective remedies, housing, and healthcare; underlines the need to work with human rights institutions and organisations to monitor the compliance, examine complaint and repeal laws and policies that discriminate or persecute minorities on the ground of belief or religion;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
Paragraph 28 c (new)
28c. Underlines the importance of civil society initiatives in tackling the persecution of minorities on the ground of belief and religion, and in promoting a multi-layered holistic approach that encompass human rights, conflict resolution, development, and interfaith and interreligious initiatives;
Amendment 313 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Strengthening EU human rights foreign policy and external actions to address the persecution of belief or religious minorities
Amendment 315 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. WelcomesTakes note of the recent appointment of Mr Christos Stylianides as the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or beliefbelief or religion; reiterates its calls on the Commission to guarantee transparency in the nomination, mandate, activities and reporting obligations of the Special Envoy and to ensure commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and to European values; stresses that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views, also paying attention to the situation of non-believers at risk; calls on the Commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the Special Envoy works closely with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM), and reiterates its calls on the Council and the Commission to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; carry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy;
Amendment 323 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Council, the Commission, EEAS and EU Member States to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of EU human rights foreign policy, in line with the EU action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of rbeligionef or breliefgion, encompassing human rights, conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the EU Guidelines on freedom of religion or belief, allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the Guidelines to be communicated regularly to Parliament;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Urges the EEAS and EU Delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of belief or religious minorities for all relevant situations, as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (HRDCSs) for 2021-2024. and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the discrimination against and persecution of belief or religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries and ensure that these exchanges produce genuine positive outcomes; reiterates its call for Members of the European Parliament to be given access to the content of HRDCSs;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to scrutinise the human rights situations of belief or religious minorities in third countries and the implementation of related commitments under bilateral agreements of those countries with the EU, including under trade agreements such as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
Citation 26 a (new)
— having regard to LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2020-2025) (COM(2020)698),
Amendment 30 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas independent journalism and access to pluralistic information are key pillars of democracy; whereas civil society is essential for any democracy to thrive and the shrinking of the space available for civil society work can negatively impact democracies;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are lawsuits or other legal actions (e.g. injunctions, asset-freezing) based on civil and criminal law, as well as the threats of such actions, with the purpose of preventing reporting on breaches of Union and national law, corruption or other fraudulent practices or of blocking public participation; and freedom of expression and of assembly
Amendment 83 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas SLAPPs have become an increasingly widespread practice used against journalists, academics, civil society andhuman rights defenders and civil society organisations, including NGOs, as demonstrated by many cases throughout the Union, such as the chilling case of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was reportedly facing 47 civil and criminal defamation lawsuits, (resulting in the freezing of her assets) on the day of her strongly condemned assassination on 16 October 2017, and the lawsuits her heirs continue to face; whereas other illustrative and alarming cases include Realtid Media, which was repeatedly threatened with a lawsuit in a different jurisdiction from where the reporting in question took place, and Gazeta Wyborcza, which continues to be sued by a number of public entities and officials on a regular basis;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy acknowledges that civil society organisations protecting and advancing the rights of LGBTIQ people increasingly report that they face hostility, coinciding with the rise of the anti-gender (and anti- LGBTIQ) movement; whereas LGBTI activists are often the targets of defamation campaigns due to their advocacy work for LGBTI equality; whereas Polish activists such as the ‘Atlas of Hate’ group and the creator of the ‘LGBT-free zone’ photo project (Bart Staszewski) are currently facing several SLAPP cases and are liable for dozens of thousands of euros if they lose them;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas SLAPPs against civil society, journalists and human rights defenders often serve the purpose of harassing them and their activities, often causing them to consider whether to continue exercising their freedom of expression or to instead exercise self- censorship and restraint in order to avoid legal repercussions; whereas many civil society organisations, including NGOs, journalists and human rights defenders may consider the trade-off to be too costly and instead opt for self-censorship; whereas this illustrates the ‘chilling effect’ SLAPPs have on those seeking to exercise rights freely;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that SLAPPs are a direct attack on the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms; underlines that fundamental rights and democracy are linked to upholding the rule of law, and that undermining freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, media freedom and public democratic participation threatens Union values as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU; welcomes the fact that the rule of law report includes SLAPP lawsuits in its assessment of media freedom and pluralism across the Union, and points to best practices in countering them; calls for the annual report to include a thorough assessment of the legal environment for the media, and investigative journalism in particular as well as the chilling effect that SLAPPs can have on civil society, human rights defenders and activists;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that public participation also has an important role to play in the proper functioning of the internal market, as it is often through public participation that breaches of Union law, including fundamental rights, corruption and other practices threatening the proper functioning of the internal market are made known to the public;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that in recent years online hate speech has become increasingly widespread against journalists, NGOs, academics and, civil society organisations, including NGOs, and human rights defenders, including those defending LGBTQIQ rights, thus threatening media freedom, freedom of expression and assembly, as well as public safety given that online hate speech can incite real-worldoffline violence;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that SLAPPs are often meritless, frivolous or based on exaggerated claims, and that they are not initiated for the purposes of obtaining a favourable judicial outcome but rather only to intimidate, harass, tire out, put psychological pressure on or consume the financial resources of journalists, academics, civil society and NGOs,organisations, including NGOs, and human rights defenders with the ultimate objective of blackmailing and forcing them into silence through the judicial procedure itself; points out that this chilling effect can lead to self- censorship, suppressing participation in democratic life, and also discourages others from similar actions, from entering into these professions or from proceeding with relevant associated activities;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses, with regard to this problem, that all Member States lack harmonised minimum standards to protect journalists, academics, civil society and NGOorganisations, including NGOs, and human rights defenders and to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld in the Member States;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Agrees with the numerous civil society organisations, academics, legal practitioners and victims who point to the need for legislative action against the growing problem of SLAPPs; urgently calls, therefore, for the Brussels I and Rome II Regulations to be amendments in order to prevent ‘libel tourism’ or ‘forum shopping’; urgently calls for the introduction of a uniform choice of law rule for defamation, as well as for proposals for binding Union legislation on harmonised and effective safeguards for victims of SLAPPs across the Union, including through a directive; argues that without such legislative action, SLAPPs will continue to threaten the rule of law and the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly, association and information in the Union; is concerned that if measures only address lawsuits regarding infordefamation, actions based on other civil matters or criminal procedures may still be used;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that it is essential to adopt a legislative measure protecting the role of journalists, academics, civil society andhuman rights defenders and civil society organisations, including NGOs, in preventing breaches of Union law and ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market; urges the Commission to present a proposal for legislation that sets out safeguards for persons investigating and reporting on these matters of public interest;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underlines the urgent need for a robust fund for supporting victims of SLAPPs; stresses the importance for victims and potential victims of SLAPPs to have easy and accessible information about these type of cases, legal aid and support;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication "Gender Equality Strategy (2020-2025)", published on 5 March 2020,
Amendment 29 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication "Strategy on victim’s rights (2020-2025)", published on 24 June 2020,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication "LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2020-2025)", published on 12 November 2020,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 d (new)
Citation 14 d (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s Communication: "EU Strategy on the rights of the child (2020-2025)", published on 24 March 2021,
Amendment 84 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality defines femicide as the killing of women and girls because of their gender; whereas it can take different forms such as the murder of women as a result of intimate partner violence, killing of women and girls because of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, as well as female and intersex genital mutilations and so called "honour killings";
Amendment 134 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Condemns all forms of violence against women and girls in all their diversity and other forms of gender-based violence, such as violence against LGBTI persons, and deplores the fact that women and girls continue to be exposed to psychological, physical, sexual and economic violence, including sexual exploitation and trafficking in human beings, both online and offline;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence are the result of the unequal distribution of power, patriarchal structures, and gender stereotypes, that have led to domination over and discrimination against women and LGBTI persons by men; underlines that this situation is aggravated by social and economic inequalities;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the wide range of psychological impacts that gender-based violence has on victims, including and witnesses, including feeling unsafe or vulnerable, stress, concentration problems, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, lack of trust and of sense of control; recalls that gender- based violence also has a social and economic impact;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that violations of sexual and reproductive rights are a form of violence against women and girls, as well as transgender and non-binary persons, as reflected in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy;
Amendment 288 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Member States to take all necessary measures to promote the protection of women and girls in all their diversity and all survivors of gender-based violence against all forms of violence, including by paying greater attention to the needs of survivors who experience intersectional forms of discrimination and violence;
Amendment 299 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the obligation on Member States to ensure that there is support and services for survivors of gender-based violence; recalls the importance, in that context, of support to independent civil society and women’s and specialised shelter organisations;
Amendment 304 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Member States to step up their work in order to ensure that victims have access to justice, including restorative justice, and to guarantee that the rights of the victim are placed at the centre in order to avoid discrimination, traumatisation or revictimisation during judicial, medical and police proceedings; underlines with concern that most Member States still have issues with complete/correct transposition and/or practical application of the Victim’s Rights Directive, as reflected in the Commission’s Strategy on victim’s rights, and calls on their due diligence for its complete and correct transposition;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that gender-based violence is a serious crime and a widespread violation of fundamental rights in the Union which needs to be addressed with greater efficiency and determination on a common basis; stresses that gender-based violence is the result of a patriarchal society that has a cross-border dimension; points, in particular, at the growing anti- gender and anti-women movements, which are well organised and have a cross-border nature, and which therefore call for a coordinated EU response;
Amendment 348 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the special need to combat violence against women and girls in all their diversity and other forms of gender-based violence on a common basis also results from the need to establish minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions;
Amendment 367 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on gender-based violence that implements the standards of the Istanbul Convention and includes the following elements: prevention, including through gender-sensitive education programming directed at both girls and boys in all their diversity, and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity; support services and protection measures for survivors; combating all forms of gender-based violence, including violations of women’s, transgender's and non-binary persons' sexual and reproductive health and rights; and minimum standards for law enforcement;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas, in October 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, appealed to the Government of India to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs, raising concerns over shrinking space for civil society organizations, detention of human rights defenders and charges against people that simply exercised their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as over the use of laws to stifle dissent, such as Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas restrictions on communications and clampdowns on civil society activists in Indian-administered Kashmir remain of serious concern, while despite recent restoration of 4G access for mobile phones, the communications blockade has seriously hampered civic participation, livelihoods, educations and access to health-care and medical information as reported during the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 26 February2021;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas various UN experts have called on India to release students, protest leaders and human rights defenders detained for protesting against changes to Indian laws and policies and raised concerns over use of terrorism charges to silence human rights defenders;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas Amnesty International was compelled to close its offices in India after its bank accounts were frozen over alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) while the three UN special rapporteurs have called for amending the law in line with India’s rights and obligations under international law;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
t) address the human rights situation and challenges faced by civil society in particular concerns raised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteurs, in its dialogue with the Indian authorities, including at summit level; encourage India, as the world’s largest democracy, to demonstrate its commitment to respecting and protecting fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, to end attacks against - and to release arbitrarily detained - human rights defenders, students and journalists, including in the Indian- administered part of Kashmir, to repeal laws that may be used to silence dissent, and to ensure accountability for human rights violations;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
t a) to put pressure on the Indian government to: - repeal or amend laws used to silence dissent and restrict the ability of civil society organisations to function effectively, including the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the counterterrorism law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and the sedition and criminal defamation laws and allow civil society organisations and human rights defenders to work freely without fear of reprisals, to unfreeze the accounts of Amnesty International India and to cease all harassment of its staff; - Implement police reform as recommended by the Supreme Court of India, including the establishment of a complaint mechanism to address police abuse, strictly enforcing existing laws and guidelines on arrest and detention; - Ratify and ensure thorough implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; - Take immediate steps to eliminate abuses against Dalits, tribal groups, religious minorities, and other marginalized communities, providing concrete plans to implement laws and government policies to secure their protection, and ensuring development programs reach target groups; - Suspend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, revising the draft bill on data protection to ensure it is line with international standards on safeguarding the right to privacy of users and other human rights, and is accompanied by surveillance reform; - End the use of blanket internet shutdowns and enhancing transparency on the way shutdown orders are issued and extended; - Reinstate the death penalty moratorium with a view to permanent abolition of capital punishment; - Institute an effective monitoring mechanism that oversees the implementation of laws dealing with sexual violence against women and children, including failures in police accountability; - Ratify and implement the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment,2019, No. 190, taking steps toward effective prevention measures, including special attention to sectors with heightened risk of violence and harassment, such as domestic work;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
u a) to urge India to develop a National Action Plan on business and human rights in order to fully implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, recalling the responsibilities for all companies to respect human rights in their value chains, and to encourage India to participate actively for a UN binding treaty for corporate responsibility on human rights;
Amendment 152 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union continues to be concerned with the rise in environmental criminal offences and their effects, which undermine the effectiveness of Union environmental legislation. These offences are moreover increasingly extending beyond the borders of the Member States in which the offences are committed. Such offences pose a threat to the environment as well as to the human health and, therefore, call for an appropriate and, effective and timely response.
Amendment 183 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) Where the crimes are of such nature that cause a serious damage to the environment, such acts amount to the crime of ecocide, which has been defined as unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused. Member States should, therefore, take the necessary measures to introduce in their national legislations a definition of the crime of ecocide.
Amendment 187 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Member States should define the scope of administrative and criminal law enforcement clearly with regard to environmental offences according to their national law. In the application of national law transposing this Directive, Member States should ensure that the imposition of criminal sanctions and of administrative sanctions respects the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including the prohibitioninciple of ne bis in idem.
Amendment 199 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) The protection of the environment is also carried out by environmental defenders, who play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change and fighting against biodiversity loss. For their actions, they face threats, harassment, and violent attacks. Member States have, therefore, an obligation to protect their rights and ensure accountability for such attacks.
Amendment 205 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) To ensure successful enforcement, Member States should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. These tools should include among others the interception of communications, covert surveillance including electronic surveillance, controlled deliveries, the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. These tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including with the right to the respect for private and family life, and the protection of personal data. In accordance with national law, the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. The right to the protection of personal data must be respected.
Amendment 210 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30 a (new)
Recital 30 a (new)
(30 a) Considering the financial relevance and cross-border nature of environmental crimes, the EPPO would be the best placed body for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment the perpetrators of such crimes. To this end, the Commission should produce a report, assessing the possibility to extend its mandate, as provided for in Article 86 (4) TFEU, in order to include serious environmental crimes that are detrimental to the interests of the Union or affect the consistent application of EU policies related to the protection of the environment.
Amendment 269 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(r a) any other unlawful acts or omissions, committed by natural or legal persons, that cause or are likely to cause a substantial damage to the environment.
Amendment 282 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
(e a) monetary value of the damage.
Amendment 292 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point d a (new)
(d a) the financial benefit gained by committing the offence.
Amendment 298 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Amendment 350 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in Article 3(1) points (a) to (j), (n), (q), (r) are punishable by fines, the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 512% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision.
Amendment 351 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 353 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Amendment 418 #
2021/0422(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection grantedprovide for early warning mechanisms aimed at identifying high risk situations, as well as to ensure protection to natural persons and to their families under Directive (EU) 2019/1937, is applicable toand to legal persons reporting criminal offences referred to in Articles 3 and 4 of this Directive.
Amendment 38 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission and where appropriate the European External Action Service should monitor the status of ratification of the international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance and their effective implementation, by examining the relevant information, in particular where available the conclusions and recommendations of the relevant monitoring bodies established under those conventions. Every threewo years, the Commission should present to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the status of ratification of the respective conventions, the compliance of the beneficiary countries with any reporting obligations under those conventions, and the status of the implementation of the conventions in practice.
Amendment 47 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
(11 a) "human rights due diligence obligations" refers to the responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights and to protect against human rights abuse by business as set in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2011. The responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights refers to internationally recognized human rights – understood, at a minimum, as those expressed in the International Bill of Human Rights and the principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
Amendment 67 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The plan of action referred to in paragraph 1 point d) shall: (a) contain a schedule for the implementation of Article 12 (the ‘tariff suspension schedule’), based on benchmarks against which the progress in the implementation of the relevant conventions is assessed; (b) be jointly agreed with the Commission for a period of two years; (c) serve as a basis for the report referred to in Article 14; (d) be publicy available.
Amendment 73 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Common Customs Tariff ad valorem duties on all products listed in Annex III and Annex VII, which originate in a GSP+ beneficiary country, shall be suspended according to the tariff suspension schedule referred to in Article 9(2).
Amendment 83 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 January 2027, and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions, the compliance of the GSP+ beneficiary countries with any reporting obligations under those conventions and the status of the effective implementation thereof.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. WAt the request of the European Parliament or where, either on the basis of the conclusions of the report referred to in Article 14 or on the basis of the evidence available, including evidence submitted through a complaint, the Commission has a reasonable doubt that a particular GSP+ beneficiary country does not respect its binding undertakings as referred to in Article 9, points (d), (e) and (f), or has formulated a reservation which is prohibited by any of the relevant conventions or which is incompatible with the object and purpose of that convention as established in Article 9, point (c), it shall, in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for the temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council thereof.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. 1. The preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2) may be withdrawn temporarily, fully or partially, in respect of all or of certain products, or of economic sectors, originating in a beneficiary country, for any of the following reasons:
Amendment 111 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) the beneficiary country fails to show effective implementation of the plan of action ;
Amendment 112 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Amendment 113 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
(b b) when the Commission decides to withdraw a preferential arrangement to a beneficiary country in a particular economic sector, in application of article 19 (a and b) the commission may publish a list of companies, EU importers and local suppliers, that may still benefit from preferences. This list should be established based on the evidences provided by companies that they fully implemented their human rights due diligence obligations and that they have a supply chain free from human rights violations. The companies should agree on having the evidences and informations published for public scrutiny and civil society consultation.
Amendment 121 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. WAt the request of the European Parliament or where the Commission, acting upon a complaint or on its own initiative, considers that there armay be sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article it shall adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2). The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the adoption of that implementing act.
Amendment 129 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 10
Article 19 – paragraph 10
10. Where the Commission considers that the findings justify temporary withdrawal for the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, it is empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 36, to amend Annex I and Annex II, in order to temporarily withdraw the tariff preferences provided under the preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2). In adopting the delegated act the Commission may, where appropriate, consider the socio-economic effect of the temporary withdrawal of tariff preferences in the beneficiary country.
Amendment 134 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 2027 and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the effects of the scheme covering the most recent three- wo-year period and all of the preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2).
Amendment 136 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
(a) First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
Amendment 41 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Schengen area without border control at internal borders relies on the effective and efficient application by the Member States of the Schengen acquis. That acquis comprises measures in the area of external borders, compensatory measures for the absence of controls at internal borders and a strong monitoring framework, which together facilitatensure free movement and ensures a high level of security, justice and protection of fundamental rights, including the protection of personal data.
Amendment 80 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The identification of a serious deficiency requires a thorough case-by- case assessment on the basis of clear criteria regarding the nature, scale and potential impact of the problems, which may be different for each policy area. Different key elements for the effective implementation of the Schengen acquis and different combination of factors could lead to the classification of a finding as a serious deficiency. However, if it is considered that a shortcoming identified is or in a short-term has the potential of putting the overall functioning of the area without internal border control at risk, or have a significant negative impact on fundamental rights or the rights of individuals, such shortcoming is to be regarded as a serious deficiency. Where a serious deficiency in the carrying out of external border control is identified in an evaluation report, Articles 21 and 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council37 may apply. _________________ 37 Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 89 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The classification status of the evaluation and revisit reports should be determined in accordance with the applicable security rules set out in Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/44438 . The evaluated Member State should neverthelessin exceptional cases only retain the possibility to request the classification of all or parts of the report in accordance with the applicable security rules. _________________ 38 Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 of 13 March 2015 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 72, 17.3.2015, p. 53).
Amendment 97 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes an evaluation and monitoring mechanism for the purpose of ensuring that Member States apply the Schengen acquis effectively, thereby contributing toin order to ensure a well-functioning area without internal border controls, in full respect for fundamental rights.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. Evaluations may cover all aspects of the Schengen acquis and, shall always include a fundamental rights assessment, and may take into account the functioning of the authorities that apply the Schengen acquis.
Amendment 104 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) ‘unannounced evaluation’ means an evaluation, which is not included in the multiannual and annual evaluation programmes, and which is carried out without any prior notice, to verify the application of the Schengen acquis by one or more Member States in one or more policy fields;
Amendment 106 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) "evaluation on short-notice" means an evaluation, which is not included in the multiannual and annual evaluation programmes, to verify the application of the Schengen acquis by one or more Member States in one or more policy field, and in respect of which the Member State or Member States in question receive a maximum of 24 hours advance notice.
Amendment 110 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ‘serious deficiency’ means one or more deficiencies which concern the effective application of key elements of the Schengen acquis, including upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and which individually or in combination, have, or risk to have over time, a significant negative impact on freedom of movement, the rights of individuals, or on the functioning of the Schengen area;
Amendment 115 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(k a) 'Union observer' means an expert designated by a Union institution, body, office or Agency to participate, as an observer, in an evaluation of a Member State, a visit or revisit of a Member State
Amendment 120 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The Member States and the Commission shall cooperate fully at all stages of evaluations in order to ensure the effective implementation of this Regulation, while ensuring that the European Parliament is kept fully informed of all substantive developments.
Amendment 121 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
They shall ensure that the Commission and the teams carrying out evaluation and monitoring activities are able to perform their tasks effectively, in particular by granting the possibility to the Commission and the teams to address individually and directly relevant persons and by providing full and unimpeded access to all areas, premises and documents to which access has been requested, including national and internal guidelines and instructions, also classified ones.
Amendment 127 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) Evaluations at short-notice
Amendment 131 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) to evaluate practices at internal borders, in particular where internal border controls have been in place for longer than four months;
Amendment 138 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) when it has grounds to consider that a Member State is seriously neglecting its obligations under the Schengen acquis, including particular allegations of serious fundamental rights violations at the external borders.
Amendment 141 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. When it has received or is aware of multiple reports from external sources regarding allegations of fundamental rights violations at the external borders of a Member State, the Commission shall organise an unannounced evaluation of that Member State.
Amendment 142 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Evaluations may cover any aspect of the Schengen acquis, including the effective and efficient application by the Member States of accompanying measures in the areas of external borders, visa policy, the Schengen Information System, data protection, police cooperation, judicial cooperation, as well as the absence of border control at internal borders. All evaluations shall comprise an assessment of compliance with fundamental rights in the context of the aspects covered.
Amendment 146 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Evaluations and monitoring activities referred to in Articles 4 and 5 may be carried out by means of announced or unannounced visits, or visits at short- notice, and questionnaires or other remote methods where physical visits are not feasible or are unnecessary.
Amendment 152 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. By 31 August each year, Frontex shall submit to the Commission and, the Member States, and the European Parliament a risk analysis in view to the annual evaluation programme referred to in Article 13 of this Regulation.
Amendment 153 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The risk analysis referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover all relevant aspects related toaspects of European integrated border management, as laid down in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896, and include a fundamental rights component, and it shall also contain recommendations for unannounced visits in the following year, irrespective of the order of Member States to be evaluated each year, as established in the multiannual evaluation programme in accordance with Article 12.
Amendment 157 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a Cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Agency In accordance with Article 4(1)(a) and (d) of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, the Fundamental Rights Agency shall submit, by 31 August each year, conclusions on its overall fundamental rights assessment in relation to the implementation of the Schengen acquis with a view to providing to the Commission when drawing up the annual evaluation programme referred to in Article 13.
Amendment 162 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall use the results of relevant mechanisms and instruments, including evaluation and monitoring activities of Union bodies, offices and agencies which are involved in the implementation of the Schengen acquis and of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights as well as of independent national monitoring mechanisms and bodies and other national quality control mechanisms in preparing the evaluation and monitoring activities, in determining the need for unannounced evaluation or evaluations at short-notice, to improve awareness on the functioning of the Schengen area and to avoid the duplication of efforts and conflicting measures.
Amendment 171 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
In the programming and implementation of the evaluations and monitoring activities, in particular in determining the need for unannounced evaluations in accordance with Article 4(2) and Article 4(2a), the Commission shall take into account information provided by third parties, including independent authorities, non- governmental organisations and international organisations.
Amendment 177 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The multiannual evaluation programme shall identify the specific priority area, in accordance with Article 4(2b), those aspects of the Schengen Acquis to be covered by the periodic evaluations and shall include a provisional time-schedule of those evaluations.
Amendment 186 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall make the replies available to the other Member States and to the European Parliament.
Amendment 189 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Member States and the Commission, in cooperation with relevant Union bodies, offices or agencies, shall ensure that Member State experts and Commission representatives receive adequate training to become Schengen evaluators. Completion of this training shall be mandatory for all experts participating in a team carrying out an evaluation in accordance with Article 18.
Amendment 191 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall establish every year a pool of experts whose professional background cover those aspecific priority areas set out ints of the Schengen acquis to be covered in accordance with the multiannual evaluation programme.
Amendment 192 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. In parallel to the establishment of the annual evaluation programme in accordance with Article 13(1), on the invitation of the Commission, Member States shall designate at least one qualified expert per each specific area determinedspect of the Schengen acquis to be evaluated as laid down in the multiannual evaluation programme for next year’s pool of experts.
Amendment 193 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 11
Article 17 – paragraph 11
11. The Commission shall keep the list of experts of the pool up to date and inform Member States and the European Parliament about the number of experts and their profiles designated per Member State.
Amendment 195 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall define the number of Member State experts and Commission representatives participating in a team based on the particularities and needs of the evaluation or monitoring activity. The Commission shall select experts from the pool of experts to become members of a team. All members of athe team, with the exception of observers or Union observers, shall have undergone the training in accordance with Article 16(1).
Amendment 196 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In selecting experts, the Commission shall have regard to the profiles needed for a particular evaluation or monitoring activity taking account of the need to ensure geographical balance, gender balance, balance as regards professional experience and the capacity of national administrations.
Amendment 197 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Member State experts shall not participate in a team carrying out an evaluation or monitoring activity of the Member State where they are employed. Moreover, where the activities of an Union body, office or agency present in the Member State are being evaluated as part of that Member State's evaluation, no expert or observer from that Union body, office or agency shall participate in the evaluation.
Amendment 198 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. In the case of unannounced visits, or visits at short-notice, the Commission shall send the invitations no later than two weeks before the visit is scheduled to commence. Experts shall respond within 72 hours of receiving the invitation, in agreement with their designating authorities.
Amendment 202 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. In the case of revisits, the Commission shall invite a representative of the European Parliament to participate as a Union observer.
Amendment 204 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall designate a Commission lead expert and propose the Member State lead expert. The Member State lead expert shall be appointed by the members of the team as soon as possible after the team has been set up. The Commission shall also designate an expert responsible for the fundamental rights elements of the visit or evaluation.
Amendment 211 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Unannounced visits shall take place without prior notification to the Member State concerned. By way of exception, the Commission may notify the Member State concerned at least 24 hours before such visit is to take place when the main purpose of the unannounced visit is a random verification of the implementation of the Schengen acquis.
Amendment 221 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, may establish guidelines for conducting evaluation and monitoring activities by questionnaire or other remote methods. Remote methods shall be used only where physical visits are not feasible or unnecessary.
Amendment 258 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. To verify the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations related to the serious deficiency, the Commission shall organise a revisit that is to take place no later than one yearsix months from the date of the evaluation activity.
Amendment 266 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 10
Article 23 – paragraph 10
10. If the serious deficiency is deemed to constitute a serious threat to public policy or internal security within the area without internal border controls, or a serious and systematic fundamental rights violation, the Commission, on its own initiative or at the request of the European Parliament or of a Member State, shall immediately inform thereof the European Parliament and the Council thereof including information on infringement proceedings that are underway or will be brought against the evaluated Member State .
Amendment 275 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. The classification status of the reports shall be determined in accordance with Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444. TheyIn exceptional cases, parts of the reports may also be classified as ‘EU RESTRICTED/RESTREINT UE’ on a duly justified request of the evaluated Member State.
Amendment 277 #
2021/0140(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall undertake a review of the application of this Regulation and submit a report to the Council within six months of the adoption of all evaluation reports regarding the evaluations covered by the first multiannual evaluation programme adopted in accordance with this Regulation. Such review shall cover all the elements of this Regulation, including the functioning of the procedures for adopting acts under the evaluation mechanism. The Commission shall submit that report to the European Parliament without delay.
Amendment 53 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Articles 19a and 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU apply to large undertakings that are public-interest entities with an average number of employees in excess of 500, and to public-interest entities that are parent undertakings of a large group with an average number of employees in excess of 500 on a consolidated basis, respectively. In view of the growth of users’ needs for sustainability information, additional categories of undertakings should be required to report such information. It is therefore appropriate to require all large undertakings and all undertakings listed on regulated markets, except micro undertakings, to report detailed sustainability information. In addition, all undertakings that are parent unand small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors, to report dertakings of large groups should prepare sustainability reporting at group leveliled sustainability information.
Amendment 54 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The requirement that also large non-listed undertakings and small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors should disclose information on sustainability matters is mainly driven by concerns about the impacts and accountability of such undertakings, including through their value chain. In this respect, all large undertakings , and small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors should be subject to the same requirements to report sustainability information publicly. In addition, financial market participants also need information from those large non-listed undertakings.
Amendment 55 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18 a) Environmental, social and employee matters, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery matters are not contingent on the size of an undertaking. Therefore, SMEs which are operating in economic sectors determined to be high risk should also be required to disclose information on sustainability matters, irrespective of whether or not they are listed on regulated markets.
Amendment 58 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To ensure consistency with international instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the due diligence disclosure requirements should be specified in greater detail than is the case in Article 19a(1), point (b), and Article 29a(1), point (b) of Directive 2013/34/EU. The disclosure requirements related to the due diligence requirements in this Directive will need to be adapted once the upcoming directive on sustainable corporate governance and due diligence has been adopted so that the requirements in this Directive are aligned with those in the upcoming directive. Due diligence is the process that undertakings carry out to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate the principal actual and potential adverse impacts connected with their activities and identifies how they address those adverse impacts. Impacts connected with an undertaking’s activities include impacts directly caused by the undertaking, impacts to which the undertaking contributes, and impacts which are otherwise linked to the undertaking’s value chain. The due diligence process concerns the whole value chain of the undertaking including its own operations, its products and services, its business relationships and its supply chains. In alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, an actual or potential adverse impact is to be considered principal where it measures among the greatest impacts connected with the undertaking’s activities based on: the gravity of the impact on people or the environment; the number of individuals that are or could be affected, or the scale of damage to the environment; and the ease with which the harm could be remediated, restoring the environment or affected people to their prior state.
Amendment 64 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37 a) The Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 49 to establish and amend the list of high-risk sectors of economic activity set out in Article 2, point 20a. That list should take into account the work of the Platform on Sustainable Finance established in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, including for mining, quarrying, extractive industries, agriculture, forestry, construction, transportation, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, clothing and footwear, finance and international shipping, and health, social, elder cares. The list of sectors taken into account in this definition should take account of correspondence with the NACE classification1a. _________________ 1aStatistical classification of economic activities in the European Union, NACE Rev. 2.
Amendment 66 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Sustainability reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose on social factors, including employee factors and human rights. Such information should cover the impacts of undertakings on people, including on human health. The information that undertakings disclose about human rights should include information about forced labour in their value chains where relevant. Reporting standards that address social factors should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that are relevant to businesses, including equal opportunities for all and working conditions. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan adopted in March 2021 calls for stronger requirements on undertakings to report on social issues. The reporting standards should also specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, the United Nation Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the fundamental conventions and governance conventions of the International Labour Organisation, particularly on child and forced labour and freedom of association and collective bargaining, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), European Social Charter, the OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 73 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Directive 2013/34/EU does not require that the financial statements or the management report are provided in a digital format, which hinders the findability accessibility and usability of the reported information. Users of sustainability information increasingly expect such information to be findable and machine- readable in digital formats and published under open data principles. Digitalisation creates opportunities to exploit information more efficiently and holds the potential for significant cost savings for both users and undertakings. Undertakings should therefore be required to prepare their financial statements and make publicly available their management report in XHTML format in accordance with Article 3 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815,63 and to mark- up sustainability information, including the disclosures required by Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in accordance with that Delegated Regulation. A digital taxonomy to the Union sustainability reporting standards will be necessary to allow for the information reported to be tagged in accordance with those standards. These requirements should feed into the work on digitalisation announced by the Commission in its Communication A European strategy for data64 and in the Digital Finance Strategy for the EU.65 These requirements also complement the creation of a European single access point for public corporate information as envisaged in the capital markets union action plan, which also considers the need for structured data. _________________ 63 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/815 of 17 December 2018 supplementing Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the specification of a single electronic reporting format (OJ L 143, 29.5.2019, p. 1). 64 https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single- market/en/european-strategy-data 65 https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/2009 24-digital-finance-proposals_en
Amendment 75 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 17
Article 2 – point 17
(17) ‘sustainability matters’ means refers to environmental, social and employee matters, respect for human rights, anti- corruption and anti-bribery matters (sustainability factors), as defined in Article 2, point (24) of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council\*4, and governance factorswell as proportionate and commensurate due diligence by undertakings to identify, prevent, mitigate, remediate, and communicate on adverse impacts on human rights, labour rights, including trade unions rights, the environment and good governance in relation to their own activities, their value chains and business relationships, with reference to applicable legal duties, standards and guidance;
Amendment 76 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 20 a (new)
Article 2 – point 20 a (new)
(20 a) ‘high-impact undertakings’ means undertakings active in one or more of the following high-impact sectors mining, quarrying, extractive industries, agriculture, forestry, construction, transportation, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, clothing and footwear, finance and international shipping, and health, social, elder cares. A high-impact sector is a sector that is associated, as a result of its business and value chain characteristics, with a high likelihood of actual or potential severe impacts on the environment, good governance, social or human rights, due to factors including their size, business and value chain characteristics.. The list of sectors taken into account in this definition should take account of correspondance with the NACE classification. The list of high-impact sectors should be reviewed every three years by the European Commission and modified, as appropriate, through a Delegated Act. This review should take into account existing EU sector-specific legislation and sector-specific disclosures in recognized international reporting frameworks such as Global Reporting Initiative standards which address sector- specific environmental and social negative impacts;
Amendment 77 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 20 b (new)
Article 2 – point 20 b (new)
(20 b) ‘severe impacts’ are adverse impacts on people and the environment connected to the undertaking’s value chain by its own operations, its products and services, its business relationships, its subsidiaries, and its supply chain, based on the gravity of the impact on the sustainability matter, the number of individuals that are or could be affected, or the scale of damage to the environment and the ease with which the harm could be remediated, restoring the environment or affected people to their prior state, cause the greatest harm relative to other impacts the undertaking has identified;
Amendment 78 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 1
Article 19a – paragraph 1
1. Large undertakings governed by the law of a Member State or established in the territory of the Union, including non-EU companies with substantial business in the EU, and, as of 1 January 2026, all publicly listed small and medium- sized undertakings which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a), as well as high-risk non-listed small and medium-sized undertakings, shall include in the management report information necessary to understand the undertaking’s impacts on sustainability mattersfactors, due diligence, and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters, as defined in art 19a (17), affect the undertaking’s development, performance and position.
Amendment 80 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) the due diligence process implemented with regard to sustainability matters in line with, the EU Directive on Sustainable Corporate Governance, national legislation, and the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct;
Amendment 81 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point ii
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point ii
(ii) the principal actual or potential adverse impacts connected with the undertaking’s value chain, including its own operations, its products and services, its business relationships and its supply chain;
Amendment 82 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii
(iii) anyll actions taken, and the result of such actions, to prevent, mitigate or remediate actual or potential adverse impacts and the effectiveness of their results;
Amendment 83 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii a (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii a (new)
(iii a) the structure of the undertaking’s value chain including through a disaggregated mapping of its own operations, subsidiaries, suppliers and business relationships;
Amendment 84 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii b
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii b
Amendment 87 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagaph 1
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagaph 1
7. An undertaking which is a subsidiary undertaking shall be exempted from the obligations set out in paragraphs 1 to 4 if that undertaking and its subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated management report of a parent undertaking, drawn up in accordance with Articles 29 and 29aare included in the consolidated management report of apparent undertaking, if this report is drawn up in accordance with Articles 29 and 29a and if information required by Article 19b is reported on country-by-country basis. An undertaking that is a subsidiary undertaking from a parent undertaking that is established in a third country shall also be exempted from the obligations set out in paragraphs 1 to 4 where that undertaking and its subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated management report of that parent undertaking and where the consolidated management report is drawn up in a manner that may be considered equivalent, in accordance with the relevant implementing measures adopted pursuant to Article 23(4), point (i), of Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council*6, to the manner required by the sustainability reporting standards referred to in Article 19b of this Directive.
Amendment 88 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 49 to establish and amend the list of high-risk sectors of economic activity set out in Article 2, point (20a). That list shall take into account the work of the Platform on Sustainable Finance established in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, including for mining, quarrying, extractive industries, agriculture, forestry, construction, transportation, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply clothing and footwear, finance and international shipping and health, social, elder cares. The list of sectors taken into account in this definition shall take account of correspondence with the NACE classification1a. _________________ 1aStatistical classification of economic activities in the European Union, NACE Rev. 2.
Amendment 89 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) information that undertakings shall report that is specific to the sector in which they operate, with particular attention paid to high-risk business sectors.
Amendment 90 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
Amendment 93 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) working conditions, including secure and adaptable employment, wages, social dialogue, collective bargaining and the involvement of workers, respect for trade union rights, respect for the right of workers to be informed and consulted in accordance with international European and national labour law, where applicable respect for the right of workers to elect worker board level representatives, ,work- life balance, and a healthy, safe and well- adapted work environment;
Amendment 95 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii
(iii) respect for the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO fundamental conventionand governance conventions, the European Convention of Human Rights, the European Social Charter, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and the EU labour law acquis.
Amendment 98 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iii a) the undertaking’s value chain linked to severe actual and potential impacts, including sector-specific information on suppliers, types of products and services supplied, and on sourcing and traceability of commodities and materials associated with high likelihood of actual or potential adverse impacts on sustainability matters.
Amendment 99 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii b (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii b (new)
Amendment 100 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii c (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii c (new)
(iii c) affected communities, including information on: - human rights impact assessments carried out by the undertaking; - respect for indigenous peoples’ rights and implementation of the undertaking’s policy on Free Prior and Informed Consent - health, safety and security of person; - freedom of assembly and freedom of expression- human rights impacts related to land and access to water economic impacts on communities.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii d (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii d (new)
Amendment 102 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point ii
(ii) business ethics and corporate culture, including anti-corruption and anti- bribery programmes, assessment of corruption risks, and whistleblowing systems and results;
Amendment 107 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19d – paragraph 1
Article 19d – paragraph 1
1. Undertakings subject to Article 19a shall prepare their financial statements and their management report in a open data and machine-readable single electronic reporting format in accordance with Article 3 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815*15 and shall mark-up their sustainability reporting, including the disclosures laid down in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in accordance with that Delegated Regulation.
Amendment 108 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 1
Article 29a – paragraph 1
1. Parent undertakings of a large group shall include in the consolidated management report information necessary to fully understand the group's and its subsidiaries’ and business relationships impacts on sustainability matters, and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters affect the group's development, performance and position. The report shall explain the impact of each subsidiary on sustainability factors.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) the due diligence process implemented with regard to sustainability matters in line with, the EU Directive on Sustainable Corporate Governance, national legislation, and the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct;
Amendment 110 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii a (new)
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point iii a (new)
(iii a) the structure of the undertaking’s value chain including through a disaggregated mapping of its own operations, subsidiaries, suppliers and business relationships;
Amendment 111 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point e
Directive 2006/43/EC
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The audit report shall be signed and dated by the statutory auditor. Where an audit firm carries out the statutory audit and, where applicable, the assurance of sustainability reporting, the audit report shall bear the signature of at least the statutory auditor(s) carrying out the statutory audit and the assurance of sustainability reporting on behalf of the audit firm. Where more than one statutory auditor or audit firm have been simultaneously engaged, the audit report shall be signed by all statutory auditors or at least by the statutory auditors carrying out the statutory audit and the assurance of sustainability reporting on behalf of every audit firm. In exceptional circumstances Member States may provide that such signature(s) need not be disclosed to the public if such disclosure could lead to an imminent and significant threat to the personal security of any person.; If an undertaking works with statutory auditors, audit firms or independent assurance services firms in the design, implementation or assessment of their due diligence process, that undertaking should not in addition request assurance of sustainability reporting from the same entity.
Amendment 23 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 47 a (new)
Citation 47 a (new)
— Whereas a number of Member States have launched new “Digital Nomad Visas” which aim at facilitating the residence of remote workers or remote self-employed persons;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 47 b (new)
Citation 47 b (new)
— Whereas Covid19 has transformed the way the world works and in lieu has created a situation for many European workers and self-employed persons to work remotely;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 47 c (new)
Citation 47 c (new)
Amendment 69 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Requests that the Commission submit, by 31 January 2022, on the basis of Article 79(2), in particular points (a) and (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for an act that would serve as a package of proposals to facilitate, harmonise and promote entry into and mobility within the Union for legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work andby aligning provisions across the existing legal migration directives to reduce bureaucracy and, promote equal treatment and prevent labour exploitation, following the recommendations set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Requests that the Commission submit, by 31 January 2022, on the basis of Article 79(2), in particular points (a) and (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for an act that would serve as a package of proposals to facilitate and promote entry into and mobility within the Union for legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work and to reduce bureaucracy, enhance harmonisation and promote equal treatment, following the recommendations set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the creation of a Union-wide talent pool for third-country nationals who wish to apply for work with a view to migrating legally to a Member State, as well as for employers to search for potential employees in third countries, would be an essential tool for achieving the purpose of the proposed act and calls on the Commission to include the creation of such a talent pool in its proposal and create a framework for the validation and recognition of skills and qualifications, based on objective and uniform criteria;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the creation of a Union-wide talent pool for third-country nationals who wish to apply for work with a view to migrating legally toin a Member State, as well as for employers to search for potential employees in third countries, would be an essential tool for achieving the purpose of the proposed act and calls on the Commission to include the creation of such a talent pool in its proposal;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the Commission’s statement in its communication of 23 September 2020 on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum regarding the enhancement of short-term mobility as a complement to legal pathways, especially for the purposes of research or study in order to improve upstream cooperation with third countries, for example to stem irregular migratory flows, and asks the Commission to explore this direction further;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Directive (EU) 2021/...15 , but considers it insufficient due to the fact that the labour markets of the Union are also in need of low- and medium-skilled workers; calls, therefore, on the Commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for low- and medium- skilled third-country workers, including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications, based on objective and uniform criteria; _________________ 15EUT number of 2016/0176 COD to be inserted.;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the Union is in need of more self-employed people and entrepreneurs in order to remain competneeds to boost its culture of entrepreneurship to remain relevant and competitive in the global market, increasing the economy’s agility, robustness, stability, and growth while creating new economic activity and employment opportunitives; calls on the Commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for entry and residence of self- employed people and entrepreneurs, in particular those whorking to establish small and medium- sized enterprises and start-ups, based on objective and uniform criteria;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recognises that the increased emergence of gig work over the past years has however resulted in the major exploitation of workers who are often forced to declare themselves as self- employed persons rather than employees of a business and that this is not only detrimental to the rights of workers themselves but in consequence devalues the notion of “self-employed persons”; welcomes the Commission’s intention to present a proposal for a legislative initiative to improve the working conditions of platform workers by the end of 2021, as announced in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and preceded by a two-stage consultation of the social partners; Emphasises that any proposal in this regard must seek to combat the exploitation of platform and gig workers as consequences of the misclassification of platform workers as self-employed persons;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Encourages the European Commission to evaluate different schemes across the European Union which cater to remote workers, such as so called “nomad visa schemes” and youth mobility schemes in order to attract more diverse talent to the European Union;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that one of the objectives of Directive 2011/98/EU is to simplify and harmonise the rules concerning permits currently applicable in the Member States, while also promoting equal treatment; further notes that this objective has not been fully achieved, with some of the provisions being implemented in different ways across the Union; requests the Commission to take the necessary steps to ensure that theall Member States implement thate Directive fully; furthermore considers that thate Directive should be amended to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged either from within both a Member State andor from a third country, and, that in order to reach a broader category of workers, the scope and the application of the Directive should be expanded; calls on the Commission to further simplify and harmonise the rules, to clearlyas well as to regulate the procedure for obtaining an entry visa so as to, thus avoiding applicants having to submit the documents needed to obtain a single permit twice, and to reduce dependency of workers from risks of exploitation; calls on the Commission to include such amendments in its proposal;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the objective of Directive 2011/98/EU to simplify and harmonise the rules concerning permits currently applicable in the Member States has not been fully achieved with some of the provisions being implemented in different ways across Union; requests the Commission to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Member States implement that Directive fully; further considers that that Directive should be amended to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged from within both a Member State and a third country, and, that in order to reach a broader category of workers, the scope and the application of the Directive should be expanded; in order to further simplify and harmonise the rules, calls on the Commission to clearly regulate the procedure for obtaining an entry visa so as to avoid applicants having to submit the documents needed to obtain a single permit twice, and calls on the Commission to include such amendments in its proposal;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Requests that the Commission includes in its proposal the establishment of a transnational advisory service network, to be managed by the Commission, for legally migrating third- country workers, with each Member State designating a lead authority to process applications and to coordinate the advice and information provided to third-country nationals applying for work in the Union; insists that the lead authorities should be responsible for the sharing of information among Member States on third-country workerlabour migration rules and should act as contact points for the talent pool; asks that the lead authorities be responsible also for close coordination with one another with regard to applications lodged for a single permit to reside and work in accordance with Directive 2011/98/EU in order to avoid double submissions;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Encourages Member States to adopt a naming and shaming approach to enterprises which exploit third country nationals for human capital;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Highlights the fact that the intra- EU mobility of third-country nationals is a key component of the EU’s legal migration policy, as it provides clear added value that cannot be achieved at Member-State level; therefore calls on the Commission to propose appropriate legislative action enhancing the right to intra-EU mobility across the existing legal migration directives;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the Commission to improve the regulation on private agencies involved in international recruitment;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Acknowledges that most Member States have national schemes to attract labour migrants; however believes that, in the medium term, the EU must move away from a sectoral approach and adopt an immigration code setting out broad rules governing entry and residence for all third-country nationals seeking employment in the Union and harmonising the rights enjoyed by such third-country nationals and their families;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the European Commission to issue new proposals on the employment of asylum seekers while awaiting a decision on their asylum claim, thus reducing the negative impacts of forced inactivity until the finalisation of their asylum procedure;
Amendment 166 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Encourages the European Commission to conduct a study on the issue of third country nationals turnover rates within the European Union, in order to better understand the reasons behind departure from a Member State within the first three years of arrival, resulting in a high cost base for employers, diminishing competitiveness and increasing the cost of living;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14 c. Encourages the European Commission to conduct a study on the impact of increased economic migration into the Union on the housing market, with the aim of creating a set of recommendations that ensure the housing market is not disproportionately affected and remains affordable to all;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 1 – title
Annex I – Recommendation 1 – title
Recommendation 1 (on the establishment of a Union-wide talent pool for legally migrating third-country nationals)
Amendment 176 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 1 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 1 – indent 1
- The European Parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should establish a Union-wide talent pool for third-country nationals who wish to apply for work in and migrate legally to a Member State, as well as for Union-based employers to search in third countries for potential employees, and should facilitate the admission and free movement of third- country workers. The European Parliament considers that such a Union-wide talent pool should establish synergies with the existing framework and the legislative act should therefore amend Regulation (EU) 2016/589 in order to expand the current scope of the EURES Portal, established by that Regulation;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – indent 1
- It is a pressing need for the Union to improve its attractiveness for all skilledallow the admission of third- country workers, not only for highly-across all skilled workerlevels. With the revision of the Directive (EU) [EU BLUE CARD], the Union has taken further steps to achieve that goal for highly-skilled third- country workers. However, it is imperative to achieve that goal for third- country workers in jobs considered to be low- and medium- skilled third-country workers in order to fill vacancies and improve matching on the Member States’ labour markets, further enhancing the Union’s economic competitiveness.
Amendment 192 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – indent 2
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – indent 2
- To properly address that issue, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to, within the legislative act to be adopted, include provisions setting up an admission scheme with conditions of entry and residence for low- and medium- skilled third-country workers. The scheme should ensure equal treatment in coherence with the existing EU acquis on labour migration, and include the creation of a framework within which third-country workers are able to have their skills and qualifications properly recognised and validated for use on the Member States’ labour markets.
Amendment 196 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – indent 1
- Traditionally, a work permits has only been issuedare issued in the place where the third- country national already has an employment contract or a firmn offer of employment. However, the European Parliament is of the view that the basis for issuing work permits could be improved and developed further. Along the same lines, the Commission has stated that its objective is to encourage more people to become entrepreneurs, thereby improving Europe’s economic performance1 . Third- country nationals working as entrepreneurs or as self-employed people might experience that the environment in their country of origin is not conducive for their start-up or for their efforts as entrepreneurs. Through a Union-wide admittance scheme such third-country nationals could be giMember state regulations regarding self-employment and entrepreneurship of third-country nationals vary across the Union. EU levenl an opportunity to migrate legally to the Union and establish themselves andction should promote a favourable environment for entrepreneurship of their businessed-country nationals. _________________ 1 https://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/sme- strategy/start-up-procedures_en
Amendment 200 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – indent 2 a (new)
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – indent 2 a (new)
- - However in order to respect the growing spirit of entrepreneurship which the union must foster, it is imperative that the European Commission takes a firm stand to make a distinction between entrepreneurship, self-employed persons and persons who are engaged in gig work and are forced and exploited by their employers to declare themselves as self- employed persons, which results in a deprivation of workers access to employment rights, social protections, entitlements and the application of relevant rules.
Amendment 210 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – title
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – title
Recommendation 5 (on the simplification and improvement of Directive 2011/98/EU)
Amendment 214 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – indent 1
- The European Parliament is of the view that procedures with respect to Directive 2011/98/EU should be further harmonised for that Directive to be fully efficient, therefore considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend that Directive in order to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged botheither from within the territory of a Member State and from a third country, while engaging both the Member States and the third countries in a system that shares information on, and coordinates with respect to, the applications lodgedor from a third country. The European Parliament moreover calls for, inter alia, the clear regulation and streamlining of the procedure for applying for an entry visa in order to avoid applicants having to submit the documents needed twice to obtaining a single permit twice, and also requests the Commission to propose changes that would a single permit. Furthermore, requests the Commission to propose changes that would alleviate the difficulties facing third- country nationals holding work permits, when changing employment. This creates an environment where the permit holder is forced to become dependent on the employer. The Commission should therefore analyse the efficiency of permit procedures and reduce unnecessary administrative requirements which obstacles for potential employees, and employers. Requests the Commission to propose changes that would address the lack of implementation of equal treatment provisions in the Directive and persistent labour exploitation, in particular to alleviate the difficulties facing third- country nationals holding worksingle permits when changing or losing employment, thus making the permit holder too dependent on the employer. An effective workplace monitoring and complaints’ mechanisms to protect all migrant workers’ labour rights, which should in particular guarantee effective access to justice and redress and protect workers from retaliation, must be ensured.
Amendment 220 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – title
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – title
Recommendation 6 (on the establishment of a Union-wide transnational advisory service network for legally migrating workers)
Amendment 225 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – indent 1
- The European Parliament is of the view that systematic cooperation between and engagement with the authorities of Member States and of third countries is required to enhance legal pathways for labour migration. To achieve that goal, the European Parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should establish a transnational advisory service network, managed by the Commission, for third-country workers, with each Member State designating a lead authority to coordinate the advice and information provided to legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work in the Union. The authorities in each Member State should also be responsible for closely coordinating with one another with regard to applications lodged for a single permit to reside and work in the Union in accordance with Directive 2011/98/EU in order to avoid double submissions. That network should also take into account national specificities and different demands of national labour markets.
Amendment 228 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – indent 2
Annex I – Recommendation 6 – indent 2
- In addition, each Member State should be responsible for requesting from employersuse information on third-country workers, in full respect of Union data protection law, in order to enable third- country nationals to be connected with the relevant authorities and support services, in order to facilitate the protection and strengthening of the equal rights and treatment of third-country workers. This transnational advisory service network should facilitate the running of the talent pool, as outlined in Recommendation 1.
Amendment 232 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 7 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 7 – indent 1
- Promoting professional mobility for legally residing third-country nationals working in a Member State also means protecting them from exploitation. Numerous third-country nationals, in particular low-skilled third- country nationals, hesitate to leave an exploitative employer because it would mean that they would lose their work permit and right to stay in the Union. Holders of a work permit issued under the Directive 2014/36/EU are, in particular, prone to exploitation, seeing how they often tend to work within sectors mainly employing low-skilled workers.
Amendment 235 #
2020/2255(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 7 – indent 2
Annex I – Recommendation 7 – indent 2
- Therefore, the European Parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend Directive 2014/36/EU to allow holders of work permits under that Directive a period of three months to seek new employment after having left their previous employer without having their permit revoked. The European Parliament recommends that the Commission, at the same time, considers other appropriate amendments to that Directive in order to bring it up to date and in line with other more recent Union legal acts dealing with legal migration and further address persistent labour exploitation of seasonal workers.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, and in particular Article 13 and Article 14 thereof,
Amendment 2 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1984 and in particular Article 3, and the additional protocol thereto,
Amendment 3 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance,
Amendment 4 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
— having regard to the work of various international human rights mechanisms, including the reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, notably his follow-up to the regional study on the management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants of 8 May 2015, as well as his report on the freedom of association of migrants of May 2020, and of other Special Rapporteurs, the Universal Periodic Review and the work of other treaty bodies,
Amendment 6 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the Report of the UN Secretary-General: Smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya form September 2020 (S/2020/876) in particular violations faced by migrants and asylum seekers in Libya,
Amendment 7 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
- having regard to the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Libya, and the effectiveness of technical assistance and capacity-building measures received by the Government of Libya in particular the paralysis of the state’s security institutions by armed groups and militias,
Amendment 9 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
- having regard to EU Regulation 656/2014: establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders in the context of operational cooperation coordinated by the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union,
Amendment 10 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions on the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020- 2024, and the annexed EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020- 2024, as agreed by the Council on 17 November 2020,
Amendment 11 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
- having regard to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council for the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III {SWD(2020) 284 final},
Amendment 16 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
- having regard to the Malta Declaration by the members of the European Council on the external aspects of migration: addressing the Central Mediterranean route of 3 February 2017,
Amendment 21 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas migration is a global phenomenon amplified by globalisation, rising conflicts, inequalities, and climate disruption; whereas gradual, normative development within the modern international human rights framework of the rights of migrants, independently of their legal status, represents a source of progress and collective pride for humanity; whereas migrants remain and - in particular - forcibly displaced persons, however, among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups worldwide and continue to face violations of their rights; whereas migration continues to be for many individuals a human journey marred by suffering, discrimination and violence; whereas the European Union, as a historic region of both emigration and immigration and, as a community united by founding values of human dignity, freedom and human rights and as one of the worlds’ largest donors promoting sustainable development, supporting displaced persons and working through multilateral forums towards finding durable solutions, has a particular duty to respect, protect and promote the rights of migrants, notably in its external dealings;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the EU Gender Action Plan III commits the EU to ensuring that "the human rights of migrant women and girls are fully realised through gender- responsive migration policies, programmes and laws, and gender- responsive migration governance at global, regional and national levels reinforced";
Amendment 56 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas UN human rights experts, NGOs and civil society organisations warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is having serious and disproportionate effects on migrants and their families globally; whereas they have called on states to protect the rights of migrants and their families, regardless of their migration status, both during and after the pandemic;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that these obligations require not only the abstract recognition of the applicability of the relevant standards, but also an appropriate operationalisation through detailed and specific instruments that allow for effective protection and safeguards in practice as well as through a human rights- based approach to the entire migration policy cycle, from formulation to adoption, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that, in compliance with Article 3(5) and 21 TEU, the EU and, when applying EU law, the Member States, in their external and extraterritorial actions in the areas of migration, borders and asylum, should pay specific attention toall respect the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to life, the right to liberty, the right to asylum, human dignity and security, the protection from enforced disappearance, the prohibition of ill- treatment, torture, slavery and forced labour, the right to the protection of personal data, protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition and the obligation to take the interests of the child as a primary consideration, as well as adopting a gender-sensitive approach, and to ensure non-discrimination and procedural guarantees such as the right to an effective remedy and data protection;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Observes that the Commission has yet to evaluate the impact of the implementation of its successive migration policy frameworks, notably the GAMM and the new Partnership Framework, on the human rights of TCNs as well as the human rights impact of the EU’s cooperation on migration with third countries, including the impact of EU’s support for partner countries’ border and security forces; insists on the need to carry out such an evaluation in a comprehensive, inclusive and public format with a view to ensuring the full human rights compliance of the EU’s external migration policy including with regards to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey in the framework of the EU-Turkey statement and the EUTF;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with great concern the absence of operational, reporting, monitoring, evaluation and accountability mechanisms at the level of individual cases to track and respond to potential violations, as well as the lack of effective judicial remedies for persons whose rights are allegedly violated as a consequence of EU and EU agencies cooperation with third countries, especially in the case of informal agreements and financial cooperation;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU to ensure that readmission agreements and agreements for cooperation on border management are only concluded with third countries that explicitly commit to respecting human rights and the rights enshrined in the UN Refugee Convention, and to ensure that such cooperation does not lead to violations of those rights and offers operational means to nullify these agreements, seek effective remedy and ensure accountability should such violations occur;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 100 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to ensure ex ante risk assessments, performed by independent agencies, on the impact of any formal, informal or financial EU cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants and refugees, on human rights defenders and civil society in- country working to defend these rights and, to the extent possible, on impact that such cooperation would have on the wider population in the country affected by it, including access to rights, contribution to human security and peace, and sustainable development; calls on the Commission to set implementation guidelines for EU agencies and Member States before entering into cooperation with third countries; calls in this respect for particular vigilance in relation to countries which are are suspected of breaching the rule of law, experiencing ongoing or frozen conflicts and face increased risks of human rights violations, such as Turkey, Libya and Egypt and countries where migrants and refugees are subjected to mistreatment and illegal push backs, such as Tunesia, Algeria, Morocco; calls for a commitment to a conflict-sensitive approach that considers and recognizes the effects of assistance into conflict settings and seeks to minimize harm; urges in that regard the Commission to insist that all migration-related interventions must structure any short- term objectives or projects within longer- term aims that support governance;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2116(INI)
8. Calls on the Commission to establish an independent, transparent and effective monitoring mechanism, which entails periodic reports on the implementation of formal, informal and financial agreements with third countries that can potentially impact the rights of migrants and refugees in third countrieand human rights defenders and civil society in-country working to defend these rights, such as migration partnerships, readmission agreements, and international cooperation on migration management and governance, including direct targeting of challenges connected to migration and forced displacement; stresses that such a monitoring mechanism has to be transparent, participatory for civil society and field workers, and publicly available; insists on the need to ensure means for civil society and other interested stakeholders to be able to contribute to the work of the mechanism; insits that such a system should contribute to ensuring accountability for potential human rights vioalations, including unlawful push backs violating the principle of non- refoulement; insists that such a monitoring mechanism will assess the implementation of agreements strictly on the basis of international law, the EU Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the implementation and funding of the EU’s external migration policy is assigned to different Commission Directorates-General and mainstreamed across the EU’s migration, asylum, development and foreign policies without a designated lead institutional actor; notes with concern that this blending of executive responsibilities has created a lack of sufficient and coherent oversight of the Commission’s activities that would enable Parliament to exert democratic control over the EU’s external migration policy and exercise budgetary authority over development funds; urges the Commission to designate a single lead institutional interlocutor at Commissioner level on the external dimension of migration;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights with great concern the practical human rights implications stemming from the increasing number, and hence the extrajudicial nature, of informal arrangements on return and readmission, which are concluded in the absence of due democratic scrutiny and parliamentary oversight and are not subject to judicial scrutiny; calls on the Commission to prioritise the conclusion of formal readmission agreements, thus ensuring full respect for Article 218(6) TEU, and to ensure that formal EU Readmission Agreements (EURAs) exclude the application of informal agreements; believes that Parliament must assess the legality of informal agreements which include commitments on issues that fall within its competencies, such as readmission, and must be ready to undertake further action including suspension if these informal agreements appear to be incompatible with the Treaties;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights with great concern the increased role of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in practical and operational cooperation with third countries, including on return and readmission, provision of training, operational and technical assistance to authorities of third countries for the purpose of border management and border control, carrying out operations or joint operations at the EU’s external borders or in the territories of third countries, and deploying liaison officers and operational staff in third countries; calls on the Commission to establish an independent, transparent and effective monitoring mechanism on all activities carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in addition to the internal complaint mechanism in place;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Recalls that also other EU actors implementing the external migration policy in the context of e.g. EU naval missions, are bound to applicable international law and that forwarding information to authorities of third countries that ultimately result in the unlawful return of migrants and refugees to unsafe countries, can be considered under international law as assisting in human rights violations;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that ad hoc Status Agreements, to be approved by the European Parliament, are required for the deployment of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency’s border management teams to a third country where the members of the teams will exercise executive powers; regrets that the two status agreements concluded to date do not include specific measures for the operationalisation of human rights as part of border management, and also fail to clearly regulate accountability for potential human rights violations or ensure that material support and training to third countries is not given to perpetrators of human rights violations, and calls for any future status agreements to include such measures;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for the extension of the mandate of the Fundamental Rights Agency to allow it to exercise an advisory role in the external dimension of EU asylum and migration policies and its effective and independent involvement in monitoring exercises; calls for the development of relevant tools and guidelines by the Fundamental Rights Agency;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes with concern the increasing recourse since 2016 to enhanced conditionality between development cooperation and migration management, including return and readmission; stresses, however, that according to Article 208 TFEU the primary objective of Union development cooperation policy shall be the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty; calls, therefore, on the Commission to ensure that policies on development cooperation do not contravene the principles enshrined in Article 208 TFEU; stresses that the use of development cooperation as an incentive for migration management undermines meaningful action on the needs of people in developing countries, the rights of refugees and migrants, and their potential impact on regional migration patterns and contribution to local economies, and thus also undermines a wide range of rights stemming from the Sustainable Development Goals; stresses that visa issuing and development programmes should not be subject to cooperation on readmissions; stresses that cooperation and development budget should not be used for the purpose of border management and/or migration control;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that a complete, public overview of EU funding to third countries to facilitate cooperation on migration issues remains unavailable; calls on the Commission to provide improved transparency, including by establishing a clear overview of the funds used to finance cooperation with third countries in the field of migration management across all its financial instruments and their implementation, including information on the amount, purpose and source of funding as well as detailed information on any other potential support measures provided by EU agencies such as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in order to ensure that Parliament can efficiently perform its institutional role of scrutiny of the implementation of the EU budget; stresses to suspend any kind of budgetary support and training to the border authorities of third countries which, in this way, proceed with push backs by proxy in violation of the principle of non- refoulement (for example Libya, Tunisia, Morocco) and of Art.13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the importance of allocating a substantial share of future EU funding in the field of migration to civil society and community based groups in third countries for providing assistance and for the protection and monitoring of the rights of migrants, supporting forcibly displaced persons and their host communities, reaping the benefits of well- managed and orderly migration, and of ensuring that a significant part of EU funding is earmarked for the improvement of human rights, international protection, and the future perspective of refugeesolutions for refugees and migrants;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the possibilities of mainstreaming migration policy in EU external policy are significantly broadened by the inclusion of migration in the thematic, geographical and rapid response component of the proposed Neighbourhood, Development, International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI); notes with concern, however, that through the ‘rapid response’ component, cooperation with third countries on migration management can be funded without the need for the Commission to publish any programming documents or consult civil society actors, and without the involvement of Parliament, including in the framework of the ‘Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint’, which lacks mechanisms to assess the possible adverse impact of such interventions; insists in this regard on the need to ensure that the 2021- 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework is accompanied by a robust human rights framework for the identification, implementation and monitoring of future migration cooperation programmes, as to link the EU financial disbursement to human rights obligations;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to regularly and publicly report to Parliament on the funding of migration-related cooperation programmes in third countries, the ways in which such funding has been used by partner countries and their human rights impact, including within the framework of the working group on external financial instruments of the Committee on Foreign Affairs;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Believes that Parliament must make full use of its powers of implementation, scrutiny and budgetary control and auditing procedures before the European Court of Auditors and ensure that EU funding decisions and related allocations comply with the Union’s principles of legality and sound financial management;
Amendment 213 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls the commitment of the EU and its Member States under the Global Compact on Refugees to share responsibility for the effective and comprehensive protection of refugees and ease the pressure on host countries; stresses in this regard that the EU and its Member States should increase resettlement pledges and step up to legal pathways and contribute to a more structural and substantial funding of the regioncommunities and countries hosting most refugees, and should not use financial means to shift responsibility for the protection of refugees to third countries; calls on the EU and its Member States for increasing resettlement allocations and for working to prevent forced refugee returns from hosting countries; reiterates the importance of fully implementing the 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration; believes that Parliament must ensure the proper scrutiny of the implementation of both Compacts by the EU;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 223 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the EU to carry out a global campaign to support universal ratification of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 protocol; urges Member States to lead by example by adhering to the UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers, as one of the core UN human rights conventions;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls for the EU to work together with concerned countries to identify and implement mitigation and adaptation solutions for communities at risk of being uprooted by the global climate crisis, and to promote multilateral cooperation on durable solutions for those who are eventually displaced;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Security Council resolution 2532 (2020) on cessation of hostilities in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and supporting the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to re-evaluate the impact of broad economic sanctions regimes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
— having regard the message from the chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to ensure indigenous peoples are informed, protected and prioritized during the global COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard the Commission guidelines to protect critical European assets and technology in current crisis of 25 March 2020;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2018 with recommendations to the Commission on Humanitarian Visas (2018/2271 (INL));
Amendment 21 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the European Council, ‘Conclusions of the President of the European Council following the video conference of the members of the European Council’, 23 April 2020,
Amendment 22 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Convention of 2011 on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention);
Amendment 23 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the EU guidelines of 8 December 2008 on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them,
Amendment 24 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
— having regard to the Venice Commission Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the crisis triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which states have responded to it, the hardship it has caused and its impact on international relations and conflicts have implications on all matters involving respect for human rights;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic poses a grave health threat to Indigenous peoples around the world and that indigenous communities already experience poor access to healthcare, significantly higher rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases, lack of access to essential services, sanitation, and other key preventive measures;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the global economic decline has had a particularly severe impact on the most vulnerable economies, which rely heavily on commodity exports, external support, tourism and in a longer consequence on foreign policies;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the crisis has shown the importance of boosting investment in public services and particularly in health care and social protection, especially the need fora higher degree of self-sufficiency in crucial healthcare and protective equipment; whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated the persistent problem of medicine shortages globally, with acute consequences in developing countries;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas women around the world in violent relationships were forced to be at home, exposed to their abuser for longer periods of time; while domestic violence helplines and shelters across the world are reporting rising calls for help, in a number of countries, domestic violence reports and emergency calls have surged upwards of 25% since social distancing measures were enacted;;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas narratives stressing geography rather than medical terminology to refer to COVID-19 are stigmatizing, and encourage racist or xenophobic attitudes, including against persons and groups who are forcibly displaced and state less who may be at greater risk during the pandemic;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is a game changer in the international environment and a catalyst of change in the global order; stresses the fundamental importance of strengthening the EU internal resilience for an effective global projection of its multilateralist vision, in line with its values and long-term objectives as enshrined in its Global Strategy;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the third countries and the EU Member States to mitigate the social effects of the pandemic by revising their national social spending, and to adopt expansionary measures to protect and strengthen their healthcare systems;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is concerned about rallies protesting against coronavirus restrictions which are taking place in various cities around the world with demonstrators calling the virus a hoax (for example: Melbourne, London, Vancouver, Buenos Aires etc.), as well as, in some cities within the EU; Calls on the local authorities from third countries to launch a proper information and prevention campaign educating its citizens on COVID-19;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Is concerned about the growing number of domestic violence against women cases during the pandemic; calls on the remaining CoE countries to ratify the Istanbul Convention and incorporate its provisions in the domestic law systems as soon as possible, in order to prevent further increase of cases;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Condemns the abuse by many authoritarian regimes of the measures introduced to fight the COVID-19 in order to consolidate power, further undermine human rights, crack down on opposition and civil society, incite hatred campaigns against minority groups, introduce further measures to curtain their citizens´ rights and freedoms and seek geopolitical advantage abroad;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the core aims of the EU, among others, human rights promotion and environmental protection; Calls on the Commission to ensure that the consequences of the COVID-19 do not undermine the implementation of commitments on human rights, environment and climate change already established in the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020- 2024;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that international human rights law and the promise of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 should remain the cornerstones of all responses to the pandemic;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the UN Security Council resolution 2532 addressing the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for global peace and security, in particular, the support for a call by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on all parties to armed conflicts worldwide to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause in response to the pandemic; regrets that so far this call received only a limited response from the parties concerned, and the resolution had not yet had a desired impact, partly due to tensions within the UNSC; calls on the UNSC members to set aside their disagreements and focus on addressing the impact of the pandemic on the global security environment; urges them, therefore, to pro-actively back the Secretary-General’s Guterres efforts by compelling the actors engaged in armed conflicts to seek ceasefires and enforce these calls with a credible threat of sanctions against the parties refusing to honour the COVID-19 humanitarian pause;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Regrets the fact that consequences of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affect the poorest and persons in the most disadvantaged, marginalised and unprotected social categories, including persons with physical and intellectual disabilities and persons with chronic medical conditions, who already have limited or no access to basic hygiene and treatment for their healthcare needs, and have become even more vulnerable due to the pandemic; whereas the lockdown has had a particularly severe impact on persons with physical and intellectual disabilities; Calls on the third country authorities to ensure sufficient social help to the most venerable;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Acknowledges the situation of minorities due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Condemns all forms of exclusion and discrimination against those infected with COVID-19;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Notes that refugees and displaced persons are more vulnerable to the consequences of the crisis, as they are often faced with more precarious living conditions and tend to face greater obstacles in accessing basic health services than local populations; calls, therefore, on authorities of third countries and EU countries to enhance health care access and provide targeted support to refugees and displaced populations, in particular women and children;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Acknowledges that the pandemic negatively affected global trade mostly by delays in production, as well as the collapse of air traffic - calls on the Member States to uphold the most vital supply channels for the Union as well as to seek for a new perception of supply chains and critical goods;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns the introduction, with the excuse of COVID-19, of travel restrictions from the EU Schengen area to the United States without previous consultations with the EU; considers this to be another unfriendly gesture of the Trump administration undermining the trans-Atlantic cooperation.
Amendment 179 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Encourages the authorities to incorporate good practices from the Venice Commission Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, which also contains the guidelines for organising the elections during the pandemic period;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is worried aboutCondemns the decision of the US to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the general tendency of its President to withdraw the US from the multilateral organisations that were created to establish a rules-based world order;
Amendment 198 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 225 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the strengthening of the People’s Republic of China’s worldwide diplomatic efforts following the COVID- 19 outbreak, seeking to position itself as the dominant global player; is therefore concerned about the possible shift of power in the global politics related to change of China’s leadership;
Amendment 251 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the lack of transparency related to the Chinese reaction to the global outbreak, involving the withholding of information, its poor communication with the World Health Organisation censorship, the suppression of whistle-blowers and human rights activists, and the projection of power in the region;
Amendment 258 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Is concerned about the disinformation campaigns launched by Chinese officials in March 2020 campaigns diverting attention from China in relation with COVID-19; therefore welcomes the Commission guidelines on the screening of foreign direct investment;
Amendment 291 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the VP/HR to recognise these concerns and simultaneously create an atmosphere of dialogue, engagement and genuine cooperation, (especially regarding the medical supply chains) based on a new, more assertive strategy in which the EU pushes back when necessary to defend European values; is of the view that, as part of this new strategy, the EU should seek closer collaboration with countries in the region and other democracies;
Amendment 326 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Is concerned about the Constitutional Referendum which took place in Russia allowing Putin to stay in power until 2036 and possible manipulations during the voting due to COVID-19 measures;
Amendment 332 #
Amendment 333 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Is concerned about the latest political situation in Belarus which has an indirect connection with COVID-19 pandemic; Condemns Alexander Lukashenko narrative that has only worsen the pandemic situation in the country by dismiss missing the threat of COVID-19; Calls on the authorities to recognise the virus as a global threat to public health and therefore launch a proper plan to prevent the spread of the virus among the country and to strengthen the healthcare system and provide Belarusian citizens with all relevant and life-saving information about the pandemic in a transparent and inclusive manner;
Amendment 334 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Encourages Member States to facilitate and accelerate the establishment of a humanitarian corridor and procedure for obtaining visas for those who flee Belarus for political reasons or require medical treatment due to incurred violence and COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 335 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Welcomes the EU fast reaction and response to the urgent needs of countries in the Eastern Partnership during the COVID-19pandemic mobilising an ambitious support package totalling over 980 million EUR to help tackle the immediate health needs; Reiterates, that a tailor-made COVID-19 response package for Belarus worth over 60mln EUR is being mobilised; nonetheless, calls on the Commission to mobilise even greater resources to support civil society and victims of repression in Belarus.
Amendment 336 #
Amendment 337 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Calls on the President Jair Bolsonaro, to stop the fake narrative about the virus and admit its treat to the public health;
Amendment 338 #
Amendment 339 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 f (new)
Paragraph 14 f (new)
14f. Stresses how the pandemic is severely impacting the fragile economies of countries in the Middle East, possibly triggering more instability in an already volatile region; calls for continued EU’s support and funding to improve access to healthcare and alleviate the effects of the pandemic, particularly on vulnerable populations and refugees;
Amendment 340 #
Amendment 341 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 g (new)
Paragraph 14 g (new)
14g. Condemns the Egyptian authorities for abusing the restrictions introduced to fight COVID-19 only to widen their crackdown on opposition, civil society and human rights defenders and further increase control over the population.
Amendment 344 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recognises the global security, socio-economic and political risks that could be caused by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is worried about the fact that the EU’s main international counterparts were prepared to use the crisis to unravel the rules-based world order underpinned by multilateral organisations; Underlines that the disinformation conducted by some foreign countries are aimed at undermining the trust to the processes within the EU; Highlights the importance of the flagship project of the European External Action Service’s East StratCom Task Force - EU vs. Disinfo in the fight with disinformation, propaganda and foreign influence on our geopolitical scene; Calls on the appropriate funding for this body during and after the pandemic.
Amendment 351 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls that the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 of the TEU; stresses that even during the Covid19 pandemic, promoting these values externally, advancing democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights should be at the core of the EU’s common foreign and security policy, in accordance with the Article 21 of the TEU and the Union’s strategic interest, and also reflected, in an effective and coherent way, in all areas of the Union’s relations with non-EU countries;
Amendment 362 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the multilateral rules- based world order is vital for global peace, the rule of law and democracy; believes that a geopolitical EU must play a firmer role in defending it and seek ways to de- escalate tensions between powers; Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to draft the “EU road map on multilateralism” which will be a comprehensive plan for the Union to maintain multilateral relations;
Amendment 401 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that the end of the unanimity rule on foreign policy would help the EU to conduct a foreign policy that is more effective and more proactiveAsks the Member States to make the EU’s foreign and security policy more effective and proactive by using the rule of qualified majority voting in the Council; calls on the Member States to speak with a single, strong EU voice in multilateral forums, as this is the only way that the Union can play a leading role on the international scene and use its influence to bring about positive changes and better responses to global challenges;
Amendment 415 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the important role of the armed forces during the COVID-19 pandemic and bwelcomes military assistance to civil support operations, notably for the deployment of field hospitals, patient transport, equipment delivery and distribution; Believes that a more in-depth joint operation and coordination of member states’ armed forces within existing frameworks - such as the European Medical Command - or within new frameworks - such as military hospital trains - could lead to greater efficiency and contribute to the EU’s preparedness to fight pandemics; recencourages the setting up of European mechanisms aimed at facilitating the cross-border use of military lognises the need to review the EU’s security and defence strategies to developtical capabilities to face such emergencies, in order to allow for greater coordination, synergy, solidarity and support; supports the EU’s security and defence new initiatives, aiming inter alia at developing the Union’s strategic autonomy, to become better prepared and more resilient to the new and hybrid threats and technologies that have made the nature of warfare less conventional and challenge the traditional role of the military, as well as for a future in which Russia and China and other players, are becoming more assertive; stresses that the future Strategic Compass on security and defence which will present a joint threat assessment should reflect these developments and take account of the broader potential geopolitical implications of COVID-19; believes that, given the new political balance and a potential worsening of the int the budget allocated to EU defence initiatives, notably military mobility, which focus on increasing interoperability would be of great added value in case of future crisis, and the European Defence Fund must meet the EU ambition in the defence area; stresses the need to increase the EU CBRN preparedness ; commands the continuity of the CSDP missions and opernational security environment following COVID-19, the EU defence budgets must not be cus despite the very challenging environment ; suggests to assess the budget, planning and equipment of EU CSDP missions and operations in the light of the COVID-19 lessons learnt;
Amendment 436 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls for an urgent re-evaluation of broad economic sanctions regimes against countries fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, with an aim of preventing the collapse of their medical systems which would lead to increasing deaths and broader regional and global contagions; calls on the EU and its member states to ensure that humanitarian exemptions from sanctions have an immediate and practical effect in terms of swift delivery of medical equipment, supplies and other forms of assistance to the countries affected;
Amendment 440 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines that closer cooperation in preventing and countering cyberattacks is also essential in these particularly vulnerable times; calls for strong coordination with and support from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in this respect;
Amendment 452 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the expansion and modernisation of EU strategic communication strategies, based on the promotion of facts about the EU responses and scientific evidence, so that EU action is sufficiently visible both within and beyond the EU; urges the European External Action Service (EEAS) to further strengthen its capacities to proactively counter disinformation, including the creation of a dedicated far- East Strat Com Task Force focused on the disinformation emanating from China, and imposing costs on countries that deliberately spread disinformation to divide and harm the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 482 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to reduce EU's dependency on third countries in certain strategic and existential sectors and might prompt diversification of its most critical supply chains;
Amendment 493 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls its request for a strong global sanctions regime to address serious human rights violations, which would be the EU equivalent of the so-called Magnitsky Act; the adoption and implementation of a global EU human rights sanctions mechanism as an essential part of the EU existing foreign policy toolbox which would strengthen the EU’s role as a global actor; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to enable its effective implementation; calls for the establishment of an EU-level advisory committee with Parliament’s participation;;
Amendment 502 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Is deeply concerned at the disproportionate negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and refugees; urges governments, in their foreign policies, to engage in responses based on respect for human rights and dignity and solutions to address migrants’ and refugees’ vulnerability and their need for protection, in line with the principles of solidarity and partnership and allowing for adequate and accessible legal pathways for migration; stresses the importance of upholding the right to asylum worldwide;
Amendment 531 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Notes that parts of Latin America and the Caribbean have become hotspots of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by weak social protection, fragmented health systems and profound inequalities; Calls for a strong multilateral and international cooperation by the EU, including to middle-income countries, to help with the recovery plans;
Amendment 548 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Condemns the abuse of the restrictions imposed to fight the COVID- 19 by the governments of, among others, China, Philippines, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bahrain and Turkey, in order to crack down on human rights defenders, opposition and civil society activists; notes with dismay that such actions are often directly incited and instigated by the leaders of these countries and state run media who smear the dissenters as “fifth column” and “traitors”; calls on the HR/VP, Commission and EEAS to fully use the leverage at the disposal of the EU to press third countries to uphold their international human rights commitments;
Amendment 561 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on Member States and the international community to include the specific needs and priorities of indigenous peoples in addressing the global outbreak of COVID 19;
Amendment 581 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is of the opinion that the COVID- 19 crisis has highlighted certain weaknesses of our Union and has shown the urgent need for an effective and efficient Union; believes that the Conference on the Future of Europe will provide a good platform to move forward in constructing more efficient decision making in EU external policies; is therefore determined to start the Conference as soon as possible; Welcomes therefore the President Charles Michel conclusion that ‘it is of utmost importance to increase the strategic autonomy of the Union’;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recommends allowing the European Parliament to greater scrutinise both the EUTF and the FRT; it is crucial that the European Parliament exercise a more comprehensive control over the planning and management of these instruments and that each year it is kept informed about the implementation of EUTF and FRT projects; the Commission is required to report annually on financial implementation and human rights, the human rights report being produced by an independent monitoring body set up especially for this purpose;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 12 November 2020 entitled ‘LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2020-2025)’,
Amendment 19 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2021 on the declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone,1a _________________ 1a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0089
Amendment 59 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Fundamental Rights Agency’s ‘EU LGBTI Survey II: A long way to go for LGBTI equality',1a _________________ 1a https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra _uploads/fra-2020-lgbti-equality-1_en.pdf
Amendment 63 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the first objective of the Union’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020- 2025 focuses on ending gender-based violence and describes it as ‘one of our societies’ biggest challenges’; whereas the Union’s LGBTIQ Equality Strategy recalls that everyone has a right to safety, be it at home, in public or online;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence are widespread in the Union and are to be understood as an extreme form of discrimination; whereas gender-based violence is rooted in the unequal distribution of power between women and men, in sexism and gender norms and stereotypes, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by menand girls in all their diversity by men; whereas gender-based violence also occurs due to perceived deviation from gender norms;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas violence against women and LGBTI persons and gender-based violence present different but not mutually exclusive forms and manifestations; whereas those different forms of violence are often interlinked with, and inseparable from, offline violence because they can precede, accompany or continue them;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas cyber harassment, cyber stalking, cyber bullying, trolling, online hate speech, flaming, doxxing, dead- naming and image- based sexual abuse are among the most common types of gender- based cyberviolence; whereas some Member States have adopted specific legislation on some of those particular forms only;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas hate speech against LGBTI persons is pervasively common, in particular online, and legislation is notably absent from some Member States’ legislative framework to prevent, address and sanction such forms of online abuse; whereas, at present, 15 Member States do not include gender identity in hate speech legislation; whereas the Commission has proposed to extend the list of ‘EU crimes’ under Article 83(1) TFEU to cover hate crime and hate speech, including when targeted at LGBTIQ people;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas women in all their diversity can be targeted by cyberviolence either individually or as members of a specific community; whereas intersectional forms of discriminationtargeting of LGBTI persons is often on the grounds of their gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics; whereas intersectional forms of discrimination increase the exposure to violence for women belonging to ethnic minorities, with disabilities, as well as lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women, and can exacerbate the consequences of gender- based cyberviolence;
Amendment 144 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas some women and LGBTI persons, such as politicians, women in public positions, journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders, are particularly impacted by gender-based cyberviolence, and whereas this is causing not only psychological harm and suffering to them but also deterring them from participating digitally in political, social and cultural life;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the Commission’s commitments under the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 concerning hate speech online, and the proposal to extend the list of ‘EU crimes’ under Article 83(1) TFEU to cover hate crime and hate speech, including when targeted at LGBTIQ people;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of domestic violence and abuse because victims are forced to spend more time with perpetrators and they tend to be more isolated from support networks; highlights that many LGBTI persons were forced to be confined with family members, legal guardians or co-habitants who harassed, abused or exposed them to violence; calls on Member States to increase the assistance they offer through specialised shelters, helplines and support services to protect victims and facilitate the reporting of gender-based violence;
Amendment 248 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that inter alia stress, concentration problems, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, lack of trust and lack of sense of control, caused by cyberviolence, can have an impact on mental health and may lead to self-harm and suicidal ideation;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that gender norms and stereotypes are at the core of gender discrimination and are one of the main barriers to the entry of women and girls in the ICT and digital fields; stresses the need to tackle the gender gap in the ICT sector through education, awareness-raising campaigns and the promotion of the representation of women in the sector;
Amendment 289 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Recalls that the labelling of LGBTI persons as an ‘ideology’ is spreading in online and offline communication and the same is true with regard to ongoing campaigning against so-called ‘gender ideology’ or in favour of ‘anti-gender movements’; highlights that LGBTI activists are often the targets of defamation campaigns, online hate speech and cyberbullying and abuse due to their advocacy work for LGBTI equality;
Amendment 351 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 3
The scope should cover any form of gender-based violence committed, assisted or aggravated in part or fully by the use of ICT, such as mobile phones and smartphones, the internet, social media platforms or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately. The scope should encompass gender-based violence against LGBTIQ persons, who are targeted because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
Amendment 358 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 4 – indent 3
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 4 – indent 3
- ICT-related violations of privacy (including the accessing, sharing and manipulation of private data or images, including intimate data without consent, image-based sexual abuse and non- consensual disclosure of sexual images, doxxing, dead-naming, identity theft);
Amendment 363 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 4 – indent 6
Annex I – Recommendation 2 – paragraph 4 – indent 6
- sexist, transphobic or interphobic hate speech (including: posting and sharing violent content, use of sexist or gendered comments and insults, abusing women for expressing their own views and for turning away sexual advances, inciting to hatred against individuals on grounds of their gender identity, expression or sex characteristics);
Amendment 373 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States should implement a series of measures in order to prevent gender- based cyberviolence, having an intersectional approach:
Amendment 376 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Annex I – Recommendation 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- awareness-raising and educational programmes involving all relevant actors and stakeholders to address the root causes of gender-based cyberviolence, within the general context of gender-based violence in order to bring about changes in social and cultural attitudes and remove gender norms and stereotypes, while promoting responsible behaviour on social media and increasing literacy about the safe use of the internet;
Amendment 428 #
2020/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Annex I – Recommendation 5 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
- aggravating circumstances, depending on the profile of the women and, girls and LGBTI victims (exploiting specific characteristics, vulnerabilities of women and girl, girls and LGBTI persons online);
Amendment 14 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision2004/68/JHA,
Amendment 55 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas there are many forms of trafficking, but they are all based on the abuse of the inherent vulnerability of the victims and aimed at the exploitation of human beings;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. Whereas trafficking is a highly gendered phenomenon and sexual exploitation remains the most prevalent form of trafficking in the EU since 2008;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas societal tolerance of gender inequality and violence against women and girls and the lack of public awareness of the issues surrounding THB perpetuate a permissive environment for THB and a culture of impunity;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas trafficking in human beings is a complex transnational phenomenon that can be tackled effectively only if the EU institutions, Member States and international organisations work together in a coordinated manner;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. whereas THB is a crime driven by high demand and profits, estimated at of EUR 29,4 billion a year, according to Europol; whereas differences between legislation in Member States greatly facilitate the activities of organised crime, there is still too low risk of prosecution and a high level of impunity and the sanctions applied to deter this crime are inadequate in comparison with the high profits;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Whereas law enforcement authorities in the EU have witnessed a considerable increase in intra-EU trafficking and that nearly half (49%) of all victims of trafficking in the EU are EU citizens and more than one third (27%) of all EU victims are trafficked internally within one’s own country;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of the funding of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), the Daphne Program and Internal Security Fund (ISF) programmes to continue to be used for projects tackling THB, as well as using other available instruments, such as the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, EMPACT actions, EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, the EU Trust Fund for Africa, Glo.Act Initiative, the Development Cooperation Instrument and the European Development Fund;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to monitor the use of digital technologies, internet and social media for THB as the predominant tools used to recruit trafficking victims and to regulate third party responsibility for technology companies hosting exploitative materials;
Amendment 163 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on all Member States to ensure that early expert legal intervention and advice is provided to potential victims of THB at the earliest possible moment, including accessible information about their legal rights and options;
Amendment 191 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that while the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet measureable, it is nevertheless clear that the crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable victims of THB, especially women and children; calls on Member states to ensure effective functioning of NRMs and equivalent systems and that they should be updated to respond to emerging THB trends during the COVID- 19 pandemic;
Amendment 220 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Urges the Member States to ensure gender-specific provision of services and supports to victims of THB that is appropriate to their needs, recognizing any needs that may be specific to the form of trafficking to which they have been subjected; Calls on the Member States to address the needs of LGBTI people, as they are highly vulnerable to THB due to the cumulative effect of different types of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the Member States to adopt comprehensive sexuality education as a key form of prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls including trafficking and sexual exploitation, to include consent and relationships education promoting healthy attitudes of respect and equality in all interactions and the reality of prostitution and THB for sexual exploitation;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Points to the need to set up national mechanisms for data collection on THB victims in international protection procedures to be able to ensure follow up on identified cases;
Amendment 355 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on Member states to extend the International Protection granted to victims of human trafficking to their family members after having assessed the potential involvement of these relatives in the trafficking process;
Amendment 356 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23c. Calls on Member states to swift procedures of family reunification of those family members of the victims at risk in the country of origin;
Amendment 357 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Is concerned that the recovery and reflection period is linked to cooperation by the victim during the investigation and is granted by law enforcement agencies; deplores that the period does not apply to EU/EEA nationals nor to asylum seekers; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of available legal solutions at Member states level, in particular the granting of a recovery and reflection period;
Amendment 371 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on Member states to provide more safe and legal routes for migration in order to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the Member states to ensure strong child protection measures, presumption of childhood and child age assessment, the protection before and during criminal proceedings, access to unconditional assistance, compensation, non-punishment, assistance and support to the family member of a child victim as well as prevention;
Amendment 377 #
2020/2029(INI)
26. Calls on the Member States to focus on identifying child victims and helping them to avail themselves of their rights; recalls the obligation of Member States to pay special attention to child victims of trafficking and to provide special protection to children in criminal procedures, with the best interests of the child being considered paramount at all times; emphasises the need for guardians, including temporary guardians as an emergency measure, to be appointed immediately for child victims;
Amendment 391 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Notes with high concern the prevalence of child sexual abuse and normalisation of trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, and calls for the regulation of pornographic sites and hosting platforms to ensure full prevention of the risk of such materials becoming available and normalized;
Amendment 437 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses the importance of financial investigation and ‘following the money’ as a key strategy for investigating and prosecuting the organised crime networks that profit from THB; calls on the Commission to assess and promote the use of existing judicial and police cooperation, and the available toolsMember States to launch financial investigations and work with money laundering specialists when starting a new trafficking investigation; calls on Member States to strengthen cooperation in freezing and confiscating the assets of individuals involved in trafficking and providing compensation to victims; calls on the Commission to assess and promote the use of existing judicial and police cooperation, and the available tools, such as mutual recognition of court judgments, joint investigation teams and the European investigation order;
Amendment 453 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls the role of EU agencies in the early identification of victims and the fight against THB; calls for more resources for the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Agencies to enable their staff to be trained and capacity-building instruments to be developed in the area of detecting victims, including the appointment of gender- trained agency officers, especially in the Member States faced with increased mixed migratory flows; calls on the Commission to develop guidelines to mainstream gender expertise in the activities of law enforcement authorities across the EU, including by developing sustained programs of improving gender balance in decision-making processes and in the staff of the JHA agencies relevant to trafficking;
Amendment 461 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Encourages Member States to increase exchange of data and information by using Europol’s resources and databases such AP Phoenix, AP Migrant Smuggling and AP Twins;
Amendment 476 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Calls on the Commission to review implementation of the Anti-Trafficking Directive by Member States and introduce infringement procedures where there has been a lack of effective implementation;
Amendment 487 #
2020/2029(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Calls on the Commission to review the application of Directive 2004/81/EC on granting residence permits to victims of trafficking who are third country nationals ensuring that victims are not returned upon expiry of reflection period, calls on the Member States to grant that the unconditional access to assistance and support mandated by Directive2011/36/EU is reconciled with Directive 2004/81/EC and its application; calls on the Commission to review Directive 2004/81/EC to ensure that residence permits for trafficked persons are not made conditional to the participation or willingness to participate of the trafficked person in the investigation or criminal proceedings of the case;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the security and defence policies of the European Union and its Member States are guided by the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and those of the United Nations Charter, and by a common understanding of the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, of freedom, of democracy, of equality and of the rule of law; highlights that all defence- related efforts within the Union framework must respect these universal values whilst promoting peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that a Union framework regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems in defence must respect all applicable legal regimes, in particular the international humanitarian law and the international human rights law, and be in compliance with Union law, principles and values; stresses that the EU should play a global role in leading the way towards a credible and binding AI regulatory agenda rooted in democratic values; calls on the Union to assess the inherent AI-related risks with regard to the application of Union law, and foresee necessary adjustment and enforcement where needed; underlines that emerging technologies not covered by international law should be judged by the principle of humanity and the dictates of public conscience; underlines that the ethics of AI-enabled systems in defence must be assessed from the point of view of Human rights, and notably human safety, health and security, freedom, privacy, integrity and dignity;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that the geographical scope of such a framework should cover all the components of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies developed, deployed or used in the Union, including in cases where part of the technologies might be located outside the Union or not have a specific location;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that, based on a human- centric approach, the Unionwhereby technology fully respects Human Rights and humans retain authority over automated decision- making systems, the Union needs a robust AI regulatory framework focused on security and defence, followsing a path of responsibility, of protecting our citizens, and of defending our values, that its policies aim at preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security, whilst seizing the opportunities that those technologies offer;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that the Union must be at the forefront of mastering those technologies by establishing well defined processes for their use, for understanding the related ethical aspects and for fostering an effective international regulatory framework that contains the inherent risks of these technologies and prevents use for malicious purposes; the Union working together with the Member States must determine the appropriate liability regimes applicable to innovations in AI and other immersive technologies in the field of security and defence thus establishing a legal basis for accountability and traceability mechanisms, those include in particular unintended harm to persons, be it material or immaterial, such as breach of fundamental rights;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that for any defence application of AI enabled systems, the Union should set technical and organisational standards to ensure their resilience against cyber-attacks and digital influence, as well as their compliance with the highest possible trustworthiness standards as regards the collection and exploitation of operational datareliability standards, active monitoring and supervision as regards the collection and exploitation of operational data; AI systems and applications intended to extract and synthesise data, and extrapolate results therefrom to inform decisions for matters relating to defence and national security, must be specific in scope and comply with the provisions set out in the current regulatory framework in terms of gathering and processing data; stresses that AI applications designed to process data for intelligence purposes in defence related activities should comply with data processing standards to avoid risks of unintended surveillance or infringement of individual rights; believes that for high-risk applications of AI-enabled technologies like facial recognition which lack a definitive regulatory framework at the EU level, the Union must ensure that their development and deployment is rightful, proportional and respects the rights of individuals; stresses the importance of monitoring competent national law enforcement authorities which develop and deploy AI-enabled systems and technologies to maintain public order so as to mitigate the disproportional risks of predictive policing;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the need to adopt clear safety and security provisions and requirements, with proper certifications, for AI-systems in defence, and carry ourt constant monitoring, regular tests and verifications across the entire life cycle; underlines the necessity of ensuring compliance with applicable standards and obtained certifications where AI modifies e.g. through machine learning the functionality and behaviour of systems in which it is integrated, in order to ensure full traceability of decisions made with involvement of AI;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresseds that all AI-systems in defence must have a concrete and well- defined domain of use and must be endowed withwhereby humans retain the abilitgency to detect and, disengage or diseactivate deployed systems should they move from their domain of use or engage in any escalatory or unintended action;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that the entire responsibility for the decision to design, develop, deploy and use AI-systems must rest on human operators and, as there must be meaningful human control over any weapons system and human intent in the decision to use force; underlines that the human-in- the-loop principle must also be applied to the command and control of AI- enabled systems; stresses that AI-enabled systems must allow the military leadership to assume its full responsibility and exercise the necessary level of judgmentaccountability for the use of lethal force and exercise the necessary level of judgment, which cannot be endowed to machines as it must be based on distinction, proportionality and precaution, for taking lethal or large-scale destructive action bey means of such systems; recalls in this respect its position on a ban on the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons systems enabling strikes to be carried out without meaningful human intervention;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the EU must take the lead in promoting the establishment of international norms regarding the ethical and legal parameters of the development and use of fully autonomous, semi- autonomous and remotely operated lethal weapons systems; Member States should develop national strategies for the definition, status and use of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) towards a comprehensive strategy on the EU level;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that the Union must promote understanding of the military implications of AI, of robotics and of autonomy; considers that the Union needs to promote the acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge on technology development processes and operational methods throughout the supply chain and over the full lifecycle of AI-enabled military capabilities;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the need to overcome the current fragmentation within the Union as regards national AI-related law, research, innovation and expertise in the area of AI, which puts in jeopardyendangers the functioning of the internal market and the objective to ensure trustworthyreliable and secure development of AI in Europe; in this respect welcomes the inclusion of AI- related projects under the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP); believes that the future European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) also offer well adapted frameworks for future AI- related projects that would help to better streamline Union efforts in this field; stresses that AI-related projects should be synchronized with the wider EU civilian programmes devoted to AI; notes that in line with the European Commission’s White Paper on AI (COM2020/65final) excellence and testing centres concentrating on research and development of AI in the field of security and defence should be established with vigorous specifications underpinning the participation of and investment from private stakeholders;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Emphasises that the development of AI that respects fundamental rights and supports the public interest requires the strategic pooling and sharing of data in the EU between private and public entities, as well as the strengthening of an EU AI ecosystem, which involves public, private, and civil society stakeholders; calls on the European Commission to foster dialogue among Member States, researchers, academics, civil society actors and the private sector so as to have inclusive policymaking processes when it comes to defence-related AI regulations;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the European Commission and on the VP/HR to present, also as part of an overall approach, a sectoral AI strategy for defence-related activities within the Union framework, that ensures both respect for citizens’ rights and EU’s strategic interests that should propose a consistent regulatory approach spanning from the inception of AI-enabled systems to their military uses; calls on these regulatory efforts to be supported by meaningful monitoring schemes, so that normative frameworks are not outplaced by technological development and new methods of warfare; calls on the Council, the European Commission and on the VP/HR to enter in a structured dialogue with the European Parliament to that end.
Amendment 186 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the link between EU mainstream financial and policy instruments, particularly the European Structural and Investment Funds through which integrated housing plans can be built upon, and inclusion priorities for people with Romani background, as part of the next multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 209 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to develop post-2020 National Strategies for the Inclusion of People with Romani Background based on realistic quantitative and qualitative data with an adequate pre- defined budget, incorporated into the national, regional and local budgets, subject to a periodic review and evaluation within a 5-year deadline and which reflects the scale of the social inclusion needs of people with Romani background;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development 14a _________________ 14a https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg 16
Amendment 27 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas in an increasingly unstable multipolar world, where nationalist, xenophobic and anti- democratic forces are on the rise, it is vital for the European Union to become an influential player on the world stage and to keep its leading role as a global “soft power” committed to the disarmament of conventional and nuclear weapons, investing in conflict prevention, crisis management and mediation before military options are considered;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 36 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas military transparency measures such as reporting on arms export contributes to cross-border trust- building;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Deplores the fact that Member States use very different information in order to generate data on the value of licences, which renders the annual report considerably less consistent and usable as a comparative data set and serves to diminish its transparency and accountability before citizens and parliaments; urges France, in particular, to refrain from submitting data on the value of licences at pre-contract stage and broad values for global licences, which undermines the comparability of the report;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the renewed extension of the moratorium on arms exports towards Saudi Arabia by Germany until the end of 2020 as well as the decisions by several Member States to enforce full restrictions when it comes to arms exports towards Saudi Arabia; reiterates its call of 13 September 2017 regarding the urgent need to impose an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Condemns the increasing arms race in the world and calls on the world major military powers, largest producers and exporters of weapons to foster dialogue, multilateralism and disarmament of conventional and nuclear weapons;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Amendment 127 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the ambition to increase the competitiveness of the European defence sector must not undermine the application of the Common Position’s eight criteria as they take precedence over any economic social, commercial or industrial interests of Member States;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Emphasises that arms exports must not be carried out for economic reasons but for foreign and security policy objectives. Respect for human rights, good governance and the prohibition on supplying arms to conflict regions are essential in the case of granting export licences. Arms exports have to be assessed against the sustainable development of a country;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the EU activities aiming at supporting the universalisation of the Arms Trade Treaty(ATT), in particular the assistance to third countries in improving and implementing effective arms control systems in line with the Common Position; calls the major arms exporting countries, such as the USA, China and Russia, to sign and ratify the Treaty;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that under the EPF, Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) will work on creating an EU-level system for arms transfers to third countries; asks for a detailed list of equipment transferred to third countries under the Facility to be published;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 – point a
Paragraph 19 – point a
a) to add the following additional categories in a revised reporting template in order to implement the recent September 2019 Council conclusions: the exact type of weapon and the quantity exported, denomination of the munitions, the lot size and the specific end-user, revoked licences, and the value and duration of contracts regarding post-delivery services such as training and maintenance; to align the EU definition of small arms with the broader UN definition so that, for example, pistols and sniper rifles are also included in this category;
Amendment 222 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 – point c
Paragraph 19 – point c
c) to clarify definitions such as licensed value and actual exports so as to facilitate the comparability of data between Member States; Licences for production in third countries should no longer be granted if this would allow the eight criteria of the Common Position or other EU arms export directives to be circumvented;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 19 – point c a (new)
c a) to extend the post-shipment controls to all arms exports, including large military equipment; Member States are to submit a regular post-shipment report;
Amendment 248 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point b
Paragraph 21 – point b
b) to follow the example of the UK in this regard by publishing risk assessments in the annual reports; and to publish all final arms export licences on the Internet; the validity of export licences should be limited to two years in order to be able to react to changing political situations;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point c
Paragraph 21 – point c
c) to undertake a joint assessment of country situations or potential export recipients in the light of the principles and criteria of the Common Position within the framework of the CFSP and in consultation with external stakeholders, including Parliament; to regularly update list of third countries complying with the criteria as led down in the Common Position;
Amendment 260 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the EU institutions should organise peer reviews with a view to encouraging authorities to share best practices on the collection and processing of data, fostering a better understanding of different national approaches, identifying differences as regards the interpretation of the eight criteria, and discussing ways to improve harmonisation and consistency;
Amendment 266 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Strongly believes that a more consistent implementation of the EU Common Position is essential for the EU credibility as a value-based global actor and that much higher level of convergence as regards the strict application of the criteria will strengthen human rights, international law and the CFSP, and bolster the EU’s strategic security interests and strategic autonomy;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that effective end-use controls are crucial for a responsible export policy and for lowering the risk of diversion in particular; calls on the Council, the Member States, the EEAS and the Commission to set up a large-scale training and capacity-building programme for national and EU officials on arms export controls; stresses the need to use EU funding to ensure that sufficient staff resources are available at national and EU levels and at delegations and embassies in importing countries for the purposes of implementing viable end-use controlrisk assessments, end-use controls and post-shipment verifications; calls on the EEAS and COARM to report on iTrace any identified diversion of EU- origin goods as part of the annual report;
Amendment 284 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Believes that the increasing Europeanisation of arms production, the recent Council conclusions on convergence in arms exports and the establishment of the EPF should be complemented by a mechanism for EU-level monitoring and control based on strict compliance with the eight criteria; calls on steps to be taken for the setting-up of an EU mechanism of sanctions for Member States infringing the Common Position;
Amendment 290 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Believes that “pooling and sharing” and more cooperation in arms policy and procurement policy are only possible if strict export controls, mutual information and regular parliamentary scrutiny, as well as strong sanction mechanisms in the event of non- compliance with common rules, are binding. Further demands that the European Parliament - alongside the national parliaments - be able to guarantee parliamentary control over the EU’s common security and defence policy and its budget;
Amendment 298 #
2020/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers that regular consultations with the European Parliament, national parliaments, arms export control authorities, industry associations and civil society are central to meaningful transparency; calls on national parliaments to exchange best reporting and oversight practices in order to enhance the scrutinising role of all national parliaments in the decisions on arms control exports; calls on COARM to enhance dialogue with civil society and consultations with Parliament and arms export control authorities; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade and calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities, including by financial means;
Amendment 70 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. This Regulation is without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, and does not particularise or amend them.
Amendment 87 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
(23 a) ‘Consent’ means indication of the data subject's wishes as defined in point (11) of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 90 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 b (new)
Amendment 92 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23 c (new)
(23 c) ‘Data portability’ means the right of a data subject to receive the personal data concerning them that they have provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format, and the right to transmit those data to another controller, as provided for by Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) refrain from combining personal data sourced from these core platform services with personal data from any other services offered by the gatekeeper or with personal data from third-party services, and from signing in end users to other services of the gatekeeper in order to combine personal data, unless the end user has been presented, in a user-friendly and clear manner, with the specific choice, and provided consent in the sense of Regulation (EU) 2016/679they have provided their consent. ;
Amendment 125 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) refrain from requiring end-users or business users to use, offer or interoperate with an identification service of the gatekeeper in the context of services offered by the business users using the core platform services of that gatekeeper;
Amendment 128 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Digital services in general and online platforms in particular play an increasingly important role in the economy, in particular in the internal market, by providing new business opportunities in the Union and facilitating cross-border trading. They serve as essential facilities for the digital economy by providing access to critical infrastructures.
Amendment 134 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The combination of those features of gatekeepers is likely to lead in many cases to serious imbalances in bargaining power and, consequently, to unfair practices and conditions for business users as well as end users of core platform services provided by gatekeepers, to the detriment of prices, quality, privacy and security standards, choice and innovation therein.
Amendment 137 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Gatekeepers have a significant impact on the internal market, providing gateways for a large number of business users, to reach end users, everywhere in the Union and on different markets. The adverse impact of unfair practices on the internal market and particularly weak contestability of core platform services, including their negative societal and economic implications, have led national legislators and sectoral regulators to act. A number of national regulatory solutions at national level have already been adopted or proposed to address unfair practices and the contestability of digital services or at least with regard to some of them. This has created a risk of divergent regulatory solutions and thereby fragmentation of the internal market, thus raising the risk of increased compliance costs due to different sets of national regulatory requirements.
Amendment 142 #
2020/0374(COD)
(8) By approximating diverging national laws, obstacles to the freedom to provide and receive services, including retail services, within the internal market should be eliminated. A targeted set of harmonised mandatory rulelegal obligations should therefore be established at Union level to ensure contestable and fair digital markets featuring the presence of gatekeepers within the internal market.
Amendment 149 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) A fragmentation of the internal market can only be effectively averted if Member States are prevented from applying national rules which are specific to the types of undertakings and services covered by this Regulation. At the same time, since this Regulation aims at complementing the enforcement of competition law, it should be specified that this Regulation is without prejudice to Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, to the corresponding national competition rules and to other national competition rules regarding unilateral behaviour that are based on an individualised assessment of market positions and behaviour, including its likely effects and the precise scope of the prohibited behaviour, and which provide for the possibility of undertakings to make efficiency and objective justification arguments for the behaviour in question. However, the application of the latter rules should not affect the obligations and prohibitions imposed on gatekeepers under this Regulation and their uniform and effective application in the internal market.
Amendment 150 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Articles 101 and 102 TFEU and the corresponding national competition rules concerning anticompetitive multilateral and unilateral conduct as well as merger control have as their objective the protection of undistorted competition on the market. This Regulation pursues an objective that is complementary to, but different from that of protecting undistorted competition on any given market, as defined in competition-law terms, which is to ensure that markets where gatekeepers are present are and remain contestable and fair, and to protect the respective rights of business users and end users, independently from the actual, likely or presumed effects of the conduct of a given gatekeeper covered by this Regulation on competition on a given market. This Regulation therefore aims at protecting a different legal interest from those rules and should be without prejudice to their application.
Amendment 154 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) provide effective portability of data generated through the activity of a business user or end user and shall, in particular, provide tools for end users to facilitate the exercise of such data portability, in line with Regulation EU 2016/679, including by the provision of continuous and real- time access ;
Amendment 155 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Weak contestability and unfair practices in the digital sector are more frequent and pronounced for certain digital services than for others. This is the case in particular for widespread and commonly used digital services that mostly directly intermediate between business users and end users and where features such as extreme scale economies, very strong network effects, an ability to connect many business users with many end users through the multi-sidedness of these services, lock-in effects, a lack of multi- homing or vertical integration are the most prevalent. Often, there is only one or very few large providers of those digital services. These providers of core platform services have emerged most frequently as gatekeepers for business users and end users with far-reaching impacts, gaining the ability to easily set commercial conditions and terms in a unilateral and detrimental manner for their business users and end users. Accordingly, it is necessary to focus only on those digital services that are most broadly used by business users and end users and where, based on current market conditions, concerns about weak contestability and unfair practices by gatekeepers are more apparent and pressing from an internal market perspective.
Amendment 157 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In particular, online intermediation services, online search engines, operating systems, (including, inter alia, smart TVs and IPTVs), digital voice assistants and platforms that use integrated voice assistant technologies, mobile payment services, web-browsers, online social networking, video sharing platform services, video and audio on demand services, number- independent interpersonal communication services, cloud computing servicesdigital services which allow the creation of, processing of, accessing or storage of data in digital form, including software as a service such as cloud computing services, meaning an electronic platform or a cloud storage facility, that the consumer selects for receiving or storing the digital content or digital service and online advertising services all have the capacity to affect a large number of end users and businesses alike, which entails a risk of unfair business practices. They therefore should be includedstated as example of core platform services and fall into the scope of this Regulation. This is without prejudice to the inclusion of other categories of digital services into the definition ofscope of the regulation. The fact that weak contestability and unfair practices in the digital sector are more frequent and pronounced in certain digital services than in others does not imply that other categories of services are exempt from it. The core platform services and fall intog under the scope of this Regulation should therefore not be limited to certain types of services. Online intermediation services may also be active in the field of financial services, and they may intermediate or be used to provide such services as listed non- exhaustively in Annex II to Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council32 . In certain circumstances, the notion of end users should encompass users that are traditionally considered business users, but in a given situation do not use the core platform services to provide goods or services to other end users, such as for example businesses relying on cloud computing services for their own purposes. _________________ 32Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services, OJ L 241, 17.9.2015, p. 1.
Amendment 159 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) provide business users, or third parties authorised by a business user, free of charge, with effective, high-quality, continuous and real-time access and use of aggregated or non-aggregated non- personal data, that is provided for or generated in the context of the use of the relevant core platform services by those business users and the end users engaging with the products or services provided by those business users; for personal data, provide access and usefor, in full compliance of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the possibility to obtain consent, in a user-friendly and clear manner, from the end-users to allow the use of such personal data, only where directly connected with the use effectuated by the end user in respect of the products or services offered by the relevant business user through the relevant core platform service, and when the end user opts in to such sharing with a consent in the sense of the Regulation (EU) 2016/679; ;
Amendment 164 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) provide to any third party providers of online search engines, upon their request, with access on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms to fully anonymised ranking, query, click and view data in relation to free and paid search generated by end users on online search engines of the gatekeeper, asubject to anonymisation for the query, click and view data that constitutes personal data;
Amendment 165 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) A number of other ancillary services, such as identification or payment services (which depending on their function can act either as core service or as ancillary service) and technical services which support the provision of payment services, may be provided by gatekeepers together with their core platform services. As gatekeepers frequently provide the portfolio of their services as part of an integrated ecosystem to which third-party providers of such ancillary services do not have access, at least not subject to equal conditions, and can link the access to the core platform service to take-up of one or more ancillary services, the gatekeepers are likely to have an increased ability and incentive to leverage their gatekeeper power from their core platform services to these ancillary services, to the detriment of choice and contestability of these services.
Amendment 170 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The fact that a digital service qualifies as a core platform service in light of its widespread and common use and its importance for connecting business users and end users does not as such give rise to sufficiently serious concerns of contestability and unfair practices. It is only when a core platform service constitutes an important gateway and is operated by a provider with a significant impact in the internal market and an entrenched and durable position, or by a provider that will foreseeably have such a position in the near future, that such concerns arise. Accordingly, the targeted set of harmonised rules laid down in this Regulation should apply only to undertakings designated on the basis ofthat fulfill these three objective criteria or are designated on the basis of those, and they should only apply to those of their core platform services that individually constitute an important gateway for business users to reach end users.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to ensure the effective application of this Regulation to providers of core platform services which are most likely to satisfy these objective requirements, and where unfair conduct weakening contestability is most prevalent and impactful, the Commission should be able to directly designate as gatekeepers those providers of core platform services which meet certain quantitative thresholds. Such undertakings should in any event be subject to a fast designation process which should be automatically deemed to be gatekeepers. Since the quantitative threshould start upon the entry into force of this Regulations are objective requirements, no further designation by the Commission is necessary.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) A very significant turnover in the Union and the provision of a core platform service in at least three Member States constitute compelling indications that the provider of a core platform service has a significant impact on the internal market or a significant sector thereof. This is equally true where a provider of a core platform service in at least three Member States has a very significant market capitalisation or equivalent fair market value. Therefore, a provider of a core platform service should be presudeemed to have a significant impact on the internal market or a significant sector thereof where it provides a core platform service in at least three Member States and where either its group turnover realised in the EEA is equal to or exceeds a specific, high threshold or the market capitalisation of the group is equal to or exceeds a certain high absolute value. For providers of core platform services that belong to undertakings that are not publicly listed, the equivalent fair market value above a certain high absolute value should be referred to. The Commission should use its power to adopt delegated acts to develop an objective methodology to calculate that value. A high EEA group turnover in conjunction with the threshold of users in the Union of core platform services reflects a relatively strong ability to monetise these users. A high market capitalisation relative to the same threshold number of users in the Union reflects a relatively significant potential to monetise these users in the near future. This monetisation potential in turn reflects in principle the gateway position of the undertakings concerned. Both indicators are in addition reflective of their financial capacity, including their ability to leverage their access to financial markets to reinforce their position. This may for example happen where this superior access is used to acquire other undertakings, which ability has in turn been shown to have potential negative effects on innovation. Market capitalisation can also be reflective of the expected future position and effect on the internal market of the providers concerned, notwithstanding a potentially relatively low current turnover. The market capitalisation value can be based on a level that reflects the average market capitalisation of the largest publicly listed undertakings in the Union over an appropriate period.
Amendment 178 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
Amendment 179 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) there is an imbalance of rights and obligations on end-users or business users and the gatekeeper is obtaining an advantage from end-users or business users that is disproportionate to the service provided by the gatekeeper to end-users or business users; or
Amendment 181 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) An entrenched and durable position in its operations or the foreseeability of achieving such a position future occurs notably where the contestability of the position of the provider of the core platform service is limited. This is likely to be the case where that provider has provided a core platform service in at least three Member States to a very high number of business users and end users during at least threewo years.
Amendment 183 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Where consent for collecting and processing of personal data is required to ensure compliance with this Regulation, a gatekeeper shall take the necessary steps to either enable business users to directly obtain the required consent to their processing, where required under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, orand to comply with Union data protection and privacy rules and principles in other ways including by providing business users with duly anonymised data where appropriate. The gatekeeper shall not make the obtaining of this consent by the business user more burdensome than for its own services.
Amendment 184 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
Amendment 185 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Within six months after its designation pursuant to Article 3, a gatekeeper shall submit to the Commission an independently audited description of any techniques for profiling of consumers that the gatekeeper applies to or across its core platform services identified pursuant to Article 3. This description shall be updated at least annually. The Commission shall share the audited description, as well as all relevant materials collected in the context of supervising the gatekeepers, that relate to the processing of personal data, in particular profiling, with any competent supervisory authority, represented in the European Data Protection Board, upon its request.
Amendment 187 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Provision should also be made for the assessment of the gatekeeper role of providers of core platform services which do not satisfy all of the quantitative thresholds, in light of the overall objective requirements that they have a significant impact on the internal market, act as an important gateway for business users to reach end users and benefit from a durable and entrenched position in their operations or it is foreseeable that it will do so in the near future as well as in light of their market share in the relevant market.
Amendment 187 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a Platform Interoperability 1. The Commission shall request the European standardisation organisations, in consultation with the European Data Protection Board, to develop European technical standards, in compliance with European privacy and data protection standards, for interoperability, including protocol interoperability and data interoperability. 2. These interoperability standards shall apply to the gatekeepers, who shall make the main functionalities of their services interoperable to enable cross-platform exchange of information by recipients. This obligation shall not limit, hinder or delay their ability to solve security issues. Gatekeepers shall publicly document all application programming interfaces they make available. 3. The cross-platform exchange of information shall require the explicit consent of the recipients exchanging information. 4. The Commission shall adopt implementing measures, according to Article36, specifying the nature and scope of the obligations set out in paragraph 1.
Amendment 193 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Designated gGatekeepers should comply with the obligations laid down in this Regulation in respect of each of the core platform services listed in the relevant designation decision. The mandatory rules should apply taking into account the conglomerate position of gatekeepers, where applicable. Furthermore, implementing measures that the Commission may by decision impose on the gatekeeper following a regulatory dialogue should be designed in an effective manner, having regard to the features of core platform services as well as possible circumvention risks and in compliance with the principle of proportionality and the fundamental rights of the undertakings concerned as well as those of third parties. The regulatory dialogue should by no means constitute grounds to assume that the gatekeeper may invoke an efficiency defence.
Amendment 194 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) The very rapidly changing and complex technological nature of core platform services requires a regular review of the status of gatekeepers, including those that are foreseen to enjoy a durable and entrenched position in their operations in the near future. To provide all of the market participants, including the gatekeepers, with the required certainty as to the applicable legal obligations, a time limit for such regular reviews is necessary. It is also important to conduct such reviews on a regular basis and at least every two years. four years for designated gatekeepers to assess whether they continue to satisfy the requirements, and at least every year to assess whether new providers of core platform services satisfy those requirements.
Amendment 195 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) To ensure the effectiveness of the review of gatekeeper status as well as the possibility to adjust the list of core platform services provided by a gatekeeper, the gatekeepers should inform the Commission of all of their intended and concluded acquisitions of other providers of core platform services or any other services provided within the digital sector. Such information should not only serve the review process mentioned above, regarding the status of individual gatekeepers, but will also provide information that is crucial to monitoring broader contestability trends in the digital sector and can therefore be a useful factor for consideration in the context of the market investigations foreseen by this Regulation. To safeguard the fairness and contestability of core platform services provided by gatekeepers, any concentration by undertakings that have been considered as gatekeepers for more than 2 years shall be forbidden by default, unless the specific concentration is exceptionally compatible with the internal market because it does not impede fair competition. The burden of proof for compatibility with the internal market lies on the gatekeeper.
Amendment 201 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) To safeguard the fairness and contestability of core platform services provided by gatekeepers, it is necessary to provide in a clear and unambiguous manner for a set of harmonised obligations with regard to those services. Such rules are needed to address the risk of harmful effects of unfair practices imposed by gatekeepers, to the benefit of the business environment in the services concerned, to the benefit of users and ultimately to the benefit of society as a whole. Given the fast-moving and dynamic nature of digital markets, and the substantial economic power of gatekeepers, it is important that these obligations are effectively applied without being circumvented. To that end, the obligations in question should apply to any practices by a gatekeeper, irrespective of its form, including through the use of dark patterns or manipulative choice architecture, and irrespective of whether it is of a contractual, commercial, technical or any other nature, insofar as a practice corresponds to the type of practice that is the subject of one of the obligations of this Regulation.
Amendment 204 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. As an exception to paragraph 1, competent supervisory authorities shall be able to exchange any relevant material that is collected in the context of supervising the gatekeepers, pursuant to Articles 3, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21, for the further sole purpose of enabling other competent authorities to fulfil their respective mandates and public service missions.
Amendment 205 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The obligations laid down in this Regulation are limited to what is necessary and justified to address the unfairness of the identified practices by gatekeepers and to ensure contestability in relation to core platform services provided by gatekeepers. Therefore, the obligations should correspond to those practices that are considered unfair by taking into account the features of the digital sector and where experience gained, for example in the enforcementhey can have a negative direct impact ofn the EU competition rules, shows that they have a particularly negative direct impact on the business users and end userbusiness users and end users. A general fairness clause allows for the necessary flexibility and ensures future-proofness. In addition, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of a regulatory dialogue with gatekeepers to tailor those obligations that are likely to require specific implementing measures in order to ensure their effectiveness and proportionality. The obligations should only be updated after a thorough investigation on the nature and impact of specific practices that may be newly identified, following an in-depth investigation, as unfair or limiting contestability in the same manner as the unfair practices laid down in this Regulation while potentially escaping the scope of the current set of obligations.
Amendment 206 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Digital Markets Advisory Committee. That Committee shall be a Committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. The Digital Markets Advisory Committee shall consist of representatives of the European Data Protection Board and representatives of the national competent authorities responsible for electronic communications, audio-visual services, competition and consumer protection.
Amendment 211 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) The conduct of combining end user data from different sources or signing in users to different services of gatekeepers gives them potential advantages in terms of accumulation of data, thereby raising barriers to entry. To ensure that gatekeepers do not unfairly undermine the contestability of core platform services, they should enable their end usand in orders to freely choose to opt-in to such business practices by offering a less personalised alternative. The possibility should cover all possible sources of impede business models that are based on the collection of users’personal data, including own services of the gatekeeper as well as third party websites, and should be proactively presented to the end user in an explicit, clear and straightforward manner view of the fact that the design makes it often too hard if not impossible to refuse consent, combining personal data should be prohibited.
Amendment 211 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Where the Commission decides to open an investigation, it should consult and cooperate with the competent oversight authorities, including data protection authorities, when conducting and drafting their assessment.
Amendment 223 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Because of their position, gatekeepers might in certain cases restrict the ability of business users of their online intermediation services to offer their goods or services to end users under more favourable conditions, including price, through other online intermediation servicedistribution channels. Such restrictions have a significant deterrent effect on the business users of gatekeepers in terms of their use of alternative online intermediation servicedistribution channels, limiting inter- platform contestability, which in turn limits choice of alternative online intermediadistribution channels for end users. To ensure that business users of online intermediation services of gatekeepers can freely choose alternative online intermediation services and differentiate the conditions under which they offer their products or services to their end users, it should not be accepbe prohibited that gatekeepers limit business users from choosing to differentiate commercial conditions, including price. Such a restricprohibition should apply to any measure with equivalent effect, such as for example increased commission rates or, de-listing or less favourable ranking of the offers of business users.
Amendment 232 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) To safeguard a fair commercial environment and protect the contestability of the digital sector it is important to safeguard the right of business users and end users to raise concerns about unfair behaviour by gatekeepers with any relevant administrative or other public authorities. For example, business users or end users may want to complain about different types of unfair practices, such as discriminatory access conditions, unjustified closing of business user accounts or unclear grounds for product de-listings. Any practice that would in any way inhibit or hinder such a possibility of raising concerns or seeking available redress, for instance by means of confidentiality clauses in agreements or other written terms, should therefore be prohibited. This should be without prejudice to the right of business users or end users and gatekeepers to lay down in their agreements the terms of use including the use of lawful complaints-handling mechanisms, including any use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms or of the jurisdiction of specific courts in compliance with respective Union and national law This should therefore also be without prejudice to the role gatekeepers play in the fight against illegal content online.
Amendment 241 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Gatekeepers should not restrict the free choice of end users by technically preventing switching between or subscription to different software applications and services or through product design. Gatekeepers should therefore ensure a free choice irrespective of whether they are the manufacturer of any hardware by means of which such software applications or services are accessed and should not raise artificial technical barriers so as to hamper or make switching impossible or ineffective. The mere offering of a given product or service to end users, including by means of pre- installation, as well the improvement of end user offering, such as better prices or increased quality, would not in itself constitute a barrier to switching.
Amendment 252 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) A gatekeeper may use different means to favour its own services or products on its core platform service, to the detriment of the same or similar services that end users could obtain through third parties. This may for instance be the case where certain software applications or services are pre-installed by a gatekeeper. To enable end user choice, gatekeepers should not prevent end users from un- installing any pre-installed-install software applications on its core platform service and thereby favour their own software applications as this inhibits user choice. The only exception shall be pre-installations that are essential for the functioning of the operating system or of the device and which cannot be technically offered on as standalone basis by third-parties.
Amendment 267 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Gatekeepers are often vertically integrated and offer certain products or services to end users through their own core platform services, or through a business user over which they exercise controlthat it cooperates with, which frequently leads to conflicts of interest. This can include the situation whereby a gatekeeper offers its own online intermediation services through an online search engine. When offering those products or services on the core platform service, gatekeepers can reserve a better position to their own offering, in terms of ranking, as opposed to the products of third parties also operating onusing that core platform service. This can occur for instance with products or services, including other core platform services, which are ranked in the results communicated by online search engines, or which are partly or entirely embedded in search results of online search engines results, groups of results specialised in a certain topic, displayed along with the results of an online search engine, which armay be considered or used by certain end users as a service distinct or additional to the online search engine. Other instances are those ofSuch preferential or embedded display should constitute an inadmissible preference, irrespective of whether the information or results may also be provided by competing services and are as such ranked in a non-discriminatory way. Inadmissible preferencing can also take place in other instances, such as software applications which are distributed through software application stores, or products or services that are given prominence and display in the newsfeed of a social network, or products or services ranked in search results or displayed on an online marketplace, or products or services users are directed to following a request by an end user to a digital voice assistant. In those circumstances, the gatekeeper is in a dual- role position as intermediary for third party providers and as direct provider of products or services of the gatekeeper. Consequently, these gatekeepers have the ability to undermine directly the contestability for those products or services on these core platform services, to the detriment of business users which are not controlled by the gatekeeper.
Amendment 282 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) Gatekeepers should not restrict or prevent the free choice of end users by technically preventing switching between or subscription to different software applications and services. This would allow more providers to offer their services, thereby ultimately providing greater choice to the end user. Gatekeepers should ensure a free choice irrespective of whether they are the manufacturer of any hardware by means of which such software applications or services are accessed and shall not raise artificial technical barriers so as to make switching impossible or ineffective. The mere offering of a given product or service to consumers, including by means of pre-installation, as well as the improvement of the offering to end users, such as price reductions or increased quality, should not be construed as constituting a prohibited barrier to switching.
Amendment 288 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Gatekeepers can hamper the ability of end users to access online content and services including software applications. Therefore, rules should be established to ensure that the rights of end users to access an open internet are not compromised by the conduct of gatekeepers. Gatekeepers can also technically limit the ability of end users to effectively switch between different Internet access service providers, in particular through their control over operating systems or hardware. This distorts the level playing field for Internet access services and ultimately harms end users. It should therefore be ensured that gatekeepers do not unduly restrict end users in choosing their Internet access service provider.
Amendment 290 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51 a (new)
Recital 51 a (new)
(51 a) Interoperability can have a direct positive impact on contestability, fairness on the market and consumer welfare. Thus, interoperability which requires platforms to open up their access point interfaces (APIs) to potential competitors on the market would significantly reduce barriers to entry, as it would grant competitors access to existing networks and allow them to participate therein. This would as well allow competing platforms to offer their internal systems to users whose data lives elsewhere thereby enabling them to chose an equivalent consumer friendly alternative and at the same time enhance contestability.
Amendment 302 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) The value of online search engines to their respective business users and end users increases as the total number of such users increases. Providers of online search engines collect and store aggregated and anonymised datasets containing information about what users searched for, and how they interacted with, the results that they were served. Providers of online search engine services collect these data from searches undertaken on their own online search engine service and, where applicable, searches undertaken on the platforms of their downstream commercial partners. Access by gatekeepers to such ranking, query, click and view data constitutes an important barrier to entry and expansion, which undermines the contestability of online search engine services. Gatekeepers should therefore be obliged to provide access, on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, to these ranking, query, click and view data in relation to free and paid search generated by consumers on online search engine services to other providers of such services, so that these third-party providers can optimise their services and contest the relevant core platform services. Such access should also be given to third parties contracted by a search engine provider, who are acting as processors of this data for that search engine. When providing access to its search data, a gatekeeper should ensure the protection of the personal data of end users by appropriate means, without substantially degrading the quality or usefulness of the data.
Amendment 310 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) In particular gatekeepers which provide access to software application storeCore platform services offered by gatekeepers serve as an important gateway for business users that seek to reach end users. In view of the imbalance in bargaining power between those gatekeepers and business users of their software application stores, those gatekeepers should not be allowed to impose general conditions, including pricing conditions, that would be unfair or lead to unjustified differentiation. Pricing or other general access conditions should be considered unfair if they lead to an imbalance of rights and obligations imposed on business users or confer an advantage on the gatekeeper which is disproportionate to the service provided by the gatekeeper to business users or lead to a disadvantage for business users in providing the same or similar services as the gatekeeper. The following benchmarks can serve as a yardstick to determine the fairness of general access conditions: prices charged or conditions imposed for the same or similar services by other providers of software application storesthe relevant core platform service; prices charged or conditions imposed by the provider of the software application storegatekeeper for different related or similar services or to different types of end users; prices charged or conditions imposed by the provider of the software application store for the same service in different geographic regions; prices charged or conditions imposed by the provider of the software application storegatekeeper for the same service the gatekeeper offers to itself. This obligation should not establish an access right and it should be without prejudice to the ability of providers of software application stores to take the required responsibility in the fight against illegal and unwanted content as set out in Regulation [Digital Services Act]. This obligation shall ensure that access conditions to core platform services are also fair and non-discriminatory for end- users.
Amendment 316 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58
Recital 58
(58) To ensure the effectiveness of the obligations laid down by this Regulation, while also making certain that these obligations are limited to what is necessary to ensure contestability and tackling the harmful effects of the unfair behaviour by gatekeepers, it is important to clearly define and circumscribe them so as to allow the gatekeeper to immediately comply with them, in full respect of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, consumer protection, cyber security and product safety. The gatekeepers should ensure the compliance with this Regulation by design. The necessary measures should therefore be as much as possible and where relevant integrated into the technological design used by the gatekeepers. However, it may in certain cases be appropriate for the Commission, following a dialogue with the gatekeeper concerned, to furthertechnically specify some of the measures that the gatekeeper concerned should adopt in order to effectively comply with those obligations that are susceptible of being further specifiedtechnically implement those obligations. This possibility of a regulatory dialogue should facilitate compliance by gatekeepers and expedite the correct implementation of the Regulation and should by no means constitute grounds to assume thatthe gatekeeper may invoke an efficiency defence. In order ensure the exante effects on fairness and contestability of markets and for the sake of legal certainty, it is essential that the Commission takes compliance decisions within legally binding deadlines.
Amendment 326 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 60
Recital 60
(60) In exceptional circumstances justified on the limited grounds of public morality, public health or public security, the Commission should be able to decide that the obligation concerned does not apply to a specific core platform service. Affecting these public interests can indicate that the cost to society as a whole of enforcing a certain obligation would in a certain exceptional case be too high and thus disproportionate. The regulatory dialogue to facilitate compliance with limited and duly justified suspension and exemption possibilities should ensure the proportionality of the obligations in this Regulation without undermining the intended ex ante effects on fairness and contestability.
Amendment 329 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61
Recital 61
(61) The data protection and privacy interests of end users are relevant to any assessment of potential negative effects of the observed practice of gatekeepers to collect and accumulate large amounts of data from end users. EIn order to ensuringe an adequate level of transparency of profiling practices employed by gatekeepers facilitates contestability of core platform services, by puttingdata and consumer protection, external pressure should be put on gatekeepers to prevent making deep consumer profiling the industry standard, in particular given that potential entrants or start-up providers cannot access data to the same extent and depth, and at a similar scale. Enhanced transparency should allow other providers of core platform services to differentiate themselves better through the use of superior privacy guaranteeing facilities. To ensure a minimum level of effectiveness of this transparency obligation, gProviders of core platform services should commit to superior privacy guaranteeing facilities. Businessmodels that are based on the commercial tracking and profiling of consumers should be proscribed. To that end the mixing of data from different services should be prohibited. Gatekeepers should at least provide a description of the basis upon which profiling is performed, including whether personal data and data derived from user activity is relied on, the processing applied, the purpose for which the profile is prepared and eventually used, the impact of such profiling on the gatekeeper’s services, and the steps taken to enable end users to be aware of the relevant use of such profiling, as well as to seek their consent. Suchinformation should be shared with other relevant enforcement authorities, in particular Data Protection Authorities.
Amendment 332 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62
Recital 62
(62) In order to ensure the full and lasting achievement of the objectives of this Regulation, the Commission should be able to assess whether a provider of core platform services should be designated as a gatekeeper without meeting the quantitative thresholds laid down in this Regulation; whether systematic non- compliance by a gatekeeper warrants imposing additional remedies; and whether the list of obligations addressing unfair practices by gatekeepers should be reviewed and additional practices that are similarly unfair and limiting the contestability of digital markets should be identified. Such assessment should be based on market investigations to be run in an appropriate timeframe, by using clear procedures and legally binding deadlines, in order to support the ex ante effect of this Regulation on contestability and fairness in the digital sector, and to provide the requisite degree of legal certainty.
Amendment 339 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The Commission should investigate and assess whether additional behavioural, or, where appropriate, structural remedies are justified, in order to ensure that the gatekeeper cannot frustrate the objectives of this Regulation by systematic non- compliance with one or several of the obligations laid down in this Regulation, which has further strengthened its gatekeeper position. This would be the case of systematic buy of growing companies, if the gatekeeper’s size in the internal market has further increased, economic dependency of business users and end users on the gatekeeper’s core platform services has further strengthened as their number has further increased and the gatekeeper benefits from increased entrenchment of its position. The Commission should therefore in such cases have the power to impose any remedy, whether behavioural or structural, having due regard to the principle of proportionality. Structural remedies, such as legal, functional or structural separation, including the divestiture of a business, or parts of it, should only be imposed either where there is no equally effective behavioural remedy or where any equally effective behavioural remedy would be more burdensome for the undertaking concerned than the structural remedy. Changes to the structure of an undertaking as it existed before the systematic non- compliance was established would only be proportionate where there is a substantial risk that this systematic non-compliance results from the very structure of the undertaking concerned. The Commission should be entitled to require changes to the imposed remedies if, following an investigation, it finds that the remedies are not effective to ensure compliance by the gatekeeper with its obligations laid down in Articles 5 or 6.
Amendment 342 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) The services and practices in core platform services and markets in which these intervene can change quickly and to a significant extent. To ensure that this Regulation remains up to date and constitutes an effective and holistic regulatory response to the problems posed by gatekeepers, it is important to provide for a regular review of the lists of core platform services as well as of the obligations provided for in this Regulation. This is particularly important to ensure that behaviour that may limit the contestability of core platform services or is unfair is identified. While it is important to conduct a review on a regular basis, given the dynamically changing nature of the digital sector, in order to ensure legal certainty as to the regulatory conditions, any reviews should be conducted within a reasonable and appropriate time-frame. Market investigations should also ensure that the Commission has a solid evidentiary basis on which it can assess whether it should propose to amend this Regulation in order to expand, or further detail, the lists of core platform services. They should equally ensure that the Commission has a solid evidentiary basis on which it can assess whether it should propose to amend the obligations laid down in this Reguldopt a delegated act updating such obligations. Such an update should only enable the Commission to add new obligations or whether it should adopt a delegated act updating such obligaprohibitions to this Regulation but not to eliminate current obligations or prohibitions.
Amendment 345 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) In the event that gatekeepers engage in behaviour that is unfair or that limits the contestability of the core platform services that are already designated under this Regulation but without these behaviours being explicitly covered by the obligations, the Commission should be able to update this Regulation through delegated acts. Such updates by way of delegated act should be subject to the same investigatory standard and therefore following a market investigation. The Commission should also apply a predefined standard in identifying such behaviours. This legal standard should ensure that the type of obligations that gatekeepers may at any time face under this Regulation are sufficiently predictable.
Amendment 350 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 67
Recital 67
(67) Where, in the course of a proceeding into non-compliance or an investigation into systemic non- compliance, a gatekeeper offers commitments to the Commission, the latter should be able to adopt a decision making these commitments binding on the gatekeeper concerned, where it finds that the commitments ensure effective compliance with the obligations of this Regulation. This decision should also find that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. If following an investigation, the commitments prove ineffective, the Commission shall be entitled to propose changes to the commitments to ensure its effectiveness.
Amendment 354 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 68
Recital 68
(68) In order to ensure effective implementation and compliance with this Regulation, the Commission, supported by the Member States, should have strong investigative and enforcement powers, to allow it to investigate, enforce and monitor the rules laid down in this Regulation, while at the same time ensuring the respect for the fundamental right to be heard and to have access to the file in the context of the enforcement proceedings. The Commission should dispose of these investigative powers also for the purpose of carrying out market investigations for the purpose of updating and reviewing this Regulation.
Amendment 359 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 72
Recital 72
(72) The Commission should be able to take the necessary actions to monitor the effective implementation and compliance with the obligations laid down in this Regulation. Such actions should include the ability of the Commission to appoint independent external experts, such as and auditors to assist the Commission in this process, including where applicable from competent independent authorities, such as data or consumer protection authorities. The Commission should set up rotating auditor teams with members from different organisations and backgrounds in order to strike a balance between obtaining institutional knowledge and experience on the one hand and avoiding regulatory capture on the other hand. The teams should rotate and be regularly restructured to achieve a proper balance between experience and modernity. Rotating teams of auditors are more difficult to capture than single persons. This should apply as well to any external independent control authority. Auditors or staff from any external independent control authority should also be subject to an appropriate “cooling off” period.
Amendment 364 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 74 a (new)
Recital 74 a (new)
(74 a) Consumers should be entitled to enforce their rights in relation to the obligations imposed on gatekeepers under this Regulation through collective redress actions in accordance with Directive (EU) 2020/1818.
Amendment 386 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down harmonised rules ensuring contestable and fair markets for both business users and end users, in the digital sector across the Union where gatekeepers are present.
Amendment 403 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 6
Article 1 – paragraph 6
6. This Regulation is without prejudice to the application of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. It is also without prejudice to the application of: national rules prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, decisions by associations of undertakings, concerted practices and abuses of dominant positions; national competition rules prohibiting other forms of unilateral conduct insofar as they are applied to undertakings other than gatekeepers or amount to imposing additional obligations on gatekeepers; Council Regulation (EC) No 139/200438 and national rules concerning merger control; Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 and Regulation (EU) …./.. of the European Parliament and of the Council39 . It is as well without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2019/1150; Regulation (EU) 2016/679; Directive 2002/58 and Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 93/13/EEC. _________________ 38Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (the EC Merger Regulation) (OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1). 39Regulation (EU) …/.. of the European Parliament and of the Council – proposal on a Single Market For Digital Services (Digital Services Act) and amending Directive 2000/31/EC.
Amendment 413 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
(2) ‘Core platform service’ means a widespread and commonly used digital service that intermediates between business users and end users or within either group and is provided by a multi- sided platform service provider that can but does not have to be multi sided, such as any of the following:
Amendment 415 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) web browsers;
Amendment 416 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) online on-demand audiovisual services;
Amendment 417 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c b (new)
(c b) online on-demand audio media services;
Amendment 418 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) voice assistants;
Amendment 419 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d b (new)
(d b) mobile payment services;
Amendment 424 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point g
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point g
(g) software as a service including cloud computing services;
Amendment 446 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
(6 a) ‘Webbrowser’ means software used by users of client PCs, smart mobile devices and other devices to access and interact with web content hosted on servers that are connected to networks such as the Internet, including standalone web browsers as well as web browsers integrated or embedded in software or similar;
Amendment 447 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
(7 a) ‘Online on-demand audiovisual service’ means a service as defined in point (g)of Article 1(1) of Directive (EU) 2010/13;
Amendment 448 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 b (new)
(7 b) ‘Online on-demand audio media service’ (i.e. a non-linear audio media service) means an audio media service provided by a media service provider for the listening of programmes at the moment chosen by the user and at his individual request on the basis of a catalogue of programmes selected by the media service provider;
Amendment 449 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)
(8 a) ‘Voice assistants’ means software that responds to oral or written commands and performs tasks such as executing search queries, accessing and interacting with other digital services on behalf of the end user;
Amendment 450 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)
(8 b) ‘Mobile payment service’ means a payment service operated under financial regulation and performed from or via a mobile device;
Amendment 457 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
(10 a) ‘software as a service’ means a method of software delivery in which software is accessed online via a subscription;
Amendment 475 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18
(18) ‘Ranking’ means the relative prominence given to goods or services offered through online intermediation services or online social networking services, or the relevance given to search results by online search engines, as presented, organised or communicated by the providers of online intermediation services or of online social networkingcore platform services or by providers of online search engines, respectively, whatever, irrespective of the technological means used for such presentation, organisation or communication;
Amendment 478 #
2020/0374(COD)
(18 a) ’Search results’ means any information in any format, including texts, graphics, voice or other output, returned by core platform services provider in response and related to a written or oral search query, irrespective of whether the information is an organic result, a paid result, a direct answer or any product, service or information offered in connection with, or displayed along with, or partly or entirely embedded in, the organic results;
Amendment 491 #
Amendment 494 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A provider of core platform services ishall be designated as gatekeeper if:
Amendment 495 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) it operates a core platform service which serves as an important gateway for business users to reach endor end users to reach other end users or business users; and
Amendment 501 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. A provider of core platform services shall be presudeemed to satisfy:
Amendment 503 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the requirement in paragraph 1 point (a) where the undertaking to which it belongs achieves an annual EEA turnover equal to or above EUR 6.5 billion in the last three financial years, or where the average market capitalisation or the equivalent fair market value of the undertaking to which it belongs amounted to at least EUR 65 billion in the last financial year, and it provides a core platform service in at least three Member States;
Amendment 510 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – introductory part
(b) the requirement in paragraph 1 point (b) where it provides a core platform service that has more than 4523 million monthly active end users established or located in the Union across all of its core platform services and more than 107 000 yearly active business users established in the Union during the last financial year;
Amendment 520 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the requirement in paragraph 1 point (c) where the thresholds in point (b) were met in each of the last threewo financial years.
Amendment 522 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Where a provider of core platform services meets all the thresholds in paragraph 2, it shall notify the Commission thereof within three months after those thresholds are satisfied and provide it with the relevant information identified in paragraph 2.. That notification shall include the relevant information identified in paragraph 2 for each of the core platform services of the provider that meets the thresholds in paragraph 2 point (b). The notification shall be updated whenevbe considered as a gatekeeper and shall comply with all its obligations under other core platform services individually meet the thresholds in paragraph 2 point (b)urrent Regulation.
Amendment 529 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 532 #
2020/0374(COD)
Amendment 540 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 550 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) the size, including turnover and market capitalisation, operations and position of the provider of core platform services as well as the market share in the relevant market;
Amendment 556 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) entrenched lack of choice, business user or end user dependency or lock-in;
Amendment 571 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 7
Article 3 – paragraph 7
7. For each gatekeeper identified pursuant to paragraph 41 or identified pursuant to paragraph 6, the Commission shall identify the relevant undertaking to which it belongs and list the relevant core platform services that are provided within that same undertaking and which individually serve as an important gateway for business users to reach end users as referred to in paragraph 1(b).
Amendment 573 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 8
Article 3 – paragraph 8
8. The gatekeeper shall comply with the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6 within sixas soon as possible, and in any case no later than two months after a core platform service has been included in the list pursuant to paragraph 7 of this Article. If a gatekeeper fails to comply with the obligations within these 2 months, Articles 25 and 26 are applicable.
Amendment 586 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Commission shall regularly, and at least every 24 years, review whether the in line with Article 3 (6) designated gatekeepers continue to satisfy the requirements laid down in Article 3(1), oand at least every year whether new providers of core platform services satisfy those requirements. The regular review shall also examine whether the list of affected core platform services of the gatekeeper needs to be adjusted. The review shall not have any suspending effect on the obligations.
Amendment 591 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall publish and update the list of gatekeepers and the list of the core platform services for which they need to comply with the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6 on an on-going basis. The Commission shall publish an annual report setting out the findings of its monitoring activities and present it to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Amendment 601 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) refrain fromnot combininge personal data sourced from these core platform services with personal data from the same core platform service and any other services offered by the gatekeeper or with personal data from third-party services, and fromnot signing in end users to other services of the gatekeeper in order to combine personal data, unless the end user has been presented with the specific choice and provided consent in the sense of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. ;
Amendment 617 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) allow business users to offer the same products or services to end users through third party online intermediation services or its own online services at prices or conditions that are different from those offered through the online intermediation services of the gatekeeper;
Amendment 651 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) refrain fromnot requiringe business users nor end users to use, offer or interoperate with an identificationcillary services of the gatekeeper in the context of services offered by the business users using the core platform services of that gatekeeper;
Amendment 662 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) refrain fromnot requiringe business users or end users to subscribe to or register with any other core platform services identified pursuant to Article 3 or which meets the thresholds in Article 3(2)(b) as a condition to access, sign up or register to any of their core platform services identified pursuant to that Article nor achieving the same result through product design;
Amendment 674 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) provide advertisers and publishers to which it supplies advertising services, upon their request, with complete information concerning the price paid by the advertiser and publisher,-setting mechanisms and schemes for the calculation of the fees as well as the price and fees paid by the advertiser and publisher, including any deductions and surcharges as well as the amount or remuneration paid to the publisher, for the publishing of a given ad and for each of the relevant advertising services provided by the gatekeeper.
Amendment 693 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) not use, any data that has been generated in the relationship between business users and end users, and that is not also available to the business user itself; this includes not using such data to launch products or services that compete with the products or services offered by their business users;
Amendment 700 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(g b) not install any pre-installed software applications on its core platform service without prejudice to the possibility for a gatekeeper to do such pre- installation in relation to software applications that are essential for the functioning of the operating system or of the device and which cannot technically be offered on a standalone basis by third- parties;
Amendment 707 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – title
Article 6 – title
Obligations for gatekeepers susceptible of being further technically specified
Amendment 709 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 718 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 729 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) allow the installation, default setting by business users and end users and effective use of third party software applications or software application stores using, or interoperating with, operating systems of that gatekeeper and allow these software applications or software application stores to be accessed by means other than the core platform services of that gatekeeper. The end user shall be required to decide which application or application store should become the default. The gatekeeper shall not be prevented from taking proportionate measures to ensure that third party software applications or software application stores do not endanger the integrity of the hardware or operating system provided by the gatekeeper provided that the gatekeeper can prove that such measures are necessary, proportionate and justified to safeguard the integrity of the hardware or operating system;
Amendment 752 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) refrain fromnot treating more favourably in ranking services and, products and settings offered by the gatekeeper itself or by any third party belonging to the same undertaking compared to similar services or products of third party and apply transparent, fair and non-discriminatory conditions to such rankingthird party services and products;
Amendment 766 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) refrain fromnot technically restricting the ability of end users to switch between and subscribe to different software applications and services to be accessed using the operating system of the gatekeeper, including as regards the choice of Internet access provider for end users;
Amendment 774 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) allow business users, end users and providers of ancillary services access to and interoperability with the same operating system, hardware or software features that are available or used in the provision by the gatekeeper of any ancillary servicesof those services while guaranteeing a high level of security and personal data protection;
Amendment 785 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) provide advertisers and publishers, upon their request and free of charge, with access to the performance measuring tools of the gatekeeper and provide for entire disclosure and transparency of the parameters and data used for decision making, execution and measurement of the intermediation services. A gatekeeper shall further provide, free of charge, complete and the information necessary for advertisers and publishers to carry out their own independent high-quality and real- time evaluation of intermediation services, including verification of the ad inventory;
Amendment 794 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) provideimplement appropriate technical and organisational measures for ensuring effective portability of data generated through the activity of a business user or end user and shall, in particular, provide tools for end users to facilitate the exercise of data portability that is adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary, in line with Regulation EU 2016/679, including by the provision of continuous and real-time access ;
Amendment 802 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) provide business users and end users, or third parties authorised by a business user or end user, free of charge, in a user friendly manner with effective, high-quality, continuous and real-time access and use of aggregated orand non- aggregated data, that is provided for or generated in the context of the use of the relevant core platform services by those business users and the end users engaging with the products or services provided by those business users; for personal data, provide access and use only where directly connected with the use effectuated by the end user in respect of the products or services offered by the relevant business user through the relevant core platform service in line with the principles of purpose limitation and data minimisation, and when the end user opts in to such sharing with a consent in the sense of the Regulation (EU) 2016/679; ;
Amendment 809 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) provide to any third party providers of online search engines, upon their request, with access on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms to ranking, query, click and view data in relation to free and paid search generated by end users on online search engines of the gatekeeper, subject to anonymisation for the ranking, query, click and view data that constitutes personal data;
Amendment 815 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) apply fair and non-discriminatory general conditions of access for business users and end users to any of its core platform services by default through implementing appropriate technical and organisational measures to its software application store designated pursuant to Article 3 of this Regulation.
Amendment 833 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 835 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of point (a) of paragraph 1 data that is not publicly available shall include any aggregated and non-aggregated data generated by business users that can be inferred from, or collected through, the commercial activities of business users or their customers on the core platform service of the gatekeeper. The Commission is required to publish the technical specifications for individual gatekeepers, without prejudice to business secrets.
Amendment 858 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission finds that the measures that the gatekeeper intends to implement pursuant to paragraph 1, or has implemented, do not ensure effective compliance with the relevant obligations laid down in Article 6, it may by decision specify the measures that the gatekeeper concerned shall implement. The Commission shall adopt such a decision within sixthree months from the opening of proceedings pursuant to Article 18.
Amendment 874 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. In view of adopting the decision under paragraph 2, the Commission shall communicate its preliminary findings within three monthsix weeks from the opening of the proceedings. In the preliminary findings, the Commission shall explain the measures it considers to take or it considers that the provider of core platform services concerned should take in order to effectively address the preliminary findings.
Amendment 891 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may, on a reasoned request by the gatekeeper, exceptionally suspend, in whole or in part, a specific obligation laid down in Articles 5 and 6 for a core platform service by decision adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 32(4), where the gatekeeper demonstrates that compliance with that specific obligation would endanger, due to exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the gatekeeper, the economic viability of the operation of the gatekeeper in the Union, and only to the extent necessary to address such threat to its viability. The Commission shall aim to adopt the suspension decision without delay and at the latest 3 months following receipt of a complete reasoned request and accompany this by a reasoned statement explaining the grounds for the suspension.
Amendment 904 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may, acting on a reasoned request by a gatekeeper or on its own initiative, by decision adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 32(4), exempt it, in whole or in part, from a specific obligation laid down in Articles 5 and 6 in relation to an individual core platform service identified pursuant to Article 3(7), where such exemption is justified on the grounds set out in paragraph 2 of this Article. The Commission shall adopt the exemption decision at the latest 3 months after receiving a complete reasoned request and accompany by a reasoned statement explaining the grounds for the suspension.
Amendment 913 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 34 to update the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6 where, based on a market investigation pursuant to Article 17, it has identified the need for new additional obligations addressing practices that limit the contestability of core platform services or are unfair in the same way as the practices addressed by the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6. Suchan update should only enable the Commission to add new obligations or prohibitions to this Regulation but not to eliminate current obligations or prohibitions.
Amendment 934 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. A gatekeeper shall ensure that the obligations of Articles 5 and 6 are fully and effectively complied with by the gatekeeper themselves as well as undertakings which they belong. While the obligations of Articles 5 and 6 apply in respect of core platform services designated pursuant to Article 3, their implementation shall not be undermined by any behaviour of the undertaking to which the gatekeeper belongs, regardless of whether this behaviour is of a contractual, commercial, technical or any other nature.
Amendment 944 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Where consent for collecting and, processing and sharing of personal data is required to ensure compliance with this Regulation, a gatekeeper shall take the necessary steps to either enable business users to directly obtain the required consent to their processing, where required under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, or to comply with Union data protection and privacy rules and principles in other ways including by providing business users with duly anonymised data where appropriate. The gatekeeper shall not make the obtaining of this consent by the business user more burdensome than for its own services.
Amendment 949 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. A gatekeeper shall not degrade the conditions or quality of any of the core platform services provided to business users or end users who avail themselves of the rights or choices laid down in Articles 5 and 6, or make the exercise of those rights or choices unduly difficult, including through the use of “dark patterns” or manipulative choice architecturs.
Amendment 950 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. A gatekeeper shall not use manipulative choice architectures in order to obstruct or dissuade end users from switching to software applications and services, engage in practices that aim at preventing the de-installation of pre- installed apps by purposely increasing their technical integration with other system components, nor directly or indirectly circumvent any of the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6 .
Amendment 952 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – title
Article 12 – title
Amendment 953 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A gatekeeper shall informnotify the Commission of any intended concentration within the meaning of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 involving another provider of core platform services or of any other services provided in the digital sector irrespective of whether it is notifiable to a Union competition authority under Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 or to a competent national competition authority under national merger rules.
Amendment 959 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
A gatekeeper shall informnotify the Commission of such a concentration prior to its implementation and following the conclusion of the agreement, the announcement of the public bid, or the acquisition of a controlling interest, in accordance with the procedure set out in Regulation (EC) No 139/2004.
Amendment 963 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. The notification pursuant to paragraph 1 shall at least describe for the acquisition targets their EEA and worldwide annual turnover, for any relevant core platform services their respective EEA annual turnover, their number of yearly active business users and the number of monthly active end users, as well as the rationale of the intended concentration, and its potential impact on the rights and interests of business users and end users.
Amendment 970 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 975 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Within six months after its designation pursuant to Article 3, a gatekeeper shall submit to the Commission an d Data Protection Authorities an independently audited description of any techniques for profiling of consumers that the gatekeeper applies to or across its coreany platform services identified pursuant to Article 3 and make them publicly available. This description shall be updated at least annually.
Amendment 982 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission mayshall conduct a market investigation for the purpose of examining whether a provider of core platform services should be designated as a gatekeeper pursuant to Article 3(6), or in order to identify core platform services for a gatekeeper pursuant to Article 3(7). It shall endeavour to conclude its investigation by adopting a decision in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 32(4) within twelve months from the opening of the market investigation.
Amendment 990 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. In the course of a market investigation pursuant to paragraph 1, the Commission shall endeavour to communicate its preliminary findings to the provider of core platform services concerned within six months from the opening of the investigation. In the preliminary findings, the Commission shall explain whether it considers, on a provisional basis, that the provider of core platform services should be designated as a gatekeeper pursuant to Article 3(6).
Amendment 991 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1001 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. When the Commission pursuant to Article 3(6) designates as a gatekeeper a provider of core platform services that does not yet enjoy an entrenched and durable position in its operations, but it is foreseeable that it will enjoy such a position in the near future, it shall declare applicable to that gatekeeper onlythe obligations laid down in Article 5(b) and Article 6(1) points (e), (f), (h) and (i)this Regulation as specified in the designation decision. The Commission shall only declare applicable those obligations that are appropriate and necessary to prevent that the gatekeeper concerned achieves by unfair means an entrenched and durable position in its operations. The Commission shall review such a designation in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4.
Amendment 1022 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 3
3. A gatekeeper shall be deemed to have engaged in a systematic non- compliance with the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6, where the Commission has issued at least threetwo non-compliance or fining decisions pursuant to Articles 25 and 26 respectively against a gatekeeper in relation to any of its core platform services within a period of five years prior to the adoption of the decision opening a market investigation in view of the possible adoption of a decision pursuant to this Article.
Amendment 1025 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4
Article 16 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1033 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. In order to ensure effective compliance by the gatekeeper with its obligations laid down in Articles 5 or 6, the Commission shall regularly review the remedies imposed in accordance with paragraph 1 or commitments accepted in accordance with paragraph 6. The Commission shall be entitled to require changes to the imposed remedies if, following an investigation, it finds that the remedies are not effective.
Amendment 1050 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may by simple request or by decision require information from undertakings and associations of undertakings to provide all necessary information, including for the purpose of monitoring, implementing and enforcing the rules laid down in this Regulation. The Commission may also request access to data bases and, algorithms and A/B testing of undertakings and request explanations on those by a simple request or by a decision. Where the simple request is not fullfilled within a period of 3 weeks, the Commission may require this information by decision.
Amendment 1058 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
The Commission mayshall interview any natural or legal person which consents to being interviewed for the purpose of collecting information, relating to the subject-matter of an investigation, including in relation to the monitoring, implementing and enforcing of the rules laid down in this Regulation.
Amendment 1063 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. During on-site inspections the Commission and auditors or experts appointed by it may require the undertaking or association of undertakings to provide access to and explanations on its organisation, functioning, IT system, algorithms, data-handling and business conducts. The Commission shall appoint rotating auditor or expert teams within the platform in order to have continuous and direct access to the data and algorithms. They should run behavioural experiments to evaluate the algorithm and use of the data. The Commission and auditors or experts appointed by it may address questions to key personnel.
Amendment 1076 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. Should the Commission consider that the commitments submitted by the gatekeeper concerned cannot ensure effective compliance with the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6, it shall explain the reasons for not making those commitments binding in the decision concluding the relevant proceedings and, following an investigation, require changes to the commitments in order to make them effective.
Amendment 1080 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. End-users as well as their representatives have the right to submit formal complaints about gatekeepers non- compliance with the obligations set out in this Regulation in order to facilitate the monitoring of obligations and measures.
Amendment 1082 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Member States shall designate authorities with particular expertise and experience to assist the Commission in the enforcement of this Regulation. They should support the Commission in the tasks of monitoring and investigating compliance. The Commission shall entitle designated authorities to use the powers enshrined in Articles 19, 20 and 21 for this purpose as well as to receive complaints from end users and business users on non-compliance by gatekeepers in their territory to report them to the Commission.
Amendment 1083 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall adopt a non- compliance decision in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 32(4) within a period of 6 months beginning from the moment of non- compliance where it finds that a gatekeeper does not comply with one or more of the following:
Amendment 1087 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3
Article 25 – paragraph 3
3. In the non-compliance decision adopted pursuant to paragraph 1, the Commission shall order the gatekeeper to cease and desist with the non-compliance within an appropriate deadline and to provide explanations on how it plans to comply with the decision. The Commission may by decision adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 32(4) impose on such gatekeeper any behavioural remedies which are proportionate to the infringement committed and necessary to ensure compliance with this Regulation.
Amendment 1093 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 4
Article 25 – paragraph 4
4. The gatekeeper shall provide the Commission with the description of the measures it took to ensure compliance with the decision adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. If the Commission, following an investigation, finds that the measures are not effective to ensure compliance by the gatekeeper with its obligations under Articles 5 and 6, the Commission shall be entitled to require changes to these measures.
Amendment 1099 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In the decision pursuant to Article 25, the Commission may impose on a gatekeeper fines not exceeding 130% of its total turnover in the preceding financial year where it finds that the gatekeeper, intentionally or negligently, fails to comply with:
Amendment 1101 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Commission may by decision impose on undertakings and associations of undertakings fines not exceeding 15% of the total turnover in the preceding financial year where they intentionally or negligently:
Amendment 1105 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
3. In fixing the amount of the fine, regard shall be had to the gravity, duration, recurrence, and, for fines imposed pursuant to paragraph 2, delay caused to the proceedings. To calculate the duration of the infringement, the starting point shall be the moment of the first non- compliance under Article 3 paragraph 8.
Amendment 1107 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
The financial liability of each undertaking in respect of the payment of the fine shall not exceed 130 % of its total turnover in the preceding financial year.
Amendment 1116 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
1. The powers conferred on the Commission by Articles 26 and 27 shall be subject to a threfive year limitation period.
Amendment 1118 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. The power of the Commission to enforce decisions taken pursuant to Articles 26 and 27 shall be subject to a limitation period of fiseven years.
Amendment 1123 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) all relevant procedures or decisions that affect consumers such as inter alia market investigations for designating a gatekeeper, compliance with, suspensions of and exemption from obligations, interim measures, fines.
Amendment 1126 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. Gatekeepers, undertakings and, associations of undertakings concerned and third parties with a legitimate interest may submit their observations to the Commission’s preliminary findings within a time limit which shall be fixed by the Commission in its preliminary findings and which may not be less than 14 days.
Amendment 1134 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. The information collected pursuant to Articles 3, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 shall be used only for the purposes of this Regulation.
Amendment 1137 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
2. Without prejudice to the exchange and to the use of information provided for the purpose of use pursuant to Articles 12, 13, 32 and 33, the Commission, the authorities of the Member States, their officials, servants and other persons working under the supervision of these authorities and any natural or legal person, including auditors and experts appointed pursuant to Article 24(2), shall not disclose information acquired or exchanged by them pursuant to this Regulation and of the kind covered by the obligation of professional secrecy. This obligation shall also apply to all representatives and experts of Member States participating in any of the activities of the Digital Markets Advisory Committee pursuant to Article 32.
Amendment 1152 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – title
Article 33 – title
Request for a market investigation and non-compliance proceedings
Amendment 1155 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. When threone or more designated authorities of the Member States request the Commission to open an investigation pursuant to Article 15, 16 or 17 because they consider that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a provider of core platform services should be designated as a gatekeeper that there are new core platform services and practices to be added, or that there is a situation of (systemic) non-compliance, the Commission shall within fourthree months examine whether there are reasonable grounds to open such an investigation. If the Commission decides not to open an investigation, the Commission shall publish the respective reasons.
Amendment 1176 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 a (new)
Article 33 a (new)
Article 33 a In the Annex I to Directive (EU) 2020/1828 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3), the following point is added: Regulation (EU) 20XX/XXXX of the European Parliament and of the Council of DD MMM YYYY on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector.
Amendment 48 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Ensuring an effective access of citizens and businesses to justice and facilitating judicial cooperation between the Member Statesin civil and criminal matters between the Member States, while ensuring the right to a fair trial and upholding the rights of the defence, are among the main objectives of the EU’s Area of Freedom, Security and Justice enshrined in Title V of the Treaty.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) It is thus important that appropriate channels are developed to ensure that justice systems can efficiently cooperate in a digital way. Therefore, it is essential to establish, at Union level, an information technology instrument that allows swift, direct, interoperable, reliable and secure cross-border electronic exchange of case related data, while always respecting the right to protection of personal data. Such a system, enabling citizens and businesses to exchange documents and evidence in digital form with judicial or other competent authorities, when provided forby national or Union law, should contribute to improving access to justice, increasing mutual trust between Member States' judicial authorities, and upholding the rights of the defence in criminal proceedings.
Amendment 59 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The e-CODEX system is a tool specifically designed to facilitate the cross- border electronic exchange of messages in the justice area. In the context of increased digitalisation of proceedings in civil and criminal matters, the aim of the e-CODEX system is to improve the efficiency of cross-border communication between the competent authorities and facilitate access to justice of citizens and businesses. IUntil now, it has been managed up to date by a consortium of Member States and organisations with funding from Union programmes.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) As part of the digitalisation process of justice, the e-CODEX system will foster the development of interoperable national systems in close coordination at the level of the Union, helping to improve access to justice for citizens and businesses, facilitate judicial cooperation and ensure mutual trust between Member States and, therefore, ensure the security of communications.
Amendment 61 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) The e-CODEX system is conceived as the preferred instrument in order to facilitate the interoperable, secure and decentralised communication network between national IT systems in the area of cross-border judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters.
Amendment 64 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Given the importance of the e- CODEX system for cross-border exchanges in the justice area in the Union, there should be a sustainable Union legal framework establishing the e-CODEX system and providing rules regarding its functioning and development. Such legal framework should ensure the protection of fundamental rights as provided for in the Charter, in particular those outlined in Title VI and Article 47 on the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial. It shall in no way undermine the protection of procedural rights that are essential to the protection of those rights, including those stemming from Directives (EU) 2016/343, 2013/48/EU, 2012/13/EU and 2010/64/EU, and to facilitate judicial cooperation between the Member States. It should also clearly define and frame the components of the e-CODEX system in order to guarantee its technical sustainability and security. The system should define the IT components of an access point, which should consist of a gateway for the purpose of secure communication with other identified gateways and a connector for the purpose of supporting the message exchanges. It should also include digital procedural standards consisting of the business process models and templates defining the electronic format of the documents usata exchanged in the context of those procedures to support the use of e-CODEX access points for legal procedures provided for by legal acts adopted in the area of judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and to enable the exchange of information between the access points.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Given the importance of the e- CODEX system for cross-border exchanges in the justice area in the Union, there should be a sustainable Union legal framework establishing the e-CODEX system and providing rules regarding its functioning and development. Such legal framework should clearly define and frame the components of the e-CODEX system in order to guarantee its technical sustainability. It should also ensure equality of arms in the context of cross- border criminal proceedings, by ensuring equal access to the e-CODEX system for prosecutors and those representing the prosecution, on the one hand, and representatives of suspects and accused persons, on the other. The system should define the IT components of an access point, which should consist of a gateway for the purpose of secure communication with other identified gateways and a connector for the purpose of supporting the message exchanges. It should also include digital procedural standards consisting of the business process models and templates defining the electronic format of the documents used in the context of those procedures to support the use of e-CODEX access points for legal procedures provided for by legal acts adopted in the area of judicial cooperation and to enable the exchange of information between the access points.
Amendment 69 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) In order to enhance electronic cross-border transmission of documents through the decentralised IT system, such documents should not be denied legal effect and should not be considered inadmissible as evidence in the proceedings solely on the grounds that they are in electronic form. However, that principle should be without prejudice to the assessment of the legal effects or the admissibility of such documents as evidence in accordance with national law. It should also be without prejudice to national law regarding the conversion of documents.
Amendment 70 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Since it is necessary to ensure the long term sustainability of the e-CODEX system and its governance while taking into account the independence of the national judiciaries, an appropriate entitensuring the independence of the national judiciaries, an appropriate entity for the operational management of the system should be designated. In order to ensure the independence of the national judiciaries, including in the governance of the e-CODEX system, there should be a clear separation of services and personnel, data and administration inside the European Union Agency for the oOperational mManagement of the system should be designatedLarge-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) established by Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. _________________ 1aRegulation (EU) 2018/1726 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and amending Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 and Council Decision 2007/533/JHA and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 99).
Amendment 76 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) According to Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 the role of the Management Board of eu-LISA is, inter alia, to ensure that all decisions and actions of the Agency affecting large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice respect the principle of independence of the judiciary. The governance structure of the Agency and financing scheme should further guarantee the respect of that principle. ÌIt is also important to involve the legal professions and other relevant stakeholders in the governance of the e-CODEX system through the Programme Management Board. The detailed arrangements and conditions as regards the involvement of the legal professions and other relevant stakeholders should allow for their effective participation and consultation, namely by duly considering their feedback.
Amendment 92 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The Member States should maintain a list of authorised e-CODEX access points operated within their territory, and communicate them to eu- LISA in order to enable the interaction between them in the context of the relevant procedures. The Commission should maintain and publish a similar list of authorised e- CODEX access points operated by the Union institutions, bodies and agencies for the same reason. The entities operating the access points at national level may be public authorities, organisations representing legal practitioners or private companies. Bearing in mind the decentralised nature of the e-CODEX system, while eu-LISA should ensure the operational management of the e-CODEX system, the responsibility for setting up and operating the authorised e-CODEX access points should lie exclusively with the entities operating the relevant access points. The entities operating the authorised e-CODEX access point should bear the responsibility for any damage resulting from the operation of the authorised e-CODEX access point.
Amendment 96 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The Member States should maintain a list of authorised e-CODEX access points operated within their territory, and communicate them to eu- LISA in order to enable the interaction between them in the context of the relevant procedures. The Commission should maintain a similar list of authorised e- CODEX access points operated by the Union institutions, bodies and agencies for the same reason. The entities operating the access points at national level may be public authorities, organisations representing legal practitioners or private companies. In the case of entities which are not part of the public administration, Member States should be directly responsible for their actions. Bearing in mind the decentralised nature of the e- CODEX system, while eu-LISA should ensure the operational management of the e-CODEX system, the responsibility for setting up and operating the authorised e- CODEX access points should lie exclusively with the entities operating the relevant access points. The entities operating the authorised e-CODEX access point should bear the responsibility for any damage resulting from the operation of the authorised e-CODEX access point.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The Member States should maintain a list of authorised e-CODEX access points operated within their territory, and communicate them to eu- LISA in order to enable the interaction between them in the context of the relevant procedures. The Commission should maintain a similar list of authorised e- CODEX access points operated by the Union institutions, bodies and agencies for the same reason. The entities operating the access points at national level may be public authorities, or organisations representing legal practitioners or private companies. Bearing in mind the decentralised nature of the e- CODEX system, while eu-LISA should ensure the operational management of the e-CODEX system, the responsibility for setting up and operating the authorised e- CODEX access points should lie exclusively with the entities operating the relevant access points. The entities operating the authorised e-CODEX access point should bear the responsibility for any damage resulting from the operation of the authorised e-CODEX access point.
Amendment 101 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15 a) Member States should should supervise their authorised e-CODEX access points, for which they are responsible, in particular when they are operated by entities that are not public authorities. Member States should ensure that adequate data security measures are in place.
Amendment 115 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21 a) To enable the European Parliament and the Council, as co- legislators, to assess the success of the transfer of the e-CODEX system and how well the e-CODEX system functions in general, the Commission should produce an overall evaluation of the e-CODEX system. This evaluation should be prepared for the first time, three years after eu-LISA takes over responsibility for the e-CODEX system and every three years thereafter.
Amendment 116 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) This Regulation should not provide any specific legal basis for processing personal data. Any processing of personal data performed in the framework of this Regulation should be in accordance with the applicable data protection rules. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and the Council35 and, Directives (EU) 2016/68036 and 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and the Council36 , aapply to the processing of personal data carried out by e-CODEX access points, operated by authorised e- CODEX access points which are established within the territory of the Member States according to this Regulation. _________________ 35Regulation (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) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1). 36 Directive (EU) 2016/680 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 by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Council Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 89). 36aDirective 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) (OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37).
Amendment 122 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) minimum standards for the security of hardware and software infrastructure.
Amendment 123 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
This Regulation shall apply to the electronic transmission of information in the context of cross-border civil and criminal proceedings by means of the e- CODEX system in accordance with the legal acts adopted in the area of judicial cooperation listed in Annex I. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 17a in order to amend Annex I by adding to the list included therein further legal acts providing for procedures that fall within the area of judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters.
Amendment 131 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) 'e-CODEX correspondent' means an entity designated by a Member State or the Commission as competent to request and receive technical support from eu- LISA in relation to the e-CODEX system.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a Non-discrimination and respect for fundamental rights The fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons implicated in the electronic exchange of information through the e- CODEX system, in particular the right to equal access to justice, the right to a fair trial, the principle of non-discrimination and the right to protection of personal data and privacy, shall be fully observed and respected in accordance with Union law.
Amendment 137 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a Legal effects of electronic documents Documents that are transmitted through the e-CODEX system shall not be denied legal effect or considered inadmissible as evidence in the proceeding solely on the grounds that they are in electronic form.
Amendment 145 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission mayshall adopt implementing acts establishing detailed technical specifications on the digital procedural standards defined in Article 4(3).
Amendment 160 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) informing the general public through the Internet about e-CODEX, by means of a set of large-scale communication channels, such asincluding but not limited to, websites or social media platforms;
Amendment 165 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall inform the general public, in particular individuals and organisations involved in or affected by a judicial process about e-CODEX, including through websites and social media platforms.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. During a period of not more than six months after the delivery of the handover document referred to in paragraph 1 a handover/takeover process shall take place between the entity managing the e-CODEX system and eu- LISA. During that period, the entity managing the e-CODEX system shall retain full responsibility for the e- CODEX system and shall ensure that only corrective maintenance activities are performed in the system, excluding any other types of changes to the system. It shall, in particular, not deliver any new release of the e-CODEX system.
Amendment 174 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall monitor the handover/takeover process in order to ensure that the detailed arrangements of the process are correctly implemented by the entity managing the e-CODEX system and eu-LISA, on the basis of the criteria referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission shall update the European Parliament and the Council by 31 July 2023 on the handover/takeover process.
Amendment 184 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. The e-CODEX Advisory Group shall involve in its work the professional organisations representing those involved in the administration of justice at Member State level, and other stakeholders, which participated in the management of the e- CODEX system at the time of its handover.
Amendment 191 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 5 – point d
(d) admission of experts to the meetings, including professional organisations representing those involved in the administration of justice at Member State level, and other stakeholders, participating in the management of the e- CODEX system at the moment of its handover;
Amendment 193 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a When carrying out their responsibilities under this Regulation, all entities shall respect the principle of the separation of powers and ensure that their decisions and actions respect the principle of the autonomy and independence of the judiciary.
Amendment 200 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. For the first time, three years after eu-LISA takes over responsibility for the e- CODEX system, and every four years thereafter, the Commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the e-CODEX system. That overall evaluation shall include an assessment of the application of this Regulation and an examination of results achieved against objectives, and may propose possible future actions. At the time of the first evaluation, the Commission shall also reexamine the role of the Programme Management Board and its continuation on objective grounds and shall, as a first step, propose any necessary improvements. The Commission shall transmit the evaluation report to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 203 #
2020/0345(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopted delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 2 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from ... [the date of entry into force of this Regulation]. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 2 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. 5. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council. 6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 2 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 85 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the European Parliament rejects the use of force or the threat of force in the resolution of conflicts and shares the EU’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all EaP countries within their internationally recognised borders, in accordance with international law, norms and principles; including in the conflicts to which Russia is a party;
Amendment 98 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the European Parliament fully supports the efforts of Minsk Group co-chairs to achieve progress in the search for a political, equitable, and lasting settlement of the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh; whereas this process continues to be based on the principles of territorial integrity, non-use of force, non- threat use of force and equal rights and self-determination as enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge and strive for a continuous transformational impact of EaP policy in order to bring about political, social, economic and legal change in the three associatedall partner countries;
Amendment 215 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) note the significant political changes that have been witnessed in Armenia with the Velvet Revolution in 2018; welcome the strong democratic mandate that the new Government received at the December 2018 elections and its clear agenda against corruption and aimed at improving the rule of law; express concern about the rushed procedure in Armenia to initiate changes in the constitution that might jeopardise the independence of the country’s constitutional court; call on the Armenian authorities to request and consider the opinion of the Venice Commission on this matter; the Commission to take this opportunity to explore ways in which Armenia can pursue its European integration agenda beyond the limits of CEPA;
Amendment 245 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) engage in further in Sassistance in state building and in strengthening institutions, by making instruments similar to the Support Group for Ukraine available to the associated partners first and foremost; strong, independent and efficient institutions at a central and local level are key to democratic accountability, deoligarchisation, and the fight against corruption and Sstate capture;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) propose for a more comprehensive and enlarged strategic format Trio + 1 with the inclusion of Armenia to be explored - based on the principles and positions reaffirmed in the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership agreement between Armenia and the European Union; acknowledge the importance of ensuring that accommodations are made for Armenia as part of any efforts to create more ambitious platforms for the associated partners, in light of the significant democratic lead that Armenia boasts of the three non-associated partners;
Amendment 258 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) acknowledge and encourage initiatives by the governments of associated countries to boost their mutual cooperation; a similar approach should be applied to cooperation amongst all the Eastern European Partners on various issues; express concern about the cases of ethnic-based discrimination undermining such cooperation, as was the case of the Ukrainian citizen Mary Akopyan prevented from participating in EU- funded seminar on conflict resolution in Azerbaijan on 13-16 January 2020 reportedly based solely on her Armenian ethnicity; condemns such action as violating the basic principles and values upon which the EaP is founded, and urges the Azerbaijani authorities to put an end to such discriminatory practices;
Amendment 271 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) encourage full compliance of election processes with international standards, the recommendations of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the opinions of the Venice Commission; express concern about the rushed procedure in Armenia to initiate changes in the constitution that might jeopardise the independence of the country’s constitutional court; calls on the Armenian authorities to request and consider the opinion of the Venice Commission on this matter;
Amendment 277 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) express disappointment at the fact that the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan on 9 February 2020 failed, yet again, to meet the ODIHR criteria of genuine and competitive elections, and condemn the post-elections violent crackdown on protesters;
Amendment 333 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) extend to other associated partners the approach employed by the EU in its efforts to support the recovery of the Ukrainian economy, including by means of tailored and flexible macro-financial assistance and instruments and engagement and coordination of international financial institutions and donors, and by improving the environment for foreign direct investment (FDI), in full respect to social, labour and environmental rights;
Amendment 338 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) extend to other associated partnerEaP countries the approach employed by the EU in its efforts to support the recovery of the Ukrainian economy, including by means of tailored and flexible macro-financial assistance and instruments and engagement and coordination of international financial institutions and donors, and by improving the environment for foreign direct investment (FDI);
Amendment 439 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) acknowledge the unique experience and expertise of EaP countries; recognise the contribution of the associated partners to common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions; deepen cooperation in EU-related defence policies;
Amendment 515 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
(za) enhance EaP countries’ resilience towards disinformation and hostile propaganda activities seeking to undermine the integrity of their political processes and their relations with the EU;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 18, 19 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to Articles 2, 3, 5, 8 and 813 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR),
Amendment 10 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights related to Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, and in particular Sharifi v. Austria of 5 December 2013 (Chamber judgment), Mohammadi v. Austria of 3 July 2014 (Chamber judgment), Sharifi and Others v. Italy and Greece of 21 October 2014 (Chamber judgment), and Tarakhel v. Switzerland of 4 November 2014 (Grand Chamber judgment), and ECtHR - M.S.S. v Belgium and Greece [GC]; Application No. 30696/09, Judgement of 21 November 2011, related to Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 (Dublin II)
Amendment 13 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 12 April 2016 on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to Migration (2015/2095(INI));
Amendment 14 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regard to the ECJ judgement of the 2 April 2020 on the joined cases C-715/17, C-718/17 and C- 719/17 Commission v Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas 2.5 million people applied for asylum in the European Union in the period 2015-2016, a fourfold increase compared to 2012-2013714,200 asylum applications were lodged in the EU in 2019;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in the case of most asylum applications, the set of hierarchical criteria and the deadlines laid down as part of Dublin procedures are not met and transfers are not carried out;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas studies on the implementation of the Dublin III Regulation highlight systematic disregard towards family provisions and incorrect application of the principle of the best interest of the child, which have resulted in unnecessary and unreasonable transfer procedures;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the provisions on dependent persons (article 16) and the discretionary clauses (article 17) could be widely used to support family unity;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Amendment 51 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas the preventive action provision of the Dublin III Regulation (Article 33) has never been used;
Amendment 53 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Amendment 55 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas implementation of the Dublin III Regulation does not effectively address secondary movements which are largely due to asylum seekers' social- connections with specific countries, protection-based concerns, health reasons and systemic deficiencies in the asylum systems where application are made;
Amendment 56 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
Cg. whereas Article 28 of the Dublin Regulation allows detention as an exceptional measure "to secure transfer procedures", where there is "significant risk of absconding" of the applicant; whereas this definition remains unclear and the interpretation varies from a Member State to another;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
Ch. whereas the use of detention and coercive transfers raises concerns with respect to asylum seekers' right to liberty, dignity and physical integrity;
Amendment 62 #
2019/2206(INI)
Da. whereas some of the flaws are inherent in the design of the Regulation and cannot be solved through better implementation alone;
Amendment 78 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Incorporating the principle of solidarity into the management of asylum seekersDublin Regulation
Amendment 79 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 98 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the Dublin System, and in particular the first country of irregular entry criterion places a significant burden on a minority of Member states;
Amendment 99 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges the EU to establish an automatic, permanent and mandatory relocation mechanism ensuring the full respect of the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility enshrined in art.80 of TFEU; including for those rescued at sea;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that ad hoc agreements are no substitute for a harmonised and sustainable policy at EU levelCommon European and Asylum System; deplores the fact that efforts to overhaul the Dublin III Regulation have been blocked in the Council;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the crisis management tool provided for in Article 33 did not provide effective support to the Member States, nor did it offer a response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis; considers that a solidarity-based crisis management mechanism, endowed with a financial instrument managed by the Commission,mechanism for early warning, preparedness and crisis management as set out in Article 33 has not been applied to date, considers that a solidarity-based mechanism in the EU should be established to ensure continuity of the right of asylum in the EU uander the best possible conditions not to hinder arrivals and deflect responsibility; emphasizes that the protection of fundamental rights of asylum applicants should always remain at the centre of this mechanism; also notes that the provisions set out in the Temporary Protection Directive has yet to be invoked;
Amendment 124 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that such a mechanism should allow for the participation of civil society organization providing professional assistance to people in need of international protection during the assessment of their asylum application, particularly of legal nature;
Amendment 130 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to makexpand the use of the discretionary clause in Article 17 when exceptional, to address challenging situations and humanitarian circumstances so warrant,, as for example to relocate and provide decent reception conditions to asylum seekers currently living in the Greek hotspots in an atmosphere of extreme tension and to provide decent receptioninhumane, degrading, unsanitary and unsafe conditions;
Amendment 134 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Takes the view that provisions on family unity, which are the first in the hierarchy of criteria, should be efficiently implemented, and that provisions on dependent persons (article 16) and the discretionary clauses (article 17) should be used more widely to support family unity;
Amendment 136 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. In the absence of a permanent solidarity mechanism, supports the expanded use of discretionary clauses of Article 17 as a solidarity tool for responsibility sharing in particular in situations of large number of spontaneous arrivals and in the specific context of sea arrivals and disembarkation procedures;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 155 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the significant operational backing for Dublin proceduresand technical support provided by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in the hotspotto Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate the work of EASO staff by allowing interviews in a language other than that of the country in which they are conductedand the Commission to increase assistance to Member States, especially those at the border of the EU; calls for the establishment of a European Asylum Agency, with sufficient financial and human resources, supporting Member States with Dublin procedures;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to monitor that interviews are conducted in the language of the asylum seeker or in a language that the applicant is reasonably supposed to understand;
Amendment 161 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. PDeplores that the rights of asylum seekers, including that to legal assistance, are often neglected when implementing the Dublin III Regulation, points out that the protection of fundamental rights must be at the heart of the measures taken to implementEU asylum policies and of the implementation process of the Dublin III Regulation, including the protection of childrenminors, victims of trafficking, victims of torture, and the most vulnerable;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that asylum seekers have the right to be fully informed on the procedures; regrets that the level of information provided to asylum seekers differs consistently from one Member state to another; urges the Member states to guarantee that minors have tailored, child-friendly information and specific support; stresses that providing legal assistance and interpretation are key to ensure applicants' right to information;
Amendment 174 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Points out that transfers of asylum seekers, and in particular vulnerable people, minors and families can result in violations of their human rights; urges Member states to properly assess the risks to which applicants would be exposed in the Member States of destination; stresses in particular that transfers must be carried out in a way that under no circumstances exposes individuals to a risk of refoulement, irrespective of whether the asylum system of return is affected by systemic deficiencies;
Amendment 180 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to monitor compliance with the hierarchy of criteria more closely; regards it as essential to clarify the conditions for applying the family reunification criterion and toenable a better use of the family provisions, including by harmoniseing the standards of proof required; callacross Member states oin the Member States and the Commission to protect the best interests of children and to clarify the criteria for keeping children in detentiondirection of less stringent and more achievable standards; calls the Commission and the Member states to speed up family reunification procedures including through an immediate transfer to a country in which the applicant has family;
Amendment 188 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Regrets that Member states do not proactively contribute to the identification and verification of the family links; deplores that the burden of proof is almost entirely left to the applicants;
Amendment 192 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure an adequate verification of the best interest of the child, avoiding that the complexity of the procedures results in the failure to implement this principle, in particular for the unaccompanied minors of age between 16 and 18;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Regrets that Member states apply different interpretation of the best interest of the child; calls therefore the Commission to clarify the definition in line with EU legislation and to identify which family reunification possibilities, security and safety considerations, background information should be taken into consideration;
Amendment 194 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Urges the Member States and the Commission to clarify that detention is never in the best interest of the child and that a minor should never be detained because of the migratory status of their family; calls to expand the sources used for the monitoring and identification of unlawful practices to include information provided by international and non- governmental organizations where it is reliable, up-to-date and specific;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the number of transfer procedures has increased significantly, generating considerable human, material and financial costs; deplores, however, the fact that in only 11% of cases are transfers actually carried out, a further factor in the permanent overloading of asylum systems; stresses the lack of cooperation and information-sharing between Member States; regards efforts to combat secencourages Member states to apply the discretiondary movements as essential in order to reduce the number of transfer requests; proposes thatclause more swiftly in cases where it becomes evident that transfers cannot be carried out, or where the coinditions which trigger transfer procedures be clarified and harmonisedvidual situation of the applicant requires so;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that in some cases the rules on transfer of responsibility under Dublin III undermine the efficiency of asylum procedures and the carrying-out of transfers and, according to the evidence, that in many cases asylum seekers remain outside of the system due to disproportionate use of the criterion of the first countribute to the increase in the number of secondary movements by encouraging asylum-seekers to remain outside the systemy of irregular entry and the insufficient consideration of the meaningful links and the particular needs of the applicants; calls on the Commission to revise the rules, in order to give Member States sufficient time to carry out transfers and do away with transfer of responsibility in cases where anincrease trust between Member States and between them and the asylum seeker absconds;
Amendment 228 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that providing asylum seekers with legal assistance in connection with Dublin procedures, in particular in the hotspots, would simplify the process of obtaining asylum would enhance rights-compliant procedures, simplify Dublin procedures and improve decision- making; calls on the Member States to improve the information made available to asylum seekers on the complex Dublin procedures, to ensure that it is clear and accessible to everyone;
Amendment 232 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Member States to increase the resources necessary to make Dublin III operational, particularly the number of asylum officers; calls on the European Commission to increase the funds available for the provision of legal assistance, especially funding for civil society professionals offering legal assistance to people in need of international protection during the Dublin procedure;
Amendment 235 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
A singlerights-centred asylum application in the EU
Amendment 239 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that the principle of a single asylum application in the EU is consistently flouted, a state of affairs at odds with the very purpose of the Dublin III Regulation; considernotes that the competent national authorities should share their relevant information on a European database such as Eurodac, in order to speed up procedures and prevent multiple asylum applications, while protecting personal datare are multiple reasons for submission of additional asylum applications;
Amendment 249 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the rate of protection for asylum seekers varies greatly between Member States for certain nationalities; considers that a common list of safe countries and a shared country-risk analysis, or at least greater convergence, would reduce these disparities, and thus also the number of secondary movements; stresses that the return of persons not eligible for asylum is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of the Dublin III Regulation and this can contribute to onward movement; considers that accounting for individual needs of the applicant in the Dublin procedures would reduce secondary movements; calls for the inclusion of a relocation criteria considering the "genuine links" with a particular Member state as an efficient approach to reduce secondary movements;
Amendment 261 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 282 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges the Commission and the Council to work towards convergence in the bilateral agreements concluded between Member States and with thirdimplementation of the Dublin III Regulation by taking stock of the elements countries, in order to optimise implementation of the Dublin III Regubuting to greater efficiency, and compliance with human rights legislation;
Amendment 286 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the Council to find a sustainable solution and take the necessary steps to adopt a position on the Dublin Recast Regulation by qualified majority;
Amendment 287 #
2019/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Proposes that a fairer system of allocation be a priority for any reform of the Dublin system while keeping the protection of fundamental rights of applicants at the centre of the functioning of the solidarity mechanism;
Amendment 72 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reminds the importance of full continued cooperation with the International Criminal Court and calls upon the government of Georgia to ensure comprehensive accountability alongside the cases pursued by the International Criminal Court;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate all incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and attacks against peaceful protesters and journalists in June 2019 and to ensure that perpetrators are held to account;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to pursue comprehensive labour policy reform to ensure better regulation of working hours, weekly rest, night work, payment of overtime hours and work on public holidays, in order to bring the legislation in line with the international labour standards and the EU directives, and broaden the mandate of the Labour Inspectorate to explicitly monitor labour rights and systematically verify any workplace hazards;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the Declaration of 5 July 2009 of Western Balkans partners on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process, known as the Poznan Declaration,
Amendment 30 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
- having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2015 on the Srebrenica Commemoration1 , of 15 January 2009 on Srebrenica and of 7 July 2005 on the Western Balkans 10 years after Srebrenica, __________________ 1 OJ C 265, 11.8.2017, p. 142.
Amendment 42 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
- having regard to the Report of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia of 1 July 2017,
Amendment 43 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 b (new)
Citation 18 b (new)
- having regard to the Progress Report of the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals of 19 May 2020,
Amendment 44 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 c (new)
Citation 18 c (new)
- having regard to the 58th Report of the High Representative (HR) for Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Amendment 60 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the country continues to face numerous challenges related to the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, governance, accountability, freedom of expression and media freedom, and a functioning market economy;
Amendment 70 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas BiH is a migrant transit route, and reception capacities remain insufficient for hosting migrants and asylum seekers present in the country, despite the availability of EU funded and ready-made solutions;
Amendment 74 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas serious human rights concerns remain over the rights of people in transit in BiH;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the EU approach to the external dimension of migration has led the EU to cooperate with BiH in the field of border control and migration management; whereas the externalisation of EU border management and migration control is of serious concern in light of violations of human rights standards; whereas it is the EU's duty to conduct a humane border procedure and migration approach that aims at protecting the fundamental rights of persons in need of international protection in countries of transit such as BiH;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the path towards the EU depends on sustainable peace, lasting stability, social cohesion and genuine reconciliation warranting the democratic and multicultural character of BiH; urges the country to expedite effective prosecution of war crimes under the revised National War Crimes Processing Strategy, and calls for impartial and effective investigations into these crimes; condemns any kind of historical revisionism, or opposition to ICTY judgements, secessionist rhetoric and related acts, denial or glorification of war crimes committed during the 1990’s war;
Amendment 101 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that over 7 200 BiH citizens are still missing, and urges the authorities to intensify cooperation and data sharing between regional, national and international stakeholders alike, on issues related to missing persons, redress to civilian victims of war, including victims of sexual violence, and to ensure the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced people; through reconstruction assistance, job creation measures, education rights and the proper implementation of property laws;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the rapid adoption of a law banning Holocaust denial, genocide and war crimes; encourages the High Representative in BiH (OHR) to use his powers to make the law banning Holocaust denial, genocide and war crimes an integral part of BiH legislation;
Amendment 121 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the authorities to ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory education for all children, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or personal background, notably by abolishing the two-schools-under-one- roof practice ruled as discriminatory and as ethnic segregation by the Supreme Court of Federation of BiH, by enabling Bosniak children in Republika Srpska to name their mother tongue as Bosnian language and by increasing the enrolment and completion rate of Roma pupils;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Urgently calls on BiH to remedy the unequal access to remote schooling, resulting in many children being deprived of their right to education throughout the pandemic;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges all BiH political leaders and institutions to significantly accelerate work and co-operation to fully comply with the 14 key priorities; calls on the authorities to maintain the political will for enhanced co-operation demonstrated at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, especially through developing and adopting a national programme for the adoption of the EU acquis; guaranteeing legal certainty by establishing a judicial body entrusted with ensuring the consistent interpretation of the law throughout BiH; ensuring that veto rights in all administrative bodies entrusted with implementing the acquis are eliminated; strengthening the prevention and fight against corruption and organised crime; ensuring the implementation of the legislation on non- discrimination and on gender equality; enabling environment for civil society by upholding European standards on freedom of association and freedom of assembly;
Amendment 148 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that the effective organisation and independent functioning of institutions is an essential feature of a viable democracy and a prerequisite for advancing the EU integration process, including obtaining candidate status; warns that ethno-nationalistic divisive rhetoric and attempts to obstruct the functioning of institutions undermine unity, lasting stability and country-wide co- ordination and decision-making on key policies and reforms;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Commends the adoption of the amendments to the BiH Election Law that allowed Mostar citizens to vote in the 2020 local elections; welcomes the Parliamentary Assembly’s vote of 22 July 2020 on the Rules of Procedure governing the meetings of Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), paving the way for their formal adoption by the 2nd EU-BiH SAPC as soon as possible and for a fruitful parliamentary cooperation;
Amendment 164 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Calls on the EC and the EEAS to step up their mediation activities in BiH, in order to strengthen political dialogues and reconciliation, which is central to the future development of BiH, and to provide a framework for dealing with the legacies from the past and for overcoming the divisions in the society;
Amendment 173 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the urgent need to address shortcomings in the constitutional framework andincluding through harmonisation of laws on cantonal and federal level and expanding the state’s jurisdiction, as well as to make progress on reforms that would transform BiH into a fully functional and inclusive state by implementing the Sejdic-Finci case group; stresses that institutional reforms depend on the will and commitment of political leaders and institutions in the country; urges the international community to facilitate the conditions for constitutional dialogue within BiH institutions and among elected representatives in BiH under the leadership of the EU, in particular Parliament, and in consultation with civil society;
Amendment 182 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets the lack of progress on reforms in the judiciary; reiterates the urgent need to resolve the mounting backlog of cases pending trial, to strengthen the professionalism and accountability of the judiciary and, to ensure its independence from undue influence by adopting new legislation on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and on the Courts of BiH in line with EU standards;
Amendment 195 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for immediate steps to tackle corruption and impunity in the public sphere in order to rebuild citizens’ trust in the institutions; by adopting and implementing legislation on conflict of interest and whistle-blowers’ protection; ensuring the effective functioning and coordination of anti-corruption bodies; align the legislation and strengthen capacities on public procurement; ensuring transparency of privatisation processes; in particular, calls for the authorities to duly investigate and resolve the lack of effective prosecutions for high- profile corruption cases; insists that the persistent lack of transparency shown by political actors and public institutions alike needs to be addressed;
Amendment 209 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Regrets the lack of progress on addressing the EU’s Opinion priority n. 11 on ensuring an enabling environment for civil society by upholding European standards on freedom of association and freedom of assembly; underlines the importance of protecting and promoting freedom of association and deplores that the exercise of freedom of assembly remains restricted; regrets that activists, in particular those dealing with sensitive issues in Republika Srpska have been subject to threats, intimidation, fines and judicial prosecution; calls on the authorities to develop a strategic framework of cooperation with civil society and to ensure meaningful consultations as part of inclusive policy dialogues;
Amendment 210 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Stresses the need to make the European integration process as inclusive and open as possible; notes the insufficient involvement of civil society organisations which can make substantial contributions to the EU integration process; notes that this involvement is of paramount importance for the participation of citizens in the democratic life of the country and in the enlargement process;
Amendment 214 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses concern over the fundamental rights situation, specifically, the persisting discrimination and hate speech faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as ethnic and religious minorities, and calls for more effective and comprehensive countrywide hHuman rRights and anti- discrimination strategies, as well asincluding an action plan on child protection, an action plan on LGBTIQ+ people and measures against interfaith and interethnic intolerance; stresses the need to duly prevent and prosecute the proliferation of hate speech, hate crimes and violence targeting minorities, LGBTIQ+ persons and women, and to promote social inclusion of minorities and vulnerable populations, including the Roma, in line with the 2019 Poznan Declaration on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ persons, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as displaced persons and refugees;
Amendment 221 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Amendment 222 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recalls the need for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in all EU external financing instruments, and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small civil society organisations (CSOs) and especially women civil society organisations (WCSOs);
Amendment 223 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that the situation of LGBTI persons can be significantly improved by new legal measures and modifications such as legalising same-sex partnerships, the explicit protection of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics against hate speech and violence in the Criminal Code, quick, transparent and accessible procedures for legal gender recognition based on self- determination,1a and ensuring legal guarantees for the bodily integrity, autonomy, self-determination and informed consent of intersex persons, in line with its position on the matter;1b __________________ 1a In line with Council of Europe guidelines: Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers Recommendation to Member States on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, available, CM/Rec(2010)5, available on http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref- XML2HTML-EN.asp?fileid=21736. 1b Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0128.
Amendment 229 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Commends the decision of the Constitutional Court of 4 October 2019 to repeal Article 11 of the Constitution of the Republika Srpska entity, thus abolishing capital punishment across BiH; regrets that the Republika Srpska entity parliament did not amend the Constitution on this matter prior to the Court decision;
Amendment 232 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Regrets BiH’s continued inability to comply with anti-discrimination rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR); notes the continuing shortcomings in the election process, and reiterates the need to address discriminatory ethnicity and residency- based restrictions on the right to stand for election through the required constitutional changes; regrets the inability to ensure that elections are conducted in line with European standards by implementing OSCE/ODIHR and relevant Venice Commission recommendations, as well as to ensure transparency of political party financing;
Amendment 242 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for thorough investigations into alleged electoral irregularities, including identity theft, barriers to independent electoral observation and political pressure on voters and the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) itself and other irregularities, during of the 2020 municipal elections;
Amendment 245 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Regrets continued political and financial pressure and instrumentalisation of the media, undermining freedom of expression and media pluraliswhich has especially deteriorated during the covid-19 pandemic, thus undermining freedom of expression and media pluralism, especially due to the lack of financial sustainability of the public broadcasting system; expresses its concern at the hostile environment for independent media, and urges the authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute verbal and physical threats and attacks against journalists and media personnel; , including female journalists, and media personnel; calls for the regulation of transparency of media ownership;
Amendment 268 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Insists that BiH itself must increase proactive information-sharing on the pandemic, clarification of preventive measures and instructions for citizens, as well as data on infections and vaccinations through official channels;
Amendment 280 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes the increased migratory pressure on the country; calls for effective inter-institutional and inter-governmental coordination of migration and border management in the face of a mounting humanitarian crisis; calls for equitable burden-sharing and adequate support for local communities hosting temporary reception centres; underlines the need to ensure appropriate reception condiurges the BiH authorities to quickly scale up actions to address the grave humanitarian situations and to boost capacity for processing incoming migrants and asylum-seekers; urges BiH to conclude an agreement with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO); callprovide immediate assistance and secure basic living conditions to all the migrants and refugees oin the EU to step up its support to BiH’s authorities, namely with regard to operational assistancetemporary reception centres;
Amendment 288 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Amendment 289 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. calls for equitable burden-sharing and adequate support for local communities hosting temporary reception centres; stresses the need to ensure appropriate reception conditions and to boost capacity for processing incoming migrants and asylum-seekers; urges BiH to conclude an agreement with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO); calls on the EU to step up its support to BiH’s authorities, namely with regard to operational assistance;
Amendment 291 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. calls on the EU to investigate and report on the financial assistance given to BiH authorities and international organizations in BiH for handling the migrant situation in order to ensure transparency and increase the credibility of the EU; calls on a prompt assessment of the EU financial assistance, both by DG ECHO and under IPA, given to BiH authorities and international organizations in BiH for handling the migrant situation in order to ensure transparency;
Amendment 292 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19d. Calls on the BiH authorities to improve the efficiency of the asylum system;
Amendment 293 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)
Paragraph 19 e (new)
19e. Calls on the EU and the BiH’s authorities to work on long term sustainable solutions for people in transit in BiH;
Amendment 294 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 f (new)
Paragraph 19 f (new)
19f. Expresses great concern regarding the number of unaccompanied or separated children among refugees and migrants left without access to adequate accommodation and child protection services; calls for effectively facilitating fast-track asylum applications from vulnerable children and families and to recognise them as a priority group in any of the national health, education and protection strategies;
Amendment 295 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 g (new)
Paragraph 19 g (new)
19g. Expresses concern for BiH’s increasing cooperation with neighbouring countries in terms of migration policies, inter alia resulting in violent pushbacks in violation of international treaties BiH is a party to, and abuse of migrants at the country’s borders; calls on the EU and EU member states to stop illegal pushbacks notably by Croatian authorities which make the crisis in border areas even bigger; calls in this regard for the establishment of an EU-wide mechanism that shall include in its investigation reports or testimonies of victims of border violence, allowing for the independent investigation of alleged violations of European law at the borders to put an end to the fundamental and human rights violations;
Amendment 296 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 h (new)
Paragraph 19 h (new)
19h. Calls for safe and legal pathways for refugees and migrants into the EU and for an EU migration and asylum policy based on solidarity amongst the Member States;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Urges BiH to step up its efforts against cross-border crime, especially human traffickingto fight against drug and human smugglers, and to ensure swift conclusion of the status agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) that wshould aim at facilitateing a better protection of borders inand humane border approach fully respect foring fundamental rights, while helping fight cross-border crime;
Amendment 304 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls for the resignation of the Executive Director of FRONTEX, in view of the alleged involvement of the Agency in violations of fundamental rights; demands a parliamentary inquiry to investigate FRONTEX’ alleged illegal practices;
Amendment 312 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for a timely co-ordinated, strategic, transparent and publicly accessible countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post- pandemic recovery measures; recalls COVID-related EU support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to allocate a sufficient number of COVID-19 vaccines to , taking into account the different impact of the crisis on different genders, that must reach all individuals affected by the crisis; recalls COVID-related EU support to address the acute situation in the country needs to address the specific needs of women and of minority and vulnerable groups; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to allocate a sufficient number of COVID-19 vaccines to the Western Balkan countries and support their vaccination preparedness; welcomes in this respect the package that will allow BiH and other Western Balkan countries partners to finally benefit from the EU Advance Purchase Agreements; underlines that the much needed COVID-19 mitigation measures should not lead to further marginalization or stigmatization of vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants;
Amendment 318 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for a co-ordinated, strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures in full respect of the principle of non discrimination; recalls COVID-related EU support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to allocate a sufficient number of COVID-19 vaccines to the Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 322 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Condemns the authorities’ poor management of the covid-19 crisis, including selective enforcement of the ban on assemblies - resulting in the ban of the route of 2020 Sarajevo Pride march -, curtailment of freedom of expression by excluding the media from press conferences, public procurement irregularities and by not offering solutions to meet the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants;
Amendment 323 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses the need for the Bosnian authorities to find a better balance between fundamental rights and freedoms and necessary restrictions due to the pandemic; regrets the selective enforcement of the ban on assemblies, which resulted in the ban of the route of the 2020 Sarajevo Pride march;
Amendment 332 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on BiH to step up active labour market measures aimed at reducing long-term andunemployment, including youth unemployment, contributing to the most acute brain drain in the region by investing more in the education sector – from pre- school to higher education - in order to achieve better and equal opportunities for all including vulnerable groups; recalls BiH commitment to increase the employment rate of Roma people;
Amendment 338 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls that the unemployment of women, who make up 60 % of the working age inactive persons, is of particular concern;
Amendment 339 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes the continued participation of BiH in the Erasmus+, Creative Europe and Europe for Citizens Programmes; stresses that educational and cultural exchanges and joint projects are an essential part of bringing the citizens of BiH and of the EU closer;
Amendment 340 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on the authorities to harmonise the legislation on maternity and paternity leave across entities and cantons;
Amendment 342 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Underlines that social cohesion is an essential element of a sustainable and united future for BiH; therefore stresses the importance for the EU to support the strengthening of the welfare system of BiH, so as to boost a policy of social justice, of reduction of social inequalities, which will contribute to strengthening social cohesion; regrets that serious challenges remain to be addressed as regards to poverty reduction and calls for access to public health coverage for all; recalls that BiH is a signatory to all ILO fundamental and governance Conventions and as such calls for enhanced social dialogue and social protection;
Amendment 343 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the authorities to prioritise measures aimed at boosting economic diversification, digitalisation and tackling the informal economy, while developing effective and transparent mechanisms for energy market, transport infrastructure, sustainable tourism and support for SMEs; calls on the authorities to foster the social-economic dialogue among social partners on all socio-economic matters;
Amendment 359 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recommends focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth- enhancing public investment and infrastructure projects, making full use of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans; which can contribute to facilitating a social development and long-term recovery following the pandemic; stresses however the need to ensure that EU funds contain both incentives and conditionality and shall effectively contribute to protecting and strengthening democracy, good governance, the rule of law and fundamental rights for all people in BiH;
Amendment 368 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Urges BiH’s authorities to ensure alignment with EU standards and policy objectives on climate protection and energy, facilitating the green and digital transition, and calls for the prioritisation of measures reducing ecological degradation and environmental risks to health by banning the building of small hydropower plants, combating illegal construction, and increasing inspection oversight on ecological issues; welcomes the adoption of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which shall incentivize the transition to a circular economy and the adoption of the necessary measures to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas;
Amendment 399 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the continued presence of EUFOR’s Operation Althea in the country and the extension of EUFOR’s mandate until November 2021; commends that BiH contributes troops to EU CSDP training missions; welcomes the signature of a joint roadmap for action on the G7 partnership for Women, Peace and Security;
Amendment 405 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Reaffirms its position that government and civil society representatives of the Western Balkan countries should be engaged in the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the rule of law is a key benchmark for assessing the progress towards the EU accession;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the ongoing pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the EU and the Western Balkans must continue tackling common challenges together;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the country has to recover from the widespread damage caused by the 26 November 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic; boost preparedness for civil protection and disaster response and advance preparations for joining the Union Civil Protection Mechanism;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the EU has mobilised grants worth €115 million for the post- earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction within the €400 million European support pledge;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas the EU mobilised €51million to assist Albania in tackling COVID-19 and made available up to €180 million in macro-financial assistance;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas the EU is Albania’s biggest trading partner and the largest donor, and the country has benefited from €1.25 billion in EU pre-accession funding since 2007;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D g (new)
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans will facilitate a long-term recovery, following the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the economic development and reforms in the region;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D h (new)
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas Albanian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D i (new)
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas since 2015 Albanian citizens participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under Erasmus+;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D j (new)
Recital D j (new)
Dj. whereas the EU remains fully committed to supporting Albania’s strategic choice for European integration, based on the rule of law and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D k (new)
Recital D k (new)
Dk. whereas Albania remains a trustworthy foreign policy partner, advancing regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers the appointment of the Chief Negotiator and the negotiating team, along with the adoption of the action plan to address the conditions and priorities set by Council’s conclusions of March 2020, to be a sign of a clear political commitment to advance the EU integration process;
Amendment 73 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages political leaders to create a climate of confidence by increasing transparency and overcoming the lack of dialogue and expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on public institutions to be proactive and make information publicly and timely available to civil society, media and the general public, particularly when related to issues of high public interest;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the importance of ensuring that preparations for the 2021 parliamentary elections take place in a transparent and inclusive manner;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Notes that all political forces, state bodies, civil society and the media have a joint duty to ensure a transparent, credible and objective election campaign, free from disinformation, intimidation and false accusations;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges Albania to improve intra- governmental co-ordination, decentralisation under the territorial administrative reform, to advance public consultations at local level and advance with public administration reform;
Amendment 101 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recalls the paramount importance of safeguarding the rule of law through implementation of judicial overhaul and a steady and consistent prosecution of high- level corruption;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages Albania to complete the relevant steps towards re-establishing the Constitutional Court’s ability to function fully and efficiently, as well as to make sure the Appeals Court does not stop operating and urges all involved to swiftly conclude the appointment process;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the High Court has regained its ability to function and that it has been reviewing more than a thousand cases, and encourages it to make further progress in the appointment of additional judges and to develop a plan to recover its backlog;
Amendment 119 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls the need to improve transparency and control of political party funding under the amended Law on Political Party Financing;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Notes the importance of effectively implement the recommendations of the Albanian Supreme State Audit Institution;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the increase in proactive investigations, prosecutions and final convictions targeting illicit wealth and money laundering, leading to the systematic freezing and seizure of criminal assets, and calls for their further intensification, in line with the principles of judicial independence, due process and fair trial;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Underlines the importance of the continuing efforts and systemic improvements in tackling human, firearms and counterfeit goods’ trafficking, along with the cyber-crime and terrorist threats;
Amendment 133 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expresses its support for inclusive policies and calls for progress to be made in adopting measures to effectively protect the fundamental freedoms and rights of all citizens, with a special focus on women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ persons;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes that the National Action Plan for LGBTI Issues 2016-2020 has expired; Calls on the government to develop the new action plan in a transparent and inclusive process in consultation with civil society and ensure appropriate resources are assigned for its implementation;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the decision to eliminate the unacceptable "conversion therapy", strengthening the right to gender identity and gender expression;
Amendment 146 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the creation of an effective mechanism for the prevention of gender- based and domestic violence and harassment, exacerbated by the COVID- 19 pandemic, and for protection and support to be given to its victims, combined with the effective and efficient prosecution of its perpetrators;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma and other ethnic minorities; welcomes the 2019 Poznan Declaration on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process, urges the authorities to advance Roma integration policies in line with the EU Roma strategic framework;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls forto ensure non-discriminatory access to public services and further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 153 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma, Egyptians and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of measures ensuring the protection of national minorities, including self-identification, the use of languages and property rights; Welcomes in this context the adoption of the law on the population census;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages Albania to make further progress on measures consolidating property registration, restitution and compensation rights, implementing the law on transitional ownership, and completing the comprehensive land sector reform;
Amendment 166 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes Albania’s efforts in promoting tolerance, inter-religious harmony and addressing prejudice and discrimination, including antisemitism, as affirmed by the parliamentary approval of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is respected, and during state of emergency or state of natural disaster the restrictions to public gatherings are applied fairly;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due process for asylum seekers in compliance with Albania’s international obligations, and to properly address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, while increasing preparedness for potential increases in migratory flows; calls for increased capacities to process asylum requests and investigations into the reported cases of breaches of the return procedures;
Amendment 177 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross-border crime, including in cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), must be conducted in full respect for fundamental rights, enshrined in applicable international and regional laws and principles;
Amendment 180 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts being made and urges the authorities to take a robust approach in preventing, investigating, prosecuting and punishing human trafficking and the exploitation of its victims, who include children and other vulnerable groups, to increase reintegration services and ensure witness protection;
Amendment 184 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the ongoing measures and calls for further progress to be made in considerably reducing the number of unfounded asylum claims by Albanian nationals, including the arrivals of unaccompanied minors, in the EU Member States; notes that Albania continues to fulfil visa liberalisation benchmarks;
Amendment 185 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Notes the importance of addressing allegations of police misconduct and to eradicate ill-treatment of suspects and prisoners;
Amendment 187 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Underlines the need to improve the climate for the functioning of civil society and urges the authorities to ensure meaningful, timely and representative consultations, and to enhance throughout the decision- making at different governance levels and to enhance the legal and fiscal framework, improving the financial sustainability of the non-governmental sector;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Stresses the importance of consultation and participation of civil society organizations on the regular function of society; Notes that this involvement is of paramount importance to the participation of citizens in the life of the country;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls the importance of ensuring quality journalism and media literacy for the functioning of democracy and in tackling disinformation, hate speech and fake-news; stresses the importance of increasing the levels of media literacy in Albania;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Underlines the need to strengthen self-regulation, ethics, independence, impartiality, financial sustainability and reporting quality of public and private media outlets and to enhance transparency of the media ownership, funding and public advertising; notes the need to improve labour and social conditions of the media professionals in order to ensure quality journalism;
Amendment 198 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Expresses grave concern about the proposed measures under the draft media law and welcomes the commitment to adopt amendments only if they are publicly shared in a consultation process with civil society, journalists and media organisations and assessed as being fully in line with the Venice Commission’s recommendations;
Amendment 205 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Encourages the Albanian Government to prioritise measures aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular consideration for marginalised and vulnerable groups such as Roma, Egyptians and the LGBTQI+ community, while taking further steps to enhance the representativeness of the social dialogue and to tackle the widespread informal economy;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Encourages the Albanian Government to prioritise measures aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while taking further steps to improve diversification, competitiveness, and digitalisation, enhance the representativeness of the social dialogue and to tackle the widespread informal economy;
Amendment 209 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses the need to substantially strengthen social care coverage and improve access to social and healthcare services in order to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 212 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for the measures addressing the demographic decline and the brain drain to be stepped up through active labour market policies that address skills mismatches and reduce long-term unemployment, as well as by addressing problems relating to housing and access to education;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for the measures addressing the demographic decline and the brain drain to be stepped up through active labour market policies that address skills mismatches and reduce long-term unemployment, particularly among the youth and the most excluded/marginalised groups;
Amendment 216 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Welcomes the positive trends in women’s participation in politics, and calls for additional steps to address thegender imbalances, gender pay gap and workplace discrimination;
Amendment 217 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Recalls that sustainable growth depends on eradication of endemic corruption, improved transparency, legal certainty and efficiency, fair competition and reduction of bureaucracy;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Calls for adequate co-financing and further improvements in transparency and visibility of the EU funding;
Amendment 220 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Stresses that the EU Investment Plan for the Western Balkans should play an important role on the fight against the demographic decline and the brain drain, developing tools to address this problem;
Amendment 223 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41b. Underlines that planning and construction of eco-sensitive projects, including hydropower, industrial and tourist sites, must be conducted under a broad country-wide stakeholder consultation with the civil society and local communities and must comply with international and EU norms on impact assessments and environmental protection;
Amendment 229 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Recalls the need to overhaul the Fierza Hydro Power Plant and construct the Skavica Hydro Power Plant;
Amendment 234 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Urges the authorities to ensure full compliance with the Energy Community Treaty; underlines the contribution of the newly launched trans-Adriatic pipeline, and upcoming connection of the converted Vlora thermal plant, to regional energy security;
Amendment 241 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for continuing progress in strengthening strategic transport networks in line with the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) regulatory framework and advance work on the Albanian sections of the “Blue Highway“;
Amendment 242 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to complete the railway sector reforms and advance the Tirana-Podgorica-Durrës rail connection;
Amendment 243 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to complete the electricity market reform and put in place Bitola-Elbasan electricity interconnector with North Macedonia;
Amendment 245 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to prioritise setting up of an integrated regional waste management system, promote recycling, close hazardous dumpsites, address deforestation, step-up water quality monitoring and wastewater treatment capacities and strengthen the capacities of the agencies on environment and protected areas;
Amendment 257 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Recalls that regional cooperation should be underpinned by respect for fundamental European values and a common future in the EU;
Amendment 258 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48a. Calls upon all political leaders to take urgent steps to set up the Regional Commission tasked with establishing the facts about all victims of war crimes and other serious human rights violations committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM), building upon the significant work carried out by the Coalition for RECOM;
Amendment 263 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Welcomes Albania’s ongoing full alignment with the common foreign and security policy decisions and declarations since 2012 and its active contribution to the EU crisis management missions and operations; urges Albania to comply with the EU position on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming and an intersectional perspective into the EU’s foreign and security policy; and to make gender equality an explicit goal of the EU external action; calls for the experiences of women and girls facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization - based on their age, gender, ethnicity, religion, socio- economic and legal status, ability, sexual orientation and gender identity - to be put at the heart of policy-making, and draw on their unique and diverse experiences;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the EU’s foreign and security policy; calls on the EEAS and the European Commission to implement gender budgeting;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need of implementation of the “EEAS Strategy on Gender and Equal Opportunities for the period 2018-2023”;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the VP/HR to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management, staffing, training, financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality; calls for better gender balancing when it comes to the EU external representation, in particular calls for gender equality to be taken into consideration for the nomination of future Heads of EU Delegations and EU Special Representatives;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the VP/HR to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management, staffing, training, financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality; underlines the need of incorporating gender-related aspects in the training of staff of the EU diplomatic services;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for the annual budgetary procedures applied for the upcoming MFF, including external financing through and the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) and Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) III to integrate a gender-responsive perspective; calls for gender-responsive budgeting and obligatory requirements for gender impact assessments in the NDICI and IPA III regulations, as part of a general ex-ante conditionality to inform programming, in accordance with European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) guidance, the EU Gender Action Plan and OECD DAC criteria requirements;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the VP/HR to ensure that the Heads of EU Delegations abroad have a formal responsibility to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all aspects of the Delegation’s work and are required to report on it; further calls on the VP/HR to ensure that there is one full-time gender focal point in the EU Delegations; deplores the fact that there are no women among the new Deputy Secretaries- General appointed by VP/HR;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the VP/HR to ensure that the Heads of EU Delegations abroad have a formal responsibility to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all aspects of the Delegation’s work and that gender equality issues are regularly raised in political dialogues with government counterparts, and are required to report on it; further calls on the VP/HR to ensure that there is one full-time gender focal pointadvisor in the EU Delegations;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates that only 22 out of 176 employees in the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) are female, of which 12 serve as secretaries or assistants;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recalls that the European Commission announced in its Gender Equality Strategy 2020-20251a its objective to reach gender balance of 50% at all levels of its management by the end of 2024; urges the VP/HR to start implementing Commission’s recommendations in this regard; __________________ 1ahttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2020%3 A152%3AFIN
Amendment 59 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian CSDP missions is headed by a woman; calls on the VP/HR to draw up a gender equality strategy for CSDP missions with specific targets, for both leadership and personnel;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian CSDP missions is headed by a woman; calls on the VP/HR to draw up a gender equality strategy for CSDP missions with specific targets;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; stresses for the recognition of the significant role women and girls play in achieving sustainable peace; calls for the safe, meaningful and inclusive participation of women and girls from the grassroots level to peacebuilding, post- conflict reconstruction, governance and institution building actions;
Amendment 84 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on Member States to be fully compliant with the Common Position on Arms Exports, specifically calls on Member States to take into account the risk of exported materials being used for, or facilitating, gender-based violence or violence against women or children; emphasises that a gender-sensitive approach means a human centred security approach, aiming at improving securities of women, including economic, social and health security;
Amendment 87 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the eradication of female genital mutilation and the eradication of gender-based violence to be systematically addressed in the EU political dialogues with third countries; stresses that gender- based violence against women and girls must keep being a political priority for the EU in its external action; urges the EU to exercise all possible leverage for the perpetrators of mass rapes in warfare to be reported, identified, prosecuted and punished in accordance with international criminal law;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Regrets that no explicit reference to gender equality and women’s rights is made in the European Commission’s joint communication on an EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020- 2024; calls for the revision and update of the EU Guidelines on violence against women and girls and combatting all forms of discrimination against them;
Amendment 92 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Calls on the EU to put the ratification of the Istanbul Convention high on the agenda of its Political Dialogue with the Council of Europe (CoE) partner countries; welcomes the invitation from the Committee of Ministers of the CoE to Kazakhstan and Tunisia to accede to the Convention as the first non-member states, encouraging other countries to express their interest to accede too;
Amendment 106 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the EU needs to take decisive action to counter the global backlash against women’s rights and gender equality; calls on all external funds and programmes to have a significant share earmarked for gender equality purposes; calls in particular for financial support to female human rights defenders and to women’s civil society organisations, especially for capacity- building actions;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Acknowledges the key role of civil society organisations and in particular women’s rights organisations and women human rights defenders in supporting the implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan and the EU Strategic Approach to Women Peace and Security and its Action Plan; calls on the European Commission to strengthen the involvement of civil society organisations in the formulation of the third Gender Action Plan and in its implementation in partner countries;
Amendment 111 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the VP/HR and the EU Member States to include references to UNSC resolution 1325 and follow-up resolutions in CSDP-related Council decisions and mission mandates, and to make sure that all CSDP missions and operations have an annual action plan on how to implement the objectives of GAP III and the EU Action Plan on WPS; calls for gender analysis to be put in place for new CSDP instruments, including the European Defence Fund and the proposed European Peace Facility;
Amendment 116 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in the framework of the proposed NDICI regulation and the IPA III regulation, and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small CSOs and especially WCSOs;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines the necessity of ensuring that automated decision-making methods, including AI algorithms in the area of EU’s foreign and security policy, are void of profiling biases, especially based on gender;
Amendment 136 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the European Commission and the EEAS to use the accession negotiations as a leverage to foster gender equality in the candidate countries;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission, the Council and the EEAS that its development cooperation policy and humanitarian aid action supports women’s economic empowerment and women and girls’ rights in partner countries; calls for the improvement of the reporting of EU funding for gender equality allocated and disbursed in partner countries through the EU GAP III;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Calls on particular attention to be paid to the situation of women and girls on the move, on migration routes or camps, specifically calls for their access to WASH, SRHR and maternal health;
Amendment 146 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Calls on the Commission, the Council and the EEAS to promote and support the inclusion of a specific gender chapter in all EU trade and investment agreements, and to ensure that it specifically foresees the commitment to promote gender equality and women empowerment; calls as well for provisions to be included in these trade agreements ensuring that their institutional structures guarantee periodical compliance reviews, substantial discussions and the exchange of information and best practices on gender equality and trade, through among others, the inclusion of women and experts on gender equality at all levels of the administrations concerned, including trade negotiating teams, joint committees, expert groups, domestic advisory groups, joint consultative committees and dispute settlement bodies;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the outcome document of 25 September 2014 of the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples,
Amendment 25 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
– having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples to the UN Human Rights Council of 8 August 20171a, __________________ 1a https://undocs.org/A/HRC/36/46/Add.2
Amendment 40 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the 2016 European Economic and Social Committee's Communication 'Lives in Dignity: From Aid-dependence to Self- reliance' and subsequent 2016 Council Conclusions on the EU approach to forced displacement and development,
Amendment 50 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of July 2018 on violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, including land grabbing (2017/2206(INI)),
Amendment 78 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas promoting international peace and security is part of the EU’s raison d’être, recognised by the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, and is central to the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 79 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU is committed to acting on the international scene in the name of the principles that inspired its creation, including democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and in favour of the principles of the UN Charter and international law;
Amendment 82 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas there is an urgent need for the international community and in particular the EU to actively address the fight against impunity and to step up its efforts to monitor and respond to persistent and emerging conflicts throughout the globe that might lead to human rights abuses;
Amendment 83 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas many indigenous peoples continue to be victims of murder, extrajudicial executions, mutilation, torture, rape, arbitrary detentions, physical assault, harassment and intimidation for defending the right to their ancestral territories and natural resources, including their access to water and food, and to their spiritual sites and sacred burial grounds;
Amendment 161 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the number of persons forcibly displaced in 2018 exceededs 70 million, of whom 26 million were refugees3 ; takes the view that wars, conflicts, political oppression, poverty and food insecurity,; 41 million internally displaced and 3.5 million were asylum seekers; in addition 12 million people globally are stateless; takes the view that the drivers of displacement - wars, conflicts, political oppression, persecution and violence – will intensify through uneven economic development conditions and the adverse effects of climate change on the world’s poorest countries in particular, fuel the risks of triggering new conflicts and the further displacement of populations; __________________ 3UNHCR – Global Trends 2018 report (19 June 2019).
Amendment 184 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls the EU’s commitment to placing human rights and democracy at the centre of its relations with non-EU countries; stresses, therefore, that the objective of advancing human rights and democracy around the world requires it to be mainstreamed in all EU policies which have an external dimension; stresses that the EU should, therefore, put in place measures to ensure EU engagement does not inadvertently reinforce authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 187 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Underscores the importance of human rights to be promoted and mainstreamed across all external policy of the EU; takes note of the works on such important issues being currently carried out under the status of a subcommittee in Parliament; reiterates its call to upgrade this into a full committee;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Strongly recommends that the Commission enhances its engagement with Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights to enable it to contribute actively to the upcoming EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy;
Amendment 194 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to inform, consult and work closely with Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, when revising and/or adopting EU policy documents for the conduct and monitoring of EU human rights foreign policy;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly supports the work and efforts of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) in protecting and promoting human rights in the world; underlines the important objective within the mandate of the EUSR to enhance the Union’s effectiveness in this area; calls on the EUSR to act upon its mandate to contribute to enhancing the EU’s contribution to strengthening democracy;
Amendment 234 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation, discrimination, harassment and assault, abduction, violent policing, arbitrary arrests and cases of torturerbitrary arrests, cases of torture and killings; calls to support actions aimed at combating impunity and promote accountability especially in those regions where the dynamics of impunity reward those who bear the greatest responsibility and disempower victims;
Amendment 237 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation, discrimination, harassment and assault, abduction, violent policing, arbitrary arrests and cases of torture; stresses also that in conflicts, minorities and marginalised groups are often particularly severely impacted;
Amendment 253 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Strongly believes that the impunity challenge has clearly emerged as a central issue and calls therefore on the EEAS and the Commission to include an ambitious strategy on that respect within the 3rd EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; in that spirit, highly recommends the setting up of an European Observatory on Prevention, accountability, and combating impunity that would serve the purpose of connecting existing accountability mechanisms (e.g. EU early warning systems, preventing genocide, implementing the Responsibility to Protect, accountability processes and post- conflict transitional justices), following- up of the resolutions of Parliament on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (known as urgency resolutions, in accordance with Rule 144, formerly Rule 135, of its Rules of Procedure), raising awareness about unreported situations and human rights violations, including the most sensitive issues (e.g. extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances), bridging the gap between mechanisms and victims, and contributing to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and further raise the profile and visibility of the EU engagement on this matter;
Amendment 254 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Strongly believes that the impunity challenge has clearly emerged as a central issue and calls therefore on the EEAS and the Commission to include an ambitious strategy on that respect within the 3rd EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; in that spirit, highly recommends the setting up of an European Observatory on Prevention, accountability, and combating impunity that would serve the purpose of connecting existing accountability mechanisms like the EU early warning systems, preventing genocide, implementing the Responsibility to Protect, accountability processes and post- conflict transitional justices; this could also serve to raise awareness about unreported situations and human rights violations, including the most sensitive issues as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, bridging the gap between mechanisms and victims, and contributing to implement the Sustainable Development Goal number 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. The European Observatory on Prevention, accountability, and combating impunity could further raise the profile and visibility of the EU engagement on this matter;
Amendment 267 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the initial discussions within the Council regarding the establishment of an EU human rights sanctions mechanism, the so-called ‘Magnitsky List’, allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals complicit in serious human rights violations;
Amendment 274 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the invaluable and essential role that HRDs play at the risk of their lives, in particular women’s human rights defenders; recommends strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions and the Member States, enabling them to provide continuous support to HRDs; values the ‘ProtectDefenders.eu’ mechanism established to protect HRDs at grave risk; calls on the Council and the Commission to establish a specific coordinated procedure for awarding visas to HRDs; calls on the Commission to make full use of the financial capacand Member States to ensure sufficient funding for the protection of HRDs in the relevant Thematic Programmes of the next NDICI and to ensure its accessibility ofby the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to support HRDsose most in need who are the most marginalised; calls on the Commission to make full use of this instrument in the future;
Amendment 284 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges the EU and its Member States to continue working to ensure physical integrity and legal assistance for indigenous, environmental, intellectual property and land rights defenders, namely through reinforcement of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and various existing instruments and mechanisms such as protectdefendeurs.eu, in order to protect human rights and environmental activists, with a dedicated emphasis on women human rights defenders and increased involvement in the initiatives proposed by international organisations such as the UN;
Amendment 292 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Highlights that 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the UN declaration on Human Rights Defenders; welcomes the first ever European Parliament Human Rights Week, which offered a platform for an exchange with HRDs; encourages the EU institutions to retain this practice on a regular basis;
Amendment 374 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Urges the EU and its Member States to actively seek full recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous Peoples; calls on countries to ratify the provisions of ILO Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples;
Amendment 375 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on all states, particularly the EU and the Member States, to include Indigenous Peoples and rural communities in the decision-making process with regard to strategies for tackling climate change, which should also cover the case of irreparable damage resulting from climate change that can force them to migrate and lead to their double discrimination as environmentally displaced and indigenous people;
Amendment 450 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the urgent need to tackle the root causes of migration flows such as wars, conflicts, persecution, networks of illegal migration, trafficking, smuggling and climate change; calls for the external dimension of the refugee crisis to be addressed, including by finding sustainable solutions to conflicts through building cooperation and partnerships with the third countries concerned; insists that the implementation of the Global Compacts on migration and refugees must therefore go hand in hke genuine steps, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees; (a) to ease the pressures on host countries and communities; (b) to enhance refugee self-reliance; (c) to expand access to third-country solutions; (d) to support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity; (e) calls for the EU and its Member States to increase humanitarian assistance for forcibly displaced; (f) calls for the EU and with the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda as set out in the Strategic Development Goals, as well as with increased ins Member States to provide support to refugee hosting communities over and above stment inandard developing countriesment programming;
Amendment 465 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Amendment 473 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that the EU should continue to actively support democratic and effective human rights institutions, political parties, independent media, parliaments and civil society in their efforts to promote democratisation; positively notes, in this context, the European Endowment for Democracy’s consistent engagement in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of the EU to promote democracy and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms; recalls that the experience gained and the lessons learned from transitions to democracy in the framework of the enlargement and neighbourhood policies could make a positive contribution to the identification of best practices that could be used to support and consolidate other democratisation processes worldwide; welcomes the Council’s discussions on conclusions on democracy as the start of updating and strengthening the EU’s approach to strengthen democracy;
Amendment 486 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Reiterates its positive view of the EU’s continued support for electoral processes and its provision of electoral assistance and support to domestic observers; welcomes and fully supports, in this context, the work of the European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group; recalls the importance of proper follow-up to the reports and recommendations of the election observation missions as a way of enhancing their impact and strengthening the EU’s support for democratic standards in the countries concerned; stresses the need to support democracy throughout the electoral cycle through long-term and flexible programmes that reflect the nature of democratic change;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern the decrease of over EUR 1 billion in commitment appropriations for Heading 4 (Global Europe), which would result in a budget for external action lower than during any of the three preceding years; believes that in the current international context, the EU needs to assume more, not less responsibility and that it must be endowed with the necessary financial resources in order to be able to do soview of the numerous challenges in the EU’s neighbourhood and further afield; calls for the margin of over EUR 200 million in Heading 4 to be allocated;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that a further increase in funding for the Western Balkan countries under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II) is needed; the Commission recommended opening accession negations with Albania and North Macedonia, which the European Council approved; it is important to keep that promise and start accession negotiations already in 2019; in this regard, disapproves of the proposed reduction of the funds dedicated to supporting political reforms and alignment with the acquis in the Western Balkans and asks for a substantial increase instead;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the allocations for Turkey remain at a reduced level and believes that this is justified by the serious and persistent deficits in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey; welcomes the increased focus on support for civil society, democracy and rule of law, and the continuing shift toward direct management and encourages the Commission to further expedite this rebalancing;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the allocations for Turkey remain at a reduced level and believes that this is justified by the serious and persistent deficits in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey; at the same time, it is crucial to keep bridges with the citizens of Turkey; welcomes the increased focus on support for civil society and the continuing shift toward direct management and encourages the Commission to further expedite this rebalancing;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for reversing the proposed budget cuts for the countries in the Southern Neighbourhood under the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI); reiterates that contributions from ENI to the Syria pledge and the EU Trust Fund for Africa must not come at the expense of the ENI core priorities and calls for these additional commitments to be fully offset by reinforcements; calls for providing increased funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in 2020 to preserve uninterrupted basic services to millions of Palestine refugees, in line with EU Global Strategy and priorities in the Middle East;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Callsountries in the Southern neighbourhood are facing enormous pressure as a result of tumultuous developments in the region, including conflicts in Syria and Libya, rise of extremism and related refugee and migrant waves; calls, therefore, for reversing the proposed budget cuts for the countries in the Southern Neighbourhood under the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI); reiterates that contributions from ENI to the Syria pledge and the EU Trust Fund for Africa must not come at the expense of the ENI core priorities and calls for these additional commitments to be fully offset by reinforcements;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls for an extended support to the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights; reiterates its strong support to Human Rights Defenders, in particular those most at risk, as a long established priority for the EU's human rights external relation policy; moreover, increased funding for EU electoral observation missions must be ensured;
Amendment 70 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 11 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1
Where hits are identified, the tool referred to in Article 11, shall makprovide temporarily availabley read-only access to the results in the application file to the ETIAS Central Unit, until the end of the manual process pursuant to Article 22(2) and Article 23(2). Where the data made available correspond to those of the applicant or where doubts remain, the unique ID code of the data having triggered a hit shall be kept in the application file.
Amendment 74 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 11 – paragraph 9
Article 11 – paragraph 9
9. A hit shall be triggered where all or some of the data from the ETIAS application file used for the query correspond fully or partially to the data present in a record, alert or file of the other EU information systems consulted. The Commission shall, by means of an implementing delegated act, define partial correspondence, including a degree of probability.
Amendment 77 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 11 – paragraph 10
Article 11 – paragraph 10
10. For the purpose of paragraph 1, the Commission, shall, by means of an implementing delegated act, define the technical modalities for the implementation of Article 24(6)(c)(ii) and Article 54(1)(b) related to data retention.
Amendment 80 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 11 – paragraph 11
Article 11 – paragraph 11
For the purpose of Article 25(2), Article 28(8) and Article 29(9) when registering the data related to hits into the ETIAS application file, the origin of the data shall be indicated. This shall include the type of the alert, except for alerts referred to in Article 23(1), the source of the data (which other EU information systems or Europol data), the unique identification number used in the source of the data having triggered the hit and the Member State that entered or supplied the data having triggered the hit and, where available, the date and time when the data was entered in the other EU information systems or Europol data. When a hit leads to a negative decision, and without prejudice to any limitations existing in that EU information system having triggered the hit, the applicant shall be informed of which system generated the hit for the purposes of ensuring the applicant's right to an effective remedy.
Amendment 84 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5
Article 1 – paragraph 5
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 11a
Article 11a
For the purpose of Articles 6, 14 and 17 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, an automated process, using the secure communication infrastructure of Article 6(2)(d) of this Regulation, shall query and import from the ETIAS Central System, the information referred to in points (a) to (c) of Article 47(2) of this Regulation, as well as the application number and the end of validity period of an ETIAS travel authorisation, and update the entry/exit record in the EES accordingly.;
Amendment 86 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 6
Article 1 – paragraph 6
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 12 – paragraph 2 (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 (new)
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1, a cooperation agreement is to be agreed upon between the European Union and INTERPOL. This cooperation agreement shall provide for the modalities for the exchange of information and safeguards for the protection of privacy and personal data.; The cooperation agreement shall ensure that all relevant logs will be kept, no information shall be revealed to the country triggering the INTERPOL alert, and that no onward transfers of personal data shall take place.
Amendment 89 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 7
Article 1 – paragraph 7
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point n
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point n
(n) whether the applicant corresponds to a person whose data is recorded in the ECRIS-TCN for terrorists offences and other serious criminal offenceover the previous 20 years or other serious criminal offences as listed in the Annex to this Regulation over the previous ten years, where those criminal offences are punishable under national law by a custodial sentence or a detention order for a maximum period of at least three years;
Amendment 97 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 10
Article 1 – paragraph 10
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 25a – paragraph 2
Article 25a – paragraph 2
2. TInsofar as a hit results from a verification under point (n) of Article 20(2), the duly authorised staff of the ETIAS National Units shall also have access, in accordance with national law, to the national criminal records registers of their respective Member State in order to obtain the information on third -country nationals and stateless persons convicted for a terrorist offence or any other serious criminal offence as listed in the annex to this Regulation for the purposes referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 103 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 12 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 12 a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 69 – paragraph 1– point (ca) (new)
Article 69 – paragraph 1– point (ca) (new)
(12 a) In Article 69(1), a new point (ca) is added: (ca) the data used through interoperability with other information systems for the processing of the applications, specifically in the cases of manual processing;
Amendment 104 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 12 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 12 b (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 69 – paragraph 4
Article 69 – paragraph 4
(12 b) Article 69(4) is replaced by the following: 4. Such logs may be used only for monitoring the admissibility of data processing, to ensure data security and integrity, and to ensure the right to effective remedy of the applicant. The logs shall be protected by appropriate measures against unauthorised access. They shall be deleted one year after the retention period referred to in Article 54 has expired, if they are not required for monitoring procedures which have already begun.
Amendment 105 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 12 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 12 c (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 69 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 69 – paragraph 4 a (new)
(12 c) In Article 69, a new paragraph is added: 4a. For the purpose of paragraph 4, the Commission, shall, by means of a delegated act, define the technical modalities for its implementation.
Amendment 106 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 13 – point c
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 88 – paragraph 6
Article 88 – paragraph 6
6. The interoperability, referred to in Article 11, with ECRIS-TCN shall start when [the CIR] enters into operations, which is scheduled in 2022. ETIAS’ operations shall start irrespective of whether that interoperability with ECRIS- TCN is put in place.
Amendment 108 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 13 – point c
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 88 – paragraph 7
Article 88 – paragraph 7
7. ETIAS shall start its operations irrespective of whethernot query INTERPOL databases before a cooperation agreement between the European Union and INTERPOL, as referred to in Article 12(2), has been concluded and irrespective of whether it is possible to query Interpol’s databases.entered into force.
Amendment 109 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 13 a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 89 – paragraph 2 (new)
Article 89 – paragraph 2 (new)
(13 a) Article 89 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: ‘2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(4), Article 11(9), Article 11(10), Article 17(3), (5) and (6), Articles 18(4), 27(3), Article 31, Articles 33(2), 36(4), 39(2), 54(2), Article 69(4a), Article 83(1) and (3) and Article 85(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 9 October 2018. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.’;
Amendment 110 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 13 b (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 89 – paragraph 3
Article 89 – paragraph 3
Amendment 111 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 13 c (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 89 – paragraph 6
Article 89 – paragraph 6
Amendment 112 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 13 d (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 13 d (new)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240
Article 92 – paragraph 5 – point –a
Article 92 – paragraph 5 – point –a
(13 d) (13a) in Article 92(5), the following point is inserted: (-a) the querying of ECRIS-TCN through ETIAS;
Amendment 118 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 767/2008
Article 18c – paragraph 1
Article 18c – paragraph 1
1. The ETIAS Central Unit, established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, shall have, for the purpose of performing its tasks conferred on it by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on a read- only format, the right to access and search relevant data in VIS in accordance with Article 11(8) of that Regulation.
Amendment 129 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Regulation (EU) 2017/2226
Article 25a – paragraph 1
Article 25a – paragraph 1
1. The ETIAS Central Unit, established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, shall have, for the purpose of performing its tasks conferred on it by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on a read- only format, the right to access and search data in the EES in accordance with Article 11(8) of that Regulation.
Amendment 131 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2017/2226
Article 28
Article 28
Data retrieved from the EES pursuant to Articles 24, 25, 26 and 27 may be kept in national files and data retrieved from the EES pursuant to Article 25a may be kept in the ETIAS application files only where necessary in an individual case, in accordance with the purpose for which they were retrieved, and in accordance with relevant Union law, in particular on data protection, and for no longer than strictly necessary infor that individual case.;
Amendment 133 #
2019/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) 2018/1861
Article 36a – paragraph 1
Article 36a – paragraph 1
1. The ETIAS Central Unit, established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, shall have, for the purpose of performing its tasks conferred on it by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on a read- only format, the right to access and search relevant data entered in SIS. The provisions of Article 36(4)-(8) apply to this access and search.
Amendment 44 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx of the European Parliament and of the Council29 [ECRIS- TCN]] and in line with the intention expressed in Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, ETIAS should be able to verify if correspondences exist between data in the ETIAS application files and the European Criminal Records Information System – Third Country Nationals (‘ECRIS-TCN’) data in the Common Identity Repository (‘CIR’) as regards which Member States hold conviction information on third- country nationals and stateless persons for a terrorist offence over the previous 20 years or other serious criminal offence. as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 over the previous 10 years, where those criminal offences are punishable under national law by a custodial sentence or a detention order for a maximum period of at least three years _________________ 29[Regulation (EU) yyyy/xx of the European Parliament and of the Council ….(OJ L , , p. )]
Amendment 48 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Regulation (EU) 2018/1862
Article 50a
Article 50a
1. The ETIAS Central Unit, established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, shall have, for the purpose of performing its tasks conferred on it by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on read-only format, the right to access and search relevant data entered in SIS. Article 50(4) to (8) of this Regulation shall apply to this access and search.
Amendment 55 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 1 – point d
Article 1 – point d
the conditions under which data of third country nationals or stateless persons included in the ECRIS-TCN system may be used for the purpose of border management in accordance withsupporting the objectives of Article 4(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council*.
Amendment 60 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
This Regulation applies to the processing of identity information of third country nationals who have been subject to convictions in the Member States for the purpose of identifying the Member State(s) where such convictions were handed down, as well as for the purposes of border management [and contributing to facilitating and assisting in the correct identification of persons]Article 4(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council*.
Amendment 63 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
With the exception of provisions related to Article 4(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 and point (ii) of Article 5(1)(b), the provisions of this Regulation that apply to third country nationals also apply to citizens of the Union who also hold a nationality of a third country and who have been subject to convictions in the Member States.;
Amendment 64 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 2 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2a (new)
The provisions relating to fulfilling the objectives of Article 4 (a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 shall not further modify or extend the data of third country nationals and stateless persons and the modalities of data processing prescribed in this Regulation.
Amendment 65 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – introductory part
(a) point (f6) is replaced by the following:
Amendment 66 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 3 – point (f)
Article 3 – point (f)
(f) (6) 'competent authorities' means the central authorities and the Union bodies (Eurojust, Europol, the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and the ETIAS Central Unit established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency), competent to access or query the ECRIS- TCN system in accordance with this Regulation;;
Amendment 68 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 3 – point t
Article 3 – point t
Amendment 69 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 3 – point u
Article 3 – point u
Amendment 70 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) where applicable, a flag indicating that the person concerned has been convicted for a terrorist offence over the previous 20 years or other serious criminal offence as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 over the previous 10 years, where those criminal offences are punishable under national law by a custodial sentence or a detention order for a maximum period of at least three years, and in those cases the code of the convicting Member State(s).;
Amendment 74 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 5 – paragraph 1– point ca (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1– point ca (new)
(c a) flags and the code of the convicting Member State(s) as referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1 shall not be visible to any authority other than the central authority of the convicting Member State that created the flagged record.
Amendment 75 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 5 – paragraph 1a
Article 5 – paragraph 1a
1a. [The CIR shall contain the data referred to in points (b) and (c) of paragraph 1 and in paragraph 2, as well as the following data referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1: surname (family name); first name(s) (given name(s)); date of birth; place of birth (town and country); nationality or nationalities; gender; the type and number of the person's travel document(s), as well as the name of the issuing authority thereof; and where applicable previous names, if applicable, pseudonyms(s) and/or alias name(s), where available, the type and number of the person’s travel documents or identification documents, the name of the issuing authority as well as, in the cases referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1, the code of the convicting Member State. The remaining ECRIS-TCN data shall be stored in the ECRIS-TCN Central System.];
Amendment 76 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part
(5) in Article 7, paragraph 57 is replaced by the following:
Amendment 79 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/816
5. In the event of a hit, the Central System [or the CIR] shall automatically provide the competent authority with information on the Member State(s) holding criminal record information on the third country national, along with the associated reference number(s) referred to in Article 5(1) and any corresponding identity information. Such identity information shall only be used for the purpose of verification of the identity of the third country national concerned. The result of a search in the Central System may only be used for the purpose of making a request according to Article 6 of Framework Decision 2009/315/JHA, a request referred to in Article 16(47(3) of this Regulation, or for the purposes of border management [and facilitating and assisting in the correct identification of persons registered in the ECRIS-TCN system].supporting the objectives of Article 4(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 82 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/816
1. The ETIAS Central Unit, established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, shall have, for the purpose of performing its tasks conferred on it by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, on a read-only format, the right to access and search ECRIS-TCN data in the [CIR]. However, it shall only have access to data records to which a flag has been added in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) of this Regulation.
Amendment 83 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Upon expiry of the retention period referred to in paragraph 1, the central authority of the convicting Member State shall erase the data record, including any fingerprints, facial images or flags as referred to in Article 5(1)(c), from the Central System [and the CIR] . In those cases where the data related to a conviction for a terrorist offence or other form of serious crime as referred to in Article 5(1)(c)inal offences as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, are deleted from the national criminal record, but information on other convictions of the same person is retained, only the flag referred to in Article 5(1)(c) shall be removed from the data record. This erasure shall take placbe automaticallyed, where possible, and in any event no later than one monthweek after the expiry of the retention period.;
Amendment 85 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – introductory part
(8) in Article 224, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
Amendment 87 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. The data included in the Central System [and the CIR] shall only be processed for the purpose of the identification of the Member State(s) holding the criminal records information of third country nationals, as well as for the purposes of border management [as well as for facilitating and assisting in the correct identification of persons registered in the ECRIS-TCN system].supporting the objectives of Article 4(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 91 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – introductory part
(9) in Article 30(42(3), the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:
Amendment 93 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 30 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Every month eu-LISA shall submit to the Commission statistics without allowing for individual identification relating to the recording, storage and exchange of information extracted from criminal records through the ECRIS-TCN system and the ECRIS Reference implementation, including on the data records which include a flag in accordance with Article 5(1)(c). eu-LISA shall ensure that it is not possible to identify individuals on the basis of those statistics. Those statistics shall be evaluated by the Commission, the European Parliament and the EDPS, after the first year and then every two years to evaluate the necessity and proportionality of the extension of the purposes of the ECRIS- TCN for the provisions of Article 4(a) of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 95 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Article 31(1)
Article 31(1)
Article 2931a Keeping of logs for the purpose of interoperability with ETIAS
Amendment 96 #
2019/0001(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EU) 2019/816
Annex II
Annex II
Table of correspondences referred to in Article 7a The ECRIS-TCN corresponding data of Article 5(1) of this Regulation in [the CIR] against which the ETIAS data should be checked surname (family name) previous name(s) first name(s) (given name(s)) pseudonym and/or alias name(s) date of birth place of birth (town and country) place of birth (town and country) gender nationality or nationalities nationality or nationalities type of the person’s travel or identification documents number of the person’s travel or identification documents name of the issuing authority
Amendment 3 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that economic development and multilateralism are important tools to improve people’s lives; points out that one of the objectives of the IPA is to strengthen the economic, trade and investment relationship between the EU and Viet Nam in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, and to promote trade and investment in a manner that is mindful of high levels offull compliance with human rights, environmental and labour protection and relevant internationally recognised standards and agreements;
Amendment 8 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the EU and Viet Nam and the upgraded potentialpossibility to address human rights concerns in the framework of the institutional mechanisms established under Article 35 of the PCA and Article 13 of the FTA; believes that those articles provide the necessary tools to address human rights concerns related to the IPAtakes note that even if a Party may unilaterally take appropriate measures when it considers that the other Party has committed a material breach of the PCA, these measures are in full discretion of the parties and have been used in very exceptional circumstances;
Amendment 14 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that under Article 35 of the PCA, the Parties agree to cooperate in the promotion and protection of human rights, including with regard to the implementation of international human rights instruments to which they are parties; notes with concern that it has proved to be insufficient as serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the PCA;
Amendment 17 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
4. Fully supports the human rights dialogue between the EU and Viet Nam, which is a very effective way to discuss issues related to human rights; regrets the lack of any tangible result after several rounds of EU- Vietnam human rights dialogues; further regrets that on at least two occasions Vietnam detained activists right before the dialogues; calls for the strengthening of the annual EU-Viet Nam human rights dialogue with the involvement of local and international civil society and taking into account information received from relevant international organisations; calls for the dialogue to be geared around concrete deliverables; notes with concerns that Vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed and largely operates underground for fear of persecution and retaliations;
Amendment 25 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underscores the importance of the IPA in contributing to raising living standards, promoting economic growth and stability, helping advance the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development and respect for human rights in Viet Nam, while also enabling the EU to foster its objectives of peace and stability in the region.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Regrets that the European Commission conducted negotiations with Vietnam towards an IPA without carrying out a human rights impact assessment, thereby violating its own commitments and obligations, and calls on the Commission to carry out one, prior to the entry into force of the agreement
Amendment 33 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Regrets that the regimes instituted by the investment protection agreement has insufficient clauses to compel states to respect, protect and implement human rights and have limited guarantees for people whose fundamental rights are violated by the investor or the host State to have an effective recourse;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls, for the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism, providing affected citizens and stakeholders with effective recourse in order to address potential negative impacts on human rights;
Amendment 35 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Notes that ICS jurisprudence is insufficient to secure an interpretation conform to human rights standards and investment tribunals have often not taken them into account adequately;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Believes that the asymmetrical nature of the ICS system, the lack of human rights obligations of investors and the exorbitant costs associated with ICS limit the access and the remedy for civil society; requires that this system does not restrict the ability of the State to fulfil its obligation to protect human rights or prevent businesses from respecting these rights;
Amendment 37 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Calls to reform the ICS system in order to ensure that this investment tribunal is able to systematically and rigorously apply international human rights law, environmental and labour law and gives sufficient weight to international human rights obligations and the accountability of corporate investors to respect human rights;
Amendment 38 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Regrets that Amicus Curiae can not be considered an effective participation since investment tribunals have full discretion to determine whether they accept amicus curiae and this possibility is often rejected or limited by the courts;
Amendment 39 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5h. Calls for a binding and enforceable clause in the IPA for States to protect human rights including by regulating and controlling enterprises and a mandatory clause recalling that businesses have to comply with international human rights and environmental standards;
Amendment 40 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 i (new)
Paragraph 5 i (new)
5i. Calls the EU and Viet Nam to cooperate to develop an action plan to fight child labour, including the necessary due diligence framework for enterprises;
Amendment 41 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Amendment 3 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that Parliament gave its consent to the EU-Viet Nam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) on 17 December 20151 , which defines future relations and aims to enhance further cooperation on global and regional challenges; notes with concern that serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the PCA; _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0467.
Amendment 10 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges Viet Nam’s efforts to undertake an ambitious reform agenda, notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the FTA; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ILO Conventions, namely No. 29 on forced labour, Nos. 100 and 111 on non- discrimination, Nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently No. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the Vietnamese Government to quickly ratify and fully implement the outstanding Conventions; regrets that the sustainable development chapter does not create any legal and binding obligation; calls for a public and binding calendar for the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and No. 105 on the Abolition of Forced labour;
Amendment 16 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that labour rights and trade union freedoms, including those enshrined in the fundamental ILO conventions, are not reflected under the actual penal code; Remains concerned that Viet Nam rejected an high number of recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review 2019 regarding the penal code in order to bring it in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Calls on Vietnamese authorities to implement these recommendations, with clear and public benchmarks and calendar;
Amendment 18 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Remains concerned about human rights violations, including the application of the death penalty in Viet Nam; calls on Viet Nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; highlights that human rights constitute a cornerstone of the trade and sustainable development chapter of the FTA; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreementcalls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement; deeply regrets that the number of political prisoners, human rights, labour, religious and environmental activists, journalists and bloggers has dramatically increased in recent years, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons detained for the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression;
Amendment 31 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. calls on the authorities of Vietnam to repeal its law on Cybersecurity and to bring legislation regulating public gatherings and demonstrations into conformity with the international legislation on freedom of assembly and association;
Amendment 33 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. highlights that human rights should constitute a cornerstone of trade and the sustainable development chapter of the FTA: regrets that instead it only focuses on a limited range of rights; calls therefore for a comprehensive human rights chapter with implementation measures, benchmarks and calendar; calls for the evaluation of the impact of the agreement periodically;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Deplores the refusal of the European Commission to carry out a human rights impact assessment on the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement and calls on the Commission to carry out one, prior to the entry into force of the agreement
Amendment 35 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Requests the application of the State to State dispute settlement to TSD Chapter
Amendment 39 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that Article 13 of the FTA embodies a cooperative approach based on common values and interests, taking into account the differences in the Parties’ respective levels of development; welcomes the possibility of first resolving matters that fall under Article 13 on trade and sustainable development through exchange in the Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development; recalls that a Party maygrets that in case that the matters are not resolved, the second mechanism that allows a Party to request that a Panel of Experts be convened to examine such matters in the event that the Committee is unable to resolve them satisfactorilyremains subordinated to the willingness of the parties and lacks legal guarantees;
Amendment 41 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. urges the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism providing affected citizens and local stakeholders with effective recourse with a view to addressing potential negative impacts on human rights and the establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism with provision for fines and the suspension of trade benefits;
Amendment 43 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that the FTA creates an institutional and legally binding link to the PCA; points out that Article 1 of the PCA contains a standard human rights clause which can trigger appropriate measures, including, as a last resort, the suspension of the PCA, or parts thereof, without delay; recalls that the European Ombudsman, in case1409/2014/MHZ on the EU-Vietnam FTA, found that the preamble of the EU- Vietnam FTA and other traditional tools, such as the ‘essential element’ clause of PCA and the human rights dialogue, are insufficient to adequately respect EU obligations, especially when the third country´s legislation is not in line with international human rights standards;
Amendment 49 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages the Commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to Viet Nam and its independent civil society in order to support Viet Nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of Article 13 of the FTA.; notes with concerns that Vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed; calls on the Commission to indicate which Vietnamese independent civil society groups will be included in the domestic advisory groups and how it will ensure that their independence is preserved;
Amendment 57 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. calls for closer interaction with the European Parliament in preparation for the annual Human Rights Dialogues, debriefings and in updating of the EU Human Rights Country Strategy for Vietnam;
Amendment 60 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls therefore the EP to give its consent to the agreements only when these recommendations, are legally and effectively protected;
Amendment 433 #
2018/0329(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6.º – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 6.º – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 503 #
2018/0329(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8.º – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 8.º – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),
Amendment 10 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2019 on the Union’s accession to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women 14a, _________________ 14a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0080.
Amendment 11 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regard to its legislative resolution of 17 April 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Rights and Values programme 16a, _________________ 16a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0407.
Amendment 53 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates its position as regards the budget envelope for the new Rights and Values Programme within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, and calls to ensure that adequate funding is provided for national and local civil society organizations to grow grassroots support for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in the Member States, including Poland;
Amendment 76 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned that the new Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Matters of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘Extraordinary Chamber’), which is composed in majority of judges nominated by the new National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ) and risks not to qualify as independent tribunal in the assessment of the CJEU, is to ascertain the validity of general and local elections and to examine electoral disputes; this raises serious concerns as regards the separation of powers and the functioning of Polish democracy, in that it makes judicial review of electoral disputes particularly vulnerable to political influence and is capable of creating legal uncertainty as to the validity of such review22 ; _________________ 22Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, CDL-AD(2017)031, para. 43; Third Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520 of 26 July 2017, para. 135.
Amendment 80 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned, while recognising the extraordinary circumstances created by the COVID-19 health crisis, about the amendments to the electoral legislation being considered in the Polish parliament shortly before the presidential elections which change the practical organisation of the elections in order to proceed to a vote by postal services, which could impede the elections from taking a fair, secret and equal course, respectful of the right to privacy and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 and which moreover run counter to the case law of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal; stresses, moreover, that it is very difficult to organise a genuine election campaign giving an equal share of attention and equal opportunities to all candidates and programmes and allowing for real public debate in the midst of an epidemic24 ; notes with concern that the elections, originally scheduled to be held on 10 May 2020, were eventually postponed without respecting formal legal requirements; _________________ 23Regulation (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) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1). 24OSCE/ODIHR, Opinion on the draft act on special rules for conducting the general election of the President of the Republic of Poland ordered in 2020 (Senate Paper No. 99), 27 April 2020.
Amendment 88 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the acts concerning the Constitutional Tribunal adopted on 22 December 2015 and 22 July 2016, as well as the package of three acts adopted at the end of 2016, seriously affected the Constitutional Tribunal’s independence and legitimacy and were therefothat the first two acts were declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Tribunal on respectively 9 March 2016 and 11 August 2016; recalls that those judgments were not published at the time nor implemented by the Polish authorities; seriously deplores the lack of independent and effective constitutional review in Poland since the entry into force of the aforementioned legislative changes25 ; invites the Commission to consider launching an infringement procedure in relation to the legislation on the Constitutional Tribunal; _________________ 25 Venice Commission Opinion of 14-15 October 2016, para. 128; UN, Human Rights Committee, Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 31 October 2016, paras 7-8; Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520.
Amendment 91 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that, already in 2017, changes in the method of nomination of candidates to the position of the First President of the Supreme Court deprived the participation of the Supreme Court judges in the selection procedure of any meaningful effect and put the decision in the hands of the President of the Republic; denounces that recent amendments to the act on the Supreme Court even further reduce the participation of the judges in the process of selection of the First President of the Supreme Court by introducing a position of First President ad interim appointed by the President of the Republic and by reducing the quorum in the third round to 32 out of 120 judges only, thereby effectively abandoning the model of power-sharing between the President and the judicial community enshrined in Article 183(3) of the Polish Constitution26 ; notes with concern the irregularities surrounding the nomination of the First President ad interim and his further actions; notes that, on 25 May 2020, the President of the Republic of Poland did not choose the candidate with the largest support among the Supreme Court judges as First President of the Supreme Court; _________________ 26Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, CDL-PI(2020)002, paras 51-55.
Amendment 102 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that, in 2017, two new chambers within the Supreme Court were created, namely the Disciplinary Chamber and the Extraordinary Chamber, which were staffed with newly appointed judges selected by the new NCJ and entrusted with special powers – including the power of the Extraordinary Chamber to quash final judgments taken by lower courts or by the Supreme Court itself by way of extraordinary review, and the power of the Disciplinary Chamber to discipline other (Supreme Court) judgejudges of the Supreme Court and of common courts, creating de facto a “Supreme Court within the Supreme Court”;30 _________________ 30OSCE-ODIHR, Opinion of 13 November 2017, p. 7-20; Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, para. 43; Recommendation (EU) 2018/103, para. 25; GRECO, Addendum to the Fourth Round Evaluation Report on Poland (Rule 34) of 18-22 June 2018, para. 31; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 8.
Amendment 106 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the referring Supreme Court (Labour Chamber) subsequently concluded in its judgment of 5 December 2019 that the Disciplinary Chamber does not fulfil the requirements of an independent and impartial tribunal, and that the Supreme Court (Civil, Criminal and Labour Chambers) adopted a resolution on 23 January 2020 reiterating that the Disciplinary Chamber is not a court due to its lack of independence and therefore its decisions shall be considered null and void; notes with grave concern that the Polish authorities have declared that those decisions are of no legal significance when it comes to the continuing functioning of the Disciplinary Chamber and the NCJ, and that the Constitutional Tribunal has ‘suspended’ the resolution of 23 January 2020, creating a dangerous judiciary duality in Poland and moreover openly defying the primacy of Union law and the status granted to the CJEU by Article 19(1) TEU in that it limits the effectiveness and application of the CJEU’s ruling of 19 November 201932 ; _________________ 32Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 38.
Amendment 112 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the Supreme Court (Labour Chamber), implementing the criteria set out by the CJEU in its judgment of 19 November 2019, found in its judgment of 5 December 2019 and in its decisions of 15 and 23 January 2020 that the decisive role of the new NCJ in the selection of the judges of the newly created Disciplinary Chamber undermines the latter’s independence and impartiality; is concerned about the legal status of the judges appointed or promoted by the NCJ in its current composition and about the impact their participation in adjudicating may have on the validity and legality of proceedings;
Amendment 114 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary (ENCJ) suspended the new NCJ on 17 September 2018 for reason of no longer fulfilling the requirements of being independent of the executive and legislature and is now considering expelling the new NCJ entirelyhas initiated the expulsion procedure in April 202035 ; _________________ 35 ENCJ, Letter of 21 February 2020 by the ENCJ Executive Board. See as well the letter of 4 May 2020 by the European Association of Judges in support of the ENCJ.
Amendment 116 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission to start infringement proceedings against the act of 12 May 2011 on the NCJ as amended in 2017 and to ask the CJEU to suspend the activities of the new NCJ by way of interim measures;
Amendment 126 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Expresses concern regarding the disciplinary proceedings initiated against common court judges in reference to their judicial decisions or public statements in defence of judicial independence;
Amendment 139 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Is concerned about reports alleging undue delays in court proceedings, difficulties in accessing legal assistance during arrest, and instances of insufficient respect for the confidentiality of communication between counsel and client44 ; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the situation of lawyers in Poland; reminds of the right of all citizens to being advised, defended and represented by an independent lawyer according to Article 48 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; _________________ 44UN Human Rights Committee (HRC), Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 23 November 2016, para. 33.
Amendment 150 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Recalls that in its resolution of 14 September 2016, Parliament has expressed its concern about already adopted and newly suggested changes to Polish media law; repeats its call on the Commission to carry out an assessment of the legislation adopted as regards its compatibility with Union Law, in particular, regarding the with Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Union legislation on public media;
Amendment 151 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Recalls that, in its resolution of 16 January 2020, Parliament has called on the Council to address in the hearings under Article 7(1) of the TEU any new developments in the field of freedom of expression, including media freedom; condemns cases of censoring content by the public broadcasters in Poland;
Amendment 163 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Reiterates its call on the Polish government to respect the right of freedom of assembly by removing from the current act of 24 July 2015 on public assemblies, as amended on 13 December 2016, the provisions prioritising government- approved ‘cyclical’ assemblies48 ; urges the authorities to refrain from applying criminal sanctions to people who participate in peaceful assemblies or counter-demonstrations and to drop criminal charges against peaceful protesters; urges the authorities moreover to adequately protect peaceful assemblies; is concerned about the current ban on public assemblies without the introduction of a state of natural disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic and insists on the need to apply the principle of proportionality when restricting the right to assembly during the COVID-19 crisis; _________________ 48 See as well the Communication of 23 April 2018 by UN Experts to urge Poland to ensure free and full participation at climate talks.
Amendment 227 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
46. Recalls its stance expressed in its resolution of 18 December 2019, when it strongly denounced any discrimination against LGBTI people and the violation of their fundamental rights by public authorities, including hate speech by public authorities and elected officials, in the context of elections, the banning of and inadequate protection against attacks on Pride marches and awareness-raising programmes, as well as the declarations of zones in Poland free from so-called ‘LGBT ideology’, and called on the Commission to strongly condemn such public discrimination;
Amendment 234 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Notes that the lack of independence of the judiciary in Poland has already started affecting mutual trust between Poland and other Member States, especially in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, given that national courts have refused to or hesitated to release Polish suspects under the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) procedure due to profound doubts about the independence of the Polish judiciary; points out that mutual trust between the Member States can be restored only once respect for the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU is ensured;
Amendment 252 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the tools available to it, to address a clear risk of a serious breach by Poland of the values on which the Union is founded, in particular expedited infringement procedures and applications for interim measures before the CJEU, as well as budgetary tools; strongly supports the Commission’s approach on inclusion of rule of law conditionality in the future Multiannual Financial Framework; calls on the Commission to continue to keep Parliament regularly informed and closely involved;
Amendment 39 #
2016/0132(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Title 1
Amended proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of biometric data for the effective application of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Regulation on Asylum and Migration Management] and of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Resettlement Regulation], for identifying an illegalrregularly 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 and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/818
Amendment 45 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 52 #
2016/0132(COD)
(5a) ‘It is also necessary to introduce provisions that would ensure the functioning of that system within the interoperability framework established by Regulations (EU) 2019/81725 and 2019/81826 of the European Parliament and of the Council. , while ensuring that access rights for the relevant authorities remain governed by the underlying legal instruments. __________________ 25Regulation (EU) 2019/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of borders and visa and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2016/399, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240, (EU) 2018/1726 and (EU) 2018/1861 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decisions 2004/512/EC and 2008/633/JHA, OJ L 135, 22.5.2019, p. 27- 84 26Regulation (EU) 2019/818 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1726, (EU) 2018/1862 and (EU) 2019/816, OJ L 135, 22.5.2019, p. 85–135
Amendment 57 #
2016/0132(COD)
(5c) Likewise, fFor the purpose of managing irregular migration, it is necessary to allow eu-LISAand providing useful statistics to policy makers to encourage evidence- based policy making, eu-LISA shall be able to produce cross-system statistics using data from Eurodac, the Visa Information System, ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System. In order to specify the content of these cross-system statistics, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) 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 the Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers.’;
Amendment 62 #
2016/0132(COD)
(11a) ‘For that purpose, it also necessary to clearly mark in Eurodac the fact that an application for international protection has been rejected where the third-country national or stateless person has no right to remain and has not been allowed to remain in accordance with Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation].’;
Amendment 68 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 77 #
2016/0132(COD)
(c) assist with the controlsupervision of irregular immigration to the Union and with the detection of secondary movements within the Union and with the identification of illegalrregularly staying third- country nationals and stateless persons for determining the appropriate measures to be taken by Member States ;
Amendment 83 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 86 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 88 #
2016/0132(COD)
(ga) gather statistics on persons seeking international protection, on persons arriving irregularly in the Union, on persons disembarked in the Union following search and rescue operations, on persons arriving for the purposes of resettlement or humanitarian admission, and on persons granted and refused international protection in order to support evidence-based Union asylum and migration policy making.
Amendment 89 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. Without prejudice to the processing of data intended for Eurodac by the Member State of origin in databases set up under the latter's national law, biometric data and other personal dataBiometric data and other personal data collected for Eurodac may be processed in Eurodac only for the purposes set out in this Regulation, in Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Regulation on Asylum and Migration Management] and in Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Resettlement Regulation] .’;
Amendment 92 #
2016/0132(COD)
2a. This Regulation shall be implemented in full compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to respect for one’s private life and to the protection of personal data. In that respect, processing of personal data shall not lead to discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Amendment 96 #
2016/0132(COD)
(p) “CIR” means the common identity repository as defined in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2019/818 which shall replace the central system of Eurodac to the extent that it stores the personal data referred to in Article 18 of that Regulation;
Amendment 102 #
2016/0132(COD)
(c) the common identity repository (CIR) as referred to in Article 17(2) of Regulation 2019/818 that shall replace the Central System to the extent that it stores the personal data referred to in Article 18 of that Regulation;
Amendment 104 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. The CIR shall contain the personal data referred to in Article 12, points (a) to (f), (h) and (i), Article 13(2) (a) to (f), (h), and (i), Article 14(2) (a) to (f), (h) and (i) and Article 14a(a) to (f), (h) and (i). The remaining Eurodac data shall be stored in the Central System.
Amendment 107 #
2016/0132(COD)
5. DBiometric data on persons covered by Articles 10(1), 13(1), 14(1) and 14a(1) which are processed in the Central System shall be processed on behalf of the Member State of origin under the conditions set out in this Regulation and in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 or Directive (EU) 2016/680 as appropriate, and shall be separated by appropriate technical means.
Amendment 111 #
2016/0132(COD)
6. All datasets registered in Eurodac corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person shall be linked in a sequence. Where a search is launched with the fingerprints in the dataset of a third-country national or stateless person and a hit is obtained against at least one other set of fingerprints in another dataset corresponding to that same third country national or stateless person, Eurodac shall automatically link those datasets on the basis of the fingerprints comparison. If necessary, the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with Article 26However, its access from both the designated Member States authorities and the European Union authorized agencies must be strictly regulated, in order to effectively safeguard a person’s right to privacy and to data protection. Hence, such access shall, namely, be limited in time and restricted to the data relevant for the very specific performance of their tasks. Moreover, in case of any doubt, the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with Article 26. Where a dataset registered in Eurodac is deleted, the existence of a link to that dataset shall also be deleted automatically. When the receiving Member State confirms the hit, it shall send a notification to eu-LISA that will confirm the linking.
Amendment 113 #
2016/0132(COD)
7. The rules governing Eurodac shall also apply to operations carried out by the Member States as from the transmission of data to the Central System or the CIR until use is made of the results of the comparison.’;
Amendment 116 #
2016/0132(COD)
1. From [the date of application of this Regulation], the Central System of EurodacEurodac component of the CIR shall be connected to the European search portal referred to in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/818 in order to enable the automated processing referred to in Article 1120 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240.
Amendment 117 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. The automated processing referred to in Article 1120 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 shall enable the verifications provided for in Article 20 and the subsequent verifications of Articles 22 and 26 of that Regulation.
Amendment 120 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. For the purposes of Article 1(1)(f), tThe ETIAS National Units, shall have access to and may consult the Eurodac, in a read-only format, for the purpose of examining applications for travel authorisation. In particular, the ETIAS National Units may consult the data referred to in Articles 12, 13, 14 and 14a.
Amendment 125 #
2016/0132(COD)
From the [date of application of the Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX amending the VIS Regulation], as provided for in Article [9] of that Regulation, Eurodac shall be connected to the European search portal referred to in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/817 in order to enable the automated processing referred to in Article [9a] of Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 in orderand therefore to query Eurodac and compare the relevant data in the Visa Information System with the relevant data in Eurodac. The verifications shall be without prejudice to the specific rules provided for in Article 9(b) of Regulation 767/2008.’;
Amendment 126 #
2016/0132(COD)
(b) the number of rejected applicants resulting from the linking process referred to in Article 4(6) and pursuant to Article 12(zax);
Amendment 127 #
2016/0132(COD)
(c) the number of data sets transmitted on persons referred to in Articles 10(1), 13(1), 14 in so far as such persons are not covered by the datasets referred to in Article 10(1), 14(1), in so far as such persons are not covered by the datasets referred to in Article 10 (1) and 14a(1);
Amendment 132 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iii) who were illegalrregularly staying in a Member State,
Amendment 134 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iva) who have been granted international protection in a Member State;
Amendment 135 #
2016/0132(COD)
(ivb) who were minors at the time the dataset was registered in Eurodac;
Amendment 138 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iii) who were illegalrregularly staying in a Member State;
Amendment 140 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iva) who have been granted international protection in a Member State;
Amendment 141 #
2016/0132(COD)
(ivb) who were minors at the time the dataset was registered in Eurodac;
Amendment 144 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iii) who were illegalrregularly staying in a Member State,
Amendment 145 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iva) who have been granted international protection in a Member State;
Amendment 146 #
2016/0132(COD)
(ivb) who were minors at the time the dataset was registered in Eurodac;
Amendment 149 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iii) who were illegalrregularly staying in a Member State,
Amendment 150 #
2016/0132(COD)
(iva) who have been granted international protection in a Member State;
Amendment 151 #
2016/0132(COD)
(ivb) who were minors at the time the dataset was registered in Eurodac;
Amendment 153 #
2016/0132(COD)
(m) the number of requests made for persons referred to inin accordance with Article 31;
Amendment 154 #
2016/0132(COD)
(n) the number of hits received from the Central System as referred to in Article 26(64).
Amendment 156 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. The monthly statistical data for persons referred to in paragraph 1(a) to (n) shall be published each month. At the end of each year, the yearly statistical data for persons referred to in paragraph 1(a) to (n) shall be published by eu-LISA. The statistical data shall be broken down by Member State. The statistical data for persons referred to in paragraph 1 (c) shall, where possible, be broken down by year of birth and sexgender.
Amendment 159 #
2016/0132(COD)
3. For the purpose of supporting the objective referred to in Article 1(c) and Article 1(h), eu- LISA shall produce monthly cross-system statistics. Those statistics shall not allow for the identification of individuals and will use data from Eurodac, the Visa Information System, ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System.
Amendment 163 #
2016/0132(COD)
These statistics shall be made available to the European Parliament, to the Commission, to the [European Union Agency for Asylum], to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and to the Member States. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, specify the content of the monthly cross-system statistics. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 41a(2).
Amendment 166 #
2016/0132(COD)
4. At the request of the Commission, eu-LISA shall provide it with statistics on specific aspects related to the application of this Regulation as well as the statistics pursuant to paragraph 1 and shall, upon request, make them available to a Member State, the European Parliament, and to the [European Union Agency for Asylum].
Amendment 167 #
2016/0132(COD)
5. eu-LISA shall store the data referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article, which shall not, under any circumstance, allow for the identification of individuals, for no longer than five years, for research and analysis purposes, thus enabling the authorities referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article to obtain customisable reports and statistics in the central repository for reporting and statistics referred to in Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 2019/818. After five years, the data shall be erased.
Amendment 170 #
2016/0132(COD)
6. Access to the central repository for reporting and statistics referred to in Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 2019/818 shall be granted to eu-LISA, to the Commission, to the [European Union Agency for Asylum] and to the authorities designated by each Member State in accordance with Article 28(2). Access may also be granted to authorised users of other Justice and Home Affairs Agencies if such access is relevant for the implementation of their tasks.’;
Amendment 174 #
2016/0132(COD)
1. Each Member State shall, in a protection-sensitive manner, take the biometric data of every applicant for international protection of at least sixfourteen years of age during the screening as referred to in Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Screening Regulation] or, where the biometric data could not be taken during the screening or where the applicant was not subject to screening, upon the registration of the application for international protection referred to in Article 27 of Regulation (EU) No XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation] and shall, as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after the biometric data have been taken , transmit them together with the data referred to in Article 12 (c) to (p) of this Regulation to the Central System and to the CIR as appropriate in accordance with Article 4(2).
Amendment 177 #
2016/0132(COD)
Where Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Screening Regulation] applies and the person applies for international protection during screening, for every applicant for international protection of at least sixfourteen years of age, each Member State shall use the biometric data taken during screening and transmit them together with the data referred to in Article 12 (c) to (p) of this Regulation to the Central System and to the CIR as appropriate in accordance with Article 4(2), no later than 72 hours from the registration of the application referred to in Article 27 of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation].
Amendment 178 #
2016/0132(COD)
Where a Member State is unable to conclude whether a minor is fourteen years old or more, Member States shall assume that the applicant is under fourteen years of age.
Amendment 181 #
2016/0132(COD)
4. Each data set collected and transmitted in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be linked with other sets of data corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person in a sequence as set out in Article 4(6).’, and respecting the limitations there established.';
Amendment 185 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 188 #
2016/0132(COD)
Only the following data shall be recorded in the Central System andor in the CIR as appropriate:
Amendment 190 #
2016/0132(COD)
(h) sexgender;
Amendment 196 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 206 #
2016/0132(COD)
1. Each Member State shall, in a protection-sensitive manner, promptly take the biometric data of every third- country national or stateless person of at least sixfourteen years of age who is apprehended by the competent control authorities in connection with the irregular crossing by land, sea or air of the border of that Member State having come from a third country and who is not turned back or who remains physically on the territory of the Member States and who is not kept in custody, confinement or detention during the entirety of the period between apprehension and removal on the basis of the decision to turn him or her back. Where a Member State is unable to conclude whether a minor is fourteen years old or more, Member States shall assume that the applicant is under fourteen years of age.
Amendment 208 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. The Member State concerned shall, as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after the date of apprehension, transmit to the Central System andor to the CIR as appropriate the following data in relation to any third-country national or stateless person, as referred to in paragraph 1, who is not turned back:
Amendment 210 #
2016/0132(COD)
(h) sexgender;
Amendment 217 #
2016/0132(COD)
(q) where applicable, the fact that assistance for voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) has been granted,.
Amendment 218 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 222 #
2016/0132(COD)
8. Each data set collected and transmitted in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be linked with other sets of data corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person in a sequence as set out in Article 4(6)., and respecting the limitations there established;
Amendment 225 #
2016/0132(COD)
1. Each Member State shall, in a protection-sensitive manner, promptly take the biometric data of every third- country national or stateless person of at least sixfourteen years of age who is illegalrregularly staying within its territory. Where a Member State is unable to conclude whether a minor is fourteen years old or more, Member States shall assume that the applicant is under fourteen years of age.
Amendment 226 #
2016/0132(COD)
2. The Member State concerned shall, as soon as possible and no later than 72- hours after the third-country national or the stateless person has been found to be illegalrregularly staying, transmit to the Central System and to the CIR as appropriate the following data in relation to any third- country national or stateless person, as referred to in paragraph 1:
Amendment 227 #
2016/0132(COD)
(h) sexgender;
Amendment 228 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 229 #
2016/0132(COD)
6. Each data set collected and transmitted in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be linked with other sets of data corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person in a sequence as set out in Article 4(6)., and respecting the limitations there established;
Amendment 233 #
2016/0132(COD)
1. Each Member State shall, in a protection-sensitive manner, promptly take the biometric data of every third- country national or stateless person of at least sixfourteen years of age who is disembarked following a search and rescue operation as defined in Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Regulation on Asylum and Migration Management]. Where a Member State is unable to conclude whether a minor is fourteen years old or more, Member States shall assume that the applicant is under fourteen years of age.
Amendment 236 #
2016/0132(COD)
(h) sexgender;
Amendment 242 #
2016/0132(COD)
Amendment 243 #
2016/0132(COD)
7. Where requested by the Member State concerned, the biometric data may, under reasoned grounds, also be taken and transmitted on behalf of that Member State by members of the European Border and Coast Guard Teams or experts of the asylum support teams when exercising powers and performing their tasks in accordance with Regulation(EU) 2019/1896 and Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [EU Agency for Asylum Regulation].
Amendment 244 #
2016/0132(COD)
8. Each data set collected and transmitted in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be linked with other sets of data corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person in a sequence as set out in Article 4(6)., and respecting the limitations there established;
Amendment 260 #
2016/0132(COD)
4. For the purposes laid down in Article 1(1)(a) and (c), the Member State of origin which issued a residence document to an illegalrregularly staying third- country national or stateless person whose data were previously recorded in the Central System and in the CIR as appropriate pursuant to Article 13 (2) and 14(2) or to a third-country national or stateless person disembarked following a search and rescue operation whose data were previously recorded in the Central System and in the CIR as appropriate pursuant to Article 14a(2) shall mark the relevant data in conformity with the requirements for electronic communication with the Central System established by eu- LISA. That mark shall be stored in the Central System in accordance with Article 17(2), (3) and (3a) for the purpose of transmission under Article 15 and 16. The Central System shall, as soon as possible and no later than 72-hours, inform all Member States of origin of the marking of data by another Member State of origin having produced a hit with data which they transmitted relating to persons referred to in Articles 10(1), 13(1), 14(1), or 14a(1). Those Member States of origin shall also mark the corresponding data sets.
Amendment 263 #
2016/0132(COD)
5. The data of illegalrregularly staying third- country nationals or stateless persons stored in the Central System and in the CIR and marked pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article shall be made available for comparison for the purposes laid down in Article 1(1)(d) until such data is automatically erased from the Central System and from the CIR in accordance with Article 17 (4).
Amendment 270 #
2016/0132(COD)
(a) surname (family name), surname at birth, first name(s) (given name(s)), date of birth, place of birth, sexgender, current nationality;
Amendment 276 #
2016/0132(COD)
(aa) surname(s); forename(s); name(s) at birth, previously used names and aliases; date of birth, place of birth, nationality(ies) and sexgender as referred to in Article 12 to 14a of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation];;