344 Amendments of Vangelis MEIMARAKIS
Amendment 231 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reaffirms its unwavering support for the EU and its Member States to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression and to provide it with the necessary military means to defend itself, end the conflict and restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; welcomes the joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine, and the bilateral security agreements concluded by Ukraine with several Member States; reiterates its call for Member States to accelerate their delivery of weapons, air defence systems and ammunition to Ukraine, including air-launched cruise missiles; calls for Member States to lift all restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against military targets within Russia, as allowed by international law; notes at the same time that military support, including supplies from third states through all available EU instruments, will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States;
Amendment 461 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate an open discussion based on the recommendations presented in Mr Draghi’s report on the future of European competiveness, including increasing the resources allocated to security and defence in the next multiannual financial framework and exploring all funding options to this end; further calls on Member States to amend the EPF financing process to ensure adequate and sustainable support for partners and allies, while also aligning with CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 773 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the importance of NATO and the EU playing complementary, coherent and mutually reinforcing roles in supporting international security and thus avoiding the duplication of defence effortsEU’s strategic partnership with NATO, in full respect of the agreed guiding principles of transparency, reciprocity and inclusiveness, as well as the decision- making autonomy and procedures of each organisation; this strategic partnership aims at reinforcing international security; welcomes the accession of Sweden to NATO in 2024, following Finland in 2023, representing a historic step forward in strengthening security in Europe;
Amendment 818 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Considers it essWelcomes the intentialon to formalise a security and defence partnership with the United Kingdom as a means of strengthening European security and the European pillar of NATO, in particular in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to India’s G-20 presidency which started on 1 December 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in 2022, the EU and India marked the 60th anniversary of their bilateral partnership; whereas this partnership has gained momentum in recent years but has not yet reached its full potential, reflecting renewed political will to strengthen its strategic dimensions across a number of sectors and policy areas, reflecting India’s rising geopolitical power and shared democratic values;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU and India, as the world’s two largest democracies, share strong political, economic, social and cultural ties; whereas the EU and India affirm their determination to preserve and promote effective multilateralism and a rules-based multilateral order; whereas bilateral relations have not yet reached their full potential and require further political engagement;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the EU and India jointly consider the following as priority areas of cooperation: foreign and security policy, environment and climate change, digitalisation, sustainable development, connectivity, research and development;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas India’s regional and global importance and relevance are growing as it is positioning itself as a regional economic and military power and strengthening partnerships and boosting economic and defence ties in particular across Southeast Asia; whereas through its strategic framework vested in its Global Strategy, its Strategy on India, its Strategy for EU- Asia Connectivity and the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the EU recognises India’s growing geostrategic importance and underlines the need to cooperate on the global arena and converge on a common global agenda;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas India is estimated to have become the most populous country in the world, surpassing the People’s Republic of China in 2023;
Amendment 40 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) continue to promote and fully implement the EU Strategy on India of 2018 and the EU-India Roadmap to 2025 in close coordination with Member States’ own actions to actively engage with India;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) consolidate the EU’s public diplomacy efforts to improve mutual understanding between the EU, its Member States and India in order to help to address the knowledge deficit on both sides and reinforce mutual awareness, involving academia and think-tanks;
Amendment 52 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) further enhance the growing cooperation and promote greater synergies in foreign and security policy through the existing dialogue mechanisms and within fora established by the EU-India Roadmap to 2025 in line with the EU’s renewed commitment to diversify relations in the Indo-Pacific, a region exposed to China’s increasingly assertive posture in and around the South China Sea;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) hold the bilateral security dialogues on an annual basis, and with greater involvement of EU Member States;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) expand EU-India cooperation on maritime security as an area of considerable potential; advocate for the deepening and broadening of cooperation between the EU and India in the realm of maritime security, recognizing the significant untapped potential in this domain; emphasize the importance of joint efforts to safeguard maritime routes, counter piracy, protect against illegal fishing, and address maritime threats;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) strengthen cooperation and work towards tangible outcomes on shared objectives of non-proliferation and disarmament, maritime security, counter- terrorism, including anti-money- laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and cyber-security;
Amendment 78 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) emphasise that greater engagement between the EU and India in security and defence contributes to promoting shared security, stability and peaceful development in the Indo-Pacific; seek to coordinate, where appropriate, EU and Indian policies on the Indo-Pacific and expand areas of common interest in the region; underline that preserving peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region remains of critical importance to the EU and its member states; encourage further common reading of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(gc) recall that the Indo-Pacific is a region of strategic importance to the EU, with over one third of all European exports going to the region and a majority of those transiting through the sea lanes of in the Indian and Pacific Oceans; stress that the EU is dependent on unimpeded maritime highways that pass through the Indo-Pacific and has therefore a clear interest in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region; recall that India has defined the Indo- Pacific region as the area spanning from the shores of Africa to that of the Americas therefore covering both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, seeing itself as the centre of the Indian Ocean and positioning itself as an integral part of the regional architecture, while signalling its readiness to engage with global norms;
Amendment 82 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
(gd) take note that as part of its efforts to increase its regional clout, India has sought to diversify partnerships and has upgraded relations with Japan, Australia, France and ASEAN in the economic, security, maritime and diplomatic fields, seeking further integration with Southeast Asia and deepening strategic cooperation in order to enhance common understanding of the region’s security challenges; welcome India’s efforts to increase its own engagement to enhance maritime domain awareness of the Indian Ocean region through, for example, the establishment and subsequent expansion of Coastal Radar Surveillance Systems; welcome India’s efforts to position itself as a key security partner in the Indian Ocean and its desire to play a bigger role in the region;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) engage in a discussion on a reform of the UN Security Council and working methods and support India’s bid for permanent membership of the reformed UN Security Council;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
(hb) promote joint action to coordinate development and humanitarian aid, strengthen connectivity and develop infrastructure in the Global South, as well as in strengthening the democratic processes and countering authoritarian trends and all kinds of extremism;
Amendment 100 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) continue to monitor closely the worrying situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, in particular the respect for the fundamental freedoms of the Kashmiri people; remain committed to supporting stability and de-escalation between India and Pakistan;
Amendment 103 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) renew EU efforts for restoration of good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan, remains committed to supporting stability and de-escalation between the two neighbours; believes that a rapprochement between India and Pakistan is only possible on the basis of the principles of international law, through a comprehensive dialogue and a step-by-step approach;
Amendment 104 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) monitor closely the fragile situation around the unresolved border dispute between India and China, two nuclear powers ; note with concern the permanent tension in relations between India and China, due to unresolved border disputes, but also China’s expansive policy and substantial ongoing military build-up as well as its assertive policy in the South China Sea; welcome therefore India’s effort to contribute to regional stability in the face of rising Chinese assertiveness by engaging with the region along the norms of the rules-based international order;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) continue to express concern about India’s Citizenship Amendment Act; encourage India to guarantee the right to freely practice the religion of one’s choice enshrined in Article 25 of its constitution; recognise that Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities are equal in dignity and rights before the law; counter and condemn hate speech;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(qa) promote freedom of expression and media freedom; emphasize the importance of upholding freedom of expression and media freedom in India; remind India of its constitutional obligation to protect journalists and media professionals and create an environment conducive to diverse and independent journalism;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
(qb) highlight the value of promoting diversity and inclusivity in Indian society, with a focus on eliminating discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, and ethnicity;
Amendment 177 #
2023/2128(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) invite India to join the EU in leading the global conversation on the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence and to advance human-rights based artificial intelligence; encourage collaborative efforts to set international standards and guidelines for responsible AI deployment that prioritize human rights and ethical considerations;
Amendment 217 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respects and upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and other vulnerable groups and promotes their economic inclusivity in the overall economic convergence pursued by the beneficiary. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 217 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respects and upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and other vulnerable groups and promotes their economic inclusivity in the overall economic convergence pursued by the beneficiary. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 283 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) The Commission should provide an bi-annual report on the progress with the implementation of the Regulation and the Facility to the European Parliament and to the Committee referred to in this Regulation. The bi-annual report should include a detailed assessment of the added value and additionality of this Facility, of synergies and complementarities between support covered under this Facility and Regulation (EU) 2021/1529, as well as a description of the arrangements and measures taken by the Commission to avoid double funding, with a view to protecting the Union budget.
Amendment 283 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) The Commission should provide an bi-annual report on the progress with the implementation of the Regulation and the Facility to the European Parliament and to the Committee referred to in this Regulation. The bi-annual report should include a detailed assessment of the added value and additionality of this Facility, of synergies and complementarities between support covered under this Facility and Regulation (EU) 2021/1529, as well as a description of the arrangements and measures taken by the Commission to avoid double funding, with a view to protecting the Union budget.
Amendment 305 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. in line with the general objective of the IPA III, accelerate alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership;
Amendment 305 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. in line with the general objective of the IPA III, accelerate alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership;
Amendment 309 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) Move towards full alignment of the beneficiaries with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including restrictive measures;
Amendment 309 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) Move towards full alignment of the beneficiaries with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including restrictive measures;
Amendment 311 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) Promote gender equality, non- discrimination and tolerance to ensure and strengthen respect of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and persons in other vulnerable situations, and promote their economic inclusivity in the overall economic convergence pursued by the beneficiary;
Amendment 311 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) Promote gender equality, non- discrimination and tolerance to ensure and strengthen respect of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and persons in other vulnerable situations, and promote their economic inclusivity in the overall economic convergence pursued by the beneficiary;
Amendment 382 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue toimprove, uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, also in view of threats to the EU Financial interests, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively with clearly measurable progress and tangible results in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 382 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue toimprove, uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, also in view of threats to the EU Financial interests, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively with clearly measurable progress and tangible results in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 465 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) The Reform Agenda shall in particular set out the following elements, which shall be reasoned and substantiated: a) measures constituting a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the objectives set out in Article 3, including structural reforms, investments, and measures to ensure compliance with preconditions if appropriate;
Amendment 465 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) The Reform Agenda shall in particular set out the following elements, which shall be reasoned and substantiated: a) measures constituting a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the objectives set out in Article 3, including structural reforms, investments, and measures to ensure compliance with preconditions if appropriate;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Amendment 8 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the negotiating framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, and the fact that, as with all accession countries, Turkey’s accession to the EU depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, and to the need to normalise its relations with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
Amendment 14 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 of 11 November 2019 concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, as most recently renewed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2186 of 8 November 2022
Amendment 30 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
Amendment 38 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye, in particular those of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey1 and of 19 May 2021 on the 2019-2020 Commission Reports on Turkey2 and of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey, _________________ 1 OJ C 493, 27.12.2022, p. 2. 2 OJ C 15, 12.1.2022, p. 81.
Amendment 43 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
Amendment 64 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a key trade and economic partner, as well as a key partner on migration;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s key location allows it to play an instrumental, strategicmportant role in the events;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, in the aftermath of tensions between the EU and Turkey, particularly in relation to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Council expressed readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner in a number of areas of common interest provided that the de-escalation is sustained and that Turkey engages constructively, and subject to the established conditionalities set out in previous European Council conclusions;
Amendment 123 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reminds Türkiye that, as a candidate country, it is required to align itself with the EU acquis in all aspects, including values, interests, standards and policies, to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria, to align with EU policies and objectives, and to pursue and maintain good neighbourly relations with the EU and all its Member States without discrimination;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Regrets that, during the reporting period, limited or no progress at all has been registered in most fields. There was serious backsliding in key areas such as democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the press and the judiciary. In the field of good neighbourly relations, Türkiye’s aggression against Greece reached unprecedented levels up until the devastating earthquakes of February 2023;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Regrets Türkiye’s continued denial of access to vessels under the flag of one Member State, namely the Republic of Cyprus, to the Straits of Bosporus and the Dardanelles, as well as the additional unilateral measures taken on the flow of ships which complicated the transport of Ukrainian grain to ports outside Türkiye;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. AcknowledgesTakes note of the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to; underlines the paramount importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions and urges Turkey to ensure the full respect of those sanctions, in particular taking into account the free circulation of products, including dual use goods, within the EU-Turkey Customs Union; highlights, its expectation that Turkey will avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments, thus clearly circumvent suching EU sanctions;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on Türkiye to fully align itself with the sanctions and restrictive measures taken by the EU against the Russian and Belarusian authorities and individuals responsible for the illegal aggression against Ukraine and avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments. Deplores the fact that circumvention of EU sanctions by Türkiye undermines the collective efforts of the EU and of its allies to limit Russia’s ability to continue its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 158 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DFurther deplores, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible;
Amendment 173 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye; calls on Turkey to fully implement all judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in line with Article 46 of the ECHR, as well as the payment of just satisfaction awarded by the ECtHR, an unconditional obligation deriving from Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Takes note of the efforts made by Turkey to continue hosting a large refugee population; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and expresses its commitment to sustaining this support in the future; calls on the Commission to ensure the utmost transparency and accuracy in the allocation of funds under the successor to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, ensuring that the funds are primarily given directly to the refugees and host communities and managed by organisations that guarantee accountability and transparency; supports an objective assessment of the cooperation between the EU and Turkey on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides complying with their respective commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands, or the activation of the Voluntary Humanitarian Admissions Scheme; firmly objects to any instrumentalisation of migrants by the Turkish Government; notes that a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in Cyprus over the past years and recalls Turkey’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent the creation of new sea or land routes for illegal migration from Turkey to the EU;
Amendment 244 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; encourages Turkey to pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, including settling the dispute of the Armenian Genocide, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage; encourages Turkey, once again, to recognise the Armenian Genocide;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomesTakes note that, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions;
Amendment 266 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022; mains fully aware that any positive dynamics can be easily reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; continues to urge Turkey to engage in a bona fide peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; continues, in particular, to call Turkey to show genuine collective engagement to negotiating the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the continental shelf in good faith and in line with international rules and principles; condemns, in this regard, the harassment by Turkish warships of research vessels performing surveys within the EEZ delimitated by the Republic of Cyprus; expresses its total solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its EEZ and to explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with international law; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is part of the EU acquis; supports the invitation extended to Turkey by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their respective coast lines, or to have recourse to the International Court of Justice, and calls on Turkey to accept Cyprus’s invitation;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observedpositive momentum that appears to be developing recently in the eEastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake offollowing the February earthquakes, and expresses its hopes that a possible new erAnkara will demonstrate a sin Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiycere commitment to good neighbourly relations, abandoning its aggressive and aill EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problemegal practices and claims and engage in dialogue with Greece, in good faith and on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;international law, in order to resolve the only outstanding difference between the two countries, which is the delimitation of their respective EEZ and continental shelf.
Amendment 288 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, therefore posing a major threat not only to Turkey, but also to the Mediterranean region; asks the Turkish Government to involve the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture; to facilitate an experts’ mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency for inspection of the facility after the devastating earthquakes; to align its legislation with relevant EU acquis on nuclear safety and proceed with cross- border cooperation with neighboring states; to accede to the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Trans-boundary Context and the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.
Amendment 291 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;
Amendment 295 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Amendment 301 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Regrets that Türkiye’s position regarding the resolution of the Cyprus issue remains unchanged and that the Turkish support for a two state solution is not in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions. Further regrets that Türkiye pursues illegal activities in the maritime zones of Cyprus, has failed to implement in a non discriminatory manner the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement and continues the policy of “faits accomplis”, especially in the fenced area of Varosha.
Amendment 303 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Deplores Türkiye’s ongoing campaign for the international upgrading of the illegal secessionist entity of the occupied part of Cyprus, mainly in international organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, but also on a bilateral level, in blatant violation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions 541/1983 and 550/1984 and in spite of strong condemnation by the EU and others.
Amendment 308 #
Amendment 309 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Notes that no significant progress was registered with regard to the protection of the rights of non-Muslim minorities and expects Turkish authorities to respect and protect the property and educational rights of minorities, and recognize the legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; Furthermore, urges Turkey to allow the re-opening of the Halki Seminary, respect the historical and cultural character of monuments, especially those classified as UNESCO World Heritage, apply the relevant to the religious communities and minorities recommendations of the Venice Commission and implement all relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and resolutions of the CoE, including on the Greek Orthodox population of the islands Gökçeada (Imvros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos);
Amendment 314 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
13e. Reminds Türkiye that Hagia Sophia is a symbol of the ecumenical Christian Orthodox tradition and the Byzantine spirit, a monument globally renowned for its unparalleled historic cultural and architectural significance, inscribed since 1985 in the World Heritage List of UNESCO;
Amendment 315 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)
Paragraph 13 f (new)
13f. Underlines that the decisions to turn Hagia Sophia and the Church of Holy Saviour of Chora into mosques, in July 2020 and August 2020 respectively, constitute serious challenges to the inter- faith and inter-cultural dialogue in the region, while degrading the Christian heritage in the country;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 g (new)
Paragraph 13 g (new)
13g. Reminds that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, by its decision adopted during its 44th Session in July 2021, has expressed great concern about the potential impact of status change on the Οutstanding Universal Value of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Museum and has called on Türkiye to engage in international cooperation and dialogue before any further major changes are implemented at the property;
Amendment 318 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 h (new)
Paragraph 13 h (new)
13h. Regrets that no steps have been taken to open the Halki (Heybeliada) Greek Orthodox Seminary, which remains closed since 1971;
Amendment 319 #
2022/2205(INI)
13i. Calls on Türkiye to fully implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe on protecting minority property rights and education rights, especially by taking steps to revise the relevant legislation on the issue of property rights of non-Muslim minorities and legislation covering all issues of property rights;
Amendment 320 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 j (new)
Paragraph 13 j (new)
13j. Reminds that past discriminatory policies implemented by Türkiye brought the Greek Minority to the verge of extinction;
Amendment 321 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 k (new)
Paragraph 13 k (new)
Amendment 322 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 l (new)
Paragraph 13 l (new)
13l. Notes that minorities continued to face difficulties in many areas, such as the lack of legal status for religious institutions, the absence of protection for languages, the lack of schooling support, and clergy training, the decrease of the number of media programs in minority languages, as well as obstacles in enjoying property rights for foundations; further notes that the lack of legal personality for minority communities’ churches, synagogues, patriarchates, monasteries, and chief rabbinates is an impediment to their freedom of association and religion and to enjoying their property rights;
Amendment 323 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 m (new)
Paragraph 13 m (new)
13m. Deplores that no steps were taken to revise school textbooks, in order to remove discriminatory references, including against non-Muslim minorities;
Amendment 324 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 n (new)
Paragraph 13 n (new)
13n. Calls on Türkiye to fully respect language, religion, culture, cultural heritage and fundamental rights of minorities in accordance with European standards, to put in place mechanisms that will support the participation of minorities in decision-making processes and ensure that they are duly represented in the public administration; further calls on Türkiye to continue the reform process and introduce legislation, which makes it possible for all non-Muslim religious communities to acquire legal personality as underlined by the Venice Commission in 2010;
Amendment 325 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Wider EU-Turkey relations and Turkish foreign policy
Amendment 326 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 o (new)
Paragraph 13 o (new)
13o. Calls on Türkiye to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice and to avoid threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations. Calls also on Türkiye to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States as well as their sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea, and in particular, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
Amendment 327 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 p (new)
Paragraph 13 p (new)
13p. Expresses its concern that Türkiye even contested the sovereignty of Greece, over specific Greek islands of the Eastern Aegean Sea, on the unfounded basis of an alleged obligation for their demilitarization;
Amendment 328 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 q (new)
Paragraph 13 q (new)
13q. Expresses deep concern that Türkiye continues to uphold a formal threat of war against Greece (casus belli), should the latter exercise its lawful right to extend its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, in accordance with Article 3 of UNCLOS, which also reflects customary international law; emphasizes that such a threat is in stark violation of the UN Charter, which explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force and undermines regional peace and stability;
Amendment 329 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 r (new)
Paragraph 13 r (new)
Amendment 330 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 s (new)
Paragraph 13 s (new)
13s. Strongly condemns the instrumentalisation of migrants by Türkiye for its own political purposes and expresses concern regarding efforts by Türkiye to place under its control yet another migration route in the Central Mediterranean;
Amendment 331 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 t (new)
Paragraph 13 t (new)
13t. Requests Türkiye to honour and comply with its commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from Greece and to refrain from instrumentalizing migrants for political purposes; further requests Türkiye to uphold its obligation to take necessary measures to dismantle smuggling networks operating on its territory and to prevent the creation of new sea or land routes for illegal migration from Türkiye to the EU;
Amendment 332 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 u (new)
Paragraph 13 u (new)
13u. Condemns Türkiye’s refusal to implement Articles 4 and 6 of the EU- Turkey Readmission Agreement for the readmission of third-country nationals, in disrespect of its obligations vis-à-vis the EU. Deplores that Türkiye links the implementation of these articles to visa liberalization, when full implementation of the readmission Agreement is one of the prerequisites for visa liberalization and recalls that the visa liberalization process, the upgrading of the Customs Union and the accession process have their own benchmarks and requirements, according to the EU institutional and legal framework;
Amendment 333 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 v (new)
Paragraph 13 v (new)
13v. Regrets that Türkiye’s positions and policy vis-a-vis Libya have remained vastly unchanged and condemns the signature of the two memoranda of understanding between Türkiye and Libya on comprehensive security and military cooperation and on the delimitation of maritime zones; condemns furthermore, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas between Türkiye and the National Accord Government of Libya (November 2019), which ignores Greece’s sovereign rights in the area concerned, infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States, does not comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third States;
Amendment 334 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 w (new)
Paragraph 13 w (new)
13w. Notes with concern that Türkiye signed, in October 2022, a new MoU on hydrocarbons with the Libyan Government of National Unity, which could have serious consequences for regional stability, to the extent that it would entail a direct or indirect implementation of the 2019 MoU, in areas where Greece and other third countries have sovereign rights in accordance with the international Law of the Sea;
Amendment 347 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partneactor for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;
Amendment 348 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a keyn important partner for the stabilecurity of the wider region and a vitalsignificant ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;
Amendment 359 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realisticaffirms nevertheless its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU-Türkiye Turkey relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on and constructive dialogue with the Government of Turkey and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society and promote convergence with the EU;
Amendment 362 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers, in view of all the above, that and, in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive procesfrom Türkiye, that a strategic discussion should be initiated within the European Council regarding the future of EU - Türkiye relations;
Amendment 367 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Reaffirms that the EU's policy towards Türkiye is based on a dual approach, which favours open channels of communication and cooperation with Ankara (positive agenda/High Level Dialogues) in areas of common interest, in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner and provided that Türkiye sustains de-escalation, as well as appropriate negative measures in case Türkiye persists in its provocative, revisionist and illegal actions.
Amendment 373 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remainas well as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereign rights lie at the heart of good neighbourly relations between the EU and Türkiye and that any framework for those relations should be firmly underpinned by the principles of international law and multilateralism;
Amendment 392 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principlesfundamental freedoms, respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, and that it can only be envisaged upon Turkey’s full implementation of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;
Amendment 393 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Regrets the continued violation by Türkiye of the rules of the Customs Union and invites the European Council to look into the matter; reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;
Amendment 241 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes North Macedonia’s commitment to positive diplomacy and good neighbourly relations; reiterates its full support for a consistent mutualand bona fide implementation of the Treaty of Friendship with Bulgaria and the Prespa Agreement with Greece;
Amendment 145 #
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, in particular the remaining by-laws, still pending to pass, with emphasis on self-identification and the use of the mother language with the local authorities, strengthen property rights and conduct a population census; underlines the importance of removing barriers to the socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 197 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes that Albania continued dialogue to ensure neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, which remain essential elements of the enlargement process, as well as of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
Amendment 11 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 1 June 2017 on combating anti-Semitism,
Amendment 14 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey,
Amendment 51 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas intercultural dialogue is key to promote peace and fight radicalisation in Member States and in partner countries;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas anti-Semitism is against Europe’s system of values and principles and its condemnation needs to be promoted in all aspects of the EU's international cultural relations;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2047(INI)
Dc. whereas Christian minorities in partner countries are considered an integral part of Europe’s culture and need to be respected;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Encourages Member States and partner countries to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation for the repatriation of looted artefacts around the globe to the countries of origin or former owners;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls Member States and partner countries to include a culture and trade nexus in their trade negotiations and monitor its implementation in order to further promote cultural dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls on third countries to cooperate with the relevant international organisations, especially the Council of Europe and UNESCO, in order to prevent and combat illicit trafficking and the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage, while actively taking action to preserve its structural rigidity and restore its original form;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Calls on third countries to respect fully the historical and cultural character of cultural and religious monuments and symbols, especially those classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Calls on the Turkish authorities to fully respect the historical and cultural character of cultural and religious monuments and symbols, especially those classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites; calls on Turkey to fully respect its international obligation to protect monuments of Alevi, Christian, Armenian, Pontian and Jewish origin;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Condemns the conversion of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul in 2020, a monument internationally recognised as a historic World Heritage site and a universal symbol of Christianity, Chora Church in Istanbul and Hagia Sophia in Trabzon in 2013 into mosques by the Turkish authorities; notes with concern the recent developments with regard to the historic Panagia Soumela Monastery, which is included, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List; recognises that the protection of cultural heritage is key to promote good neighbourly relations and maintain peace and stability in the region;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Reiterates its call on Turkey to respect the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Orthodox Christians all over the world and to recognise its legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarch;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5h. Stresses the need to eliminate restrictions on the training, appointment and succession of members of the clergy, to allow the reopening of the Halki Seminary, which has been closed since 1971, and to remove all obstacles to enable it to function properly;
Amendment 114 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) Member States that participate in the common procurement of defence products under the Instrument should have a right to invite Ukraine and Moldova to participate in the action. To this end, the Member States should authorise a procurement agent to enter into an agreement for procuring additional quantities of the defence product. Such an agreement would benefit the EDTIB as those countries’ participation would provide better economies of scale and scope, higher demand and interoperability at the technical level, common training, cross-servicing and maintenance, which would provide a foundation for the later inclusion of their defence industries in the EDTIB. It would also strengthen the two countries’ defence capabilities in light of Russia’s aggression and threats. The possibility to participate on the invitation of the Member States in the procurement agreement should be open only to countries that do not contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States, including respect for the principle of good neighbourly relations. It should also be open to Georgia.
Amendment 149 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine became a turning point for European security, and in particular for Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Finland that are bordering Russia and Ukraine or have their territorial waters or Exclusive Economic Zones adjacent to those of Ukraine. Those Member States have become the target of threatening rhetoric and hostile actions by Russia, supported by Belarus. Despite facing fundamental threats to their own security, they continue to support Ukraine in providing assistance, including military assistance, thus significantly depleting their own stockpiles. The Instrument should therefore provide incentives for the participation of those Member States by granting higher Union contribution to actions where at least two such Member States participate. In addition, such a higher Union contribution should also apply for actions in which Member States decide to authorise the procurement agent to procure additional quantities of the respective defence product for Ukraine and Moldova. Given that those countries are partially occupied by Russia or its proxies, and are the targets of Russia’s military intervention, further support for Ukraine and Moldova would substantially contribute to European security, while strengthening the EDTIB and fostering cooperation in defence procurement.
Amendment 222 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 152 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) increase the EU’s strategic sovereignty in specific areas that are fundamental to its continued pre-eminence on the international stage, for example by achieving full security of energy supply, energy diversification and energy independence, prioritising the reduction of energy dependencies, ensuring supply chains are diversified and that there is reciprocity in trade exchanges and the tools to counteract economic coercion, and ensuring the Union has food and agricultural sovereignty;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to the Council’s conclusions on Enlargement and Association and Stabilisation Process of 14 December 2021, the Statement of the Members of the European Council of 25 March 2021 on the Eastern Mediterranean, to the European Council’s conclusions of 24 June 2021 and 1 October 2020, and to all previous relevant Council and European Council conclusions,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the UNESCO statement of 10 July 2020 on Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Amendment 33 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on Cyprus, including resolution 550(1984) of 11 May 1984 on secessionist actions in Cyprus and resolution 789(1992) of 25 November 1992 which consider attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible, and call for the transfer of that area to the administration of the United Nations urging all concerned in the Cyprus question to commit themselves to the confidence-building measures set out in the resolution,
Amendment 44 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas Turkey has been linked to the EU by an association agreement since 1964 and whereas a customs union was established in 1995; whereas the European Council granted the status of candidate country to Turkey in December 1999 and whereas accession negotiations were opened in 2005; whereas as a candidate country and as an important partner of the EU, Turkey is expected to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria and to uphold the highest standards of democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law, including compliance with the international conventions acceded to by the EU; whereas being a candidate country entails the need to pursue and maintain good neighbourly relations with the EU and its Member States indiscriminately;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Turkey, besides being a candidate for EU accession, is a key partner in relation to the economy, trade and migration, as well as a strategic partneressential areas of joint interest, such as migration, public health, climate, counter – terrorism and regional issues;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in the aftermath of recent tensions between the EU and Turkey, particularly in relation to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Council offered to nurture a more positive dynamic in EU-Turkey relations by expressing readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner in a number of areas of common interest, provided that the de-escalation of recent tensions between the EU and Turkey, particularly in relation to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, is sustained and that Turkey engages constructively and subject to the established conditionalities set out in previous European Council conclusions;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values, interests, standards and policies of the EU; whereas an analysis of the EU’s reports in recent years reveal that Turkey’s distance from the EU’s values and its normative framework is still considerable and is even growing in fundamental areas such as the rule of law and human rights as well as good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas over the past year, EU- Turkey relations have on average remained stable, as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflictsthe Council reiterated that Turkey continues to move further away from the European Union, and that Turkey’s accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill and no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing, while according to the Commission, the underlying facts leading to this assessment still hold; nonetheless, dialogue and cooperation with Turkey increased in 2021; whereas this report reflects this situation by welcoming positive developments and pointing to further potential in the relationship, while signalling remaining problems, in particular as regards the rule of law and fundamental rights and good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the EU and Turkey, despite it being a candidate country, in terms of values and standards, and the continuing 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 that continue to negatively affect the accession process; notes that, in addition to this, unilateral actions in breach of international law in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea as well as strong and provocative statements against the EU and its Member States have deteriorated EU-Turkey relations; considers that without clear progress in thisese fields, Parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with Turkey, which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes, however, that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall EU-Turkey relations, which have on average remained stable, as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts that good neighbourly relations form an essential part of moving towards the EU; notes that bilateral relations remained challenging with neighbouring EU Member States, particularly Greece and Cyprus; notes that tensions in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean were not conducive to good neighbourly relations and undermined regional stability and security; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its firm conviction that Turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region,the European Union’s strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and ain ally with which the EU wishes to pursue the best possible relationsthe development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey; welcomes, in this view, the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the Turkish authorities about the recommitment of the Turkish Government to the EU path, but urges the Turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern over the current economic situation in Turkey, which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty as reflected in the OECD 2021 Report on Turkey;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in Turkey during 2021; asserts, however, that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation, but are often caused by a failurelack of political will to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in Turkey;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls on the Turkish authorities to promote positive and effective reforms in the area of the freedom of thought, conscience and religion by enabling religious communities to obtain legal personality, and by applying Venice Commission recommendations on the status of religious communities, all relevant ECtHR rulings and Council of Europe resolutions, including on the Greek Orthodox population of the islands of Gokceada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos); notes that following the decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque in July 2020, another museum among the World Heritage Sites in Turkey was converted into a mosque; notes the recent developments with regard to the historical Panaghia Soumela Monastery, when images on social media depicted a foreign band dancing to disco music inside this monument, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list; notes that no steps were taken to open the Halki (Heybeliada) Greek Orthodox Seminary, closed since 1971; reiterates its call on Turkey to respect the importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Orthodox Christians all over the world, to recognise its legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarch; notes with concern that hate speech and hate crimes against Christians and Jews continued to be reported, Alevis faced hate crimes, and investigations in this regard remained ineffective
Amendment 307 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Is concerned that full respect for and protection of language, religion, culture, cultural heritage and fundamental rights of minorities in accordance with European standards have yet to be achieved and calls upon Turkey to take action.
Amendment 318 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes with great concernStrongly condemns the indictment refilled by Turkey’s Chief Public Prosecutor at the Constitutional Court seeking the dissolution of the HDP and a political ban on nearly 500 HDP members, including most of its current leadership, which would prevent them from conducting any kind of political activity in the next five years and that the HDP and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the Turkish authorities, leading to a situation where over 4 000 HDP members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since November 2016 of Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, the former co-chairs of the HDP;
Amendment 368 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Commends the efforts made by Turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; calls on Turkey to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement of 2016, including vis a vis the Republic of Cyprus, as well as to resume the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands interrupted in March 2020, and Turkey’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for illegal migration opening from Turkey to the EU, and its will to cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the EU to this effect and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process; Believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and the EU therefore takes note of the Commission’s proposal to work on a mandate on the potential upgrading of the Customs Union provided that it is implemented vis-à-vis all Member States would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and that it can only be envisaged following Turkey’s full implementation of the Additional Protocol to extend the Association Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the very onset of any negotiations, as the Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement without results on the aforementioned preconditions in this field; notes that visa liberalisation would constitute an important step towards facilitating people-to-people contacts and is of great importance for Turkish citizens, particularly for students, academics, business representatives and people with family ties in EU Member States; continues its support for the visa liberalisation process once the set conditions have been fully and effectively implemented and encourages the Turkish Government to fully comply with the 72 criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap in a non-discriminatory manner towards all member-states; stresses that there has been very little real progress on the outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by Turkey; notes that the new Action Plan on Human Rights foresees the acceleration of the fulfilment of the remaining benchmarks; stresses that the revision of Turkey’s anti-terrorism legislation and Data Protection Law are key conditions for ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms; regrets that as a result of Turkey’s instrumentalization of refugees a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in Cyprus in 2021; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the EU- Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with EU Member States, should be adequately implemented; cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all EU Member States remains essential;
Amendment 370 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Commends the efforts made by Turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; emphasises that the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees cannot be accepted as a tool for political leverage and blackmail; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the Joint EU – Turkey Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with Member States should be adequately implemented; effective border management, as well as the resumption of returns, continue to be priorities;
Amendment 407 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that Turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals, but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and, as a candidate country, to be increasingly aligned with that of the EU; notes that Turkey’s CFSP alignment remained at very low levels and its increasingly assertive foreign policy continued to collide with the EU priorities under the CFSP, notably due to its support for military actions in the Caucasus, Syria, Libya and Iraq; notes that the EU has repeatedly stressed the need for Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of EU member states, which include entering into bilateral agreements and exploring and exploiting their natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; stresses that Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice;
Amendment 438 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the decrease in tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean during the past year, but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; condemns, in this regard, the continuous harassment and hindrance by Turkish warships of research vessels from performing surveys on the potential route of the East Med Pipeline, which is an energy project of EU Common Interest (PCI), within the EEZ/ continental shelf of Member States; calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is part of the EU acquis; continues to urge Turkey to unequivocally commit to good neighborly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes, having recourse, if necessary to the International Court of Justice and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; supports, in this respect, the invitation by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to Turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts, or have recourse, to the International Court of Justice, and calls on Turkey to accept Cyprus’ invitation; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which will be located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, therefore posing a major threat not only to Turkey, but also to the Mediterranean region; requests, accordingly, that the Turkish Government join the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention), which commits its parties to notifying and consulting each other about major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across borders; asks the Turkish Government, to this end, to involve or at least consult the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture;
Amendment 448 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. WelcomNotes theat decrease in tensspite the initial indications towards a de-escalations in the Eastern Mediterranean during the past year, but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved tensions continued to remain high with Member States, in particular Greece and Cyprus;
Amendment 460 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. DeploRegrets the fact that the unresolved conflict in Cyprus is a major obstacle to EU-Cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions will have a positive impact on Turkey’s relations with the EU; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality, as set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded and the acquis;; deeply regrets that Turkey has abandoned this UN frameworke agreed UN framework and its insistence to a two state solution in Cyprus and that it continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions, with unilateral, illegal and provocative actions including by the opening of the fenced off area of Varosha; notes that EU funding to Turkey will be subject to rules on conditionality, including for respecting the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and European values and principles; praises the important work of the bi- communal Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and calls on the Turkish authorities to advance their efforts to provide the CMP proprio motu and without delay with all information at their disposal relating to burial sites and any other places where remains might be found, including information in military archives;
Amendment 468 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in Cyprus isremains unresolved, constituting a major obstacle to EU-Turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including its external aspects, within the UN framework, on the basis of a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality, in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for, with all relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EUnion is founded and the acquis; deeply regrets that Turkey has abandoned this UN framework; the EU will continue to play an active role in supporting the process;
Amendment 477 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Strongly condemns Turkey’s unilateral actions in relation to Varosha that run contrary to the UN Security Council Resolutions and recalls the importance of the status of Varosha and the need for full respect of UN Security Council Resolutions, in particular Resolutions 550, 789 and 1251, as underlined by the 24 June 2021 European Council. The Council calls for the immediate reversal of these actions and the reversal of all steps taken on Varosha since October 2020;
Amendment 488 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, as well as its violations of the Greek national airspace, including overflights of inhabited areas, and its territorial sea, which violate both the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of an EU Member State and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with relevant international law; expresses its grave concern about the illegal Turkish fishing activities within Greek territorial waters in the Aegean Sea and the unregulated and unreported fishing activities of Turkish fishing fleets in international waters in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean; calls on all sides for a genuine collective engagement to negotiate the delimitation of EEZs and the continental shelf in good faith, fully respecting international law and the principle of good relations between neighbours; notes with regret that the casus belli declared by the TGNA against Greece in 1995 has not been withdrawn yet; welcomes the continuation of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey, which seek to address, the delimitation of the continental shelf and the EEZ in line with international law; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is part of the European Union acquis; notes that the Council’s conclusions of 15 July 2019, in the light of Turkey’s continued and new illegal drilling activities, not to hold the Association Council and further meetings of the EU-Turkey high-level dialogues for the time being remain valid, urges Turkey to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice; Turkey must stop all threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations, normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as all their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
Amendment 498 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Strongly condemns the Turkish military interventions in Syria, which constitute grave violations of international law and risk undermining the stability and security of the region as a whole; calls on the Government of Turkey to end its illegal occupation of northern Syria and Afrin and to withdraw its military and paramilitary proxy forces; reiterates that security concerns cannot justify unilateral military action in a foreign country; recalls its position, as expressed in previous resolutions, on the introduction of an initiative in the Council for all EU Member States to halt the licencing of arms exports to Turkey in accordance with Council Common Position2008/944/CFSP;
Amendment 505 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Notes that the persistent foreign interference in Libya continued to challenge seriously the implementation of the UN-led Berlin process; Turkey claimed that the UN embargo provisions, the articles on withdrawal of foreign elements and the suspension of military training in the cease-fire agreement are not applicable to the legitimate government; on a regular basis, the Turkish Ministry of Defence issued statements on ongoing training with Libyan forces and the legitimate presence of Turkish military forces; the presence of mercenary forces was a complicating factor; Turkey maintained its unjustified opinion that Operation IRINI is not balanced and that it disproportionally targets the Government of National Accord. Turkey continued to assert the validity of the Turkish-Libyan maritime delimitation and military agreements of 2019 which the EU considers an infringement upon the sovereign rights of third States, not complying with the Law of the Sea and having no legal consequences for third States; the EU listed a Turkish shipping company in the framework of violations of the Libya weapons embargo;
Amendment 510 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 e (new)
Paragraph 24 e (new)
24 e. Recalls the need for Turkey to address obligations as regards the implementation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, ensuring its effective application to all Member States. regrets Turkey’s continued deviations from its obligations under the EU-Turkey Customs Union, and recalls that trade barriers or equivalent that are not in conformity with it should be removed without delay; recalls, in this sense, that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in anon-discriminatory fashion in relation to all Member States, and until all existing trade irritants are resolved; stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union would be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms as prescribed by the Copenhagen criteria on good neighbourly relations with the EU and all its Member States and on its non-discriminatory implementation;
Amendment 512 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 f (new)
Paragraph 24 f (new)
24 f. Continues its support for the visa liberalization process once the set conditions have been met; points out that visa liberalization would constitute an important step towards facilitating people- to-people contacts and notes that it is of great importance, particularly for students, academics, business representatives and people with family ties in EU Member States, but stresses that there has been very little real progress on the six outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by Turkey; asks the Government of Turkey to fully comply with these benchmarks in a non-discriminatory manner, including with regard to all EU Member States;
Amendment 519 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of EU-Turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU-Turkey relations, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing, in a realistic manner, the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, exploring other possible models for future relations;
Amendment 529 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of EU-Turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU-Turkey relations, alongside the principles of international law and multilateralism, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing, in a realistic manner, the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, exploring other possible models for future relations;
Amendment 545 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in EU-Turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests, and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the Commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism in accordance with obligations under the Negotiating Framework;
Amendment 547 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 557 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Believes that the EU should continue to pursue all possible instances of dialogue, common understanding and convergence of positions with Turkey; invites Turkey to engage in constructive and bona fide dialogue –including on issues of foreign policy where Turkey and the EU have been on opposing terms- with a view to once again finding common ground and a common understanding with the EU, restarting dialogue and cooperation on good neighbourly relations, and relaunching the process of reforms in Turkey; reiterates that, failing that, and in the event of renewed unilateral actions or provocations in breach of international law, the EU should use all the instruments and the options at its disposal, including targeted sanctions as a last resort, which should not have an adverse impact on the Turkish people, civil society or refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 559 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Considers that, as a necessary step in order to improve the overall state of relations, both sides need to use respectful language, make efforts to fight existing prejudices and misconceptions, and allow for a more objective and complete consideration of the other side’s image in the respective public opinion, reversing the mutually deteriorating perceptions; calls on this view on the Commission to launch a communication policy towards Turkish society aimed at raising awareness about the EU; stresses that a belligerent, revisionist and aggressive rhetoric only reinforces extreme positions on both sides and that a purely confrontational approach plays into the hands of those who are aiming to pull Turkey and the EU apart;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underscores that the pace of EU accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights; urges Albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary, strengthen the rule of law and human rights, including the protection of persons belonging to minorities, counter corruption and organised crime, and ensure media freedom;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations and to make the best possible use of assistance and transfer of know-how provided by EU Member States in this regard; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate EU integration matters; 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 97 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the adoption to the Population Census Law and looks forward to the smooth conduct of the upcoming Population Census in full transparency and in line with international standards..
Amendment 141 #
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, and rights of people with disabilities and minority rights;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 153 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on Albania to continue the ongoing efforts to implement a comprehensive land sector reform and to consolidate property rights, in transparent manner by holding consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including by addressing cases of falsification of documents and swiftly advancing the process for registration and compensation.
Amendment 224 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 f (new)
Paragraph 29 f (new)
29f. Recalls the urgency of the fight against drug trafficking networks in Albania, which are gaining increased international access.
Amendment 276 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. WelcomEncourages the Albanian Government’s to continued steps promoting good neighbourly relations, ands well as enhancing inclusive regional integration by developing a Regional Economic Area;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the European Council Conclusions of 12 December 2019,
Amendment 127 #
2021/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
L a. whereas the Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation on maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes upon the sovereign rights of Third States does not comply with Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for Third States;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) urge the Libyan authorities to proceed to the cancelation of the Turkey - Libya Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation on maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea;
Amendment 346 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the United States' renewed engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly with the Eastern Mediterranean Act of 2019, which authorises new security assistance for Cyprus and Greece, and strengthens energy cooperation among regional actors; calls for the establishment of a comprehensive EU-US dialogue for close cooperation to jointly address the increasing threats posed by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean; expresses strong concern that Turkey, a NATO member, is moving away from the respect for fundamental values and the rule of law, and that it is increasingly confrontational towards the EU Member States of Greece and Cyprus;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the EU and India are the world’s two largest democracies, that share values of freedom, rule of law and human rights, but have not reached its full potential and require permanent strong political engagement; whereas the EU and India share a strong conviction of the need to preserve the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Amendment 24 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the India Ocean is an expanse of strategic importance for global trade, e.g. in energy, which is characterised by the existence of several chokepoints that can be of detrimental influence on trade routes; whereas uninterrupted navigation through the choke points (Strait of Hormuz, Bab el- Mandeb, Strait of Malacca, Mozambique Channel) is of vital economic and strategic interest for both the EU and India;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas connectivity should constitute an important element of a mutual EU - India strategic agenda in- line with the EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy; whereas the comprehensiveness of connectivity is not only limited to physical infrastructure such as roads and railways, but also maritime routes, digital as well as environmental, with particular emphasis on the EU Green Deal; whereas it has geopolitical and transformative role as well as a sustainable vehicle of growth and jobs;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
B e. whereas India is one of the most hard hit countries by the novel COVID-19 pandemic, with over 11 million confirmed cases and more than 150 thousand deaths and the Indian Government has undertaken an initiative to donate millions of vaccines to countries in its immediate neighbourhood and key partner nations in the Indian Ocean;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
a a) unleash the full potential of the bilateral relationship between the world’s two biggest democracies, that have a fundamental role to play to preserve the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism as well promote pluralism, freedom, rule of law and human rights, as a successful EU-India relationship will set a positive example for the need to strengthen cooperation among democracies in a period of a volatile international environment;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
c a) consolidate the EU’s public diplomacy efforts to improve mutual understanding between the EU, its Member States and India and help address the knowledge deficit on both sides, involving academia, think-tanks and representatives from across the EU and India;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
f) ensure the active and regular consultation and involvement of EU and Indian civil society in the development, implementation and monitoring of EU- India relations; seek the establishment of an EU-India Civil Society Platform for that purpose and a EU-India Youth Summit as a side event of future EU-India Summits, in order to strengthen relations between the young generations;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
k) coordinate positions and initiatives in multilateral fora, notably the UN, by pushing for joint objectives along shared international values and standards, increasing dialogue and effectively aligning positions; support India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
l) draw on India’s vision and its own understanding of regional dynamics as well as the EU Member States’ existing approaches for the Indo-Pacific region in order to develop a comprehensive European Indo-Pacific strategy based on EU principles and valuesinternational norms and values, to equip the EU to leverage its economic power and defend its interests in the region and emerge as a promoter of an open, rules- based international order; seek coordination of EU and Indian policies towards the Indo-Pacific region;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
n) underline that preserving peace, stability and the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region remains of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its Member States; intensify cooperation in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, in order to preserve the security and freedom of navigation along the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC); remind that cooperation with countries of the Indo-Pacific region should follow principles of openness, prosperity,inclusiveness, sustainability, transparency, reciprocity and viability;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
n a) promote deeper cooperation between the EU and India in regard to Afghanistan, in order to achieve sustainable peace resulting from a meaningful and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process; reiterates that a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan free from terrorism is a cornerstone for its own stability and development, as well as that of the entire region;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
n b) renew efforts for rapprochement and restoration of good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan through a comprehensive dialogue and possibly a step-by-step approach starting with confidence-building measures; in this light welcome the India-Pakistan Joint Statement on Ceasefire from 25 February; underline the importance of the bilateral dimension in working towards the establishment of lasting peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan, which would positively contribute to the security and economic development of the region; underline the responsibility towards peace incumbent on both states as nuclear powers; encourage and support the reconciliation process between India and Pakistan;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
o) take note of India’s security concerns as regards the expansive policy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC); particularly in view of the latter’s assertive policy in the South China Sea, substantial military modernisation and strategic relationship with Pakistan; support the resolution of disputes and the upholding of international law on the India-PRC border;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
r) place human rights at the hearts a central theme of the EU’s engagement with India, thereby enabling an open and calmonstructive dialogue; develop a strategy to address human rights issues in collaboration with India and to integrate human rights considerations across the wider EU-India partnership; welcome the foreseen bilateral Human Rights Dialogue, first in 8 years;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
r a) encourage India to continue its tradition of granting protection to persons fleeing violence and persecution until conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary return are possible, and to take all measures needed to eliminate risks of statelessness for communities in India;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
s a) encourage India to abide by Article 25 of its Constitution, which enshrines the right to freely practice and propagate the religion of one’s choice; recognize that Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities are equal in dignity and rights before the law;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s b (new)
s b) work to eliminate and deter hate speech that incites discrimination or violence, which leads to a toxic environment where intolerance and violence against religious minorities can occur with impunity;
Amendment 191 #
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 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 the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, to end attacks against - and to release arbitrarily detained - human rights defender and freedom of religion or belief, to end attacks against human rights defenders, members of religious minorities 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 196 #
2021/2023(INI)
t a) express concern about the effects on freedom of expression and association of the current Indian law on foreign participation in the funding of NGO’s (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act);
Amendment 228 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y
Paragraph 1 – point y
y) finalise negotiations on a connectivity partnership with India; and explore synergies between their cooperation and that with countries of South Asia and coordination of various connectivity strategies;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
aa a) call on the Indian government to leverage its capacity as a major manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, generic drugs and vaccines to contribute to improving relations with these countries, while addressing the global health crisis as well as the current level of regional hostility as a global vaccine distributer;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad
Paragraph 1 – point ad
ad) strive for co-leadership in setting and advancing international standards in the digital economy grounded in sustainable and responsible digitalisation and a rule of law-based and human- centred ICT environment, while addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including the protection of personal data;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae
Paragraph 1 – point ae
ae) step up the EU’s ambitions for digital connectivity with India in the context of the EU’s digital transformation strategy; work together with India and other like-minded partners in the region in the development and use of critical technologies, including AI and 5G, keeping in mind the great strategic and security implications that such revolutionary technologies carry; invest in a partnership in digital services and the development of responsible artificial intelligence; continue to support data protection reform in India;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the persisting gender and geographical imbalances within the EEAS staff, despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades, particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to persisting over- representation of some Member States’ diplomats among the Heads of Delegation; calls for further efforts to address those imbalances; highlights the fact that an improvement of the geographical and gender balance in the EEAS would contribute to improving the Union’s coherence in external action initiatives;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the EEAS carries a vital role in ensuring the coherence of the Union’s foreign policy; also highlights the need to provide the necessary resources for a successful implementation of an efficient EU Common Security and Defence Policy;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the EEAS to create posts for local agents responsible for reporting on legislative work in countries of strategic interest, particularly accession countries and those of the Eastern Partnership, in order to increase the Union’s understanding of the neighbourhood and its approximation to the acquis; calls on the EEAS to take action to resolve the problems leading to the procurement errors identified and to prevent future infringements of the relevant rules;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Commends the efforts of civil society worldwide in promoting and defending human rights, especially at a time of shrinking civil society space and the questioning of the universality of human rights;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Insists on the need to closely monitor the use of funds of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, ensuring that these funds are accurately targeting refugee projects and not used for any other purposes;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Is concerned by the lack of visibility of the Union financed projects, emphasises the need to improve visibility and to strengthen the complementarity of the Union’s financial instruments;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Expresses its disappointment about the lower than expected budget allocation for the EDF in the current draft of the MFF 2021-2027, and therefore underlines the need to spend the available military budgets in the most efficient manner possible;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Points to the fact that the ENI’s performance has been more successful in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood, and in this light calls for increased efforts be directed towards the EU’s Southern neighbourhood in order to address the many challenges it faces;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Welcomes the ECA finding about a generally positive trend in terms of poverty reduction, gender equality in education, number of agreements with neighbouring countries; expresses concern however about the worsening trend in terms of consolidation of democracy, rule of law and political stability;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked toshould not divert our attention from the gains by Eof eurosceptics, which should be considered as a warning for European integration, especially in several founding Member States where far-right extremists and anti-European forces won the electionspopulist and nationalist movements; whereas many of these radical forces from left to right are against the EU integration project;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that EU citizens want the EU to act swiftly and effectively on important matters such as climate change, migration, protection of fundamental rights and democratisation;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. Whereas we need to be more efficient and proactive in taking advantage of all means of communication, including digital technology, to foster a strong link between European political decisions and constituents’ sense of connection to EU institutions;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the amendedParliament should pursue its proposals for amendments to the Electoral Act, still pending ratification by some Member States, already requires further improvements (i.e. regarding parental leave for MEPs)with renewed vigour and to push for unified European electoral rules;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2019 elections failed to culminate in the choice of a Commission President from among the various Spitzenkandidaten, resulting in a backward step from the process which was established in 2014;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas it lacks, among other things, the possibility for Spitzenkandidaten to stand as official candidates in all Member States on transnational lists, allowing all European voters to choose and vote for their preferred Spitzenkandidatimproved, allowing all European voters to know who are the candidates to the presidency of the European Commission and how they were chosen by European political parties; whereas Parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 February 2018 on the revision of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission15 ; ; _________________ 15 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0030.
Amendment 84 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the Spitzenkandidaten system needs to be improved and formalised in the EU’s primary law after an in-depth institutional reflectionaddressed and reflected upon in the Conference for the Future of Europe; whereas this reflection should also include the de facto political role of the Commission and its President and any related changes to the decision-making process of the Union;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas institutional improvements such as transnational lists, as acknowledged by Parliament in its resolution of 7 February 2018 on the composition of the European Parliament, or the transformation of the Council into a second legislative chamber of the Union, as proposed in its resolution of 16 February 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the European Union, would radically transform the European elections into one true European election,are needed in order to achieve a true European political sphere as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national electiondebates that it is today;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. Whereas proposal such as the "transnational lists" or the transformation of the Council into a second legislative chamber are still under discussion; whereas none of them count currently with a majority support; Whereas the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe provides a true opportunity to discuss these issues and other institutional reforms; Whereas the success of the Conference will crucially depend on the agenda, the involvement of the citizens and the European Council's willingness to implement results;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas European political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of a successful European political debate, both during and beyond European elections and should be rendered more visible;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 European elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the EU to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time such as climate change and environmental concerns, social and gender inequalities, sustainable growth, and geopolitical concerns such as migration and foreign policyas economy and sustainable growth, public health, climate change and environmental protection, digital revolution, the promotion of freedom, human rights and democracy, social and gender inequalities, migration and demography, security and the role of the EU in the world; urges all the European institutions, therefore, to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given, directly or indirectly, by the citizens; regrets both the lack of decisiveness by the Council and the lack of clear intent to achieve solutions based on a common approach;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. DeplorWelcomes the fact that the outcome of the elections did not lead togender balance in Parliament has improved over the last elections; Stresses however that there is still room for further improvements in order to achieve a genuine gender -balance ind Parliament; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with Parliament and other bodies such as the Venice Commission, to formulate recommendations to Member States with a view to increasing the representation of women in the European Parliament;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that the reason whyAcknowledges that the Spitzenkandidaten process failed to produce a President of the European Commission after the 2019 elections is because no improvements were made to it following the experience of 2014; intends to strengthen the democratic process for choosing the Commission President before the next European elections of 2024;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the up-comingCalls for the swift adoption of the joint declaration of the three European institutions on the Conference on the Future of Europe, recalls the commitment by the Commission President to address the issue of transnational lists and the Spitzenkandidaten process as the priority institutional issues during the Conference;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the election of the Commission President depends on a majority of Parliament’s members, which de facto requires the formation of a coalition; recommends that the election procedure be reversed so that Parliament proposes and elects the President of the Commission, after obtaining the consent of the European CouncilRecalls the commitment by the Commission President to address the issue of the Spitzenkandidaten process and transnational lists in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe; Stresses that the election of the Commission President depends on a majority of Parliament’s members, which de facto requires the formation of a coalition, as shown in the election of July 2019 of the von der Leyen Commission;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the outcome of the European elections has reinforced the political dimension of the election of the European Commission, and therefore the need for more accurate and objective scrutiny of the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate; calls for the creation of an independent body, endowed with the appropriate means, to have this scrutiny included in its responsibilitiesstrengthening of this scrutiny before, during and after the mandate of the Commissioners-designate by reinforcing the role of the already existing Independent Ethical Committee;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 203 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Insists that all European voters should be allowed to vote for their preferredbe allowed to know who the candidate fors to the Ppresidentcy of the European Commission are, giving them the choice to vote for his or her political party; reiterates, therefore, that the Spitzenkandidaten should be able to stand as official candidates atin the next elections in a joint European constituency across all Member StateEuropean Elections;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 213 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 221 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the Electoral Law has not yet been ratified by some Member States, further improvements are required, such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances, as well as on the elections in the joint European constituencyshould be addressed at the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 235 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 243 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Commission and the Council to consider, in accordancfully engage with the work of Parliament’s new Special Committee on Foreign interference and Disinformation, the urge and take into creation of a European organisation dedicated to the fight against foreign interferenceonsideration the outcome of its work; encourages the Commission and the Council to work much more closely with Parliament on these matters, as the protection of our democratic institutions is a core competence of the European Parliament;
Amendment 249 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Considers European political parties' manifestos should be known before the elections, which requires clear and transparent rules on campaigning; underlines the European election rules shall promote European party democracy, including by making obligatory for parties running in European elections and the European party logo appear (next to the national one) on the ballot sheet;
Amendment 256 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Is of the opinion that the introduction of an annual European Week taking place simultaneously in all national parliaments, with debates between MPs, European Commissioners, MEPs and representatives of civil society on the Commission Work Programme would support the emergence of connected inter-parliamentary public spheres as well as improving the communication of European actions at national level;
Amendment 262 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that the outcome of the European elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens, civil society and their representatives to shapepresents an opportunity for an in-depth reflection about the future of the Union; calls, therefore, on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious, interactive and inclusive Conference on the Future of Europe; open to citizens, civil society and their representatives, and which can strengthen representative democracy as well as EU's resilience by delivering tangible results for its citizens, including on health protection and security
Amendment 14 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the amending budget No 5/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020, on the mobilization of the Contingency Margin in 2020 to provide continued humanitarian support to refugees in Turkey, as set out in document 8857/2020,
Amendment 18 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas in June 2020, the Amending Budget (DAB) No 5 for the year 2020 was adopted by the Council, in order to continue providing support to refugees and host communities in response to the Syria crisis; Under the MFF Heading 4, Global Europe, EUR 100 million in commitment and payment appropriations will be provided as resilience support to refugees and host communities in Jordan and Lebanon whereas EUR 485 million in commitment appropriations and EUR 68 million in payment appropriations will be provided to ensure the continuation of the urgent humanitarian support to refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the Turkey Facility is made up of two tranches of EUR 3 billion each; regrets the fact that, unlike in the first tranche 2016-2017, where the EU budget contributed EUR 1 billion and Member States EUR 2 billion, in the second tranche 2018-2019 the ratio of contributions was reversed, to the detriment of existing Union projects;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the fact that the EUTF for Africa has contributed to the triple humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, which was not possible with the EU financial instruments under the previous MFF;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its request that Turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement, in particular on the Syrian border, and that it not use the flows of refugees against the EUdoes not instrumentalize the migratory flows against the EU, for political purposes, and that it abides fully by the EU-Turkey statement especially with regard to the effective prevention of flows, dismantle of smuggling networks, control of its borders and acceptance of returns, in a non- discriminatory manner;
Amendment 212 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Welcomes the Council’s extended invitation to the Commission to present a proposal to the Council for the continuation of financing for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and other parts of the region;
Amendment 250 #
2020/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Expects the Commission to fully make use of the possibilities afforded by the programme-based approach under the geographic pillar of the NDICI-Global Europe and IPA III, complemented by global thematic programming, rapid response funding and the large unprogrammed reserve under the NDICI- Global Europe;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that Europe and Africa are in close geographical proximity, have strong historical and cultural ties and are being brought ever closer by the increase in trade and shared challenges, including but not limited to migration, fundamentalism, terrorism and violations of International Law, which call for a continental-African approach and result- oriented use of EU resources;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that the process of development on the African continent and its alignment with International Law on maritime affairs, trade and protection of labour rights is of key importance for the prosperity, stability and security of both the EU and Africa;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that intercontinental cooperation between EU and Africa can significantly contribute to the fight against xenophobia and fundamentalism and for the stabilisation of the Mediterranean region;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU is among the first to bear the costs of all destructive policies employed against African nations, while other players, especially China and, Russia and Turkey, are focused only on their own benefits at the expense of African sovereignty and European security;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas in the political declaration adopted, with the abstention of the 28 Member States of the EU, at the first session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and all other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) held in New York in November 2019, participating Member Statethe remaining participants undertook to pursue the drafting of a legally binding treaty to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMD, which could ultimately contribute to building regional and international trust;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
Amendment 32 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) entered into force on 22 January 2021; whereas three EU Member States are States Parties to the TPNW; whereas no NATO Allies and no state possessing nuclear weapons are States Parties to the TPNW; whereas there is no Council position on the TPNW; whereas no meaningful results in the global non- proliferation and disarmament efforts are possible without the involvement and active participation of the five nuclear- weapon States Parties to the NPT;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an achievement of multilateral diplomacy led by the EU; whereas the US and Iran have begun indirect negotiations with a view to their return to the JCPOA; whereas Iran has ceased the application of the additional protocol, presenting a threat to regional and international peace and security as well as to global disarmament and non- proliferation efforts; whereas the government of the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has still to demonstrate in a convincing and serious manner if it intends to comply with the JCPOA and seek a constructive and peaceful engagement with the EU;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas following the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty after Russia had previously failed to comply with its obligations under the INF Treaty, the US and Russia are now no longer prohibited from building and deploying this category of weapons and from engaging in a new arms race;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes the entry into force of the TPNW as an expression of the desire of the majority of the global community to live innd recognizes its vision for a nuclear weapon-free world; recalls that the goal of nuclear disarmament must be pursued while ensuring international stability and undiminished collective security; invites all NPT States Parties to therefore constructively engage in the NPT framework, and agree on realistic, effective, tangible, reciprocal and verifiable measures conducive to the achievement of the ultimate shared long- term goal of nuclear disarmament; expresses its worry that the TPNW could undermine the work of the NPT, to which 191 States are parties, as not only attention but also resources are drawn away from this important field in which virtually the entirety of the global community is already engaged; underlines therefore the importance of the NPT and the need to ensure its proper work and to avoid any efforts to undermine its important goal of nuclear disarmament;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Points to the economic and social progress in Europe and recalls that this progress, including the progress in Eastern and Central Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union, was in part only possible due to the military protection by NATO;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Recalls that over recent years the threat of a military confrontation in Europe has increased, as demonstrated by the aggressive behaviour of Russia in Ukraine, the Caucasus and elsewhere, and that therefore the continued presence of nuclear weapons continues to provide security and protection to a large part of European populations;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Notes that large parts of the populations in Europe are grateful for the protection of their territories against external threats and are thankful to their respective national armies and the armies of friendly and allied nations, who put their lives at risk to ensure their safety and peace, and hence protect the foundation for their continued economic and social development;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Is of the opinion that the TPNW should not weaken the security of European Member States, including the nuclear deterrent provided by NATO to those EU Member States who are also NATO Members;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the central role played by the IAEA; calls on the states that have not yet done so to ratify the IAEA additional protocol without delay; and calls on states that have ceased application of the additional protocol to return to compliance;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates its deep regret at the withdrawal from the INF Treaty by the US and the Russian Federation following Russia’s persistent failure to comply with the treaty, which led to its termination; underlines its strong opposition to a new arms race and re-militarisation on European soil; welcomes the commitment made by the US and Russia to continue working towards the achievement of their stated common goal of ensuring predictability in the strategic domain and reducing the risks of armed conflict and the threat of nuclear war; calls on all other countries, notably China, in possession or in the process of the development of intermediate range missile systems to engage in efforts to multilateralise and universalise the successor treaty to the INF;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes with concern current efforts by the People’s Republic of China to modernise, update and broaden its nuclear arsenal, particularly its intercontinental capabilities; calls on China to restrain these efforts and to actively involve itself in talks about arms control agreements involving not only the US and Russia but also China; underlines that such steps by the Chinese leadership are necessary in order to comply with its self-proclaimed “ peaceful rise” and hence are needed in order to test China’s international responsibility and trustfulness;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Insists on the need to uphold the global ethical norm against chemical weapons by preventing impunity for their use; welcomes the adoption by the Council of a horizontal sanctions regime to address the growing use and proliferation of chemical weapons; reiterates its grave concern at the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny; welcomes the sanctions imposed on Russian officials in response to this blatant violation of international norms via the Novichok chemical nerve of Alexei Navalny on 20 August 2021, as well as of Sergei and Yulia Skripal on 4 March 2018; welcomes the sanctions imposed on Russian officials in response to this blatant violation of international norms; reiterates the need for the EU and the international community to continue to raise the case of Navalny and other victims and to remind the Kremlin of its international commitments;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Praises the instrumental role the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has been playing in the verified destruction of chemical agents; strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Arab Republic; and condemns the numerous human rights violations and atrocities committed by the regime of Bashar al-Assad; underlines that such serious violations must not be forgotten and that accountability must be ensured to international sanctions;
Amendment 197 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Amendment 199 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Underlines the importance of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) which outlaws the use of dangerous viruses, bacteria, and toxic substances against humans, and strongly welcomes the EU’s efforts to ensure an wider global application of it;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. 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 CTBT and return to compliance withreturn to the NPT;
Amendment 215 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Welcomes the existing assistance by the EU in Mitigating CBRN risks worldwide by providing assistance to partners countries;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Recital D
D. whereas the excessive and incorrecinefficient use of antibiotics, particularly in livestock farming, and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine, have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Recital G
G. whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the riskenvironmental impact from some pharmaceuticals in substances, which can pose a risk to the environment;
Amendment 77 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Paragraph 3
3. Notes however with concern the veryTakes note of the soft nature of the measurerecommendations included in the communication; considers that legislative measures are needed in addition to non-legislative measures to properly tackle pharmaceutical pollution as these are driven by objectives to pursue, whereas the measures to be taken are of member state competence; considers that effective measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that a holisticmulti-stakeholder approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollutionthe impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment, taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply, primarily covering the manufacturing process, but by designing and implementing a policy mix that combines source-directed, use-oriented and end-of-pipe-measures using a combination of voluntary, economic and regulatory instruments; and also incentiviszing better prescription practices and consumer behaviour;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on Member States and the Commission to support the research and development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment (‘greener pharmaceuticals’), which degrade more readily, into harmless substances, in wastewater treatment plants and the environment;
Amendment 202 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced, without jeopardising patients’ healthpharmaceutical consumption should be monitored transparently in order to support and encourage responsible use of medicines based on evidence in order to avoid over- consumption; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease;
Amendment 232 #
2019/2816(RSP)
Paragraph 32
32. Is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring, also with regard to environmental effects, as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is notsuch as environmental monitoring, to adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
Citation 11
– having regard to the Presidency conclusEU-Western Balkans Summit Declarations of the Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and, 201 June 2003, concerning the prospect of the Western Balkan countries joining the European Union,
Amendment 71 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to enhance the accession process by ensuring that it strengthens fundamental values and brings sustainable democratic and economic transformation and social convergence, and by making sure that the internal reform of the EU and its enlargement run in parallel; Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain essential elements of the Enlargement Process, as well as of the Stabilization and Association Process;
Amendment 85 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to ensure that the enhanced methodology sustains fully-fledged EU membership as the final goal and that the EU sets clear andmore predictable rules and criteria and applies them consistently, thus restoring its credibilityand credible criteria based on positive and negative conditionality, and reversibility making the accession process more dynamic and subject to strict and continuous evaluation;
Amendment 99 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to provide clear and consistent accession benchmarks as well as continued support throughout the process, and to improve the measuring of progress, ensuring that each accession country is assessed on the basis of itsbased on strict and fair conditionality and the principle of own merits;
Amendment 146 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
Amendment 180 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) to immediately open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia before the upcoming EU- Western Balkans Summit of Zagreb, in May 2020, based on the positive evaluation of the progress made and of the fulfilment of the conditions identified by the EU;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) to grant visa liberalisation to Kosovo1a, as the benchmarks have been fulfilled; __________________ 1athis designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and in line with UNSCR 1244/199 and ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of independence;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) to bring the primacy of democracy and the rule of law back to the very centre of the enlargement process by opening first and closing last the chapters related to the judiciary, corruption and organised crime, as well as those related to respect for humanthe protection of human rights including rights belonging to minorities and property rights and media freedom;
Amendment 256 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) to increase EU engagement in solving outstanding bilateral issues and to urge the Western Balkan countries to commit to reconciliation and peaceful solutions to longstanding disputes;
Amendment 275 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) to promote and actively support the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and to insist on the prosecution of hate crimes; to encourage swifter progress towards gender equality, and in tackling discrimination and ensuring social inclusion of ethnicnational and religious minorities, people with disabilities, Roma and LGBTQI+ people by establishing inclusive policies to protect the fundamental rights of citizens;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to its recent Resolution of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumption of talks,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
- having regard to the Negotiating Framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, and to the fact that, as is the case for all candidate countries, Turkey’s accession to the EU depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, and to the need to normalize its relations with all EU Member States , including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the declaration issued by the European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, following the declaration made by Turkey upon signature on 29 July 2005 of the Ankara Protocol, including the provision that recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accession process, and the need for Turkey to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement in relation to all Member States, by removing all obstacles to the free movement of goods, without restrictions or discrimination,
Amendment 15 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
Amendment 20 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
- having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 June 2018 and 18 June 2019 on enlargement and stabilisation and association process, to the Council Conclusions of 15 July and 14 October 2019 on Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019, 1-2 and 15-16 October 2020, to the statements of the EU Foreign Ministers of 15 May 2020 and 14 August 2020 on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, to the outcome of the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) of 28 August 2020, and to all previous relevant Council and European Council conclusions,
Amendment 21 #
2019/2176(INI)
- having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 June 2018 and 18 June 2019 on enlargement and stabilisation and association process, to the Council Conclusions of 15 July and 14 October 2019 on Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019, 1-2 and 15-16 October 2020, to the statements of the EU Foreign Ministers of 15 May 2020 and 14 August 2020 on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, to the outcome of the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) of 28 August 2020, and to all previous relevant Council and European Council conclusions,
Amendment 48 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingnessthe commitment to progressively approachlign in all aspects with the values, interests, standards and policies and the acquis of the EU;
Amendment 74 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, in spite of this principled stance by Parliament and all of the current circumstances, the European Council, in its conclusions of 1-2 October 2020, offered Turkey a renewed and broad positive agenda, provided that constructive efforts by Turkey to stop illegal activities vis-à-vis Greece and Cyprus are sustained, in a further attempt to restore our relations;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, in spite of this principled stance by Parliament and all of the current circumstances, the European Council, in its conclusions of 1-2 October 2020, offered Turkey a renewed and broad positive agenda, provided that constructive efforts by Turkey to stop illegal activities vis-à-vis Greece and Cyprus are sustained, in a further attempt to restore our relations;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, the European Council, in the same conclusions, highlighted that, in case of renewed unilateral actions or provocations in breach of international law by Turkey, the EU will use all the instruments and the options at its disposal, including in accordance with Article 29 TEU and Article 215 TFEU, in order to defend its interests and those of its Member States, and take decisions as appropriate at the latest at its December meeting;
Amendment 81 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, the European Council, in the same conclusions, highlighted that, in case of renewed unilateral actions or provocations in breach of international law by Turkey, the EU will use all the instruments and the options at its disposal, including in accordance with Article 29 TEU and Article 215 TFEU, in order to defend its interests and those of its Member States, and take decisions as appropriate at the latest at its December meeting;
Amendment 133 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned that, over the years, the lack of progress in Turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal, marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights, adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a war-mongering and confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit anti-EU narrative; calls, in this context, on Turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the EU path, as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process;
Amendment 173 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current lack of understanding between the EU and Turkey, but reaffirms its firm conviction that Turkey ithe EU has a strategic neighbourinterest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey with which the EU wishes to have the best possible relations; Pursuing dialogue in good faith and abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to the EU interests and violate international law, the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of EU Member States is an absolute requirement in this regard;
Amendment 174 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current lack of understanding between the EU and Turkey, but reaffirms its firm conviction that Turkey ithe EU has a strategic neighbour and ally with which the EU wishes to have the best possible relations; interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey with which the EU should build the best possible relations; Pursuing dialogue in good faith and abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to the EU interests and violate international law, the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of EU Member States is an absolute requirement in this regard;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that this fundamental area, which is at the core of the accession process, cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations and that it remains along with the full respect of international law and the fundamental principle of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, the main obstacles to progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to Turkey;
Amendment 220 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that this fundamental area, which is at the core of the accession process, cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations and that it remains along with the full respect of international law and the fundamental principle of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, the main obstacles to progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to Turkey;
Amendment 230 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with deep concern that, despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in July 2018, its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt; , as, inter alia, a plethora of legal provisions and restrictive elements of the emergency rule have been integrated into law
Amendment 234 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with deep concern that, despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in July 2018, its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt;, as, inter alia, that a plethora of legal provisions and restrictive elements of the emergency rule have been integrated into law.
Amendment 357 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Amendment 396 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Strongly condemns the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic World Cultural Heritage Monument, as Hagia Sophia Museum, to a mosque and calls on the Turkish authorities to urgently reverse their decision;
Amendment 397 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Strongly condemns the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic World Cultural Heritage Monument, as Hagia Sophia Museum, to a mosque and calls on the Turkish authorities to urgently reverse their decision;
Amendment 440 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is concerned about the ever more frequent use of a hyper-nationalist and war- mongering narrative among the ruling elite that increasingly gives rise to antagonistic approaches towards the EU or its Member States; is concerned about the increasing clout of religious conservatism in political life;
Amendment 450 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Amendment 462 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Strongly condemns the removal of 47 democratically elected mayors from office on the basis of questionable evidence and, in particular, their arbitrary replacement by unelected trustees appointed by the central government; strongly believes these unlawful decisions constitute a direct attack on the most basic principles of democracy, depriving millions of voters of their democratically elected representation;
Amendment 463 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Strongly condemns the removal of 47 democratically elected mayors from office on the basis of questionable evidence and, in particular, their arbitrary replacement by unelected trustees appointed by the central government; strongly believes these unlawful decisions constitute a direct attack on the most basic principles of democracy, depriving millions of voters of their democratically elected representation;
Amendment 468 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. RWhile recallsing the laudable role played by Turkeysubstantial efforts Turkey has made in responding to the migrationrefugee crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of, the EP strongly rejects Turkey's instrumentalisation of migratory pressure for political purposes that took place at the EU’s external borders in late February-March 2020; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey in line with strict conditionality, including for respecting the principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law, and monitoring mechanisms of Turkey’s performance; underlines that Turkey has to fully and effectively implement the provisions of both the 2016 EU – Turkey Statement and the EU – Turkey Readmission Agreement with regard to all Member States; supports the EU-Turkey Statement and underlines the importance of both parties’Turkey’s compliance with theirits respective commitments;
Amendment 493 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Is alarmed by the fact that Turkey’s foreign policy increasingly collides with the priorities and goals of EU’s common foreign and security policy; notes with deep concern that the rate of Turkey’s alignment with the common foreign policy of the EU is constantly deteriorating and is at present reduced to 14%, which is a historic low.
Amendment 494 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Is alarmed by the fact that Turkey’s foreign policy increasingly collides with the priorities and goals of EU’s common foreign and security policy; notes with deep concern that the rate of Turkey’s alignment with the common foreign policy of the EU is constantly deteriorating and is at present reduced to 14%, which is a historic low;
Amendment 502 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and the full respect of international law and the fundamental principle of good neighbourly relations; highlights that it seemis unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union givenas long as Turkey continues to move further away from the cEurrent circumstances; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fullyopean Union, in accordance with Council conclusions of 26 June 2018 and 18 June 2019 recalls that the current Customs Union needs to be implemented by Turkey in a full and non- discriminatory way; this is not the case as long as Turkey has been systematically refusing to implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States; and it has been systematically violating critical provisions of the current Customs Union; calls on Turkey to eliminate immediately all the technical barriers, the localisation schemes and domestic requirements that discriminate against EU products and still prevent the free movement of goods in profound breach of the Customs Union obligations;
Amendment 530 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation;Turkey’s unprecedented illegal and aggressive behaviour in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, its warmongering rhetoric and the related risk of a military escalation by an EU candidate country against EU Member States ; strongly condemns Turkey’s violations of Greek national airspace, including over flights of inhabited areas, and territorial sea, a conduct which not only constitutes a serious, ongoing violation of international law, but also creates the risk of an armed incident ;strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate bothe sovereignty, the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; expresses its grave concern for the illegal Turkish fishing activities within Greek territorial waters in the Aegean Sea and the unregulated and unreported fishing activities of Turkish fishing fleet in international waters in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean; urges Turkey to fully respect international law and the law of the sea, to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; notes that the Council’s Conclusions of 15 July 2019 in light of Turkey’s continued and new illegal drilling activities , not to hold the Association Council and further meetings of the EU-Turkey high-level dialogues for the time being, along with the Council’s Decision 2019/1894, of11 November 2019, to impose restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorized drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, are the first instances where such reactions were deemed necessary in view of the conduct of a candidate country;
Amendment 536 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone, explore and exploit its natural resources and calls on Turkey to respect relevant international law (UNCLOS); urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations. Urges Turkey to show restraint and to respect Cyprus’ sovereignty over its territorial sea and Cyprus’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.
Amendment 547 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat;
Amendment 556 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; calls on Turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the EU acquis, and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; reiterates its call on Turkey to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement, to begin withdrawing its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN and its lawful inhabitants in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550(1984), as an effort to pave the way for a democratic comprehensive settlement, and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island; praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 560 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. CStrongly condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which violates international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 and undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and calls on Turkey to immediately reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions;, in accordance with International law, the EU acquis and the principles on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 561 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. CStrongly condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which violates international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 and undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and calls on Turkey to immediately reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in accordance with International law, the EU acquis and the principles on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 571 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. CStrongly condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; calls on Turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality;
Amendment 575 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant; requests that the Turkish Government join the Espoo Convention; asks the Turkish Government to involve, or at least consult, the governments of its neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, during any further developments in the Akkuyu venture.
Amendment 634 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. RegretsCondemns the fact that, rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 635 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. RegretsCondemns the fact that, rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 677 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Takes the view that enhancing communication and dialogue at all levels are key to restoring mutual trust between the EU and Turkey; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusal of the Turkish side to reinstate the normal functioning of the EU- Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee; at the same time, recalls that the Council’s decision of 15 July 2019 not to hold the EU – Turkey Association Council and further meetings of the EU – Turkey high level dialogues by virtue of Turkish illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, remains valid;
Amendment 687 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Takes into account not only the absence of any progress in engaging with Turkey, but also the renewed escalation on the Turkish side by unilateral actions and provocations in breach of international law by the latter, and calls on the Council to develop a list of further restrictive measures that should be sectoral and targeted; in this spirit, recalls the European Council’s conclusions of 1- 2 October 2020 that the EU will use all the instruments and the options at its disposal, including in accordance with Articles 29 TEU and 215 TFEU, in order to defend its interests and those of its Member – States;
Amendment 688 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Takes into account not only the absence of any progress in engaging with Turkey, but also the renewed escalation on the Turkish side by unilateral actions and provocations in breach of international law by the latter, and calls on the Council to develop a list of further restrictive measures that should be sectoral and targeted; in this spirit, recalls the European Council’s conclusions of 1- 2 October 2020 that the EU will use all the instruments and the options at its disposal, including in accordance with Articles 29 TEU and 215 TFEU, in order to defend its interests and those of its Member – States;
Amendment 63 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that progress in accession under the revised enlargement methodology depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, in particular the rule of law and the fight against corruption, judiciary and fundamental rights, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation;
Amendment 87 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of implementing the electoral reform measures codified in July 2020, which are in line with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) recommendations; welcomes the commitment tolooks forward to the implementation of the forthcoming Venice Commission opinion regarding the amendments to the Electoral Code adopted in October 2020, in line with the relevant commitment expressed by the Albanian government;
Amendment 100 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Commends the steady progress made in implementing the comprehensive judicial reform, underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process and the establishment of the relevant institutions and specialised bodies, enablingand calls for the acceleration of these procedures in order to achieve a tangible shift towards an accountable and independent judiciary;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that, as a first step, the High Court has regained its ability to function and that it has been reviewing the admissibility of more than a thousand cases, and encourages it to make further progress in the appointment of additional judges, in order to become fully functional;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of measures ensuring the pUrges to swiftly adopt the remaining five by-laws to ensure full implementation of the 2017 framework Law on the Protection of nNational mMinorities, including and the related rights to free self- identification, the use of minority languages and property rightthe right to education in minority languages;
Amendment 162 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Welcomes the law on the census (Nr.140/2020), voted by the Parliament on the 26th of November and calls on Albania to take all the necessary steps, e.g. preparation of the questionnaire and the manual, in order to effectively implement it;
Amendment 165 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages Albania to make further progress on measures consolidating property rights, implementing the law on transitional ownershipprocedures ownership, mainly by advancing in a transparent manner the process of registration of properties, and completing the comprehensive land sector reform;
Amendment 252 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes Albania’s unremitting efforts in promoting good neighbourly relations and regional integration;
Amendment 255 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Commends the constructive steps towards the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues, including a joint undertaking by Greece and Albania to resolve a dispute over their Ionian maritime border through ifer the delimitation of the maritime zones to the International jCourt of Justice;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers, therefore, that European strategic autonomy is based, above all, on the ability of the Union to assess a crisis situation and take a decision autonomously, which necessarily entails an independent decision-making process, the availability of means of assessment and a freedom to analyse and take action; considers, also, that European strategic autonomy is based on the ability of the Union to act alone when its interests are at stake (theatres of operations not considered as priorities by its European partners) or within the framework of existing cooperation arrangements; considers, lastly, that European strategic autonomy is part of a multilateral framework which respects commitments within the UN and complementreinforces the (NATO) alliances and partnerships to which most Member States are signed up; stresses that strategic autonomy does not mean that the Union will systematically act alone, everywhere and always;
Amendment 211 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the swifteffective implementation of the compact on civilian missions adopted in November 2018 by the Council and the Member States with a view to enhancing civilian CSDP resources in order to make the missions more flexible and more operational, a prerequisite for the effectiveness and efficiency of Union action on the ground;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes, however, that the effectiveness of CSDP missions and operations in general is being hampered by an increasing reluctance on the part ofchallenged by constraints that the Member States and the European institutions in their efforts to make such missions and operations more robust, both in terms of human resources and their mandates; notes that CSDP military operations increasingly tend to be based on armed forces training (EUTM), with no executive dimension;
Amendment 255 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes the decision of 26 September 2019 to extend the EU maritime operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED Sophia) by six months to 31 March 2020; deeply deplores the decision temporarily to suspend the naval presence; stresses the urgent need to reach agreement among the Member States and calls for the redeployment of naval assets and full implementation of the mandate;
Amendment 293 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Expects the Union to make effective use of all existing CSDP policy instruments in the areas of diplomacy, cooperation, development, conflict management and peacekeeping; stresses that CSDP military and civilian instruments cannot, under any circumstances, be the only solution to security issues and that an ‘comprehensiveintegrated approach’ should always be adopted; considers that only the use of all these instruments on the basis of an ‘comprehensiveintegrated approach’ will provide the flexibility needed to effectively achieve the most ambitious security objectives;
Amendment 376 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Stresses the still virtual nature of the European Defence Fund; points out that that this instrument has not yet been finally approved, with only partial and political agreement having been given in April 2019; stresses the importance of maintaining Parliament’s position concerning the amount of the EDF, the involvement of third countries and the establishment of an appropriate intellectual property policy in relation to security and defence in order to protect research results; draws attention, in that connection, to the highly sensitive and strategic nature of defence research, both for industrial competitiveness and for the strategic autonomy of the Union; calls for the initial lessons learned from the implementation of the EDIDP (in particular concerning the application of derogations for eligible entities), the pilot project and the preparatory action on defence research to be properly taken into account; calls on the Member States to be fully involved in the decision-making process in order to avoid bureaucratic excesses and to ensure that the programmes included address the strategic needs of the CSDP and the Member States; considers that the success of the EDF will depend on its ability to cater for the specific defence needs of the participating states and to guarantee the availability of sufficient budgetary resources, whilst ensuring that industrial know-how is not duplicated, national defence investment is not crowded out and cooperation does not become over-complicated; considers that developing the European defence industry by regulating access for entities controlled by non-EU third parties to projects financed by the Fund is fully consistent with the European ambition of strategic autonomy and does not contravene the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 431 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 54
Paragraph 54
54. Stresses that the ambition of European strategic autonomy is based on the ability of Europeans to take action to defend their interests, either independently or within an institutional cooperation framework (NATO, UN partners (UN, NATO);
Amendment 1 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Takes note of the ECA Special report No 32/2018 (“European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa: Flexible but lacking focus”); calls on the Commission to address the outstanding recommendations without delay; emphasises the need to ensure that the projects funded through the EUTF are complementary to actions under other EU instruments and those funded by Member States or other donors; notes the low level of contributions from Member States and other donors, which calls into question the rationale for using an EU Trust Fund;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. With regard to the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II), notes the continued weaknesses in administrative capacities of accession countries resulting in alack of absorption capacity under indirect management; highlights that as pointed out in the ECA’s 2018 special report on IPA funding for Turkey, progress in such sensitive areas as the rule of law and civil society is not only dependent on IPA funding but more importantly the political will of the authorities;believes that it is more important now than ever for the Commission to make use of conditionality to support reforms in priority sectors such as the rule of law and governance in Turkey;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Invites the Commission to assess the legality of withdrawing the budgetary function from the European Parliament through the Council decisions on establishing the EDA and PESCO; recalls that the relevant articles 45(2) and 46(2) TEU provide for the decisions to be adopted by a qualified majority without a veto provision; recalls that the withdrawal of the budgetary function of the EP under Article42 TEU is possible for the operating expenditure only and requires a unanimous decision by the Council; underlines that the Council has never taken such a decision;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Deplores the lack of flexibility in the administrative and budgetary/financial procedures concerning civilian CSDP missions; reiterates its opinion that the Commission should introduce specific procurement rules to the crisis management measures under the CSDP in order to facilitate the rapid and flexible conduct of missions;
Amendment 30 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the pledges made at the Brussels III Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the Region” and highlights that beyond the allocated EUR 560 million the EU must commit to a long and stable involvement in the region;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the EUR 255 million foreseen for the European Defence Industrial Development Cooperation (EDIDP) and recalls the important role the European Defence Fund (EDF) must play in future budgets, notably the next MFF.
Amendment 52 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Points to the fact that unforeseen crises require flexibility and room for manoeuvre in the budget and hence reminds of the need to be prepared and capable of action in a swift and effective way if needed.
Amendment 57 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Notes the small increase of funding for the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and points among others to the important role of enhancing the EU’s Electoral Observation Missions (EOM).
Amendment 58 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Highlights the important role of EOMs in strengthening democratic institutions and building public confidence in electoral processes, thus promoting stability and reinforcing other foreign policy objectives, including peace building.
Amendment 59 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Recalls that the current budget proposal is based on a budget with full contributions by the United Kingdom throughout the year 2020;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. Recalls that countries in the Southern neighbourhood are facing enormous pressure as a result of tumultuous developments in the region, including the conflicts in Syria and Libya, the rise of extremism and the related refugee and migrant movements, and believes that more efforts and funding for confidence building measures could be a way to address the current problems.
Amendment 61 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5 g. Further recalls that given the increasing deterioration in the security environment at the EU’s Eastern borders it is important to continue confidence building with the Eastern partners and provide sufficient funding to support stability and democracy building in the region, in particular as regards Ukraine and the persisting conflict situation in Eastern Ukraine.
Amendment 62 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5 h. Highlights that in a world full of intensifying and new challenges, the EEAS can only fulfil its role and live up to its mandate if it is adequately funded and staffed, and hence welcomes the EEAS proposal for new posts, in particular in the fields of Strategic Communication and CSDP.