Activities of Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ
Plenary speeches (81)
Effects of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook Group (debate)
Discharge 2017: EU general budget - European Council and Council (debate)
Discharge 2017: EU general budget - European Council and Council (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report - 2018 (debate)
Conflict of interest and corruption affecting the protection of EU's financial interests in Member States (debate)
EU strategy for mobility and transport: measures needed until 2030 and beyond (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
EU response to devastation following floods in Spain (debate)
European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak (debate)
State of the Union (topical debate) (continuation of debate)
Rule of Law conditionality in the framework of the MFF 2021-2027 and Next Generation EU (continuation of debate)
Commission Work Programme 2021 (debate)
Multiannual Financial Framework (including Own Resources), Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism and the Recovery Fund for Europe (continuation of debate)
Istanbul Convention and violence against women (debate)
European Year of Rail (2021) (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report - 2019 (debate)
Revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines (debate)
Social and employment crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU's response in the Recovery Plan and the MFF (debate)
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
The state of play of the EU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy (continuation of debate)
Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2019 (debate)
Application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092, the rule of law conditionality mechanism (continuation of debate)
Long-term vision for rural areas (debate)
Guidelines for the 2022 Budget – Section III (debate)
2019 Discharge (debate)
Saving the summer tourism season - EU support to the hospitality sector (debate)
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (debate)
Union Anti-Fraud Programme 2021-2027 (continuation of debate)
Revised industrial strategy for Europe (debate)
Rule of law situation in the European Union and the application of the Conditionality Regulation (EU, Euratom 2020/2092) (debate)
Follow-up of the Porto Social Summit of 7 May 2021 (debate)
The Commission’s 2020 rule of law report (debate)
Connecting Europe Facility - Streamlining measures for the realisation of the TEN-T - Railway safety and signalling: Assessing the state of play of the ERTMS deployment (debate)
Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the adopted legal changes in the Hungarian Parliament - The outcome of 22 June hearings under Article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (continuation of debate)
Decent working and employment conditions in the aviation sector - Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on aviation (debate)
Presentation of the Fit for 55 package after the publication of the IPCC report (debate)
EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 – Recommendations on next steps towards "Vision Zero" (debate)
EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority: ensuring a coordinated EU approach for future health crises and the role of the European Parliament in this (debate)
Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the Summer season nears (debate)
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022 - all sections (debate)
Increased efforts to fight money laundering (debate)
Statute and funding of European political parties and foundations (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2020 (debate)
State of play of the RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility) (debate)
EU response to the transport poverty (debate)
Stocktaking of the European Year of Rail (debate)
Harmonised EU approach to travel measures (debate)
Charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (debate)
Droughts and other extreme weather phenomena on the Iberian Peninsula and other parts of Europe (debate)
Rising energy prices and market manipulation on the gas market (debate)
The Power of the EU – Joint European Action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy (debate)
Discharge 2020 (debate)
Discharge 2020 (debate)
The REPowerEU Plan: European solidarity and energy security in face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including the recent cuts of gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria (debate)
Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 30-31 May 2022 (debate)
Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
Facilitating export of Ukrainian agricultural products: key for Ukrainian economy and global food security (debate)
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)
EU response to the increase in energy prices in Europe (debate)
Question Time (Commission) Tackling depopulation through cohesion policy instrument
Commission proposal for measures under the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation in the case of Hungary (debate)
Keep the bills down: social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine and the introduction of a windfall tax (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2021 (debate)
Eliminating violence against Women (debate)
A long-term vision for the EU's rural areas (debate)
Addressing persistent challenges in the aviation sector and the impacts on passengers, workers, capacity and safety (debate)
Upscaling the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (debate)
Establishment of an independent EU Ethics Body (debate)
Activities of the European Ombudsman - annual report 2021 (debate)
Women activism – human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (debate)
IPCC report on Climate Change: a call for urgent additional action (debate)
Discharge 2021 (debate)
Discharge 2021 (continuation of debate)
Large transport infrastructure projects in the EU (debate)
Establishment of the EU Ethics Body (debate)
Extension of the mandate of the EPPO with regard to the criminal offence of violation of Union restrictive measures (debate)
Industrial Emissions Directive - Industrial Emissions Portal - Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure - Sustainable maritime fuels (FuelEU Maritime Initiative) - Energy efficiency (recast) (joint debate - Fit for 55 and Industrial Emissions)
The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean (continuation of debate)
Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountability (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2022 (debate)
Minimum requirements on minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods in the occasional passenger transport sector (short presentation)
Reports (13)
SECOND REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017, Section II – European Council and Council
REPORT on the nomination of François-Roger Cazala as a Member of the Court of Auditors
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section V – Court of Auditors
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section VII – Committee of the Regions
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section II – European Council and Council
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section IV – Court of Justice of the European Union
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section X – European External Action Service
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section VIII – European Ombudsman
SECOND REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section II – European Council and Council
SECOND REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021, Section I – European Parliament
Shadow reports (26)
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section V – Court of Auditors
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section VIII – European Ombudsman
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section X – European External Action Service
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section II – European Council and Council
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section VII – Committee of the Regions
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, Section IV – Court of Justice
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on the AIEM tax applicable in the Canary Islands
REPORT on the revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section V – Court of Auditors
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section VII – Committee of the Regions
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section VIII – European Ombudsman
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section IV – Court of Justice of the European Union
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section X – European External Action Service
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section II – European Council and Council
REPORT on the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 – Recommendations on next steps towards ‘Vision Zero’
RECOMMENDATION FOR SECOND READING on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European transport network
RECOMMENDATION FOR SECOND READING on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014
SECOND REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, Section II – European Council and Council
REPORT on the evaluation of preventive measures for avoiding corruption, irregular spending and misuse of EU and national funds in case of emergency funds and crisis-related spending areas
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) 1315/2013
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards minimum requirements on minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods in the occasional passenger transport sector
Opinions (6)
OPINION on Guidelines for the 2022 Budget - Section III
OPINION on the Commission’s 2020 Rule of Law Report
OPINION on European political parties – report 2021
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022
OPINION on the implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility
OPINION on upscaling the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges
Shadow opinions (10)
Opinion on Guidelines for the 2021 Budget – Section III
OPINION on the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan – How to finance the Green Deal
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021
OPINION on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility
Opinion on Guidelines for the 2022 budgetary procedure – Section III
OPINION on strengthening transparency and integrity in the EU institutions by setting up an independent EU ethics body
OPINION Guidelines for the 2023 Budget – Section III
OPINION on the Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law Report
OPINION on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a Social Climate Fund
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating corruption, replacing Council Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA and the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Institutional motions (3)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the negative impact of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook on EU tourism
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the negative impact of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook on EU tourism
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the rule of law situation in the European Union and the application of the Conditionality Regulation 2020/2092
Oral questions (1)
Imminent threat to the rule of law and democracy in Bulgaria
Written explanations (265)
Allocation of slots at Community airports: common rules
El brote de COVID-19 ha impactado duramente en el sector de aviación a escala europea e internacional.Con el fin de ayudar a paliar el impacto del brote, la Comisión ha presentado una propuesta de Reglamento específica para aliviar temporalmente a las aerolíneas de sus obligaciones de utilización de las franjas horarias en los aeropuertos. De esta manera, las aerolíneas podrán mantener sus derechos a las franjas horarias (slots ) en la temporada siguiente y se evitará que operen vuelos casi vacíos o vacíos (vuelos fantasma) por temor a perder estos derechos.El Grupo S&D ha apoyado esta suspensión temporal como medida fundamental para evitar los «vuelos fantasma» y su consecuente impacto económico y medioambiental. Asimismo, dado el alto porcentaje de cancelaciones y caídas en las reservas de los viajes para la temporada de verano, el Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de prolongar la exención de las obligaciones de los slots hasta el final de la temporada de verano (24 de octubre). Esto servirá para dar garantías y seguridad legal a las aerolíneas en esta situación sin precedentes.Las instituciones europeas han sabido responder de manera eficaz y coordinada y encontrar una solución europea a un problema europeo.
Specific measures to mobilise investments in the health care systems of the Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative)
La pandemia del coronavirus ha creado una situación sin precedentes en nuestros países y regiones: la actividad económica se ha visto drásticamente afectada, las empresas —particularmente las pymes— luchan por sobrevivir y se necesitan recursos adicionales para dar apoyo a los sistemas sanitarios.Dada la necesidad y la urgencia de que se proporcionen medios financieros para hacer frente a la crisis, el Parlamento Europeo ha aprobado por 683 votos a favor, uno en contra y cuatro abstenciones la propuesta de Reglamento de la Comisión Europea sobre una Iniciativa de Inversión en Respuesta al Coronavirus, con el objetivo de apoyar a los Estados miembros y a sus ciudadanos en la lucha contra el brote del virus.El Grupo S&D ha apoyado esta propuesta que canalizará 37 000 millones de euros (8 000 millones de liquidez de inversión de los fondos estructurales no gastados en 2019 + 29 000 millones de euros de cofinanciación de presupuesto comunitario) de fondos comunitarios tan pronto como sea posible, para abordar las consecuencias de la crisis del coronavirus.El dinero se dedicará a los sistemas de salud, las pymes, los mercados laborales y otras partes vulnerables de las economías de los Estados miembros.
Financial assistance to Member States and countries negotiating their accession to the Union that are seriously affected by a major public health emergency
Como parte de la respuesta conjunta a la COVID-19, el Fondo de Solidaridad de la UE (FSUE) desempeña un papel importante como muestra de solidaridad de la Unión a los Estados miembros en situación de emergencia.Hasta ahora no era posible abordar los riesgos de salud con el FSUE, ya que fue creado para responder a desastres naturales, como inundaciones o terremotos.La propuesta de la Comisión, aprobada por 671 votos a favor, 3 en contra y 14 abstenciones, propone enmendar el Fondo, ampliando el alcance para incluir emergencias de salud pública y definir operaciones específicas que puedan ser financiadas.El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de esta modificación que pondrá a disposición de los países europeos hasta 800 millones de euros en 2020. El dinero podrá utilizarse para asistencia médica, así como a medidas de prevención, control y vigilancia de la propagación de enfermedades.La propuesta de Comisión propone elevar el nivel de los pagos anticipados al 25 % de la contribución esperada del FSUE, limitado a un máximo de 100 millones de euros, y aumentar el nivel total de créditos para anticipos del Fondo de Solidaridad en el presupuesto anual, que pasaría de 50 millones a 100 millones de euros.
Draft amending budget No 1/2020: Assistance to Greece in response to increased migration pressure - Immediate measures in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak - Support to post-earthquake reconstruction in Albania - Other adjustments
Ante el alcance y naturaleza de las necesidades que requieren el apoyo urgente del presupuesto de la Unión, la Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de las medidas urgentes aprobadas por el Parlamento Europeo para hacer frente a las consecuencias de la pandemia de COVID-19. Se trata de un paquete de ayuda de emergencia, «paquete ESI», para financiar la prestación de ayuda de emergencia dentro de la Unión.El proyecto de presupuesto rectificativo n.º 1 para el año 2020 pondrá a disposición 350 millones EUR para responder a las necesidades derivadas del aumento de la presión migratoria en Grecia, 115 millones EUR para evitar un nuevo deterioro del brote de COVID-19, así como ajustes para incrementar la capacidad del Centro Europeo para la Prevención y el Control de las Enfermedades en términos de personal. El CEPCE facilitará modelos de evaluación y comparación de la incidencia de las diferentes estrategias de intervención para combatir el brote de COVID-19 y pondrá a punto intervenciones en los hospitales y la población y ofrecerá asesoramiento, aportando su experiencia en el ámbito de la preparación y respuesta ante emergencias, en caso de despliegues en países que necesiten asistencia inmediata para responder a la crisis.
Draft amending budget No 2/2020: Providing emergency support to Member States and further reinforcement of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism/rescEU to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak
Teniendo en cuenta que este año es el último del marco financiero plurianual (MFP) 2014-2020 y que la Unión Europea se enfrenta a una crisis sanitaria y económica sin precedentes, la Comisión propone la modificación del Reglamento MFP para que puedan financiarse íntegramente a su cargo los 3 000 millones EUR destinados a la respuesta al brote de COVID-19 recogidos en el proyecto de presupuesto rectificativo n.º 2/2020.El proyecto de presupuesto rectificativo (PPR) n.º 2 para el ejercicio 2020 destinará 3 000 millones EUR con cargo a la Rúbrica 3 (Seguridad y ciudadanía) para financiar la prestación de asistencia urgente a través del Instrumento para la Prestación de Asistencia Urgente en la Unión, que se propone para hacer frente a las consecuencias del brote de COVID-19 y para lo que se destinarán 2 700 millones EUR. Además, el texto aprobado reforzará el Mecanismo de Protección Civil de la Unión/RescEU para ampliar las reservas de recursos esenciales y la coordinación de su distribución en toda Europa con una asignación de 300 millones EUR.La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de estas medidas, dado el alcance y la naturaleza de las necesidades, que requieren el apoyo urgente del presupuesto de la Unión Europea.
Specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Para que los Fondos Estructurales y Fondos de Inversión Europeos (Fondos ESI) sean más flexibles y fáciles de utilizar para hacer frente a la COVID-19, la Comisión ha propuesto una serie de enmiendas al Reglamento del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional y al Reglamento sobre Disposiciones Comunes, que establece las normas que rigen la utilización de todos los Fondos ESI.El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor porque permite una flexibilidad adicional a los Estados miembros para responder a esta crisis, reforzando la posibilidad de movilizar toda la ayuda no utilizada de los Fondos ESI.Las nuevas medidas excepcionales y temporales permitirán a los Estados transferir recursos entre el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, el Fondo Social Europeo y el Fondo de Cohesión, entre las diferentes categorías de regiones y entre las áreas prioritarias específicas.Asimismo, la Comisión propone la posibilidad de una financiación del 100 % con cargo al presupuesto de la UE entre el 1 de julio de 2020 y el 30 de junio de 2021 para los programas que se ocupen de las repercusiones de la pandemia. Además, se simplifica el mecanismo de aprobación de los programas, para acelerar su implementación, facilitar el uso de los instrumentos financieros y simplificar las auditorías.
Introduction of specific measures for addressing the COVID-19 crisis
La crisis del coronavirus supone un desafío sin precedentes para las operaciones y la distribución de ayuda llevadas a cabo en el marco del Fondo de Ayuda Europea para las Personas Más Desfavorecidas (FEAD).El Grupo S&D acoge con satisfacción la propuesta de la Comisión de adaptar este Fondo lo más rápidamente posible a la actual crisis del coronavirus, para que las personas más necesitadas continúen recibiendo el apoyo habitual, a pesar del riesgo de infección con COVID-19 y las medidas de seguridad implementadas.La propuesta, aprobada por 686 votos a favor, 7 en contra y 3 abstenciones, propone, entre otras medidas, elevar la tasa de cofinanciación al 100 % para el ejercicio 2020-21; flexibilizar las medidas que reducen la carga administrativa de las autoridades, en particular, en lo que respecta al seguimiento, el control y la auditoría; o proporcionar formas alternativas de distribuir alimentos y proporcionar asistencia material básica, en formato electrónico.El Grupo S&D ha conseguido que tales medidas no excluyan otros formularios, como el formulario en papel, para permitir que las organizaciones pequeñas y las ONG, así como algunos Estados miembros, tengan más flexibilidad para adaptarse.
Specific measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the fishery and aquaculture sector
He votado a favor de este paquete de medidas específico para atenuar el impacto del brote de COVID-19 en el sector de la pesca y la acuicultura, ya que se ha visto especialmente afectado por esta crisis y ya estamos viendo consecuencias socioeconómicas dramáticas en determinadas comunidades en las que la pesca y la acuicultura desempeñan un papel fundamental, tanto por el empleo como por la actividad económica.A diferencia de la mayoría de los sectores de la economía, la pesca es competencia exclusiva de la Unión y se regula a nivel de esta por medio de una política común, lo que excluye en gran medida la normativa nacional, incluida la relativa a las ayudas financieras. De esta forma, el alcance de la intervención de los Estados miembros en el ámbito de la pesca se ve limitado por las disposiciones del Fondo Europeo Marítimo y de Pesca (FEMP), que actualmente no ofrece ayuda para las acciones que con más urgencia se necesitan para superar los efectos del brote de COVID-19. Estas limitaciones restringen la capacidad de utilización del FEMP por parte de los Estados miembros para luchar contra la crisis.
Medical devices (C9-0098/2020)
El brote de COVID-19 y la crisis de salud pública derivada de este, son un reto sin precedentes para los Estados miembros, que precisan de recursos adicionales sustanciales y de mayor disponibilidad de productos sanitarios vitales. Esta crisis representa una carga extraordinaria para las autoridades e instituciones sanitarias, los ciudadanos de la UE y los operadores económicos.En este marco, los socialistas hemos liderado la iniciativa de retrasar un año la fecha de aplicación de algunas disposiciones del Reglamento de productos sanitarios, por el impacto que las circunstancias extraordinarias actuales tienen en varios ámbitos del Reglamento y la dificultad para que Estados miembros, instituciones sanitarias, operadores económicos y otras partes interesadas puedan garantizar su correcta aplicación a partir del 26 de mayo de 2020 como estaba previsto.Por ello, los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta, para asegurar que la industria de dispositivos médicos pueda concentrar todos sus esfuerzos y recursos en la fabricación y distribución de dispositivos esenciales como mascarillas, ventiladores y equipos de pruebas, y para que una vez que la crisis haya terminado, el Reglamento se aplique en su totalidad para mejorar la transparencia y la seguridad de los pacientes.
EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences
He votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común porque, ante este reto histórico, Europa tiene que actuar con valentía y solidaridad para salir de la hibernación social y económica, sin dejar a nadie atrás y pensando en el interés general. Dejando de lado el «chacun pour soi » y las respuestas nacionalistas y apostando por la acción coordinada. De lo contrario, nuestra Unión está en peligro.El acuerdo del Eurogrupo es un paso en la buena dirección, pero no es suficiente. Europa necesita un plan de reconstrucción ambicioso. Un nuevo Plan Marshall de inversión europea común que contemple bonos de reconstrucción y mayor flexibilidad para evitar caer en una espiral de deuda.Además, esta Cámara debe participar en la elaboración del plan de rescate y liderar la preparación de la Conferencia sobre el Futuro de Europa para reformar la UE, haciéndola más democrática y resistente.No es momento para vetos y suspicacias. Como pedimos en esta propuesta de Resolución común, debemos: proteger a los más vulnerables; asegurar que el Pacto Verde, la transformación digital y el sector turístico, el pesquero y agrícola y la industria cultural estén en el centro de la recuperación; y proteger el Estado de Derecho y los derechos fundamentales.
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in the United Kingdom (A9-0100/2020 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
El proyecto de Decisión de Ejecución del Consejo, basado en el artículo 33 de la Decisión 2008/615/JAI («Decisión Prüm»), tiene por objeto permitir el intercambio de datos dactiloscópicos entre el Reino Unido y los Estados miembros vinculados por la «Decisión Prüm».He votado en contra ante la visible negativa por parte del Reino Unido de poner a disposición datos dactiloscópicos de sospechosos, en contra de lo esperado por el Consejo y en contraste con decisiones similares adoptadas por otros Estados miembros. Asimismo, esta Decisión de Ejecución, en caso de ser adoptada, sería válida hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020.Por consiguiente, ante la ambigüedad del Reino Unido por cumplir con los estándares de protección de datos de la UE después de esta fecha, la susodicha Decisión podría conllevar un grave riesgo para la protección de los derechos y libertades fundamentales de los ciudadanos de la UE después del período de transición. Más aun, es manifiesta una falta de buena voluntad por parte del Gobierno del Reino Unido cuando se trata de cooperación.
Minimum requirements for water reuse (A9-0098/2020 - Simona Bonafè)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor de esta Recomendación, siendo conscientes de la escasez de recursos hídricos que afecta a nuestro país y de la necesidad de poder dar un uso agrícola a las aguas residuales regeneradas.Los socialistas somos muy conscientes de los problemas generados por tal escasez, que se ve agravada por los impactos del cambio climático, y que afectará a cada vez más países. Por eso, son necesarias herramientas y políticas para paliarla, ya que la escasez no es, o lo será cada vez menos en el futuro, un problema que afecte solo a los países del sur de Europa.Por ello, hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento por la necesidad de dotar a la UE de un instrumento legislativo a tal fin. España es el país de la UE con mayor experiencia en reutilización de aguas residuales para uso agrícola, por lo que ciertas provisiones del Reglamento tenían que ser lo suficientemente flexibles para adaptarse a los distintos sistemas nacionales en vigor, a la vez que maximizan el potencial de uso seguro del agua regenerada, ya que hay países en Europa con una larga tradición y otros que prácticamente nunca han regenerado agua para uso agrícola.
Discharge 2018: EU general budget - European Parliament (A9-0021/2020 - Maria Grapini)
En su informe anual, el Tribunal de Cuentas indica que los gastos en administración (de todas las instituciones europeas, incluyendo el Parlamento) no están afectados por un nivel significativo de error.Por otra parte, en la propuesta de Resolución que acompaña a la propuesta de Decisión, el Grupo S&D ha conseguido incluir recomendaciones destinadas a mejorar las condiciones laborales del personal (especialmente en temas como la conciliación y el burnout ), ofrecer una mayor protección frente a los casos de acoso, alcanzar el equilibrio geográfico y de género, y un mayor uso de las tecnologías de la comunicación con el objetivo de proteger el medioambiente y ahorrar recursos. También ha exigido que las empresas externas respeten los derechos laborales del personal que trabaja en el Parlamento.He votado a favor de aprobar la gestión 2018 teniendo en cuenta las conclusiones del Tribunal y las recomendaciones dirigidas al propio Parlamento en pos de la transparencia, la buena gestión financiera y la rendición de cuentas en lo que se refiere a los gastos de la institución.
Discharge 2018: EU general budget - European Council and Council (A9-0038/2020 - Tomáš Zdechovský)
En su informe anual, el Tribunal de Cuentas indica que los gastos en administración (de todas las instituciones europeas, incluyendo el Consejo Europeo y el Consejo) no están afectados por un nivel significativo de error.En el caso del Consejo, sin embargo, por décima vez consecutiva, los miembros del Parlamento hemos decidido posponer la aprobación hasta octubre, debido a que nuevamente no ha presentado la documentación financiera necesaria ni ha acudido a la audiencia organizada por nuestra Comisión Parlamentaria de Control Presupuestario.Por otra parte, como ponente alternativa del Grupo S&D, he insistido en que recurrir a patrocinios privados para sufragar parte de los costes de la Presidencia rotatoria del Consejo, ocasiona un grave riesgo de reputación y credibilidad del Consejo frente a la ciudadanía europea.He votado a favor de posponer la aprobación de la gestión 2018 hasta octubre, a consecuencia de la falta de colaboración del Consejo. Hasta entonces, esta institución deberá informar al Parlamento de las medidas tomadas, de cara a que los eurodiputados y eurodiputadas volvamos a votar en octubre si se aprueba o no la gestión de 2018.
Discharge 2018: EU general budget – Commission and executive agencies (A9-0069/2020 - Monika Hohlmeier)
En su informe anual, el Tribunal de Cuentas concluye que las cuentas de la UE presentan una «imagen fiel» de la posición financiera de la UE y, por tercer año consecutivo, emite una opinión con reservas (cifras veraces y fidedignas con solo problemas menores por resolver) sobre la regularidad de las operaciones financieras.En la propuesta de Resolución que acompaña a la propuesta de Decisión, los miembros del Parlamento pedimos una mayor protección del gasto de la UE contra el fraude, la corrupción, los conflictos de intereses, el uso indebido intencional y la delincuencia organizada, así como para que el dinero de la UE se distribuya de manera más justa y transparente.El Grupo S&D hemos conseguido también la inclusión de las lecciones aprendidas durante el MFP actual, la necesidad de una sólida gestión financiera y la protección de los intereses financieros de la Unión a todos los niveles, así como la prevención de conflictos de intereses por parte de autoridades públicas. También hemos insistido en la necesidad de más transparencia y rendición de cuentas para fondos e instrumentos financieros europeos.He votado a favor de aprobar la gestión 2018 dadas las positivas conclusiones del Tribunal y las recomendaciones elaboradas por el Parlamento.
Discharge 2018: General budget of the EU – European Economic and Social Committee (A9-0078/2020 - Tomáš Zdechovský)
En su informe anual, el Tribunal de Cuentas indica que los gastos en administración (de todas las instituciones europeas, incluyendo el CESE) no están afectados por un nivel significativo de error.En el caso del CESE, sin embargo, los miembros del Parlamento hemos decidido posponer la aprobación debido a los resultados de la investigación de la OLAF sobre graves casos de acoso cometidos por el presidente del Grupo I, principalmente en 2018. Como ponente alternativa, he conseguido que se incluyeran las referencias a este caso en la propuesta de Resolución que acompaña a la propuesta de Decisión. Otros aspectos importantes que los socialistas hemos incluido son el refuerzo de la protección de los denunciantes y del personal acosado, así como del código de conducta de los miembros, y las críticas tanto al desmantelamiento del servicio jurídico como al método de nombramiento del actual secretario general.He votado a favor de posponer la aprobación de la gestión de 2018 hasta octubre a consecuencia de los problemas señalados. Hasta entonces, el CESE deberá informar al Parlamento de las medidas tomadas y los progresos realizados para que los eurodiputados y eurodiputadas podamos tomar la decisión definitiva.
New MFF, own resources and Recovery plan
. – La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución que respalda una posición fuerte del Parlamento y que cuenta con un amplísimo apoyo parlamentario. Con ella lanzamos un mensaje claro al Consejo y a la Comisión: pedimos un plan de recuperación ambicioso y urgente, con un fuerte componente social y medioambiental y que deberá estar estrechamente vinculado al marco financiero plurianual (MFP) para reconstruir la UE tras la crisis originada por la pandemia.En ese sentido, el plan que proponemos reforzará los programas del MFP, tanto actual como para el periodo 2021-2027, y estará enmarcado dentro del método comunitario para garantizar el escrutinio democrático de la toma de decisiones.Proponemos un plan de recuperación masivo, de 2 billones de euros, cuyo componente principal sea un fondo de reconstrucción a través de subvenciones y que será financiado por deuda común a largo plazo respaldada por el presupuesto europeo. Para ello será necesario el incremento del techo de recursos propios de la UE.Tenemos que estar a la altura de las expectativas de la ciudadanía europea. Solo con un plan de estas características podremos dar el impulso que necesita nuestra sociedad, sin dejar a nadie atrás.
Temporary measures concerning the operation of air services
Esta propuesta trata de modificar temporalmente varias normas europeas para dar más flexibilidad a la Comisión y a las autoridades nacionales en la adopción de decisiones para enfrentarse a las consecuencias negativas de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el sector de la aviación, particularmente castigado por esta crisis.La propuesta de la Comisión incluye una medida para aliviar la situación de las empresas de asistencia en tierra, que, por la crisis del coronavirus, se encuentran con unos costes fijos mucho más elevados que los ingresos que perciben. Además, estas empresas tienen unas condiciones contractuales y temporales de explotación que no garantizan su sostenibilidad en las circunstancias actuales. Su quiebra sería perjudicial para todo el sector (aeropuertos y compañías aéreas), ya que restringiría la competencia a corto y medio plazo, y daría lugar a una interrupción de los servicios de asistencia en tierra, lo que afectaría a la recuperación del sector.Consecuentemente, el Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de que los contratos que finalicen antes del 31 de diciembre de 2021, puedan extenderse hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022, para garantizar la seguridad de los trabajadores del sector, a la vez que se asegura cierta flexibilidad financiera para las empresas.
Temporary measures concerning the validity of certificates and licences (omnibus)
Debido a la crisis sanitaria de COVID-19, ha sido imposible la renovación de determinados certificados o permisos, correspondientes a personas (i.e. permiso de conducir o certificado de capacidad profesional) y vehículos (i.e. la ITV). Además, por las mismas razones extraordinarias, las autoridades competentes de los Estados miembros pueden verse en la imposibilidad de cumplir las obligaciones establecidas por las normas europeas y de garantizar que las solicitudes presentadas por los transportistas se tramiten antes de la expiración de los plazos aplicables.En este contexto, el objetivo de la propuesta de Reglamento es establecer medidas específicas y temporales aplicables a la renovación y prórroga del período de validez de determinados certificados, licencias y autorizaciones, así como al aplazamiento de algunos controles periódicos y de la formación en respuesta a las circunstancias extraordinarias causadas por el brote de COVID-19, en el ámbito del transporte por carretera, ferrocarril y vías navegables interiores y de la seguridad marítima.El Grupo S&D ha entendido la urgencia de implementar estas medidas lo antes posible y ha votado a favor de dar una respuesta coordinada europea y garantizar la seguridad jurídica para las empresas y los trabajadores del sector.
Port infrastructure charges
El Reglamento (UE) 2017/352 establece un marco para la prestación de servicios portuarios y normas comunes sobre la transparencia financiera de los puertos. El brote de COVID-19 está teniendo un grave impacto en el transporte marítimo y en la sostenibilidad financiera de los operadores. En tales circunstancias excepcionales, una suspensión o aplazamiento del pago de los cargos de infraestructura portuaria puede ayudar a los operadores de buques.La propuesta de la Comisión ofrece a los Estados miembros la opción de permitir que los organismos gestores de un puerto o las autoridades competentes decidan si renuncian o suspenden o difieren el pago de los cargos de infraestructura portuaria.El Grupo S&D ha apoyado mantener una posición europea para adaptar las reglas de cobro de tasas de infraestructura portuaria en el contexto de crisis del coronavirus. El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de permitir una flexibilidad suficiente para el sector y ha apoyado la posición del Consejo para que esta legislación temporal se aplique del 1 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 31 de octubre de 2020. Asimismo, el Grupo S&D ha apoyado una enmienda para asegurar el respeto de los diferentes modelos de gestión portuaria de los Estados miembros.
4th railway package: extension of the transposition periods
Las Directivas (UE) 2016/797 y (UE) 2016/798 del 2016 del pilar técnico del cuarto paquete ferroviario dan la posibilidad a los Estados miembros de elegir entre dos plazos para la transposición del paquete: el 16 de junio de 2019 o, previa notificación a la Comisión y a la Agencia Ferroviaria de la UE, el 16 de junio de 2020.Actualmente, solo ocho Estados miembros han transpuesto ambas Directivas en 2019. A la luz del brote de COVID-19, la mayoría de los Estados miembros restantes han solicitado una ampliación del plazo de transposición, alegando que no podrán completar la legislación necesaria antes del 16 de junio de 2020.El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de ampliar el plazo de transposición hasta el 31 de octubre de 2020, ofreciendo un compromiso entre lo propuesto por la Comisión —16 de septiembre de 2020— y el Consejo —31 de diciembre de 2020—, y siendo conscientes de la importancia de proporcionar seguridad jurídica a la industria ferroviaria, empresas y pymes, principales beneficiarias del cuarto paquete ferroviario.
Request for funding for biomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (B9-0186/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución que sirve para lanzar un mensaje claro al resto de instituciones europeas: es necesaria una mayor financiación para la investigación de la encefalomielitis miálgica. Tan solo en la UE existen alrededor de dos millones de personas afectadas por esta enfermedad que, a día de hoy, no cuenta con tratamientos eficaces. Asimismo, el desconocimiento de esta dolencia por parte de los propios sanitarios, así como del resto de la sociedad, hace que en muchos casos no se diagnostique correctamente y se estigmatice a los enfermos.Con esta propuesta de Resolución el Parlamento Europeo insta a la Comisión Europea y al resto de instituciones de la Unión a promover una mayor financiación para la investigación de esta dolencia, permitiendo dar respuesta a la difícil situación de los pacientes y sus familias. Asimismo, se pide a la Comisión que se impulse la investigación biomédica de esta enfermedad a través de programas como Horizonte 2020.Como representantes de los ciudadanos europeos es necesario que respondamos a sus necesidades e inquietudes como hemos hecho con esta propuesta de Resolución, con la que esperamos avanzar para mejorar la calidad de vida de quienes se ven afectados por esta enfermedad.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria (A9-0105/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes)
En este Pleno la Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor del informe Fernandes, relativo a la movilización del Fondo de Solidaridad de la Unión Europea (FSUE), para prestar asistencia a España, Portugal, Italia y Austria a raíz de las catástrofes naturales ocurridas en estos países a lo largo de 2019.El importe total movilizado a través del Fondo asciende a 278 993 814 EUR. De esta cantidad, un monto de 56 743 358 EUR se desembolsará a favor de España para las regiones afectadas por los efectos devastadores de la DANA, que tuvo lugar en septiembre de 2019 en el sudeste de la península, concretamente en la Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha y Andalucía.El informe es de particular importancia para España ya que recomienda la rápida movilización del Fondo, como muestra de la solidaridad europea con los cuatro Estados miembros concernidos.
Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (A9-0117/2020 - Kati Piri, Christophe Hansen)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor de la propuesta de Recomendación sobre las negociaciones para una nueva asociación con el Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte, uniéndonos a la práctica unanimidad del Parlamento Europeo para que el Reino Unido cambie de actitud y negocie con altura de miras, tras su salida de la Unión Europea.Las instituciones de la Unión Europea están unidas en la voluntad de alcanzar un acuerdo con el Reino Unido, pero no a cualquier coste. No estamos dispuestos a comprometer nuestros principios: queremos medidas que aseguren para el futuro unas condiciones de competencia justa y el mantenimiento de estándares sociales y medioambientales.Queremos un acuerdo integral, frente el menú a la carta que pretende el Reino Unido, que incluya el respeto a la integridad del mercado único, un acuerdo en materia de pesca, la cooperación en materia policial y judicial, entre otras muchas materias.El Reino Unido no puede pretender mantener las ventajas que tenía siendo miembro de la Unión Europea sin tener ya las obligaciones.Hemos conseguido, asimismo, que la propuesta de Recomendación reitere nuestras posiciones de que cualquier acuerdo sobre Gibraltar requerirá el acuerdo previo de España, y disposiciones sobre movilidad, en especial de los trabajadores.
Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0170/2020, B9-0179/2020)
La propuesta de Resolución sobre la Conferencia sobre el Futuro de Europa porque llega de la mano de un gran acuerdo político entre los grupos PPE, S&D, Renew, Verts/ALE y GUE/NGL.Este texto reafirma la posición adoptada por el Parlamento en su Resolución del 15 de enero de 2020 y pide al Consejo que cierre y haga pública su posición para agilizar el acuerdo interinstitucional junto a la Comisión y el Parlamento antes de la pausa del verano.La posición socialista se ve plenamente reflejada en este texto, ya que se citan las Resoluciones del 19 de enero de 2017 sobre el pilar europeo de derechos sociales, las del 17 de abril y el 15 de mayo de 2020 sobre las medidas para luchar contra la pandemia de la COVID-19 y sobre el fondo de recuperación, por lo que he votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución.También se menciona el septuagésimo aniversario de la Declaración Schuman, documento seminal de la construcción europea de clara orientación federal y que subraya la necesidad de implicar a la ciudadanía, la sociedad civil y los agentes sociales en una Conferencia en la que se pueda debatir sin restricciones, incluyendo una posible reforma de los Tratados.
EU disability strategy post 2020 (B9-0123/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución que respalda una posición fuerte del Parlamento y que cuenta con un amplísimo apoyo parlamentario.Con esta propuesta de Resolución los socialistas hemos lanzado un mensaje claro a la Comisión Europea para que implemente en el próximo periodo la nueva Estrategia, entre cuyas propuestas destacamos: medidas sobre el reconocimiento a nivel europeo de las empresas inclusivas dentro de la economía social, el reconocimiento como discapacidad específica de discapacidades como la sordoceguera, varios capítulos sobre la necesidad de proteger niños con discapacidad en línea con la Garantía Infantil, temas de conciliación laboral, la implementación del pilar de derechos sociales y la hoja de ruta para una Europa social, una definición común para la palabra discapacidad, una tarjeta de discapacidad común para la UE y, sobre todo, se ha hecho mucho hincapié en la necesidad de transformar el modelo de cuidado e ir hacia la desinstitucionalización, apoyando la capacidad da autonomía de las personas con discapacidad.
Amending Regulations (EU) No 575/2013 and (EU) 2019/876 as regards adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (A9-0113/2020 - Jonás Fernández)
He votado a favor de este informe para permitir que los bancos sean parte de la recuperación económica, mejorando su capacidad de préstamo a empresas y hogares en toda la UE que necesitan crédito urgentemente.Además, apoyamos totalmente las suspensiones, impuestas por los supervisores, de distribuciones de dividendos, recompras de acciones y otras remuneraciones variables. En base a la experiencia de la pandemia de COVID-19, queremos que la Comisión evalúe si se deben otorgar poderes vinculantes adicionales a las autoridades competentes para imponer restricciones a las distribuciones en circunstancias excepcionales de riegos para los mercados financieros.En definitiva, consideramos que este es un informe equilibrado, donde se permite aligerar algunos de los requerimientos de capital exigidos a los bancos, pero asegurando que el dinero liberado de este modo es utilizado para apoyar la economía real, las pymes y los ciudadanos en la recuperación financiera tras la pandemia de la COVID-19.
Competition policy - annual report 2019 (A9-0022/2020 - Stéphanie Yon-Courtin)
He votado a favor de este informe porque siempre apoyé un fuerte cumplimiento de las reglas de competencia para garantizar la equidad y la igualdad de oportunidades, la prosperidad compartida, así como un sector privado próspero y diverso, innovador e inclusivo. Las normas de competencia deben ser analizadas en el marco de los valores europeos más amplios, que sustentan la legislación de la Unión en materia de asuntos sociales, economía social de mercado, normas medioambientales, política climática y protección del consumidor.Este informe reconoce que la política de competencia de la Comisión ha sido positiva, pero identifica que todavía hay margen de mejora, dando indicaciones a la Comisión sobre hacia dónde enfocar sus esfuerzos. Subrayamos, una vez más, que tenemos que enfrentarnos a la lucha por una tributación justa de las multinacionales que obtienen beneficios de los consumidores europeos. La política de competencia juega, asimismo, un importante papel en el desarrollo del mercado único digital.Además, se pide a la Comisión que preste atención a las medidas de apoyo de los Estados miembros a la recuperación económica pos-COVID-19, para evitar distorsiones de competencia y la fragmentación del mercado interior.
Setting up a subcommittee on tax matters (B9-0187/2020)
. – He votado a favor de la creación de esta Subcomisión de Asuntos Fiscales, pues con ella el Parlamento muestra su empeño en la lucha contra el fraude fiscal y la evasión fiscal, así como la transparencia financiera a efectos fiscales. La puesta en marcha de esta subcomisión llega tras el establecimiento de varias comisiones especiales y una comisión de investigación, ante las diversas filtraciones y escándalos fiscales conocidos en los últimos años.La Subcomisión de Asuntos Fiscales estará compuesta por 30 miembros, y depende de la Comisión de Asuntos Económicos y Monetarios. Su trabajo será fundamental a fin de impulsar los cambios necesarios en la legislación europea para garantizar que el pago de impuestos se hace de una forma justa y por parte de todos.
Setting up a special committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B9-0190/2020)
La exposición de los ciudadanos a la desinformación a gran escala, incluida la información falsa o engañosa, es un gran desafío para Europa. Asimismo, la desinformación sobre esta pandemia supone un importante problema de salud pública y para nuestras sociedades libres y democráticas.Es pertinente fortalecer más las capacidades de comunicación estratégica de la UE, y que las instituciones europeas establezcan mecanismos para mejorar la coordinación sobre la desinformación. Asimismo, es necesario definir los posibles ámbitos que requieran acciones legislativas y no legislativas y evaluar el impacto de estas amenazas.Por ello, y entre otras razones igualmente significativas, como, por ejemplo, el apremio de una respuesta coordinada y comprehensiva a nivel de la UE, he votado a favor de esta propuesta de Decisión.
Banking Union - annual report 2019 (A9-0026/2020 - Pedro Marques)
He votado a favor de este informe porque el Parlamento presenta anualmente un informe sobre la unión bancaria que evalúa el funcionamiento de sus tres pilares: el Mecanismo Único de Supervisión, el Mecanismo Único de Resolución y el tercero, aún no logrado, de un Sistema Europeo de Garantía de Depósitos. En el informe de este año se ha tenido en cuenta también el impacto de la COVID-19 en el mercado financiero.La unión bancaria es uno de los logros clave que se han alcanzado desde la crisis financiera de 2008 para garantizar que los sectores bancario y financiero son seguros y resistentes a las crisis, capaces de restaurar la confianza y la inversión en la economía real, y de asegurar un alto nivel de protección para los ciudadanos frente al fracaso de los bancos y las empresas financieras.En definitiva, consideramos que este es un informe equilibrado, donde se pide que se complete rápidamente la unión bancaria a través de la creación de un Sistema Europeo de Garantía de Depósitos y un respaldo fiscal. Ambos aspectos son clave para permitir un funcionamiento adecuado y eficiente de los Mecanismos Únicos de Supervisión y Resolución.
Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond (RC-B9-0166/2020, B9-0166/2020, B9-0175/2020, B9-0177/2020, B9-0178/2020, B9-0180/2020, B9-0182/2020, B9-0184/2020)
El turismo es un sector estratégico para la Unión Europea, empleando aproximadamente a 27 millones de personas en Europa y contribuyendo un 10,3 % al PIB europeo.La actual crisis sanitaria del coronavirus está afectando gravemente a la cadena de valor del turismo. Por ello, desde el Grupo S&D defendemos la necesidad de actuar de manera inmediata en la recuperación del turismo, para poder apoyar y dar seguridad a nuestras pymes, empresas y trabajadores.El Grupo S&D ha logrado incluir las siguientes prioridades socialistas en la propuesta de Resolución común: contar con un sistema europeo de garantía de viaje que asegure la estabilidad financiera del sector del turismo y del transporte a largo plazo, garantizando a la vez los derechos de los pasajeros; establecer medidas para desarrollar un marco europeo de protección de los trabajadores, pasajeros y turistas de ambos sectores, con el fin de recuperar su confianza; y por último, una hoja de ruta para un turismo europeo más sostenible y resiliente, con medidas concretas como una certificación europea con estándares mínimos sanitarios para revitalizar el turismo.Los socialistas españoles hemos apoyado la inclusión del Camino de Santiago como ejemplo de ruta cultural, esenciales para el turismo cultural de la UE.
Exceptional temporary support under EAFRD in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) (C9-0128/2020 - Norbert Lins)
He votado a favor de esta modificación del Reglamento de desarrollo rural para aportar un posible de apoyo financiero a los agricultores, pymes y cooperativas agroalimentarias afectados por la crisis de la COVID-19.El texto aprobado hoy, permite destinar fondos del Feader, aun disponibles, al pago de ayudas directas a tanto alzado de hasta 7 000 euros por agricultor y de 50 000 máximo, en el caso de las pymes. Se incluye, además, la posibilidad de que los pagos se realicen hasta julio de 2021. En España, la aplicación de la medida correrá a cargo de las comunidades autónomas.Desde la Delegación Socialista Española, valoramos esta medida que supondrá un cierto alivio para un sector que, a pesar de las dificultades, ha cumplido con su papel en la sociedad, especialmente en los momentos más duros de la pandemia.
European citizens’ initiative: temporary measures concerning the time limits for the collection, verification and examination stages in view of the COVID-19 outbreak (C9-0142/2020 - Loránt Vincze)
El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de las enmiendas en el Reglamento sobre la iniciativa ciudadana europea, propuesto en la sesión plenaria por el procedimiento de urgencia (artículo 163 del Reglamento interno).De este modo, el Parlamento Europeo contribuye y enriquece la propuesta de la Comisión Europea con el fin de permitir extender los plazos y proporcionar suficiente seguridad jurídica a los organizadores de iniciativas ciudadanas europeas en contextos como el de la pandemia de la COVID-19. Esta reforma del Reglamento permitirá extender el período de recopilación de iniciativas en curso a principios de marzo de 2020 a seis meses y define los procedimientos específicos para la recopilación, verificación y examen de las iniciativas ciudadanas europeas. Las condiciones para la prolongación de este procedimiento requerirán el acuerdo de un cuarto de los Estados miembros que representen al 35 % de la ciudadanía europea. El objetivo tras esta votación, y después de las negociaciones con el Consejo, y la necesaria reunión extraordinaria de la Comisión AFCO, es que se pueda adoptar en primera lectura en la sesión plenaria del 8 y 9 de julio de 2020.
The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd (B9-0194/2020, B9-0195/2020, B9-0196/2020, B9-0197/2020)
He apoyado junto al Grupo S&D esta propuesta de Resolución del Parlamento Europeo contra el racismo, para reforzar el compromiso de nuestras democracias, en los Estados Unidos, en la Unión Europea y en el conjunto del mundo, en favor de la igualdad y libertad y contra la discriminación de cualquier ser humano por el color de su piel.Esta propuesta de Resolución promueve una serie de acciones para reforzar la lucha contra el racismo en la Unión Europea, entre las que se encuentran pedir a la Comisión que elabore una estrategia integral contra el racismo, y demanda planes nacionales en los Estados miembros contra esta lacra. También encarga al Consejo la iniciativa de celebrar una reunión monográfica y a los líderes europeos la celebración de una cumbre europea antirracista para examinar en profundidad el estado de la cuestión en la UE. Junto a otras medidas, también se defiende una financiación adecuada en el marco financiero plurianual para la luchar contra la discriminación y el desbloqueo de la Directiva horizontal en esta materia, encallada desde el año 2008. Por último, la Comisión debe elaborar una estrategia global contra todo tipo de discriminación.
Situation in the Schengen area following the Covid-19 outbreak (B9-0165/2020)
La ausencia de controles en las fronteras internas es para muchos ciudadanos y ciudadanas uno de los beneficios más tangibles de la integración europea. Asimismo, el espacio Schengen, único en la historia y en el mundo, forma parte del mismo núcleo del proyecto de la Unión Europea, que permite que más de 400 millones de personas se desplacen sin restricciones y que aporta un valor incalculable para los ciudadanos y las ciudadanas.Es preciso que la búsqueda de respuestas sea europea y coordinada dentro del marco de la Unión, y que respete el principio de no discriminación, donde la Comisión ejerza un control adecuado sobre la aplicación del acervo de Schengen y se informe oportunamente al Parlamento.Por ello, es necesario debatir un plan de recuperación de Schengen para encauzarnos hacia una verdadera y óptima recuperación de la Unión tras la pandemia provocada por la COVID-19. Está en nosotros trabajar tenazmente para Schengen, con la solidaridad y la confianza mutua como faros, para solucionar cualquier problema de salud que pueda ocurrir, y así asegurarnos de que esta idea continúe marcando una diferencia positiva. Por ello, he votado a favor.
Ειδικοί κανόνες για την απόσπαση οδηγών στον τομέα των οδικών μεταφορών και απαιτήσεις επιβολής (A9-0114/2020 - Kateřina Konečná) (A9-0114/2020 - Kateřina Konečná)
El informe sobre los requisitos de control de cumplimiento y las normas específicas para el desplazamiento de conductores en el sector del transporte por carretera forma parte de los tres pilares que componen el paquete sobre movilidad I.Tras más de tres años de negociaciones, el Grupo S&D considera que el acuerdo final entre Parlamento y Consejo es un compromiso positivo que protegerá y mejorará las condiciones actuales de los trabajadores del sector del transporte por carretera.Este informe en particular, incluye el principio de «a trabajo igual, salario igual» (aplicación del desplazamiento), que se aplicará tanto en las operaciones de cabotaje, operaciones de transporte combinado y operaciones de transporte internacional, tanto de mercancías como de pasajeros —excepto en tránsito y en operaciones bilaterales + 2 operaciones adicionales—.Las nuevas herramientas y aplicaciones a nivel UE mejorarán el intercambio de información entre las autoridades competentes durante los controles. Asimismo, aumentará la cooperación entre los Estados miembros, a la vez que se simplifica y se disminuye la carga administrativa, que normalmente recaía sobre los conductores.
Daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and rest periods and positioning by means of tachographs (A9-0115/2020 - Henna Virkkunen)
Este informe forma parte de los tres pilares que componen el Paquete sobre Movilidad I e incluye modificaciones al Reglamento de tiempos de conducción y descanso y al Reglamento sobre tacógrafos en el transporte por carretera.El Grupo S&D ha apoyado este informe que mejorará las condiciones actuales de los trabajadores y ayudará a mejorar las condiciones de descanso de los conductores. Asimismo, el informe incluye disposiciones que obligarán a las empresas a organizar los horarios de sus empleados para que puedan regresar a su domicilio cada tres o cuatro semanas, de especial importancia para que los conductores de los países periféricos puedan hacer el descanso semanal normal en casa.Además, se prohibirá que el descanso semanal obligatorio pueda hacerse en la cabina del camión, y deberá tomarse en un alojamiento apropiado y adaptado con instalaciones sanitarias y para pernoctar adecuadas. En ese caso, y en cualquier descanso semanal de más de 45 horas, la empresa tendrá que hacerse cargo de los gastos de alojamiento fuera del vehículo.Por último, la obligatoriedad de contar con un tacógrafo inteligente mejorará el control de las horas de trabajo y tendrá un impacto positivo en la seguridad vial.
Adapting to development in the road transport sector (A9-0116/2020 - Ismail Ertug)
Este informe forma parte de los tres pilares que componen el Paquete sobre Movilidad I e incluye modificaciones al Reglamento de acceso al mercado del transporte internacional de mercancías por carretera y al Reglamento sobre las normas comunes relativas para el ejercicio de la profesión de transportista.El Grupo S&D ha apoyado este informe que prevendrá el dumping social y las posibles prácticas desleales del sector como las «empresas buzón», garantizando un mayor control de las empresas deslocalizadas gracias a las medidas adoptadas. Asimismo, pondrá fin a «los conductores nómadas», trabajadores que pasan periodos largos sin volver a casa con un salario inferior al valor del trabajo realizado. Por otro lado, las empresas del sector deberán documentar que desarrollan su actividad principalmente en el Estado miembro en el que están registradas y los camiones deberán volver al centro operativo de la compañía cada ocho semanas.Además, para evitar el cabotaje sistemático y prevenir distorsiones en la competencia del sector, se establecerá un periodo de cuatro días de interrupción entre dos operaciones de cabotaje en un mismo país con un mismo vehículo.Por último, los vehículos comerciales ligeros de más de 2,5 toneladas, las furgonetas, estarán obligados a llevar tacógrafo también.
Humanitarian situation in Venezuela and migration and refugee crisis (RC-B9-0211/2020, B9-0211/2020, B9-0212/2020, B9-0213/2020, B9-0214/2020, B9-0215/2020)
El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común cofirmada con el PPE y Renew, subsiguiente al debate sobre la situación de los migrantes y refugiados de Venezuela celebrado en diciembre de 2019.La propuesta de Resolución común resalta los esfuerzos empleados en la reciente Conferencia Internacional de Donantes para los migrantes y refugiados de Venezuela ante la pandemia de la COVID-19 celebrada el pasado 26 de mayo, condena el intento (frustrado finalmente) de expulsión de la embajadora de la UE, al igual que aboga por una solución pacífica y democrática a la crisis política que vive el país, excluyendo cualquier tipo de intervención militar y/o violenta, así como subraya la necesidad de encontrar soluciones innovadoras para mayores recursos financieros que puedan abordar las necesidades humanitarias urgentes en el país.El Grupo S&D sigue comprometido con fortalecer el diálogo entre las partes y alcanzar una salida pacífica y democrática a través de elecciones presidenciales y legislativas libres y justas para dar salida a la larga crisis política que atraviesa el país y que tiene un grave impacto en la vida de los venezolanos y venezolanas.
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A9-0124/2020 -José Gusmão)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de este informe que llama a los Estados miembros a tomar medidas más ambiciosas para amortiguar el choque laboral y social causado por la pandemia y que aboga por el desarrollo de políticas progresistas que garanticen una recuperación democrática, inclusiva y socialmente justa.En el texto, aprobado por 550 votos a favor, 128 en contra y 10 abstenciones, se pide a los Estados miembros que respeten y fortalezcan el rol de los interlocutores sociales, amplíen la cobertura de la negociación colectiva y defiendan una movilidad laboral justa. Asimismo, para evitar que el apoyo financiero de la Unión termine en los bolsillos de los inversores, pedimos que solo las empresas que no estén registradas en paraísos fiscales y que no paguen dividendos o bonos, puedan solicitar asistencia financiera del mecanismo SURE.También se hace hincapié en la necesidad de que la lucha contra el desempleo juvenil, el sinhogarismo y la pobreza debe priorizarse a través de una Garantía Juvenil reforzada, una Garantía Infantil sólida para abordar la pobreza infantil y el enfoque «En primer lugar, la vivienda».Solo poniendo en marcha políticas de estas características podremos dar el impulso que nuestra sociedad necesita, sin dejar a nadie atrás.
A comprehensive European approach to energy storage (A9-0130/2020 - Claudia Gamon)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado en a favor de este informe porque resalta la importancia del aumento de la capacidad almacenamiento de energía en sus diferentes posibilidades tecnológicas y pide a la Comisión que desarrolle una estrategia integral sobre el almacenamiento de energía.El Grupo S&D es consciente de que, para facilitar esta transición hacia un sistema energético neutro en carbono, basado en energías renovables, es necesaria capacidad de almacenamiento de energía a gran escala. Sabemos que la UE necesitará aumentar su capacidad de fabricación e instalación de soluciones de almacenamiento.El desarrollo del almacenamiento energético también debemos verlo como una apuesta para la mejora de la competitividad europea. Se trata de una oportunidad industrial y de empleo para la Unión, que además permitirá disminuir la dependencia en este tipo de tecnologías a terceros países.
Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (B9-0122/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución que pide la revisión urgente del Reglamento sobre redes transeuropeas de energía (RTE-E) para que la inversión en infraestructuras estratégicas energéticas sea realmente sostenible y en línea con el Acuerdo de París.La propuesta de Resolución pide a la Comisión que proponga medidas transitorias sobre la financiación en el marco del Mecanismo «Conectar Europa» y en la selección de proyectos para la 5ª lista de proyectos de interés común (PIC) para finales de 2020. Medidas necesarias en el caso de que las tres instituciones no puedan llegar a un acuerdo urgente sobre la revisión RTE-E, de manera que se garantice que la selección e inversión en proyectos de infraestructuras estratégicas energéticas estén en línea con compromisos contraídos en virtud del Acuerdo de París.Necesitamos garantizar que estas inversiones tengan coherencia con el objetivo de neutralidad climática. Es por esto que el Grupo S&D apoya exigir la revisión del Reglamento RTE-E para mejorar los criterios de elaboración de la próxima lista, y que se realice de manera totalmente compatible con los nuevos objetivos energético-climáticos de la Unión.
A comprehensive Union policy on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing – Commission's Action plan and other recent developments (B9-0207/2020)
El Grupo S&D siempre ha estado a la vanguardia en la lucha por un marco efectivo de la UE contra el lavado de dinero y la financiación del terrorismo.A pesar de algunos logros ya alcanzados —como asegurar una mayor transparencia en el registro público de las empresas, que evitará que las organizaciones criminales y las personas utilicen compañías fantasmas para proteger activos mal adquiridos—, la legislación vigente es claramente insuficiente para prevenir y abordar la actividad criminal, que es cada vez más compleja y transfronteriza. Así, apoyamos fuertemente pasar a una legislación de la UE que vaya más allá de los estándares mínimos, para garantizar un conjunto de normas más prescriptivas y de igual aplicabilidad en la UE.Esta propuesta de Resolución apoya el Plan de Acción de la Comisión para la lucha contra el blanqueo de capitales y la financiación del terrorismo, y es un oportuno recordatorio de que queda mucho por hacer para mejorar este marco en Europa. La fragmentación existente y las fallas en la aplicación del marco legal plantean amenazas para la integridad del sistema financiero de la Unión y la seguridad de la Unión en general, que es urgente corregir.
The EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19 (RC-B9-0216/2020)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común porque creemos que solo con una Unión Europea reforzada en materia de salud se podrán prevenir y controlar las potenciales amenazas para la salud, y coordinar la respuesta a las mismas de manera más eficiente.La propuesta de Resolución común es un éxito socialdemócrata, ya que ha contemplado las líneas de nuestro grupo político en materia sanitaria. En primer lugar, consagra la creación de una Unión Europea de la Salud, así como la necesidad de realización de pruebas de resistencia de los sistemas sanitarios para detectar los puntos débiles y prepararlos ante posibles rebrotes de la COVID-19 y ante cualquier crisis sanitaria futura.Asimismo, se ha pedido a la Comisión que proponga una Directiva sobre normas mínimas de asistencia sanitaria de calidad, basándose en los resultados de las pruebas de resistencia, para garantizar la seguridad de los pacientes, condiciones laborales dignas para los profesionales sanitarios y la resiliencia de Europa ante pandemias y otras crisis de salud pública.A su vez, se pide la adquisición pública conjunta de la Unión de vacunas y tratamientos contra la COVID-19, de manera que se garantice un acceso equitativo y asequible a medicamentos y productos sanitarios importantes.
Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020 (B9-0229/2020)
. – La UE ha aprobado un acuerdo, que da una respuesta a la crisis provocada por la COVID-19. Con este acuerdo Europa da un salto cualitativo en el proyecto de construcción europea. Es la primera vez que la UE se va a endeudar de manera conjunta.El objetivo de este gran fondo es que los europeos y las europeas superemos la crisis lo antes posible. Además, servirá para financiar la modernización de nuestras economías, para que esa recuperación sea verde, digital, moderna y social, que no deje a nadie atrás. Por ello nos felicitamos todos los que queremos una Europa unida, próspera y cohesionada, más justa y más fuerte.La importancia del acuerdo va mucho más allá del volumen de dinero que se va a movilizar. Europa manda un mensaje enérgico y se muestra lista para afrontar los desafíos sociales que nos aguardan.Y por ello lamentamos que el acuerdo presupuestario para el periodo 2021-2027 no haya sido suficientemente ambicioso. Porque Europa necesita un presupuesto fuerte para invertir en las prioridades identificadas antes de la crisis. Este Parlamento está dispuesto a negociar para mejorar este aspecto tanto en ingresos como en gastos. La UE saldrá reforzada y con ello, toda la ciudadanía europea.
Proposal for a Council decision authorising Portugal to apply a reduced rate of excise duty on certain alcoholic products produced in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores (A9-0140/2020 - Younous Omarjee)
El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Decisión para autorizar a Portugal a aplicar un tipo impositivo reducido a determinados productos alcohólicos producidos en Madeira y Azores.Esta propuesta se encuentra amparada en el artículo 349 del TFUE, donde se contempla la que las regiones ultraperiféricas puedan beneficiarse de determinadas excepciones con el fin de compensar su lejanía y dificultades inherentes.Mediante esta propuesta de Decisión se permitirá a Portugal disfrutar de una excepción por la cual podrá reducir hasta en un 75 % con respecto al tipo normal el impuesto sobre el ron, el licor y el aguardiente de producción local en Madeira y Azores vendido en dichas regiones. Asimismo, el artículo 2 de esta propuesta plantea que Portugal pueda reducir hasta en un 50 % con respecto al tipo normal el impuesto sobre los productos anteriormente mencionados y vendidos en territorio peninsular de Portugal.
The EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests (A9-0143/2020 - Stanislav Polčák)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe que establece las medidas y acciones necesarias para proteger y restaurar los bosques del mundo, en respuesta a su continua y generalizada destrucción.Aunque las mayores extensiones boscosas del mundo se encuentran fuera de la UE, somos conscientes de que la UE es responsable del 10 % de la deforestación global a causa de nuestros patrones de producción y consumo.Por ello, hemos apoyado firmemente este informe que aboga por reducir la huella del consumo de la UE en la tierra y por fomentar el consumo en la UE de productos procedentes de cadenas de suministro libres de deforestación a través de legislación basada en la diligencia debida, por trabajar con los países productores para reducir las presiones sobre los bosques y por estudiar los sistemas de certificación y verificación en el sector forestal y de los productos madereros para hacerlos más eficientes.Igualmente, creemos imprescindible la consolidación efectiva de una red de espacios protegidos, la introducción de capítulos de desarrollo sostenible exigibles en las políticas de inversión y comercial de la UE y la alineación de la futura estrategia forestal europea con la Estrategia sobre Biodiversidad.
Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (A9-0146/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valerie Hayer)
La brecha financiera generada por el Brexit , junto con otros desafíos como la COVID-19, el cambio climático, la inestabilidad en la vecindad de la Unión Europea, y la urgencia de financiar plenamente Next Generation EU en los próximos años, hace que la necesidad de encontrar nuevos recursos sea en estos momentos incluso más acuciante. La alternativa sería elevar las contribuciones de los Estados miembros, lo que significaría más impuestos para los ciudadanos.Queremos que se generen nuevos recursos propios mediante la implementación de políticas que ningún Estado podría llevar a cabo por sí mismo, como conseguir que los evasores fiscales, los especuladores y los grandes contaminadores paguen por los daños que ocasionan a la sociedad y al medio ambiente. Deben recaudarse nuevos recursos propios en base a objetivos políticos vinculados a la implementación del Pacto Verde, a un mercado interior más justo y a la transformación digital.Por ello, la Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de un nuevo sistema de recursos propios para el presupuesto de la Unión Europea para ayudar a financiar el Plan de Recuperación con un calendario de obligado cumplimiento a partir del 1 de enero de 2021, que permita adoptar una cesta de nuevos recursos propios.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
He votado a favor de la creación del Fondo de Transición Justa por la trascendencia que tiene para apoyar a las regiones y la ciudadanía más afectados por la transición hacia una economía climáticamente neutra y para no dejar a nadie atrás, pues no todos los territorios parten de la misma situación.Este Fondo permitirá que las regiones con una importante dependencia del carbón, como las cuencas mineras de Teruel, puedan avanzar hacia una economía climáticamente neutra, más sostenible, digital, competitiva y equitativa.Desde el Parlamento Europeo hemos aumentado el presupuesto para el FTJ y hemos incluido el compromiso climático como condicionante al acceso total del Fondo, así como un mecanismo de recompensa verde que premie la velocidad de descarbonización de los Estados.Especialmente importante para Aragón es que la cofinanciación de proyectos pueda llegar hasta el 85 % para las comunidades más vulnerables. Además, el FTJ tendrá en cuenta la despoblación y el desempleo.El FTJ financiará, entre otras, actividades relacionadas con desarrollo de empresas existentes, inversión en diversificación económica, turismo sostenible, investigación e innovación, movilidad e infraestructuras sostenibles, conectividad digital y energía renovables.Asimismo, el FTJ reserva un 1 % de la financiación para zonas insulares y ultraperiféricas, lo que es importante para España.
Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (A9-0137/2020 - Hannah Neumann)
Con la creación en 1998 de un Código de Conducta de la UE en materia de exportación de armas, reemplazado en 2008 por la Posición Común sobre la exportación de armas, los Estados miembros se han comprometido a lograr altos estándares comunes y convergencia en sus controles de exportación de armas. Un informe anual, basado en las contribuciones de todos los Estados miembros, es presentado y publicado por el Consejo. Este informe de propia iniciativa del Parlamento está revisando el vigésimo y vigésimo primer informe anual del Consejo, basado en las presentaciones de los Estados de 2017 y 2018.Hemos votado a favor de este informe anual, que entre otras cosas, subraya el papel global que debería desempeñar la UE para el desarme y la no-proliferación globales, aboga por garantizar que todos los Estados miembros cumplen plenamente los ocho criterios de la Posición Común, defiende mejorar la transparencia y el control público y parlamentario sobre la exportación de armas y subraya que la ambición de aumentar la competitividad del sector de defensa europeo no debe socavar la aplicación de los ocho criterios de la Posición Común.
Determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law
El 20 de diciembre de 2017, la Comisión emitió una propuesta de Decisión del Consejo sobre la determinación de un riesgo claro de violación grave del Estado de Derecho por parte de Polonia, lo que activó el mecanismo del artículo 7, apartado 1, del TUE.El procedimiento del artículo 7, apartado 1, del TUE constituye una fase preventiva que otorga a la Unión la capacidad de intervenir en caso de que exista un riesgo claro de quebrantamiento grave de los valores comunes del artículo 2 del TUE (valores de respeto de la dignidad humana, libertad, democracia, igualdad, Estado de Derecho y respeto de los derechos humanos, incluidos los derechos de las personas pertenecientes a minorías). El Gobierno polaco está intensificando sus esfuerzos para ejercer control sobre el sistema judicial polaco.He votado a favor de este informe para que se amplíe el alcance del procedimiento del artículo 7, apartado 1, del TUE a violaciones de derechos fundamentales y democracia, y, a su vez, el Consejo declare la existencia de un riesgo del incumplimiento del Estado de Derecho en Polonia.
Maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor del informe que pide medidas para aprovechar los beneficios de incrementar la renovación del parque de edificios de la Unión.Los edificios son responsables de aproximadamente el 40 % del consumo de energía y del 36 % de las emisiones de CO2 en la Unión. Gran parte del parque inmobiliario de la Unión no es eficiente desde el punto de vista energético. Es, por tanto, un sector con un gran potencial para mejorar la eficiencia energética, implementar energías renovables y reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI). Incrementar la tasa de renovación profunda de los edificios ayudará a la creación de empleos a la vez que contribuirá a descarbonizar la economía, contribuyendo a una parte importante de la estrategia europea de recuperación tras la crisis de la COVID-19. También se trata de una oportunidad para mejorar la asequibilidad, reducir la pobreza energética y para abordar el elevado coste de la vivienda.La Delegación Socialista Española también defiende que se revisen al alza los objetivos de eficiencia energética, tal como exige la Directiva relativa a la eficiencia energética.
Shortage of medicines - how to address an emerging problem
Remediar la escasez de medicamentos y mejorar el acceso de los ciudadanos a los medicamentos es una prioridad socialista en el Parlamento Europeo. Este informe, que los socialistas hemos respaldado, identifica tres pilares básicos en los que debería basarse la estrategia de la Unión Europea en relación al desabastecimiento: recuperación de la soberanía sanitaria asegurando el suministro, refuerzo de la coordinación europea para completar mejor las políticas sanitarias de los Estados miembros y refuerzo de la cooperación entre ellos.Aunque la cuestión del desabastecimiento no es reciente y ha sido abordada en diversas medidas e iniciativas europeas y nacionales, la crisis sanitaria de la COVID-19 ha venido a agravar el problema, con el aumento repentino e intensificado de la demanda mundial, lo que ha puesto en evidencia la escasez de medicamentos y de material sanitario en Europa.El informe recoge múltiples demandas socialistas como la realización de pruebas de estrés de los sistemas sanitarios, una Directiva sobre normas mínimas de calidad de los mismos, el acceso equitativo de los Estados miembros a la cadena de suministro, el refuerzo de las compras conjuntas especialmente para las enfermedades raras y la necesidad de un plan europeo de preparación para la pandemia.
The Establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (A9-0170/2020 - Michal Šimečka)
El informe propone la creación de un mecanismo interinstitucional de control de la situación del estado de la democracia, el Estado de Derecho, los derechos fundamentales y todos los demás valores de la Unión establecidos en el artículo 2 del TEU, en todos los Estados miembros.La propuesta tiene como objetivo promover y fortalecer el respeto de los valores de la Unión mediante la coordinación y cooperación entre el Parlamento, el Consejo y la Comisión por medio de un ciclo de seguimiento, que dará lugar a un informe anual que analizará tanto los desarrollos negativos como los positivos en cada Estado miembro.En septiembre de 2020, la Comisión Europea anunció el establecimiento del mecanismo de Estado de Derecho, centrado, sin embargo, solo en los valores del artículo 2 del TUE relacionados con el Estado de Derecho y la democracia y, en especial, el sistema de justicia, el marco anticorrupción, el pluralismo de los medios de comunicación y otras cuestiones institucionales relacionadas con los controles y equilibrios.He votado a favor de este informe para que se establezca un mecanismo de seguimiento anual de la implementación de todos los valores la Unión recogidos en el artículo 2 del TEU, incluyendo los derechos fundamentales.
European Climate Law (A9-0162/2020 - Jytte Guteland)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de la Ley Europea del Clima, que establece el marco regulatorio para la reducción progresiva de las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero —GEI— hasta alcanzar la neutralidad climática de la Unión Europea de aquí a 2050.En la propuesta aprobada por el Parlamento se ha reforzado el nivel de ambición de la propuesta de la Comisión. Entre los logros principales se incluyen el establecimiento de un objetivo de reducción de emisiones de GEI del 60 % para 2030, un objetivo vinculante para la Unión y los Estados miembros para lograr la neutralidad climática en 2050 a más tardar, el establecimiento de un objetivo climático de la UE para 2040, la introducción de un presupuesto del carbono para los GEI que establezca la cantidad total restante de emisiones que podría emitirse hasta 2050, la creación de un Consejo Europeo sobre el Cambio Climático (CECC) que evalúe los progresos realizados en la consecución de los objetivos climáticos, o la introducción de elementos más fuertes de justicia social y solidaridad.Los socialistas defendemos esta mayor ambición climática para poder lograr los objetivos del Acuerdo de París y las metas del Pacto Verde Europeo.
Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee (B9-0310/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución, que pide a la Comisión Europea que proponga un instrumento de Garantía Juvenil que sea vinculante para todos los Estados miembros.En el texto, aprobado por 574 votos a favor, 77 en contra y 43 abstenciones, el Parlamento Europeo llama a la Comisión y al Consejo a apostar firmemente por una mayor financiación en el MFP 2021/27, por la prohibición de los períodos de prácticas no remunerados, así como por la creación de estándares de calidad claros y vinculantes con el fin de que las ofertas de empleo se ajusten a los principios pertinentes del pilar europeo de derechos sociales.También se hace hincapié en la necesidad de hacer de la Garantía Juvenil un instrumento más inclusivo y, tal y como reclamamos los socialistas españoles, más sensible hacia la dimensión de género y las necesidades de las mujeres jóvenes, doblemente discriminadas.Solo prohibiendo los períodos de prácticas no remunerados en los mercados laborales europeos y creando empleos de calidad podremos evitar que la generación mejor preparada de la historia se convierta en una «generación perdida» en Europa.
Digital Services Act: Improving the functioning of the Single Market (A9-0181/2020 - Alex Agius Saliba)
He votado a favor de este informe legislativo porque considero fundamental que la Comisión Europea realice una modificación de la Directiva de comercio electrónico, que fue adoptada hace veinte años.Las plataformas y los servicios digitales han evolucionado mucho durante este tiempo, pasando a formar parte de nuestro día a día y a estar muy presentes en la actualidad. Por ello, esta nueva Ley de servicios digitales es más necesaria que nunca.La mayoría de las plataformas que utilizamos diariamente fueron desarrolladas después de la entrada en vigor de la Directiva vigente, por eso es obligatorio otorgar una alta protección de los consumidores y usuarios.Además, apoyo firmemente las peticiones que se realizan en el informe ya que aportan seguridad a los consumidores europeos, dado que las empresas establecidas en países fuera de la Unión Europea, que vendan sus productos en nuestro mercado a consumidores europeos, deberán respetar igualmente estas reglas.Quisiera destacar también la importancia que supone la aplicación del nuevo principio «lo que es ilegal offline , debe serlo también online »; el consumidor no puede tener distintas garantías en función de si compra un producto en una tienda física o a través de un mercado online .
Digital Services Act: adapting commercial and civil law rules for commercial entities operating online (A9-0177/2020 - Tiemo Wölken)
Este informe contiene una propuesta legislativa para tratar de regular los efectos nocivos de la personalización de la publicidad en línea, limitando los incentivos económicos que tienen las plataformas con dicha personalización, ampliando la libertad de los usuarios para decidir si quieren publicidad y en la elección de los medios que podrán enviarles noticias o publicidad.También propone un procedimiento uniforme y obligatorio para regular la moderación de contenidos publicados, evitando los filtros de contenidos o cualquier otra medida de control general del contenido previo a su publicación en línea y establece procedimientos diferentes para los contenidos ilegales, es decir, aquellos que incumplan la legislación de la Unión o las leyes nacionales, que deberán ser retirados rápidamente.Lo apoyo, pues recoge la necesidad de que la futura Ley de servicios digitales respete la legislación existente, en particular la Directiva sobre derechos de autor y la Directiva de servicios de comunicación audiovisual, a la vez que se protegen otros derechos fundamentales que también pueden verse afectados en línea, como la libertad de expresión o de información.
Digital Services Act and fundamental rights issues posed (A9-0172/2020 - Kris Peeters)
El informe de la Comisión LIBE, sobre la Ley de servicios digitales, enuncia los principios básicos de derechos fundamentales que deben contemplarse en la política de la Unión en este campo, como el respeto por el derecho a la libertad de expresión, la protección de datos y la privacidad y el derecho a la no discriminación. A su vez, el informe defiende que la ley de servicios digitales debe basarse en la legislación europea existente y respetarla plenamente.El Parlamento Europeo exige que, para abordar el contenido ilegal de manera más eficaz, deben introducirse obligaciones legales para los proveedores de servicios digitales sobre transparencia significativa, procedimientos armonizados y garantías procesales, responsabilidad por la moderación del contenido, así como medidas proactivas para abordar la aparición de contenido ilegal en sus servicios. Del mismo modo, debe crearse un organismo independiente que supervise las acciones de los proveedores de servicios digitales, en lo que se refiere al manejo de contenidos ilegales, e imponga sanciones cuando sea necesario.He votado a favor de este informe para que los principios de derechos fundamentales se incluyan en el núcleo de una política de la UE sobre servicios digitales, que sea exitosa y duradera.
Framework of ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies (A9-0186/2020 - Ibán García Del Blanco)
La inteligencia artificial está ya presente en nuestra vida. Europa debe aprovechar el potencial para su desarrollo, al tiempo que aborda los riesgos, algunos muy graves, para impedir que causen un daño a los ciudadanos o a la sociedad.Para conseguir este equilibrio necesitamos construir un sistema que otorgue seguridad y confianza en el desarrollo y el uso de las tecnologías, situando al ser humano en el centro, respetando su autonomía y su dignidad, asegurándonos que respeta los derechos fundamentales y la legalidad de la Unión.Apoyo esta iniciativa legislativa que establece, por primera vez en el mundo, una regulación integral sobre los principios éticos aplicables a la inteligencia artificial, que sitúa a Europa como líder en la regulación de una inteligencia artificial respetuosa con los principios y valores universales, estableciendo obligaciones legales exigibles al desarrollo, difusión y uso de estas tecnologías en la Unión Europea, incluidos software , algoritmos y los datos usados o producidos por ellas.Además, aquellas tecnologías que tengan aparejados un alto riesgo deberán certificar que cumplen con requisitos de control humano, seguridad, transparencia, responsabilidad, no discriminación y privacidad, que aplican los más altos estándares disponibles y asegurar que son sostenibles social y medioambientalmente.
Civil liability regime for artificial intelligence (A9-0178/2020 - Axel Voss)
He votado a favor de este informe, ya que considero que hace falta revisar las normas existentes de responsabilidad civil, para adaptarlas a la nueva realidad y a los riesgos que conlleva la inteligencia artificial, y para que ayuden a los ciudadanos a saber quién es responsable y quién debe responder cuando se produce un daño o perjuicio.El informe establece un sistema de responsabilidad civil estricto, definiendo concretamente las garantías legales y, en este sentido, se ha conseguido incluir la compensación por daños no materiales causados por las aplicaciones de IA (privacidad, discriminación); la responsabilidad se atribuye de manera proporcional, según sea el control que mantengan las partes involucradas sobre los riesgos del desarrollo o despliegue de las tecnologías y de esta manera, se asegura la responsabilidad primordial de los desarrolladores y de quienes los ponen en el mercado, liberando a los usuarios de responsabilidad en la mayoría de los casos; además, se ha invertido la carga de la prueba, en el caso de que se produzcan daños causados por las tecnologías que sean consideradas de bajo riesgo, para beneficiar a las partes que han podido sufrir un daño.
Intellectual property rights for the development of artificial intelligence technologies (A9-0176/2020 - Stéphane Séjourné)
Voto a favor de este informe para pedir a la Comisión que analice la estrecha relación que existe entre los derechos de propiedad intelectual y el desarrollo de las tecnologías de inteligencia artificial, por ejemplo, el uso de datos que puedan estar sometidos a derechos de propiedad intelectual para el entrenamiento de los algoritmos o el tratamiento a conceder a las creaciones producidas por inteligencia artificial.El informe señala la necesidad de respeto hacia los principios éticos para el desarrollo, despliegue y uso de la IA, respetando los derechos fundamentales y la legalidad de la Unión. Analiza el acceso a los datos, la necesidad de compartir datos y de establecer estándares abiertos en su acceso y se rechaza la idea de la propiedad de los datos públicos no personales.Por otro lado, distingue entre las obras creadas con asistencia de la IA y aquellas obras creadas enteramente por las IA, para pedir la atribución de derechos de autor y una justa remuneración en el primer caso, mientras que debe adoptarse un principio de precaución para analizar los efectos que pueda conllevar otorgar derechos relacionados con la propiedad intelectual sobre las creaciones específicas de inteligencia artificial.
The future of European education in the context of Covid-19 (B9-0338/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución tras preguntas con solicitud de respuesta oral a la Comisión y al Consejo sobre el futuro de la educación en Europa en el contexto de la COVID-19.En la Resolución aprobada, el Parlamento pide que se evalúen y publiquen datos de los Estados miembros sobre las repercusiones de la pandemia en educación, que se reúna información sobre las competencias digitales de los docentes, que se cierre la brecha digital existente de forma inmediata y que se empleen tanto el Espacio Europeo de Educación como el Plan de Acción de Educación Digital de forma adecuada para establecer objetivos y estrategias claros y abarcables. Además, se remarca la importancia de tener unos sistemas educativos más inclusivos y resilientes, proteger a los grupos vulnerables de las desigualdades sociales, garantizar una vuelta a la enseñanza presencial segura, y luchar contra analfabetismo digital y la desinformación que este provoca.Los socialistas defendemos la educación como uno de los pilares fundamentales de la sociedad, siendo una de las bases para la igualdad de oportunidades.
Obligations of the Commission in the field of visa reciprocity in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (B9-0339/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución sobre las obligaciones de la Comisión Europea en el ámbito de la reciprocidad de visados de conformidad con el artículo 7 del Reglamento (UE) 2018/1806.Actualmente, el único caso de no reciprocidad de visados existente entre la Unión Europea y un tercer país es el de Estados Unidos, el cual requiere visados a los ciudadanos de Bulgaria, Rumanía, Croacia y Chipre. Ello significa que los ciudadanos de estos cuatro Estados miembros de la Unión Europea son tratados como «ciudadanos de segunda clase» al necesitar un visado para viajar a los EE. UU. Mientras que los ciudadanos de los EE. UU. están exentos de visado cuando viajan al espacio Schengen.A través de esta propuesta de Resolución, el Parlamento Europeo exige a la Comisión Europea que adopte un acto delegado para suspender temporalmente la exención de visado por un período de 12 meses para los nacionales de los EE. UU. La finalidad de la mencionada propuesta de Resolución radica en garantizar que todos los ciudadanos de la UE estén sujetos a las mismas condiciones cuando viajen a un tercer país que los nacionales de ese tercer país cuando viajen a la UE.
Economic policies of the euro area 2020 (A9-0193/2020 - Joachim Schuster)
He votado a favor de este informe porque en él se discuten el proceso del Semestre Europeo y las orientaciones políticas de la política económica de la zona euro durante el último año. El informe del 2020 tiene plenamente en cuenta la crisis actual y la recuperación de la UE.Además, logramos incluir aspectos muy relevantes para una reforma del proceso del Semestre Europeo, como la necesidad de incluir indicadores sociales y medioambientales en el ámbito de este proceso que pesen igual a las cuestiones económicas cuando la Comisión hace su evaluación anual de los planes económicos y presupuestarios de los Estados miembros. También hemos conseguido incluir la necesidad de evitar la utilización de las reglas de austeridad como en la crisis financiera de 2008, así como la necesidad de crear una regla específica para las inversiones públicas, que resulta fundamental para la recuperación económica y para no penalizar a los Estados miembros con menor capacidad fiscal.Desgraciadamente, los populares y los verdes no valoran estos temas de una forma progresista y votaron en contra del informe, consiguiendo que fuera rechazado en sesión plenaria.
Employment and social policies of the euro area 2020 (A9-0183/2020 - Klára Dobrev)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor del informe sobre políticas sociales y de empleo para la zona euro en 2020. Un informe especialmente importante, ya que el ejercicio del Semestre Europeo para el próximo año está directamente relacionado con la implementación de los planes nacionales de recuperación y con el uso del apoyo financiero europeo.En el texto, aprobado por 466 votos a favor, 189 en contra y 32 abstenciones, los socialistas abogamos por que los principios del pilar europeo de derechos sociales y de los ODS de Naciones Unidas sean los que orienten las reformas y las inversiones, poniendo así en pie de igualdad los objetivos sociales con los objetivos económicos y medioambientales.Una nueva agenda social, planes de progreso social que garanticen estados de bienestar más fuertes y equitativos, una Garantía Juvenil reforzada que nos ayude a hacer frente al desempleo juvenil, un marco europeo de salarios mínimos que garantice unas condiciones de vida dignas, o una Agenda Europea de Teletrabajo para adaptar nuestro mercado laboral a la revolución digital, son solo algunas de las prioridades que recoge nuestro informe.El Grupo S&D trabaja cada día para que la Europa Social sea una realidad.
Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (A9-0145/2020 - Ernest Urtasun)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe, que detalla como mujeres y niñas se ven especialmente afectadas por la violencia de los conflictos armados y el cambio climático, entre otros, y, por ese motivo, es necesario incorporar la igualdad de género como principio de la política exterior europea y un valor fundamental en toda la acción exterior de la Unión Europea.La Delegación también defiende una nueva cultura institucional que incluya ese enfoque de género y diversidad, de tal forma que se logre un equilibrio de género en toda la representación exterior de la UE. En la actualidad, las mujeres tienen una presencia bastante reducida, por ejemplo, solo dos de los ocho representantes especiales de la UE son mujeres. De acuerdo con la Estrategia de Igualdad de Género 2020-2025, que fija como objetivo el equilibrio de género del 50 % en todos los niveles de su gestión para finales de 2024, debería empezar a aplicarse desde ahora a los futuros nombramientos de representantes especiales de la UE.
Common agricultural policy - support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States and financed by the EAGF and by the EAFRD (A8-0200/2019 - Peter Jahr)
El texto adoptado conforma la posición que el PE defenderá en las negociaciones con el Consejo.He votado a favor porque recoge las principales prioridades socialistas para esta reforma: seguir manteniendo el apoyo a la renta de los agricultores y, al mismo tiempo, reforzar de manera efectiva la ambición medioambiental del texto presentado por la CE.Incluye también dos importantes novedades en esta política:1) Incorpora la condicionalidad social de las ayudas, es decir, el requisito de cumplir con la normativa laboral para acceder a las mismas.2) Se incluye la perspectiva de género como objetivo específico de la reforma.Los Estados miembros garantizaran su integración en la preparación, ejecución y evaluación de sus planes estratégicos.Finalmente, cabe destacar el refuerzo de las ayudas a jóvenes agricultores, la inclusión de un tope máximo de ayudas por explotación y el reconocimiento del papel de las regiones y su peso en la configuración y aplicación de la nueva PAC en sus territorios.
Common agricultural policy: financing, management and monitoring (A8-0199/2019 - Ulrike Müller)
El texto aprobado conforma la posición que el PE defenderá en las negociaciones con el Consejo.He votado a favor por las mejoras que introduce en la propuesta de la CE. En este sentido, mantiene un sistema de control que combina el sistema de «control de conformidad de las normas», en vigor en la actualidad, con el nuevo sistema de «control de resultado». De esta manera, se preserva el carácter común de la PAC, evitando así que la necesaria flexibilidad dé lugar a 27 políticas agrícolas diferentes.También se añade, entre otras mejoras, un avance significativo como es transformación de la reserva para la crisis agrícola en un instrumento permanente, con un presupuesto inicial de 400 millones de euros y un tope de 1 500 millones, que solo recurrirá a reducciones de las ayudas directas, en caso de agotar las demás posibles fuentes de recursos.
Common agricultural policy – amendment of the CMO and other Regulations (A8-0198/2019 - Eric Andrieu)
El texto aprobado conforma la posición que el PE defenderá en las negociaciones con el Consejo.He votado a favor de este informe porque introduce mejoras significativas en los textos presentados.De entrada, refuerza los mecanismos de gestión de crisis y transparencia de los mercados agrícolas e introduce la definición de «reventa a pérdida» en el texto de la OCM única.En el sector vitivinícola, se prolonga la duración del régimen de autorizaciones hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2050. Del mismo modo, se incluyen normas de clasificación de las variedades de uva de vinificación, así como normas de etiquetado y presentación en el sector vitivinícola. En este sentido, se establece que el etiquetado del valor energético y de la lista de ingredientes será obligatorio.El informe también introduce mejoras en el Reglamento sobre regímenes de calidad, en el que se refuerza el sistema europeo de indicaciones geográficas para el vino y otras producciones agrícolas y, sobre el Reglamento POSEI, en el que el PE se pronuncia, una vez más, en contra del recorte de fondos de 3,9 % propuesto por la CE.
EU/Senegal Fisheries Partnership Agreement: implementation of the Agreement. Protocol (A9-0180/2020 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica)
He votado a favor del Protocolo de aplicación del Acuerdo de colaboración de pesca sostenible UE-Senegal porque creo que contribuye mucho a la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental de las aguas a este país, a la vez que ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de pesca a los buques de la UE sobre especies de las que somos deficitarios.A través de los acuerdos de colaboración en el sector pesquero la Unión presta apoyo financiero y técnico a cambio de derechos de pesca sobre los recursos excedentarios en la zona económica exclusiva de Senegal, en un entorno regulado jurídicamente.Estos acuerdos también se centran en la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental, garantizando que todos los buques estén sujetos a las mismas normas de control y transparencia, apoyando la política pesquera sostenible del país socio.Paralelamente, se ha incorporado en todos los protocolos de los acuerdos de pesca una cláusula sobre el respeto de los derechos humanos.
EU/Senegal Fisheries Partnership Agreement: implementation of the Agreement. Protocol (Resolution) (A9-0182/2020 - Izaskun Bilbao Barandica)
He votado a favor del Protocolo de aplicación del Acuerdo de colaboración de pesca sostenible UE-Senegal porque creo que contribuye mucho a la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental de las aguas a este país, a la vez que ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de pesca a los buques de la UE sobre especies de las que somos deficitarios.A través de los acuerdos de colaboración en el sector pesquero, la Unión presta apoyo financiero y técnico a cambio de derechos de pesca sobre los recursos excedentarios en la zona económica exclusiva de Senegal, en un entorno regulado jurídicamente.Estos acuerdos también se centran en la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental, garantizando que todos los buques estén sujetos a las mismas normas de control y transparencia, apoyando la política pesquera sostenible del país socio.Paralelamente, se ha incorporado en todos los protocolos de los acuerdos de pesca una cláusula sobre el respeto de los derechos humanos.
EU/Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementation. Protocol (2020-2026) (A9-0185/2020 - Caroline Roose)
He votado a favor del Protocolo de aplicación del Acuerdo de Colaboración de Pesca Sostenible entre la UE y la República de Seychelles porque creo que contribuye mucho a la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental de las aguas a este país, a la vez que ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de pesca a los buques de la UE sobre especies de las que somos deficitarios.A través de los acuerdos de colaboración en el sector pesquero la Unión presta apoyo financiero y técnico a cambio de derechos de pesca sobre los recursos excedentarios en la zona económica exclusiva de Seychelles, en un entorno regulado jurídicamente.Estos acuerdos también se centran en la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental, garantizando que todos los buques estén sujetos a las mismas normas de control y transparencia, apoyando la política pesquera sostenible del país socio.Paralelamente, se ha incorporado en todos los protocolos de los acuerdos de pesca una cláusula sobre el respeto de los derechos humanos.
EU/China Agreement: cooperation on and protection of geographical indications (A9-0199/2020 - Iuliu Winkler)
He votado a favor de este Acuerdo UE-China porque va a proteger 100 indicaciones geográficas europeas (IG) en China, un mercado muy importante y en crecimiento. Cuatro años después de su entrada en vigor, el alcance del Acuerdo se ampliará para cubrir otras 175 indicaciones. El Acuerdo también incluye un mecanismo para agregar más indicaciones geográficas a partir de entonces.Consideramos este Acuerdo un paso en la dirección correcta en la relación con China, específicamente en la comercial, una señal importante de que China está dispuesta a comprometerse con la UE y con el sistema europeo de protección de la calidad de los productos en función de su origen.El Acuerdo refuerza los derechos de los productores de alimentos y bebidas españoles como los vinos DO de Rioja, Valencia, La Mancha, Valdepeñas, Navarra y Cataluña, el queso manchego, el brandy de Jerez, el aceite de oliva de Sierra Mágina y de Priego de Córdoba, y la IG Cava de Aragón.En cuatro años podrá ampliarse la lista a otras denominaciones como los aceites de Baena, el vino del Bierzo, los productos cárnicos de Dehesa de Extremadura, Guijuelo, cítricos de Valencia, jamón de Teruel, turrón de Alicante o el queso de Mahón.
EU/China Agreement: cooperation on and protection of geographical indications (Resolution) (A9-0202/2020 -Iuliu Winkler)
He votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución no legislativa sobre la celebración del Acuerdo UE-China sobre protección de indicaciones geográficas, para indicar a China que desempeñe un papel más activo en la OMC y otras iniciativas multilaterales. La UE y China deben cooperar de forma constructiva para llevar a cabo reformas de mercado, responsabilidad social, cumplimiento de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible y lucha contra el cambio climático.A propuesta de nuestro grupo, la propuesta de Resolución incluye la exigencia a China de que cumpla con las obligaciones internacionales y se comprometa con el respeto de los derechos humanos. También hemos incluido que haya un seguimiento de la aplicación del Acuerdo en aras de un futuro acuerdo más ambicioso para ampliar la lista de productos (la UE tiene 3 300 indicaciones geográficas)Se pide a China que respete la igualdad de condiciones, elimine las barreras comerciales injustificadas y garantice la reciprocidad en la relación comercial general. Es necesaria mayor cooperación aduanera para luchar contra la falsificación.Se pide también que la UE y China mejoren su cooperación en los objetivos medioambientales y la lucha contra el cambio climático de conformidad con el Acuerdo de París.
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2021 - all sections (A9-0206/2020 - Pierre Larrouturou, Olivier Chastel)
El presupuesto de la UE para 2021 es nuestra primera oportunidad de mostrar a los ciudadanos que estamos con ellos en tiempos de crisis y más allá.Por ello, los socialistas españoles hemos reforzado nuestro llamamiento en favor de un presupuesto sólido para la UE en el próximo año. En tanto que el primero de un marco financiero plurianual sin precedentes, este presupuesto debe reflejar las prioridades de los ciudadanos: salud, clima, juventud y cultura, preservando al mismo tiempo la dimensión social.2021 es el primer año del próximo presupuesto plurianual de la UE. Por ello el presupuesto de 2021 es crucial. Hasta ahora, las negociaciones en las comisiones han conseguido una financiación reforzada para muchos de nuestros programas emblemáticos progresistas en el ámbito de la juventud, la salud, el clima, la transición justa, las infraestructuras, la cultura, el género, la acción exterior y la ayuda humanitaria. La votación en el Pleno ha confirmado estos logros, en beneficio de todos los europeos.Esta semana acabamos de alcanzar un acuerdo histórico sobre el próximo MFP, lo que aumentará ahora nuestras posibilidades de financiar el presupuesto de 2021 y ofrecerá a nuestros ciudadanos la ayuda y la esperanza que necesitan.
EU/Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementation. Protocol (2020-2026) (resolution) (A9-0184/2020 - Caroline Roose)
He votado a favor del Protocolo de aplicación del Acuerdo de Colaboración de Pesca Sostenible entre la UE y la República de Seychelles porque creo que contribuye mucho a la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental de las aguas a este país, a la vez que ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de pesca a los buques de la UE sobre especies de las que somos deficitarios.A través de los acuerdos de colaboración en el sector pesquero la Unión presta apoyo financiero y técnico a cambio de derechos de pesca sobre los recursos excedentarios en la zona económica exclusiva de Seychelles, en un entorno regulado jurídicamente.Estos acuerdos también se centran en la conservación de los recursos y la sostenibilidad medioambiental, garantizando que todos los buques estén sujetos a las mismas normas de control y transparencia, apoyando la política pesquera sostenible del país socio.Paralelamente, se ha incorporado en todos los protocolos de los acuerdos de pesca una cláusula sobre el respeto de los derechos humanos.
Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 (“EU4Health Programme”) (A9-0196/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe legislativo que busca establecer el programa «La UE por la Salud» (EU4Health) para los años 2021-2027.Parte del Plan de Recuperación, este programa busca construir sistemas de salud resilientes en la UE, abordando las amenazas transfronterizas, haciendo que los medicamento estén disponibles y sean asequibles, y fortaleciendo los sistemas sanitarios.La propuesta aprobada por el Parlamento recoge alguna de las principales demandas socialistas, como las pruebas de resistencia de los sistemas sanitarios, la creación de un mecanismo europeo de respuesta sanitaria, el establecimiento de un espacio europeo de datos sanitarios, además de reforzar los mandatos tanto del Centro Europeo para la Prevención y el Control de Enfermedades y como de la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos.
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan - How to finance the Green Deal (A9-0198/2020 -Siegfried Mureşan, Paul Tang)
He votado a favor de este informe porque solo lograremos atajar la emergencia climática y reducir las emisiones en la próxima década si movilizamos todos los fondos públicos y privados disponibles para la transición hacia una sociedad libre de gases contaminantes.Este informe recuerda que se necesita un mínimo de 660 000 millones de euros al año para alcanzar los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo. Nuestra responsabilidad es definir dónde encontrar estos miles de millones, procedentes de entidades públicas y privadas, europeas y nacionales, y asegurar que se gastan de manera correcta.En este informe, los eurodiputados asumen esta responsabilidad y proporcionan soluciones concretas: es necesario acabar con la financiación a combustibles fósiles, hacer un mejor uso de los miles de millones creados por el Banco Central Europeo y, lo que es más urgente, poner en marcha un verdadero presupuesto climático europeo impulsado por una cesta de nuevos recursos que incluya un impuesto sobre las transacciones financieras.Ahora son los Jefes de Estado quienes deben asumir su responsabilidad. El Pacto Verde Europeo solo será efectivo si cuenta con la financiación adecuada.
The impact of Covid-19 measures on democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law (B9-0343/2020)
La propuesta de Resolución analiza las distintas medidas que, de forma excepcional, se han decretado en los países de la UE a consecuencia de la pandemia COVID-19, el impacto de estas en sus ciudadanos y en la democracia, los derechos fundamentales y el Estado de Derecho.A consecuencia de las medidas adoptadas, se han visto afectados, entre otros, derechos tan importantes como la libre circulación de personas, el derecho de reunión, el derecho a una tutela judicial efectiva, el derecho de asilo y refugio, etc.Asimismo, se ha producido una alteración del normal funcionamiento de los poderes del Estado y una merma del sistema de controles y un adecuado equilibrio entre estos.La propuesta de Resolución recuerda a los Estados miembros que incluso en un estado de emergencia pública, deben prevalecer los principios fundamentales del Estado de derecho, la democracia y el respeto de los derechos fundamentales, y que todas las medidas de emergencia, excepciones y limitaciones están sujetas a tres condiciones generales: necesidad, proporcionalidad en sentido estricto y temporalidad, conforme a lo reiterado por la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos (TEDH), el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea (TJUE) y diversos tribunales constitucionales y juzgados de los Estados miembros.
Tackling homelessness rates in the European Union (B9-0363/2020)
He votado junto al Grupo S&D en el Parlamento Europeo a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución para pedir a la Comisión Europea y a los Estados miembros una respuesta valiente y ambiciosa para frenar la tasa de personas sin hogar en la Unión. Mediante esta propuesta de Resolución, el Parlamento Europeo pone el foco en la situación especialmente vulnerable en la que se encuentran los ciudadanos europeos sin hogar en el contexto actual, en el que la recomendación general para luchar contra la pandemia de la COVID-19 es la de quedarse en casa.Asimismo, el texto advierte sobre el preocupante aumento de la tasa de personas que viven en la calle en la Unión, una cifra que, en la última década, se ha incrementado en más de un 70 %. El Grupo S&D responde así, mostrando su apoyo y su compromiso con las preocupaciones de los ciudadanos europeos expresada a través de numerosas peticiones sobre la situación de las más de cuatro millones de personas sin hogar en Europa.A pesar de que son los Estados los competentes en materia de vivienda, este texto es un reflejo de la preocupación de los socialistas por hacer frente a la exclusión social en la Unión.
The Schengen system and measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis (B9-0362/2020)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución con la que el Parlamento Europeo expresa su preocupación por la respuesta dada por parte de los Estados miembros durante los primeros meses de la pandemia de la COVID-19, cuando se produjo un cierre de fronteras repentino en toda la Unión.El texto pone de manifiesto la situación especialmente complicada a la que se vieron sometidos los trabajadores transfronterizos; las regiones fronterizas; así como los estudiantes y las familias y parejas con diferentes nacionalidades.El texto llama a los Estados miembros a evitar a toda costa un nuevo cierre de fronteras como el vivido en marzo y exige que se mantenga el acervo de Schengen y que la limitación de la libertad de movimiento de los ciudadanos entre Estados quede como la última excepción.De esta forma los socialistas y el Parlamento Europeo en su conjunto responden a las preocupaciones expresadas por numerosos ciudadanos y ciudadanas europeos que se han visto afectados por los cierres de fronteras motivados por la pandemia.Asimismo, el texto llama a abogar por medidas proporcionales que tengan en cuenta la situación epidemiológica de cada región y que eviten cualquier tipo de discriminación.
Towards a more sustainable single market for business and consumers (A9-0209/2020 - David Cormand)
He votado a favor de este informe porque es necesario establecer unos criterios horizontales en los textos legislativos, con el fin de avanzar hacia un mercado único sostenible para las empresas y los consumidores en el marco del Pacto Verde Europeo.Se deben eliminar las prácticas de obsolescencia programada, así como establecer la obligatoriedad de un etiquetado que aporte detalles sobre reparabilidad y durabilidad de los productos, en aras de otorgar al consumidor una clara información sobre el producto que está comprando.El derecho a la reparación también es un punto importante a destacar ya que, el 77 % de los europeos afirma que preferiría reparar un producto que comprar un nuevo, pero habitualmente el coste de ese arreglo es excesivo.Una amplia mayoría de los ciudadanos europeos consideran que también es importante conocer la huella climática y la compatibilidad con la eficiencia energética del producto que están comprando, y confirman que estos datos pueden ser decisivos a la hora de comprar un producto o no.Es una apuesta clara por la reutilización, reparación y reciclaje del producto, potenciando y fortaleciendo los criterios basados en la economía circular.
Strengthening media freedom: the protection of journalists in Europe, hate speech, disinformation and the role of platforms (A9-0205/2020 - Magdalena Adamowicz)
La Delegación Socialista Española, en su compromiso con la defensa de los derechos y libertades fundamentales de la UE, ha votado a favor de este informe en el que se condenan los ataques contra la libertad y el pluralismo de los medios de comunicación por parte de los Gobiernos de algunos Estados miembros.El texto denuncia el aumento de un patrón de intimidación hacia periodistas críticos e insiste en la imperiosa necesidad de investigar y prevenir los ataques a periodistas. Así mismo, el texto señala que la concentración excesiva de la propiedad de los medios pone en riesgo el pluralismo periodístico, lo que hace más difícil desafiar la difusión de la desinformación.Por último, se exige un fortalecimiento del marco legal para luchar contra el creciente discurso de odio en línea y una mayor colaboración entre las plataformas en línea y las fuerzas del orden.La defensa y promoción de unos medios de comunicación plurales, independientes, críticos, de calidad y basados en los principios del respeto y la paz son uno de los pilares fundamentales de nuestra democracia y contarán siempre con el apoyo de la DSE.
A New Industrial Strategy for Europe (A9-0197/2020 - Carlo Calenda)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado en a favor de este informe que destaca la necesidad de una nueva estrategia industrial para la Unión Europea, en línea con el objetivo de la neutralidad climática para 2050 a más tardar, con miras a apoyar la transición dual ecológica y digital, manteniendo y creando empleos de calidad, y fortaleciendo el espíritu emprendedor y apoyando a las pymes.El informe incide en que la estrategia debería fortalecer el liderazgo mundial de Europa y reducir la dependencia de la Unión de otras partes del mundo en las cadenas de valor estratégicas, evitando la deslocalización de industrias europeas y preservando un mercado abierto.Además, el informe tiene en cuenta la crisis de la COVID-19 y propone una actuación en dos fases interrelacionadas: una fase de recuperación dirigida a consolidar el empleo, reactivar la producción y adaptarla a una «nueva normalidad» post-COVID, mediante una rápida ejecución del Next Generation EU y una segunda fase dirigida a la reconstrucción y transformación para encauzar la transición ambiental y digital, mientras se fortalece la competitividad y la resiliencia a largo plazo de la sociedad y la economía.
Foreign policy consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak (A9-0204/2020 - Hilde Vautmans)
Desde el Grupo de los Socialistas y Demócratas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución porque ante las nuevas dinámicas en la sociedad internacional, es preciso que la UE esté completamente a la altura de las dinámicas geopolíticas actuales. El profundo impacto de la COVID-19 a nivel global ha conllevado consecuencias en todos los ámbitos, incluyendo la política exterior de la UE.Entre las principales cuestiones podemos ver la pérdida de confianza en instituciones internacionales y la necesidad de sus reformas, la necesidad de un mayor liderazgo y competencia geopolítica de la UE, y de garantizar su independencia con relación a algunos actores en sectores estratégicos, así como la importancia de aumentar la resiliencia de la UE en ámbitos como la diplomacia y la lucha contra la desinformación.Por ello, la UE debe buscar la consecución y defensa de sus valores y objetivos a largo plazo en la promoción de la democracia, el Estado de Derecho y los derechos humanos, el fomento de la energía verde, la cooperación multilateral, entre otros. La UE debe tener un rol crucial en encontrar soluciones y contar con herramientas de protección de sus valores e intereses a nivel global.
Improving development effectiveness and efficiency of aid (A9-0212/2020 - Tomas Tobé)
He votado en contra de esta propuesta de Resolución para defender la cooperación al desarrollo, cuyo objetivo es erradicar la pobreza, y oponerme a que se supedite la ayuda a la colaboración de los países en desarrollo en materia de política migratoria y control de fronteras.He votado pensando en las personas que más lo necesitan, en el trabajo de las ONG de desarrollo y en la reputación mundial de la UE. Nuestro compromiso es garantizar que la UE siga siendo un líder mundial en la defensa de los derechos humanos, que la ayuda de la UE se centre en la erradicación de la pobreza y la desigualdad. La condicionalidad de la ayuda no es eficaz para abordar estos objetivos.Esta condicionalidad rompe el consenso europeo sobre política de desarrollo, no se ajusta a las necesidades de los países receptores y supondría utilizar estos recursos para el control de fronteras de estos países. Esta postura anti-inmigración, incorporada a última hora en la propuesta de Resolución, no solo es contraria a principios, sino contraria a la evidencia de que el crecimiento económico, el fortalecimiento del comercio y el aumento del nivel de vida requieren, con frecuencia, mayores flujos migratorios.
Stocktaking of European elections (A9-0211/2020 - Pascal Durand)
He votado a favor del informe sobre el balance de las elecciones europeas de 2019 porque establece el relato del Parlamento Europeo sobre las últimas elecciones e identifica espacios para la mejora del sistema electoral a nivel de toda la UE. Este informe reconoce la alta participación ciudadana obtenida en los últimos 25 años y el positivo rol jugado por los jóvenes que dieron una clara victoria a la mayoría proeuropea.Al mismo tiempo destaca una serie de posibles reformas para mejorar el sistema electoral en el futuro. Entre ellas, garantizar la igualdad de género entre los diputados electos del Parlamento, así como introducir reformas para conseguir una representación más proporcionada de las minorías y sectores de la población vulnerable.Este informe subraya que se debata en la Conferencia sobre el Futuro de Europa la posibilidad de crear un sistema electoral europeo común con listas transnacionales. Con ello, damos un paso adelante en la construcción de un espacio político transnacional en el que el papel de los partidos políticos europeos debe reforzarse, incluyendo en las papeletas de voto sus logos y nombres.
EU Trade Policy Review (B9-0370/2020)
He votado a favor de esa propuesta de Resolución que aporta planteamientos progresistas a la evaluación de la política comercial común de la UE.La Comisión Europea ha puesto en marcha una importante revisión de la política comercial. Los Estados miembros, los sectores productivos y demás partes interesadas y la sociedad civil, están participando en ese proceso. La revisión incluye reflexiones sobre la respuesta a la COVID-19.El Grupo S&D valora positivamente que la política comercial de la UE se adapte a los desafíos que son: implementar el desarrollo sostenible, garantizar el respeto de los derechos humanos y laborales y lograr los objetivos establecidos en el Pacto Verde de la UE.Nuestro Grupo ha aportado referencias a la diligencia debida obligatoria; la inclusión de un capítulo de género y que se recoja el Acuerdo de París en todos los acuerdos comerciales; que los capítulos de desarrollo sostenible puedan tener una aplicación más efectiva; el apoyo a las negociaciones del Tratado de la Carta de la Energía; una cooperación más cercana con los EE. UU. para afrontar los retos estratégicos; y la intensificación de la negociación para el acuerdo sobre inversiones con China.
European Arrest Warrant and surrender procedures between Member States (A9-0248/2020 - Javier Zarzalejos)
El informe concluye que la orden de detención europea es un logro de primer orden, y un instrumento eficaz, útil e indispensable para luchar contra la delincuencia transfronteriza y llevar ante la justicia a los autores de delitos graves en el Estado miembro en el que haya tenido o esté teniendo lugar el proceso penal, por lo que repercute positivamente en el espacio de libertad, seguridad y justicia.No obstante, identifica también obstáculos relativos a la aplicación de este instrumento de cooperación judicial en los Estados miembros, así como retos relacionados con la diversidad de medidas que los Estados miembros pueden aplicar en la ejecución de las órdenes de protección europeas y el impacto del instrumento en relación con la protección de las víctimas de delitos.He votado a favor porque considero que contribuirá a mejorar el funcionamiento de la orden de detención europea y hará que se garantice de manera más efectiva la protección de los derechos fundamentales del sospechoso en los procedimientos.
Revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines (A9-0251/2020 - Jens Gieseke)
Este informe presenta las prioridades del Parlamento Europeo para facilitar la futura revisión del Reglamento de la red transeuropea de transporte.El informe destaca la necesidad de actualizar la red en términos de sostenibilidad, digitalización, seguridad, mantenimiento y resiliencia a shocks climáticos como la borrasca Filomena, y sistémicos, como la crisis de la COVID-19.El Grupo S&D apoya este informe clave para desarrollar una movilidad más sostenible e inteligente en línea con el Pacto Verde. El informe pide impulsar una movilidad multimodal, interoperable, segura y accesible a todas las regiones y usuarios. Se deben priorizar modos de transporte más sostenibles como el ferrocarril, las vías navegables interiores y las autopistas del mar, y fomentar el despliegue de combustibles alternativos.El informe concluye que la revisión supondrá una oportunidad para acelerar la ejecución de la red básica y sus corredores. En España, será clave para finalizar los corredores europeos del Atlántico y el Mediterráneo, y, por tanto, el Cantábrico-Mediterráneo, de gran importancia para el desarrollo socioeconómico de mi región, Aragón.Además, la revisión presentará una oportunidad para acelerar la finalización de los tramos transfronterizos y los enlaces pendientes y también la red global que garantiza la conectividad de todos los territorios.
FEAD: specific measures to address the COVID-19 crisis (A9-0174/2020 - Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová)
El Fondo de Ayuda Europea para los Más Desfavorecidos (FEAD) es el instrumento financiero que ayuda a quienes han caído en la pobreza a dar sus primeros pasos para salir de la pobreza y la exclusión social. Unos 13 millones de personas reciben apoyo del FEAD cada año, incluyendo alrededor de 4 millones de niños menores de 15 años.La actual pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido y continúa teniendo un impacto social muy severo que coloca a muchas personas en riesgo de pobreza y exclusión social, al tiempo que aumenta el número de aquellos más necesitados en la UE. Es de suma importancia que los recursos europeos se inviertan en las personas y en las consecuencias sociales de la crisis, sin olvidar a las personas más desfavorecidas. Los Estados miembros centran, en gran medida, las inversiones sociales actuales en salvar los puestos de trabajo, sin embargo, la pobreza y la exclusión social aumentan a una velocidad muy preocupante.Por ello el Grupo S&D pide un incremento obligatorio de los recursos FEAD que provienen de la iniciativa REACT-EU para los años 2020, 2021 y 2022. He votado a favor.
Decent and affordable housing for all (A9-0247/2020 - Kim Van Sparrentak)
La propuesta de Resolución, aprobada por 352 votos a favor, 179 en contra y 152 abstenciones, esboza un modelo universalista de vivienda destinado a cubrir las necesidades de todos, sobre todo, de los grupos más vulnerables y aborda problemáticas específicas como el sinhogarismo o los asentamientos segregados.Los socialistas hemos defendido que el derecho a la vivienda no se defina estrictamente como el acceso a la vivienda social, sino en un sentido más amplio como el derecho a vivir en un hogar en paz, seguridad y dignidad.Algunas de las propuestas más ambiciosas han sido frenadas por la derecha como la prohibición de los desahucios, pero el balance general es optimista, y se pueden enumerar una serie de importantísimos logros que suponen la defensa de un modelo universalista de la vivienda.También hemos conseguido que salga adelante uno de los puntos más progresistas del informe: la inclusión de la vivienda en la lista de servicios económicos de interés general y, por tanto, excluido de las normas de competencia y ayudas estatales.Esta propuesta supone un enorme avance que daría a los países plena libertad para poner en marcha planes de vivienda pública y proveer tanta vivienda social como sea necesaria.
The right to disconnect (A9-0246/2020 - Alex Agius Saliba)
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha cambiado radicalmente la forma en la que trabajamos. Durante el confinamiento, uno de cada tres trabajadores comenzó a trabajar desde casa. Sin embargo, es después de meses de teletrabajo cuando muchos trabajadores y trabajadoras están sufriendo efectos secundarios negativos, tales como aislamiento, fatiga, depresión, agotamiento y enfermedades musculares u oculares. Los estudios muestran, además, que las personas que trabajan habitualmente desde casa tienen el doble de probabilidades de trabajar más del máximo de 48 horas por semana establecido en la legislación de la UE.El Grupo S&D pide a la Comisión que lance un procedimiento de consulta con los agentes sociales cuanto antes y presente una Directiva sobre el derecho a la desconexión que permita a los trabajadores y trabajadoras abstenerse de realizar tareas, actividades y comunicaciones electrónicas relacionadas con el trabajo, como llamadas telefónicas, correos electrónicos y otros mensajes, fuera de su horario laboral, incluso durante los períodos de descanso, vacaciones, bajas por maternidad y paternidad, y otros tipos de baja, sin sufrir ninguna consecuencia.He votado a favor.
Reforming the EU list of tax havens (B9-0052/2021)
He votado a favor de este informe porque las jurisdicciones con prácticas fiscales nocivas, deben incluirse en la lista de paraísos fiscales de la UE, sean países terceros o europeos.La lista de la UE tuvo un impacto positivo en los paraísos fiscales al obligarlos a reformarse, sin embargo, algunos de los más grandes han logrado mantenerse al margen. Esto se ha debido fundamentalmente, a la ausencia de criterios sólidos para la inclusión de países en la lista.Es por ello que el PE pide la introducción de criterios más estrictos, incluso de un criterio de tipo impositivo mínimo efectivo. Poner límites a la competencia fiscal es clave para limitar la elusión fiscal y garantizar que los países obtengan los recursos que necesitan para hacer frente a la actual crisis sanitaria.El PE también volvió pedir que los criterios para la inclusión de países de la UE en la lista sean similares a los de terceros países, y que se garantice más transparencia en el proceso de inclusión de países para evitar la colusión y la desaparición de paraísos fiscales notables de la lista negra de paraísos fiscales de la UE.
Establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (A9-0214/2020 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Siegfried Mureşan, Dragoș Pîslaru)
El PE ha dado luz verde al Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia para impulsar la economía europea tras la pandemia de la COVID-19 con 672 500 millones de euros mediante subvenciones y préstamos para apoyar reformas e inversiones en los Estados miembros.Nuestra posición desde el principio ha sido clara: asignar el dinero equitativamente sobre la base de seis pilares fundamentales: la transición sostenible, la transformación digital, la cohesión económica, social y territorial, la resiliencia institucional y políticas para las nuevas generaciones. Con ello lograremos la modernización de la gestión pública y el apoyo a la Garantía Juvenil e Infantil, incidiendo en la importancia de los sistemas nacionales de salud, su coordinación y colaboración a nivel europeo.Hemos integrado la perspectiva de género y las consultas con los interlocutores sociales, incluyendo una cláusula de retroactividad para que cualquier inversión realizada en los Estados miembros, desde el comienzo de la pandemia en Europa, sea elegible para reembolso.El MRR constituye un importante paso adelante en la mitigación de los efectos de la crisis de la COVID-19 y, con el objetivo del 37 % de gasto en la transición verde y el 20 % para la transición digital, también es un trampolín para nuestro futuro común.
New Circular Economy Action Plan: see Minutes (A9-0008/2021 - Jan Huitema)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe y acogemos favorablemente la ambición del Nuevo Plan de Acción para la Economía Circular, que se centra especialmente en el diseño de los productos, la prevención de residuos y la mejor aceptación de los productos reciclados.Los socialistas españoles defendemos medidas ambiciosas y objetivos vinculantes para reducir las huellas de consumo y de carbono de la Unión. La Unión debe esforzarse por lograr una economía neutra en carbono, ambientalmente sostenible, libre de tóxicos y totalmente circular dentro de los límites planetarios para 2050 a más tardar. Este marco será clave para alcanzar los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo, contribuyendo a la innovación, reforzando la protección del consumidor, abordando la obsolescencia programada y el derecho a obtener una reparación, y creando nuevos puestos de trabajo, al tiempo que se garantiza una transición justa.Los socialdemócratas hemos, además, reforzado las cuestiones sociales en el informe, para que el Plan de Acción para la Economía Circular esté vinculado a la aplicación de la estrategia de igualdad de género y del pilar social europeo, actualizando la Agenda de Capacidades a las nuevas necesidades específicas e incluyendo los requisitos de educación y formación.
Reducing inequalities with a special focus on in-work poverty (A9-0006/2021 - Özlem Demirel)
La propuesta de Resolución, aprobada por 365 votos a favor, 118 en contra y 208 abstenciones, incluye la prevención y la lucha contra la pobreza de los trabajadores dentro del objetivo general de erradicar la pobreza en la Unión Europea.Algunas de las propuestas más ambiciosas han sido frenadas por la derecha, como la inclusión de un protocolo de progreso social en los Tratados europeos que prevalezca en caso de conflicto entre las libertades económicas fundamentales y derechos sociales colectivos, pero el balance general es optimista y han salido adelante propuestas para promover el trabajo indefinido, garantizar la presencia sindical en el lugar de trabajo, la protección social de trabajadores de plataformas y trabajos atípicos, la eliminación gradual de contratos de cero horas, o una Directiva que garantice salarios mínimos legales establecidos siempre por encima del umbral de pobreza con el fin de garantizar una vida digna a todos los trabajadores a tiempo completo.El informe tiene un sesgo progresista y ha puesto especial acento en la brecha salarial de género.
Safety of the nuclear power plant in Ostrovets (Belarus) (B9-0109/2021)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado en a favor de la propuesta de Resolución, ya que muestra su oposición al inicio comercial de la nueva central nuclear de Ostrovets (Bielorrusia), prevista para marzo de 2021, hasta que se implementen todas las recomendaciones del Grupo Europeo de Reguladores de Seguridad Nuclear (ENSREG).Esta propuesta de Resolución también pide que se tomen medidas en el caso de que no se asegure que la revisión interpares se completa. La mejor manera de dar seguridad y tranquilidad a los ciudadanos es asegurarnos de que los procesos técnicos de evaluación sean rigurosos y transparentes. Y si no es así, tomar medidas, tal y como se ha producido al cesar el intercambio de electricidad entre Bielorrusia y la Unión.Debemos ser firmes y dotarnos de medidas para restringir las importaciones que no cumplen con los niveles europeos de seguridad. Pata eliminar todas las dudas, es necesaria una cooperación plena de las autoridades bielorrusas con el ENSREG.Además, vemos que sucesos como estos ponen en relieve la importancia estratégica de acelerar la sincronización de la red eléctrica báltica con la red continental europea.
InvestEU Programme (A9-0203/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Irene Tinagli)
. – El Programa InvestEU se basa en el exitoso Plan Juncker, y reunirá, bajo un mismo techo, el FEIE y trece instrumentos financieros actualmente disponibles. A través de cuatro ejes (infraestructura sostenible, investigación, innovación y digitalización, pymes e inversión social y capacidades), pretende movilizar casi de 400 000 millones de euros de inversiones en la UE, de los cuales casi 26 200 millones se prevén en el presupuesto de la UE 2021-2027.Además, InvestEU tendrá capacidad para apoyar el capital de las empresas afectadas por la pandemia, por lo que este mecanismo de apoyo a la inversión es crucial para fomentar la recuperación económica en toda la Unión e impulsar el empleo de calidad, la digitalización, la inversión en infraestructuras sostenibles, la innovación, la investigación y el desarrollo de empresas estratégicas. También, al menos el 30 % de las inversiones contribuirán a cumplir los objetivos de la Unión en materia de acción climática.Nuestro grupo ha trabajado para conseguir que InvestEU sea un instrumento fuerte y hemos defendido las cuestiones sociales y medioambientales, prestando especial atención a los sectores especialmente necesitados de apoyo, como el turismo, la cultura y las infraestructuras sociales.Por todo ello la Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor.
Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 (“EU4Health Programme”) (A9-0196/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
. – La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe legislativo que establece el programa «La UE por la Salud» (EU4Health) para los años 2021-2027, con un presupuesto de 5 100 millones de euros. Este instrumento impulsará la capacidad de la UE para hacer frente a las amenazas transnacionales, como la pandemia que estamos sufriendo, además de reducir las desigualdades en materia de salud y mejorar el acceso a medicamentos y productos sanitarios, evitando el desabastecimiento.La propuesta aprobada recoge algunas de las principales demandas de los socialistas, como la inclusión de los principios de «Una sola salud» y «Salud en todas las políticas», la acción para reducir las desigualdades, las pruebas de estrés a los sistemas de salud nacionales y el desarrollo de estándares sanitarios de calidad, así como la creación del espacio europeo de datos sanitarios. Los socialistas estamos satisfechos con el resultado de este programa, que contribuirá a la creación de la Unión Europea de la Salud.
A WTO-compatible EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (A9-0019/2021 - Yannick Jadot)
. – Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe ya que defendemos que el objetivo principal de un mecanismo de ajuste en frontera para el carbono debe ser el medio ambiente y el cambio climático. Por ello, apoyamos que los criterios medioambientales y climáticos sean los elementos esenciales en la elección del instrumento, garantizando un precio del carbono predecible y adecuado para incentivar las inversiones en descarbonización y alcanzar los objetivos del Acuerdo de París. En este sentido, compartimos que el informe del Parlamento no se haya decantado hacia una herramienta política concreta o diseño específico del mecanismo, para lo que habría que esperar los resultados de la evaluación de impacto.Los socialdemócratas defendemos que el mecanismo entre en vigor lo antes posible y, a más tardar, en 2023, que sea coherente con las normas comerciales multilaterales, que se establezcan exenciones para los países menos desarrollados, y que los ingresos formen parte del presupuesto europeo como un nuevo recurso propio.Por último, además de mejorar la acción climática de la UE, los socialistas creemos que este mecanismo animará a nuestros socios a aumentar su nivel de ambición y protegerá a nuestros fabricantes de la competencia desleal.
European Semester: Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 (A9-0036/2021 - Markus Ferber)
. – He votado a favor de este informe porque en él se discuten el proceso del Semestre Europeo y las orientaciones políticas de la política económica de la zona euro durante el último año.El informe del 2021 tiene plenamente en cuenta la crisis sanitaria actual.Además, hemos logrado introducir aspectos muy relevantes para una reforma del proceso del Semestre Europeo, como la necesidad de incluir indicadores sociales y medioambientales. También conseguimos incluir la necesidad de evitar la utilización de las reglas de austeridad como en la crisis financiera de 2008, así como la necesidad de crear una regla específica para las inversiones públicas, que resulta fundamental para la recuperación económica y para no penalizar a los Estados miembros con menor capacidad fiscal.Además, se hace referencia a que la cláusula general de salvaguardia permanezca activada mientras se cumplan las condiciones para su activación, con el fin de apoyar los esfuerzos de los Estados miembros por recuperarse de la presente crisis.Finalmente, el texto incluye una referencia a la necesidad de debatir la adaptación de las reglas fiscales vigentes actualmente, que están claramente alejadas de la realidad.
European Semester: employment and social aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 (A9-0026/2021 - Lina Gálvez Muñoz)
. – El Semestre Europeo tiene una importancia especial, por su vinculación con los planes nacionales de recuperación y resiliencia.Para los y las socialistas, los principios del pilar europeo de derechos sociales y los ODS deben ser la brújula que guíen las reformas y las inversiones y votamos porque la equidad y los derechos sociales tengan la misma importancia que los objetivos macroeconómicos y medioambientales en un modelo social ecológico y económico que mejore el bienestar de las personas en la UE y que no deje a nadie atrás.Partiendo de que la respuesta de la UE a la crisis de COVID-19 ha sido decisiva y diferente a las anteriores, por un lado, debemos asegurarnos de que las medidas de emergencia se prolonguen mientras sea necesario, y por otro, de acompañar los planes nacionales con ese fuerte compromiso social y de inversión para crear de empleo de calidad, reducir las desigualdades y combatir la exclusión social, disminuir las brechas de género en el empleo, en los salarios y en las pensiones, reforzando la conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar y avanzar hacia una nueva organización de los cuidados.
EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (A9-0033/2021 - Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar)
La crisis de la COVID-19 ha tenido graves repercusiones en el sector del turismo. La demanda ha bajado notoriamente hasta casi paralizar el sector y ha puesto en peligro seis de los veintisiete millones de empleos.El Grupo S&D ha votado a favor de contar con una estrategia de la Unión en materia de turismo sostenible, clave para crear soluciones comunes y abordar desafíos del sector de una manera coordinada. Además, la estrategia abordará la transición verde y digital del turismo, que deberá ser más seguro, sostenible y resiliente en línea con el Pacto Verde Europeo. La estrategia también tiene por objetivo impulsar el desarrollo socioeconómico de las regiones y los destinos turísticos de Europa.La estrategia contiene recomendaciones clave para el Grupo S&D: planes de respuesta a la COVID-19 y criterios coordinados comunes para reactivar el sector y garantizar la seguridad de viajar; certificado de vacunación común no discriminatorio; sello higiénico; asistencia financiera y paquetes de estímulo para pymes; marco europeo de protección de los trabajadores dentro del Plan de Acción sobre el Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales; sistema europeo de garantía de viaje que garantice la liquidez financiera y reembolsos a los pasajeros en caso de crisis; creación de una Agencia Europea de Turismo.
Establishing Horizon Europe – laying down its rules for participation and dissemination (A9-0122/2021 - Dan Nica)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de este acuerdo en segunda lectura que apoya y refuerza el sistema de ciencia y tecnología de la UE y fomenta la competitividad industrial siguiendo los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible.La investigación y la innovación han sido clave para combatir el brote de coronavirus. Horizonte Europa maximizará ese impacto y explotará todo el potencial de innovación incluyendo el bienestar de los ciudadanos en el centro y contribuyendo a la recuperación europea.El acuerdo prioriza la transversalización del clima, el apoyo a los y las jóvenes investigadoras, a empresas innovadoras y disminuir la brecha de I+D entre los Estados miembros más desarrollados y los más rezagados e incluye los planes de igualdad como criterio de elegibilidad para acceder a financiación.Este acuerdo incluye un aumento de fondos, respecto a los recortes en la propuesta, con 4 000 millones de euros provenientes del MFP y 5 400 millones de euros del Next Generation EU. El resultado final supone el mayor presupuesto de la UE para investigación e innovación, centrado en prioridades digitales y verdes, ya que las acciones llevadas a cabo bajo este programa deberán contribuir al menos en un 35 % a los objetivos del clima.
Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (A9-0118/2021 - Christian Ehle)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo, ha votado a favor de este acuerdo en segunda lectura que define el programa específico con los objetivos operativos y las actividades concretas de Horizonte Europa.Los objetivos operativos son, entre otros, reforzar y difundir la excelencia; aumentar la colaboración entre sectores y disciplinas; fortalecer la cooperación internacional; fomentar la ciencia abierta y garantizar la visibilidad y acceso abierto a los resultados; acelerar la transformación industrial; estimular la creación y ampliación de empresas innovadoras, en particular pymes y mejorar el acceso a la financiación de riesgo, en particular, cuando el mercado no proporciona una financiación viable.Además, Horizonte Europa introduce novedades como el Consejo Europeo de Innovación, las misiones para promover los resultados de la investigación y nuevas formas de asociación. Asimismo, se apuesta por reducir las cargas administrativas y reforzar el concepto de ciencia abierta. Se promueven más sinergias operativas mediante una mejor vinculación con otros programas de la UE, como la política de cohesión o el nuevo programa Europa Digital. Se insiste en la reducción de la brecha de I+D en la UE mientras se hace hincapié en la excelencia como principio básico en la selección de proyectos.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (A9-0120/2020 - Marisa Matias)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de este texto, acordado en primera lectura.El EIT reúne a los actores del ciclo de innovación: centros de investigación, universidades y empresas con el objetivo de cerrar la brecha entre las ideas y la creación de empresas.La propuesta alinea el EIT con Horizonte Europa, contribuyendo a impulsar el potencial de innovación en la UE, con un presupuesto de 2 960 millones de euros para los próximos siete años.Se otorga a las comunidades de conocimiento e innovación (CCI) una mayor flexibilidad sobre la financiación y el contenido que les permitirá responder mejor a crisis. Las subvenciones anuales actuales serán reemplazadas por acuerdos plurianuales, lo que permitirá a las comunidades planificar a largo plazo y reducir la burocracia y se asignarán según el rendimiento. Una evaluación continua garantizará que los fondos de la UE se utilicen debidamente y que las CCI estén abiertas a nuevos miembros, de manera más inclusiva y transparente y con mayor enfoque en las pymes. Para reforzar el equilibrio y la igualdad de oportunidades, se incluyen provisiones asegurando el fortalecimiento de la dimensión de género. Asimismo, se mejoran las disposiciones sobre empleabilidad para el personal del EIT.
Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (A9-0121/2020 - Maria da Graça Carvalho)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor del acuerdo informal de las negociaciones interinstitucionales sobre el paquete del EIT en primera lectura.La Agenda de Innovación Estratégica del Instituto Europeo de Innovación y Tecnología establece las prioridades y necesidades estratégicas y financieras del EIT a largo plazo.Según el acuerdo, las nuevas prioridades del EIT para el período 2021-2027 estarán alineadas con las de Horizonte Europa y contribuirán a la realización de los objetivos y políticas de la UE, como el Pacto Verde Europeo, el Plan Europeo de Recuperación post-COVID, las estrategias para las pymes, la autonomía estratégica de la EU y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas. Además, el EIT contribuirá a la competitividad industrial europea y a una ciencia excelente.El EIT aumentará su impacto regional a través de una mayor apertura hacia socios y partes interesadas y una estrategia regional mejor articulada para las CCI, incluidos vínculos con las estrategias de especialización inteligente pertinentes.Se lanzarán dos nuevas CCI: una en 2022 para los sectores e industrias culturales y creativas y una segunda, en 2026, dedicada a sectores y ecosistemas acuáticos, marinos y marítimos.
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (A9-0128/2021 - Andreas Schieder, Christophe Hansen)
La votación del Acuerdo entre la UE y el Reino Unido ha sido histórico por ser la primera vez que se aprueba un acuerdo con un Estado que abandona la Unión.Los socialistas hemos votado a favor de la aprobación del Acuerdo por el Parlamento, en el momento oportuno, pues el plazo provisional terminaba el 30 de abril sin posibilidad de prórroga. Era de gran relevancia contar con mayor seguridad jurídica ante los efectos negativos del Brexit . El Reino Unido es un socio comercial clave para España. Y nuestro principal mercado emisor de turistas.Aunque tenemos gran preocupación por los efectos de esta salida, el Parlamento ha alcanzado un amplio consenso para la aprobación del Acuerdo una vez que el Reino Unido se compromete a no incumplir unilateralmente.El Acuerdo establece una asociación económica-comercial de ámbito muy amplio y regula aspectos, como la coordinación de la seguridad social, la cooperación judicial materia penal, el comercio digital, derechos de propiedad intelectual, contratación pública, el transporte, la energía, pesca o la lucha contra el cambio climático.Se garantiza la no aplicabilidad del Acuerdo sobre Gibraltar y se remite a los acuerdos negociados por España con el Reino Unido para la colonia.
Soil protection (B9-0221/2021)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución que pide un marco legal de gobernanza para la protección del suelo y su uso sostenible. El suelo es un recurso no renovable vital para la vida en el planeta, cuya protección eficaz es crucial para hacer frente a la degradación y la erosión de la tierra y para alcanzar los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo.A pesar de su importancia y de la contaminación y degradación constante de los mismos, la UE no cuenta con una legislación específica que aborde la protección del suelo, quedando fenómenos como la erosión, la desertificación, la pérdida de materia orgánica y de su biodiversidad, la compactación o la salinización, que son grandes amenazas de los suelos, totalmente desregulados. Por ello, los socialdemócratas queremos que la Comisión presente una propuesta legislativa que venga a colmar el vacío normativo existente.Además de frenar la degradación de los mismos, regulando su protección y uso sostenible, un instrumento jurídico a nivel de la UE aseguraría la adecuada coordinación de las políticas de la UE que afectan a los suelos, además de abordar los impactos transfronterizos de la degradación de los suelos en la UE.
Digital Green Certificate - Union citizens (C9-0104/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
He votado a favor de las enmiendas presentadas por la Comisión LIBE a la propuesta de la Comisión para un certificado UE COVID-19, con el fin de lograr un mandato parlamentario consensuado y firme de cara a las próximas negociaciones con el Consejo y la Comisión, respecto de esta propuesta legislativa.El certificado pretende restaurar el derecho a la libre circulación dentro de la Unión Europea, gravemente restringido tras la declaración de la pandemia. El uso del certificado deberá ser una medida temporal y la norma deberá fundamentarse en los principios de proporcionalidad y no discriminación.Las vacunas han de considerarse un bien público y accesible para el conjunto de la población, así como las pruebas de COVID-19, debiendo los Estados miembros garantizar su accesibilidad y gratuidad.Deseamos reforzar la protección de los datos personales e insistimos en la prohibición de conservación y/o almacenamiento de datos personales obtenidos a través del certificado por parte de los Estados miembros.El certificado deberá emitirse, bien en formato papel o digital, a petición del solicitante y, tras su puesta en funcionamiento, los Estados miembros no introducirán ni aplicarán restricciones de viaje adicionales.
European Child Guarantee (B9-0220/2021)
En 2019, el 22,2 % de los niños de la UE (casi 18 millones) estaban en riesgo de pobreza o exclusión social. Esta situación no solo es inaceptable, sino que además ha creado un ciclo intergeneracional de pobreza que se ha visto exacerbado por la pandemia de COVID-19.Desde 2014 el Grupo S&D ha defendido la necesidad de desarrollar una Garantía Infantil Europea con el objetivo de atajar la pobreza infantil desde una perspectiva multidimensional, garantizando que todos los niños y niñas en riesgo de pobreza en la UE tengan acceso a una atención médica, una educación y un cuidado infantil gratuitos y de calidad, así como acceso a una vivienda digna y nutrición adecuada.Desde el Grupo S&D votamos a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución y acogemos favorablemente esta propuesta de la Comisión Europea, que supone una reforma estructural clave de este período y debe considerarse como una inversión en estabilidad y prosperidad, necesaria para preservar el potencial de crecimiento de la UE. La inversión en las y los más pequeños es el medio más importante para mejorar el bienestar económico y social.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
El Fondo de Transición Justa (FTJ) pone a disposición de los Estados miembros un total de 17 500 millones de euros para ayudar a todos los territorios de la UE y, en especial, a aquellos con más dependencia de los combustibles fósiles, como la provincia de Teruel en Aragón, a abordar la transición hacia la neutralidad climática.He votado a favor del acuerdo alcanzado porque, dotando a España de un total de 790 millones de euros, contribuirá de forma decisiva a paliar los costosísimos esfuerzos que derivan de los compromisos realizados en el marco del Pacto Verde Europeo. El acuerdo integra satisfactoriamente las reivindicaciones del S&D con respecto a los aspectos sociales de la transición, incluyendo previsiones específicas para inversiones en infraestructura social para niños y centros de mayores, la lucha contra la pobreza energética y la promoción de energías renovables.El FTJ servirá de catapulta para la transformación de pymes y microempresas, y ayudará a los trabajadores en sus procesos de recapacitación y mejora profesional. El Fondo abrirá oportunidades a las nuevas inversiones ligadas a la eficiencia energética, la digitalización o la movilidad inteligente, asegurando que esta transición es, además de verde, justa, social y equilibrada.
Review of the European Union Solidarity Fund (A9-0052/2021 - Younous Omarjee)
He votado a favor del informe de iniciativa sobre la revisión del Fondo de Solidaridad de la Unión Europea (FSUE) porque, pese a las sucesivas reformas realizadas en los últimos años, quedan aspectos cruciales por mejorar.Con este propósito en mente, y resaltando el papel de la solidaridad entre Estados miembros como pilar de los valores de la Unión, el informe reconoce el cambio climático y la consecuente intensificación de las catástrofes naturales como elementos que hacen a las regiones cada vez más vulnerables. De este modo, requiere del Ejecutivo europeo que revise el FSUE con tal de que integre de mejor manera los desastres de alcance regional solicitando, por ejemplo, mayores sinergias entre los programas del FEDER y otros programas de desarrollo rural en la prevención y mitigación de riesgos naturales.En definitiva, este informe pone de manifiesto la importancia plantear un marco regulatorio que refleje mejor la realidad medioambiental a la par que solicita que se ahonde en sus simplificaciones procedimentales, facilitando igualmente orientaciones sobre las maneras de reducir la carga administrativa.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece and France in relation to natural disasters and to Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain in relation to a public health emergency (A9-0157/2021 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Esta semana hemos votado a favor de la movilización del Fondo de Solidaridad de la Unión Europea (FSUE) para conceder asistencia financiera por valor de casi 400 millones de euros a 17 Estados miembros y 3 países candidatos a la adhesión por la emergencia de salud pública provocada por la pandemia. Entre esos países se encuentra España, a la que se destinaran más de 36 millones de euros.La movilización del Fondo de Solidaridad de la Unión Europea para hacer frente a las consecuencias de la COVID-19 demuestra una vez más el valor añadido de la UE para ayudar a los europeos y europeas en tiempos de necesidad.El FSUE es una expresión tangible de solidaridad y una herramienta importante para ayudar a los Estados miembros y a los países en vías de adhesión a restaurar la normalidad en las condiciones de vida después de grandes catástrofes naturales o emergencias sanitarias.Además, el Parlamento ha aprobado la movilización de más de 86 millones de euros para paliar las consecuencias de los desastres naturales ocurridos en Grecia y Francia entre agosto y octubre de 2020.
The impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations in developing countries (A9-0115/2021 - Mónica Silvana González)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe que aborda el cambio climático como causa de las migraciones y como fenómeno que amenaza directamente el pleno disfrute de los derechos humanos (incluidos el derecho a la vida, al agua y al saneamiento, a la alimentación y a la salud), y que puede profundizar las vulnerabilidades, las desigualdades y la discriminación de género.Los socialistas pedimos que la Unión apoye a los países socios en sus esfuerzos por adaptarse al cambio climático y que las personas más vulnerables estén en el centro de la dimensión exterior del Pacto Verde y la acción humanitaria, especialmente las mujeres. Con nuestro voto hemos defendido una financiación adecuada para la mitigación, la adaptación y las pérdidas y los daños asociados al cambio climático, así como para la reducción del riesgo de desastres. Por último, queremos proteger a las víctimas cuyas vidas se ven amenazadas por los desastres y el cambio climático a través de un visado humanitario, la admisión temporal o de largo plazo (evitando su devolución), y medidas para evitar la apatridia de personas obligadas a huir de un país que se ha vuelto inhabitable debido al cambio climático.
A European Strategy for Energy System Integration (A9-0062/2021 - Christophe Grudler)
He votado a favor de este informe porque pide eliminar las ineficiencias del sistema energético para descarbonizarlo y cumplir con las nuevas metas energético-climáticas a través de una mayor integración del sistema energético. Para ello se defiende una planificación y operación del sistema energético «como un todo», coordinando de manera eficiente los diferentes vectores energéticos, la infraestructura asociada y la demanda final, la cual avanzará hacia un rol más activo.El informe destaca la necesidad de lograr un sistema basado en energías renovables, eficiencia energética y que llegue a ser climáticamente neutro. Para ello, se deja claro que es necesario alejarse de un sistema basado en combustibles fósiles.Además, se subraya la importancia de las interconexiones y la necesidad de maximizar el comercio de electricidad, así como la necesidad de alcanzar el objetivo de interconexión eléctrica para 2030 del 15 %, sumamente importante para España, dada la condición de isla energética de la península ibérica.También apoyamos que se haya destacado el potencial de empoderamiento del consumidor en el sistema energético para una mayor integración de renovables, y en las oportunidades que ello representa para promover la eficiencia energética y ayudar a combatir la pobreza energética.
A European Strategy for Hydrogen (A9-0116/2021 - Jens Geier)
He votado a favor de este informe, que pide aprovechar el potencial de hidrógeno como vector para integrar energías renovables y descarbonizar en aquellos sectores y procesos donde la electrificación no sea viable técnica o económicamente. Se espera que la electricidad a través de fuentes renovables facilite esta transición hacia un sistema energético neutro en carbono. Sin embargo, no será posible electrificarlo todo. Ciertos procesos industriales y parte del transporte, por ejemplo, necesitarán contar con otros vectores energéticos que permitan descarbonatarlos. En este sentido los gases renovables y descarbonizados jugarán un papel importante, y el hidrógeno tiene un gran potencial.El informe pide comenzar por establecer unas definiciones y una clasificación claras para los distintos tipos de hidrógeno, basadas en el ciclo de vida completo de las emisiones y teniendo en cuenta criterios de sostenibilidad. Aunque el informe reconoce el rol puente del hidrógeno bajo en carbono (y tecnologías asociadas como el CCUS), destaca el rol del hidrógeno renovable como el único sostenible, mientras se evitan efectos de bloqueo y activos varados.También apoyamos que el informe destaque el rol de las pymes y la necesidad de promocionar el liderazgo industrial europeo en el ámbito del hidrógeno.
2019-2020 Reports on Turkey (A9-0153/2021 - Nacho Sánchez Amor)
He votado a favor de este informe —que repasa el estado del proceso de adhesión a la UE de Turquía y el estado de nuestras relaciones con el país— porque comparto el análisis crítico pero objetivo de los graves retrocesos en materia de libertades fundamentales y del Estado de Derecho que han marcado estos dos últimos años en los que Turquía, en lugar de converger con la Unión, ha acrecentado sus divergencias en todos los ámbitos, tanto en relación a políticas como valores e intereses.Si bien en los últimos meses se han producido algunos gestos que han favorecido una desescalada de la tensión y ha cesado la narrativa antiUE del gobierno turco, con este informe reclamamos hechos concretos que prueben la sinceridad de esa renovada apuesta por acercarse a la UE.Asimismo, enviamos un mensaje claro al Consejo y a los Estados miembros: no es posible avanzar en una «agenda positiva», tal y como ha ofrecido el Consejo Europeo a Turquía, sin reclamar al mismo tiempo mejoras en la situación de los derechos humanos en el país. El Parlamento mantiene su compromiso de apoyar a la sociedad turca, aún mayoritariamente proeuropea y prodemocrática.
Reversing demographic trends in EU regions using cohesion policy instruments (A9-0061/2021 - Daniel Buda)
El informe de iniciativa sobre la inversión de las tendencias demográficas en la UE continúa con el trabajo realizado en el informe de García Pérez sobre cambio demográfico aprobado en 2017.He votado a favor de este informe porque recoge iniciativas para abordar las consecuencias de las distintas tendencias demográficas, como la despoblación, que sufren la provincia de Teruel y las comarcas de Zaragoza y Huesca en mi región, Aragón. Este informe, marcadamente progresista, reafirma desde una perspectiva holística el compromiso del Parlamento Europeo con la necesidad de impulsar medidas a nivel europeo, nacional y regional, solicitando, entre otras cuestiones, una respuesta presupuestaria específica para revertir las tendencias demográficas.Del mismo modo, plantea ideas innovadoras como la de importancia de desarrollar una Agenda Rural Europea con el objetivo de mejorar la accesibilidad, el atractivo y el desarrollo sostenible de las zonas rurales y remotas. Esta Agenda se materializaría en una Estrategia Europea de Tendencias Demográficas, contribuyendo a identificar a las zonas rurales como zonas creadoras de valor socio-económico.El informe reitera la voluntad del Parlamento de hacer frente a este fenómeno, proporcionando ideas innovadoras tanto al Ejecutivo europeo y los Estados miembros, como a los entes regionales y locales.
Impacts of EU rules on the free movements of workers and services: intra-EU labour mobility as a tool to match labour market needs and skills (A9-0066/2021 - Radan Kanev)
En una Europa en la que casi un 4 % de sus ciudadanos residen en un país de la UE diferente al de origen y en la que cada vez hay más trabajadores móviles y desplazados, no podemos permitir que el mercado único se utilice como pretexto para socavar sus derechos y para perpetuar condiciones de trabajo precarias.Por ello, desde el Grupo S&D hemos votado a favor de este informe, que insta a la UE a redoblar sus esfuerzos y a abordar de lleno temas como la seguridad y la salud de los trabajadores, la inversión empresarial en formación, la creación de un marco legal para regular el teletrabajo o la dotación de un poder de inspección real para la Autoridad Laboral Europea en casos transfronterizos.Asimismo, gracias al rol de los y las socialistas, por primera vez hay una petición expresa a la Comisión Europea para que se garantice la responsabilidad solidaria general en toda la cadena de subcontratación, reforzando la responsabilidad de los contratistas principales y garantizando legalmente el pago de todas las cotizaciones a la Seguridad Social.Avanzamos para que la movilidad de las y los trabajadores en Europa sea más libre, más justa y más segura.
Accelerating progress and tackling inequalities towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 (B9-0263/2021)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta Resolución, que pide acelerar el progreso y abordar las desigualdades para acabar con el sida como una amenaza para la salud pública para 2030. La Resolución, adoptada sobre la base de una pregunta oral, fue mayoritariamente respaldada (468 votos a favor, 63 en contra y 162 abstenciones), dando un nuevo impulso político para lograr el objetivo común de acabar con el sida para 2030.Deben destacarse los objetivos intermedios para 2025 y la necesidad de nuevos recursos que facilitará la cuantificación del progreso, de cara a desarrollar la próxima Estrategia Mundial contra el Sida. Los socialistas apoyamos a ONUSIDA en su tarea de desarrollar la próxima Estrategia y de cara a la reunión de alto nivel de la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas sobre la erradicación del sida los próximos días 8 al 10 de junio de 2021. Por ello, pedimos al Consejo su contribución para adoptar compromisos ambiciosos, y pedimos a la Comisión que aborde el sida como una crisis de salud pública mundial y aumente las inversiones en ONUSIDA y el Fondo Mundial de Lucha contra el Sida, la Tuberculosis y la Malaria.
The right of information of the Parliament regarding the ongoing assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans (B9-0276/2021)
La Delegación Socialista española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de la Resolución sobre el derecho de información del Parlamento sobre la evaluación en curso de los planes nacionales de recuperación y resiliencia, porque nuestro deber es conseguir que el dinero de los fondos de recuperación llegue cuanto antes a las personas que lo necesitan. La ciudadanía está pidiendo que aceleremos el paso para que llegue el dinero del fondo.El Grupo socialdemócrata de esta Cámara lleva diciendo desde hace mucho tiempo que hay que superar la lógica del PIB para pensar en las personas. Defendemos la transparencia y la buena cooperación entre las instituciones, pero eso no puede ser una coartada para otros fines; nadie entendería que nos enzarzáramos en una disputa entre las instituciones que retrasara el proceso. Eso no haría más que alimentar el euroescepticismo y la desafección de la ciudadanía europea al proyecto europeo.
New Avenues for Legal Labour Migration (A9-0143/2021 - Sylvie Guillaume)
El informe tiene como objetivo alentar a la Comisión Europea a emprender acciones nuevas en el ámbito de la migración legal con el fin de armonizar la política europea en este ámbito y establecer canales de migración organizados, predecibles y seguros hacia la UE.La Delegación española respalda la posición de la ponente del Parlamento, considerando que es necesario un enfoque holístico en materia de migración común y que el desarrollo de la migración legal sigue siendo el mejor instrumento para garantizar una gestión eficaz y ordenada de la inmigración que evite la pérdida de vidas de los migrantes y permite respetar sus derechos humanos, garantizar la igualdad de trato y al mismo tiempo luchar contra las mafias de los traficantes y combatir la explotación laboral.La aportación de los migrantes a nuestras economías es innegable y seguiremos necesitando de ellos en los próximos años para hacer frente a las carencias de nuestro mercado laboral. Nuestro objetivo es, por tanto, impulsar la integración e inclusión de los migrantes en nuestras sociedades, atendiendo a las necesidades locales, regionales y nacionales, y haciendo un especial hincapié en la igualdad de género.
The adequate protection of personal data by the United Kingdom (B9-0272/2021)
El 19 de febrero de 2021, la Comisión Europea publicó su proyecto de decisiones de adecuación, una en relación con el Reglamento General de Protección de Datos y otra en relación con el Directiva relativa a la protección de las personas físicas en lo que respecta al tratamiento de datos personales.La Resolución objeta a la decisión de adecuación adoptada por la Comisión en su versión preliminar presentada ante la Comisión LIBE e insta a modificar las decisiones por considerar que la evaluación llevada a cabo por la Comisión Europea antes de presentar su proyecto de decisión no está completa, ni se ajusta totalmente a los requisitos establecidos por el TJUE en sus sentencias de Schrems I y Schrems II.He votado a favor de la Resolución con el propósito de que la Comisión modifique las decisiones de adecuación para el Reino Unido antes de su adopción definitiva.
EU Digital COVID Certificate - Union citizens (C9-0104/2021 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
He votado afirmativamente a las enmiendas del Parlamento Europeo a la propuesta de la Comisión para un Reglamento sobre un Certificado COVID digital de la UE con el fin de que con la citada normativa se logre restaurar la libertad de movimiento dentro de la UE, un derecho gravemente restringido tras la declaración de la pandemia.Si bien el acuerdo alcanzado no satisface en su totalidad las demandas del Parlamento Europeo, la implementación del certificado supondrá una mejora del actual statu quo en cuanto a la libre circulación de personas dentro de la zona UE, con el fin de lograr el levantamiento de las actuales restricciones de forma coordinada entre los Estados miembros mientras se sigue luchando contra la pandemia.El uso del certificado, que podrá emitirse bien en papel o en formato digital, se establece como una medida temporal, quedando garantizado el principio de no discriminación y la protección de datos personales, con especial mención a la necesidad de que las vacunas y los test sean «asequibles y accesibles». Asimismo, las eventuales medidas restrictivas que impongan los Estados miembros (tales como cuarentena, aislamientos o pruebas adicionales) deberán ser «necesarias y proporcionales para salvaguardar la salud pública».
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives (A9-0179/2021 - César Luena)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe, que hemos liderado y en el que defendemos acciones concretas y propuestas legislativas ambiciosas para detener e invertir la pérdida de biodiversidad.La nueva Estrategia de Biodiversidad tiene que proteger eficazmente nuestros ecosistemas, incluidos todos los bosques primarios y maduros que quedan. Pedimos una ley europea sobre biodiversidad, similar a la ley del clima, que garantice la buena gobernanza y dirija el camino hacia 2050 mediante un conjunto de objetivos, incluyendo los objetivos a 2030 y los compromisos resultantes del acuerdo global de la naturaleza que se apruebe en la COP15. A su vez, pedimos una propuesta legislativa para la protección y uso sostenible del suelo, una estrategia de desertificación, un plan de acción que aborde las crisis climática y de biodiversidad y un objetivo de restauración de los ecosistemas de al menos un 30 % que se complemente con objetivos por tipo de ecosistema o especie, incluyendo un objetivo de restauración de polinizadores.Los socialistas respaldamos los objetivos de la Estrategia de la Comisión, que deben ser vinculantes, al tiempo que solicitamos el apoyo necesario para los sectores involucrados, de manera que se garantice una transición justa.
Meeting the Global Covid-19 challenge: effects of waiver of the WTO TRIPS agreement on Covid-19 vaccines, treatment, equipment and increasing production and manufacturing capacity in developing countries (RC-B9-0306/2021, B9-0306/2021, B9-0307/2021, B9-0308/2021, B9-0309/2021, B9-0310/2021, B9-0311/2021)
La aprobación de esta Resolución ha sido una importante victoria de los socialistas y los progresistas. Hemos conseguido que el Parlamento se posicione a favor de la exención temporal de las patentes de las vacunas contra el COVID-19 para mejorar el acceso mundial y abordar las limitaciones de producción y la escasez de suministro a nivel mundial. El Parlamento pide a la UE que apoye de forma constructiva las negociaciones en el seno de la OMC sobre la exención.Aunque es cierto que las empresas farmacéuticas han hecho un gran esfuerzo, mucha de la financiación ha sido pública, respaldada por contratos gigantes de compras de dosis.Se pide además un enfoque integral de la estrategia mundial contra la pandemia y usar los canales existentes en la OMC para un aumento urgente de la inversión, la producción, y las capacidades de procesamiento, almacenamiento, distribución y entrega en todo el mundo, junto con el llamamiento a donar los excedentes de vacunas a COVAX e invertir en instalaciones de producción en África y otras zonas más necesitadas.Todo ello con el voto en contra del PP, Ciudadanos y sus homólogos europeos, que no apoyan el uso universal de las vacunas COVID.
European Parliament’s Scrutiny on the ongoing assessment by the Commission and the Council of the national recovery and resilience plans (RC-B9-0331/2021, B9-0331/2021, B9-0333/2021, B9-0334/2021, B9-0335/2021, B9-0337/2021, B9-0338/2021)
Esta Resolución analiza la evaluación en curso por la Comisión de los planes nacionales de recuperación y resiliencia (PNRR) y garantizar una rápida adopción de las decisiones de ejecución del Consejo vinculadas a los planes.Como socialistas hemos querido subrayar las serias preocupaciones en relación al cumplimiento de varias medidas de los PNRR respecto de los requisitos del Reglamento RRF y solicitar a la Comisión que proporcione justificaciones y explicaciones detalladas. El objetivo es examinar la correcta implementación del RRF sin interferir con la política nacional.Uno de los objetivos del RRF es contribuir eficazmente a la aplicación del pilar europeo de derechos sociales. Por ello, desde la DSE insistimos en la importancia de la dimensión social de los PNRR y de que la Comisión tenga debidamente en cuenta este objetivo en su evaluación.Hemos querido enfatizar la importancia de mitigar el impacto social de la pandemia y utilizar los fondos de manera que tengan el mayor impacto posible en la igualdad social, el bienestar, el medio ambiente y transformaciones digitales y estabilidad económica. Instamos a la Comisión a garantizar que los fondos no se utilicen para perturbar los sistemas de bienestar social, los mercados laborales y los sistemas de pensiones.
Use of technologies for the processing of data for the purpose of combating online child sexual abuse (temporary derogation from Directive 2002/58/EC) (A9-0258/2020 - Birgit Sippel)
Cualquier forma de abuso sexual es una grave violación de derechos humanos, pero es especialmente execrable cuando se cierne sobre menores, personas especialmente vulnerables.La Unión Europea se precia de tener el estándar más alto del mundo de protección de la privacidad y la confidencialidad de las comunicaciones personales. El informe tiene como objetivo evitar que la entrada en vigor del Código Europeo de las Comunicaciones Electrónicas dificultase la identificación del abuso sexual contra menores en línea, a la luz de la vigencia de la Directiva de ePrivacy del año 2002.La Delegación española, considerando que era imprescindible establecer un correcto equilibrio entre esa Directiva y la detección y prevención de cualquier forma de abusos sexuales en la red, respalda ese acuerdo que el Parlamento y el Consejo alcanzaron en abril. Las empresas pueden seguir actuando contra el llamado material conocido de abuso sexual infantil, pero también contra el material que aún no se conoce, el llamado material «recién producido». También se ha conseguido una supervisión humana del proceso de detección, una futura iniciativa definitiva sobre el abuso sexual en línea y cualquier forma de grooming y de acoso.
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (A9-0227/2021 - Lukas Mandl)
He votado afirmativamente al procedimiento de aprobación respecto del Reglamento de la Agencia Europea de Derechos Fundamentales (FRA), habida cuenta de la importante tarea que esta Agencia desempeña en cuanto a la observancia del respeto de los derechos fundamentales en la Unión Europea. Si bien la posición del Parlamento Europeo es mucho más ambiciosa en cuanto a las competencias de la Agencia, era necesario otorgar el voto de aprobación con el fin de actualizar y renovar el mandato de la Agencia FRA en el desempeño de las tareas encomendadas a la misma, ampliando su mandato y autonomía.
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (A9-0222/2021 - Gabriel Mato)
He votado a favor del resultado de las negociaciones sobre el Fondo Europeo Marítimo, de Pesca y de Acuicultura (FEMPA) para el periodo 2021-2027 porque va a permitir que el sector pesquero de la UE pueda acceder al apoyo que necesita para no dejar a nadie atrás y continuar el camino de la transición ecológica.La UE contará con 6 108 millones de euros para ayudar y modernizar el sector. El nuevo FEMPA apoyará especialmente la pesca costera artesanal y fomentará la acuicultura. Será posible financiar inversiones que mejoren la seguridad, la eficiencia energética y la calidad de las capturas en los buques pesqueros de la UE. El fondo puede utilizarse para financiar la sustitución o modernización de los motores de los buques pesqueros y así aumentar la eficiencia energética y reducir las emisiones de CO2. También permitirá promover el relevo generacional en la profesión apoyando la primera adquisición de buques por parte de jóvenes pescadores. Para contribuir a la seguridad alimentaria de la UE y reducir la dependencia de los productos pesqueros de terceros países, el FEMPA seguirá apoyando la acuicultura europea fomentando las inversiones en el sector y promoviendo la calidad y el valor añadido de dichos productos.
Old continent growing older - possibilities and challenges related to ageing policy post 2020 (A9-0194/2021 - Beata Szydło)
El informe, aprobado por 479 votos a favor, 103 en contra y 113 abstenciones, destaca por su enfoque basado en los derechos humanos que tiene en cuenta el impacto en la salud en las decisiones políticas para hacer frente a los retos demográficos y también la conciliación de la vida privada y la vida profesional.La votación fue mejor de lo esperado. Casi todas nuestras enmiendas fueron adoptadas, excepto cuatro que no estaban entre las propuestas clave para nuestro Grupo. Hay que subrayar que todas las partes sobre salud y derechos sexuales y reproductivos e igualdad de género del informe adoptado en la Comisión de Empleo se mantuvieron y se fortalecieron. Además, logramos eliminar la definición uniforme de dependencia e incluimos un párrafo sobre la necesidad de un enfoque de ciclo de vida para el cambio demográfico que se centre en todos los grupos de edad y todas las regiones. Desafortunadamente la derecha logró frenar nuestra solicitud para una directiva de cuidados de larga duración.El informe, iniciado por ECR, no es muy ambicioso y las expectativas están bastante por debajo de las de la Comisión y el Consejo, pero hemos logrado introducir un sesgo más progresista.
Annual Report on the functioning of the Schengen area (A9-0183/2021 - Tanja Fajon)
La abolición de los controles en las fronteras interiores es un elemento esencial y práctico de lo que los ciudadanos identifican como la idea europea, resultando asimismo crucial para el funcionamiento del mercado interior. No obstante, el espacio Schengen se encuentra amenazado por el control cada vez mayor de las fronteras interiores ejercido por los Estados miembros, en particular tras el inicio de la pandemia de la COVID-19.El informe, que ha contado con mi voto positivo, analiza la situación del citado espacio, identificando sus puntos débiles y denunciando sus deficiencias. Entre estas destacan la violencia contra los migrantes y las devoluciones irregulares en las fronteras exteriores de la UE. Asimismo, lamenta la descoordinación entre los Estados miembros en materia de gestión de las fronteras a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados por la Comisión.En contrapartida, bendice algunos puntos como la intención de la Comisión de digitalizar el procedimiento de visado para 2025 y los beneficios del Mecanismo de Evaluación y Seguimiento de Schengen (SEMM). En cuanto al futuro del espacio, el informe requiere una reforma urgente y significativa del Código de Fronteras Schengen.
European Medicines Agency (A9-0216/2021 - Nicolás González Casares)
La pandemia de la COVID-19 cogió a Europa debilitada por años de recortes presupuestarios y de personal en sus sistemas sanitarios y sin estructuras adecuadas para una respuesta a la altura del desafío. La Unión de la Salud, en la que se enmarca la reforma de la Agencia Europea del Medicamento, es un claro propósito de enmienda.El Parlamento apuesta por reforzar el mandato de la Agencia para mejorar su actuación ante futuras emergencias sanitarias; lo hace apostando por la prevención y por el refuerzo de la transparencia tanto de la Agencia como de la cadena de suministro de medicamentos y productos sanitarios y de la información sobre los ensayos clínicos, así como promoviendo un marco de sanciones en caso de incumplimiento de las obligaciones de las farmacéuticas.Para hacer frente a los debastecimientos, apostamos por crear una base de datos europea de suministro de medicamentos interoperable y digital capaz de supervisar la cadena de suministro y determinar el volumen de existencias en cada momento al objeto de detectar, predecir y prevenir la escasez de medicamentos.Con este mandato, impulsamos una Agencia más transparente, coordinada y participativa, que pueda hacer frente a futuras emergencias.Por todo ello, he votado a favor.
Review of the macroeconomic legislative framework (A9-0212/2021 - Margarida Marques)
He votado a favor de este informe porque en él se pide la reforma urgente de la arquitectura de gobernanza económica de la Unión Europea, fundamental para ayudar a Europa a recuperarse de la pandemia y alcanzar los retos de la transformación verde y digital sin dejar a nadie atrás.Debemos simplificar las normas de deuda de la Unión Europea y favorecer el crecimiento económico a largo plazo. Las reglas actuales del Pacto de Estabilidad y Crecimiento (PEC) han obstaculizado gravemente las perspectivas económicas de la Unión en el pasado. Así, se pide, entre otros aspectos, que, en lugar de un freno de la deuda, que con demasiada frecuencia se ha convertido en un freno para la recuperación y el crecimiento económicos, deberíamos centrarnos en la sostenibilidad de la deuda, permitiendo diferentes caminos hacia la reducción de la deuda y proporcionando las condiciones para apoyar el crecimiento económico a largo plazo, siempre con adecuada inversión.Un PEC reformado debería colocar las políticas sociales y ambientales en pie de igualdad con las políticas fiscales y económicas. Esto requiere un cambio radical en el marco de gobernanza económica europea, que debería basarse en el desarrollo sostenible.
Brexit Adjustment Reserve (A9-0178/2021 - Pascal Arimont)
He votado a favor del acuerdo alcanzado por los colegisladores en el presente Reglamento porque, siendo un mecanismo de respuesta rápida, pondrá a disposición de los Estados miembros a finales de año la cantidad total de cinco mil millones de Euros.Frente al momento sin precedentes en la historia de la Unión que ha supuesto el Brexit , este instrumento pone de manifiesto que la UE mantiene el principio de solidaridad como eje vertebrador en las relaciones entre Estados miembros, especialmente en aquellos sectores que siguen sufriendo una merma económica.Este fondo, del que España será séptimo país beneficiario, cuenta con provisiones específicas para el sector pesquero, integrando aspectos claves como la inclusión como beneficiarios a los pescadores que faenan en el conjunto de aguas afectadas por la nueva relación pesquera con el Reino Unido; la asignación, dentro de la Reserva, de un total de 600 millones de Euros en función de un factor vinculado a las capturas en aguas pertenecientes a la ZEE del Reino Unido; y el reconocimiento de la flota de pequeña escala como una de las más afectadas, mereciendo especial atención en la asignación de las ayudas por los Estados miembros.
EU Blue Card Directive (A8-0240/2017 - Javier Moreno Sánchez)
La Directiva sobre la tarjeta azul europea armonizará aún más las condiciones de entrada y residencia de los trabajadores altamente cualificados de terceros países que quieran trabajar en la Unión, en particular en sectores con escasez de personal.Avanzamos en la dirección correcta: Europa debe incrementar las formas legales de migración, que es el mejor instrumento para luchar contra la inmigración irregular, y facilitar la llegada de trabajadores cualificados que puedan contribuir al desarrollo de nuestro continente, especialmente importante para nuestras pequeñas y medianas empresas.Esta nueva revisión establece criterios de admisión más inclusivos y nuevos derechos: estará disponible también por los beneficiarios de protección internacional; ha establecido una horquilla del salario mínimo y máximo que la hace más atractiva también por los jóvenes licenciados y, al mismo tiempo, evita el riesgo de dumping social entre nacionales y extranjeros; se ofrece al cónyuge o a la pareja del titular un acceso sin restricciones al mercado laboral; y se garantiza una mejor protección en caso de enfermedad o discapacidad, así como en caso de desempleo. Por último, la movilidad dentro de la UE será más fácil y rápida, permitiendo a los trabajadores cualificados acceder al mercado laboral de toda la Unión.
Serious cross-border threats to health (A9-0247/2021 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento que forma parte del paquete legislativo «Unión Europea de la Salud» que la Comisión presentó en noviembre de 2020 para reforzar sus capacidades de cara a posibles nuevas amenazas sanitarias.La Unión por la salud fue una petición de los socialistas españoles que, con la aprobación de este Reglamento junto con los de la EMA y el ECDC, viene a establecer un marco jurídico más sólido y completo para que la Unión pueda reaccionar rápidamente y activar la ejecución de medidas de preparación y respuesta a las amenazas trasfronterizas para la salud en toda la Unión Europea.La pandemia de la COVID—19 puso de manifiesto las carencias de nuestro sistema. Reforzar la planificación de la preparación y respuesta a través de un plan europeo de preparación ante crisis sanitarias y pandemias, reforzar la vigilancia y seguimiento epidemiológicos, mejorar la notificación de datos, y reforzar las intervenciones de la UE ante situaciones de gravedad que sobrepasan las fronteras de la UE eran necesidades que se han abordado en este Reglamento. Por ello, los socialistas hemos apoyado este Reglamento, que además abarca áreas como la formación, coordinación entre organismos y protección de datos.
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A9-0262/2021 - Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová)
He votado a favor del informe sobre las orientaciones para las políticas de empleo de los Estados miembros, que presentan objetivos comunes para las políticas nacionales en los ámbitos del empleo y la inclusión social.El dossier, que incluye numerosas propuestas políticas progresistas para garantizar una recuperación inclusiva y socialmente justa, hace hincapié en la lucha contra la pobreza infantil, la necesidad de abordar los aspectos negativos del teletrabajo –como problemas de salud mental o de conciliación– o el sinhogarismo, al tiempo que pone especial atención en los grupos vulnerables.El texto recoge, además, otras demandas prioritarias para los y las socialistas, como una mayor integración del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales en el Semestre Europeo y una evaluación de las consecuencias sociales negativas previa a la desactivación de la cláusula de escape general del Pacto de Estabilidad y Crecimiento.Todo empleo debe basarse en la igualdad de derechos, buenas condiciones de trabajo y salarios justos para eliminar la pobreza de los trabajadores y proporcionar un nivel de vida digno. Actualizar las orientaciones de empleo para reflejar mejor la cambiante realidad del mundo del trabajo es clave para lograrlo.
Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development (A9-0257/2021 - Sylvie Brunet)
He votado a favor de este informe, que es el resultado de una iniciativa socialista para que se regule el trabajo de plataformas.Es necesario establecer un marco jurídico basado en los mismos derechos y obligaciones para todos los trabajadores y trabajadoras. Hemos conseguido incluir la mayor parte de nuestras propuestas sobre ética algorítmica, protección de datos, impulso de la negociación colectiva, medidas relativas a la salud y seguridad en el trabajo, transparencia y transferibilidad de las notaciones y valoraciones recibidas, obligatoriedad de proveer un contrato de trabajo al empleado claro y completo y también una importante medida para que se invierta la carga de la prueba y no tenga que ser el trabajador quien tenga que demostrar que existe una relación laboral con la plataforma.El informe ha sido aprobado por una amplia mayoría (524 votos a favor, 39 en contra y 124 abstenciones). Pedimos a la Comisión Europea que presente su propuesta legislativa antes de que concluya el año.
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (A9-0245/2021 - Aurore Lalucq)
He votado a favor del informe porque considero fundamental implementar reglas comunes y ambiciosas en la UE para acabar con el dumping fiscal entre Estados miembros, que supone una pérdida de recaudación y mina la confianza de la ciudadanía. La publicación de los papeles de Pandora esta semana evidencia la necesidad de luchar contra estas prácticas a nivel internacional y europeo.El informe contiene propuestas como la introducción de un criterio de sustancia económica para determinar dónde deben tributar las empresas, la vigilancia de regímenes fiscales agresivos en el marco del Semestre Europeo o la definición de directrices sobre incentivos fiscales para evitar distorsionar el mercado único.Además, el informe propone la reforma del Código de Conducta sobre la Fiscalidad de las Empresas, cuyos criterios para evaluar las prácticas fiscales nocivas han quedado obsoletos. Entre otros, debería considerarse un tipo impositivo mínimo —en línea con el acuerdo global sobre tributación mínima del 15 %— y un criterio de sustancia económica. Se propone también la reforma de su gobernanza, para hacerla más transparente y convertir las decisiones en vinculantes.
Farm to Fork Strategy (A9-0271/2021 - Anja Hazekamp, Herbert Dorfmann)
La posición del PE sobre la Estrategia «De la Granja a la Mesa» confirma los objetivos de la Comisión para desarrollar un sistema alimentario sostenible, desde la producción hasta el consumo.He votado a favor de este informe porque envía una señal de apoyo a la Comisión al tiempo que reclama estudios de impacto acumulativo de las diferentes medidas que se deriven, para garantizar que no se traduzca en un ataque a la soberanía alimentaria de la UE, garante nuestro bienestar durante la pandemia, ni en un incremento de las importaciones a la UE de productos agrícolas con menores estándares de sostenibilidad que los europeos. La digitalización, la innovación y la ciencia deben ponerse al servicio del sector primario para facilitar alternativas sostenibles y accesibles que apoyen a nuestros agricultores y ganaderos como actores destacados de esta transición, como refleja el texto aprobado.El resto de la cadena alimentaria, el transporte, la distribución, la información a los consumidores, la reducción del desperdicio de alimentos, la política comercial de la UE también se analiza en el texto como parte fundamental de este cambio cuyo éxito dependerá de unas propuestas legislativas que equilibren la sostenibilidad económica y social con la medioambiental.
Protecting workers from asbestos (A9-0275/2021 - Nikolaj Villumsen)
He votado a favor de este informe que pide a la Comisión una revisión ambiciosa de la Directiva sobre el amianto con el establecimiento regulado de su límite de exposición y que propone un marco europeo de estrategias nacionales para la retirada segura de todo el amianto en los Estados miembros.Este marco debe incluir varias propuestas legislativas, como por ejemplo el reconocimiento de enfermedades profesionales, incluidas todas las enfermedades relacionadas con el amianto conocidas, con normas mínimas para los procedimientos de reconocimiento y para la indemnización de las víctimas de enfermedades profesionales relacionadas con el amianto. Además, se incluyen muchas otras propuestas relacionadas con controles, exámenes obligatorios y una serie de plazos y objetivos claros para su eliminación segura. También se ha incluido la prohibición de encapsular y sellar amianto y un seguimiento médico para todos los trabajadores expuestos.El informe ha sido aprobado por una amplia mayoría (675 votos a favor, 2 en contra y 23 abstenciones).
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022 - all sections (A9-0281/2021 - Karlo Ressler, Damian Boeselager)
El Parlamento Europeo ha aprobado un presupuesto ambicioso para la Unión Europea. En ese sentido la DSE ha defendido un presupuesto ambicioso para contribuir a la recuperación económica en 2022, centrada en la dimensión social, la sostenibilidad y la promoción de los valores de la Unión.El texto aprobado apoya nuestra propuesta para contribuir a la recuperación social y el reconocimiento sostenible, con especial atención a la juventud, el empleo, la educación, la cohesión y el apoyo a las pymes y las empresas emergentes.Además, recoge una cuestión clave para nuestro grupo, que es la inversión en un futuro sostenible, en clima y biodiversidad, investigación e innovación, incluidas inversiones en salud, digitalización, transporte y agricultura inteligentes, sostenibles y asequibles.El informe introduce también nuestra reivindicación de promover la solidaridad y los valores de la Unión Europea, incluida la igualdad de género, la cohesión y las acciones exteriores, con especial atención a la cooperación al desarrollo en terceros países.Como resultado de esta votación, el equipo negociador del Parlamento Europeo obtiene un amplio respaldo para defender una recuperación con una fuerte dimensión social entre sus prioridades para 2022 en las negociaciones que la semana próxima se iniciaran con el Consejo.
Combating gender-based violence: cyberviolence (A9-0338/2021 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Sylwia Spurek)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor de este informe legislativo de propia iniciativa que pone de relieve la necesidad de abordar la ciberviolencia de género a nivel de la Unión Europea ya que no hay definición común de la misma, lo que provoca grandes disparidades entre los Estados miembros en cuanto a la protección, el apoyo y la compensación para las víctimas.Hemos pedido a la Comisión y a los Estados miembros que definan y adopten una definición común de ciberviolencia de género y que, cuanto antes, se apruebe una Directiva global que cubra todas las formas de violencia de género, incluidos los ataques contra la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres, así como la obligación de prevención, investigación y enjuiciamiento de los autores, protección de las víctimas y los testigos y recopilación de datos, como la mejor manera de poner fin a la violencia de género.Asimismo, hemos pedido al Consejo que vele por que todos los Estados miembros ratifiquen el Convenio de Estambul ya que, hasta la fecha, solamente lo han ratificado veintiún Estados miembros.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2021/004 ES/Aragón automotive - Spain (A9-0344/2021- Esteban González Pons)
La DSE ha votado a favor de la ayuda de 1,4 millones de euros del Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización para Trabajadores Despedidos (FEAG) para ayudar a 320 trabajadoras y trabajadores aragoneses del sector del motor a encontrar un nuevo empleo.La industria del automóvil ha sufrido mucho desde el inicio de la crisis sanitaria con problemas en la cadena de suministro, la bajada de la demanda, el incremento del precio de las materias primas y la escasez de chips semiconductores y con los consiguientes cierres de fábricas y pérdidas de empleo.Esta ayuda del Fondo Europeo de Adaptación a la Globalización para Trabajadores Despedidos (FEAG) ira destinada a medidas de asesoramiento, orientación profesional, intermediación laboral y búsqueda de empleo, así como a formación y recapacitación profesional.La movilización del FEAG es una señal clara del compromiso de las instituciones europeas, del Gobierno de España y de la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón con la revitalización del sector del automóvil y con sus trabajadores y trabajadoras. Se trata de un sector prioritario en la transición verde y digital, una transformación que debe ser justa. Es necesario contar con fondos para que los trabajadores se puedan reconvertir de acuerdo con las nuevas necesidades del sector.
Digital Markets Act (A9-0332/2021 - Andreas Schwab)
He votado a favor de este informe ya que supone la imposición de nomas y obligaciones a las grandes plataformas que actúan como guardianes de acceso en el sector digital privando a las pymes y start-ups de competir en igualdad de condiciones.Por ello, mi voto a favor de que estas pequeñas y medianas empresas puedan acceder al mercado, tengan las mismas oportunidades de llegar a los clientes y se generen mercados abiertos y justos.Por otro lado, otros de los motivos por los que mi voto ha sido favorable ha sido por el aumento de la protección que otorga este texto a los usuarios respecto a temas tan importantes como la publicidad dirigida, que queda totalmente prohibida para los menores.Además, este informe establece mayores requisitos de transparencia para los usuarios sobre cómo las grandes plataformas utilizan los datos personales. En líneas generales, los usuarios salen beneficiados y reforzados con esta nueva ley.También es importante resaltar la posibilidad de que las grandes plataformas sean multadas con hasta un 20 % del volumen de negocios mundial en caso de incumplimiento de la norma.De esta manera se asegura una correcta aplicación de la norma.
Implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (A9-0321/2021 - Seán Kelly)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor del informe que realiza recomendaciones para la elaboración de las estrategias de renovación a largo plazo (ERLP) porque con ello se puede fomentar el incremento de la tasa de renovación del parque de edificios de la Unión.Los edificios son responsables de aproximadamente el 40 % del consumo de energía y del 36 % de las emisiones de CO2 en la Unión. Gran parte del parque inmobiliario de la Unión no es eficiente desde el punto de vista energético. Es, por tanto, un sector con un gran potencial para mejorar la eficiencia energética, implementar energías renovables y reducir las emisiones de GEI. Además, unas ERPL alineadas con la Ley del Clima, con medidas y herramientas concretas para triplicar la tasa de renovación actual ayudarán a la creación de empleos. También se trata de una oportunidad para mejorar la asequibilidad, reducir la pobreza energética y para abordar el elevado coste de la vivienda.La DSE también apoya la revisión de la Directiva relativa a la eficiencia energética de los edificios para alinearla con el Pacto Verde Europeo.
MeToo and harassment – the consequences for the EU institutions (B9-0587/2021)
He votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución porque es fundamental para profundizar en la lucha contra el acoso y los abusos sexuales en el Parlamento y las demás instituciones de la Unión Europea.Se trata de una propuesta de Resolución impulsada por los y las socialistas, en la que incidimos en la puesta en marcha de un plan de acción con medidas eficaces, como la formación para todo el personal y los diputados y diputadas, facilitar la denuncias, la creación una autoridad externa para supervisar las denuncias presentadas y la obtención de justicia, entre otras, con el fin de garantizar la tolerancia cero.
Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean: accession of the European Union (A9-0008/2022 - Bert-Jan Ruissen)
He votado a favor de la adhesión de la Unión Europea a la Convención para la Conservación y Ordenación de los Recursos Pesqueros de Alta Mar del Océano Pacífico Norte, mediante la cual la UE pasa a ser miembro de pleno derecho de la Comisión de Pesca del Pacífico Norte (NPFC por sus siglas en inglés), organismo creado por la Convención para gestionar las pesquerías en la zona cubierta por la Convención.Con su adhesión a la Convención, la Unión participará en las decisiones para garantizar la explotación, gestión y conservación sostenibles de los recursos biológicos marinos y del medio marino gestionados por la NPFC. Son miembros de la NPFC Canadá, China, Japón, la República de Corea, la Federación rusa, Taipéi, los Estados Unidos de América y Vanuatu. Panamá es miembro cooperante no contractual. Con esta adhesión, la Unión, además, responde al interés de algún Estado miembro y buques de la Unión por acceder a los recursos pesqueros en la zona de aplicación de la Convención.
Objection pursuant to Rule 111(3): European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund: time periods for the inadmissibility of applications for support (B9-0090/2022)
He votado en contra de la objeción al acto delegado del Fondo Europeo Marítimo, de Pesca y de Acuicultura (FEMPA), en lo que respecta a los períodos de tiempo en relación con la inadmisibilidad de las solicitudes de ayuda porque considero que es necesario darle el visto bueno a estas normas para definir el umbral por encima del cual dejarán de ser admisibles las solicitudes de ayuda de los operadores, en relación con la duración del período de inadmisibilidad, así como las modalidades de recuperación de las ayudas concedidas y las fechas de inicio o finalización del período de inadmisibilidad, además de las condiciones para reducir el período de inadmisibilidad de las ayudas del FEMPA.La experiencia adquirida en la aplicación del sistema de puntos en el marco de los fondos a la pesca ha demostrado que hacer depender la admisibilidad de las solicitudes de los operadores de un determinado número de puntos es la manera más adecuada de garantizar la proporcionalidad y la igualdad de condiciones para garantizar el cumplimiento de las normas de la política pesquera común.
Catch documentation programme for bluefin tuna (A9-0172/2021- Gabriel Mato)
He votado a favor del programa de documentación de capturas de atún rojo porque contiene una serie de medidas para regular las poblaciones de atún rojo y mejorar la calidad y fiabilidad de los datos estadísticos, y con el fin de prevenir, desalentar y eliminar la pesca ilegal.Estas medidas se han acordado en el marco del Convenio Internacional para la Conservación del Atún Atlántico (CICAA), del que la Unión es parte contratante desde el 14 de noviembre de 1997.CICAA está facultado para adoptar recomendaciones sobre la conservación y la gestión de las pesquerías de su competencia, que son vinculantes para las partes contratantes.Así, CICAA adoptó una recomendación que introducía la aplicación del régimen de documentación de capturas de atún rojo y una recomendación para desarrollar la aplicación del sistema de documentación de capturas de atún rojo mediante la introducción de un sistema obligatorio de documentos electrónicos.
Implementation report on on-farm animal welfare (A9-0296/2021 - Jérémy Decerle)
He votado a favor de este informe en el que se analiza la aplicación de la legislación europea sobre el bienestar de los animales utilizados para la producción de alimentos.La ultima norma relativa al bienestar de estos animales tiene ya 15 años. Comparto, como reconoce el texto adoptado, la necesidad de actualizar la legislación vigente con el fin de incorporar los últimos conocimientos científicos en materia de bienestar de los animales y los adelantos técnicos en las prácticas ganaderas, diferenciando las necesidades de cada especie. Cambios sustentados por evidencias científicas que deberán aplicarse teniendo en cuenta los plazos de adaptación y el apoyo económico necesarios para garantizar su viabilidad, para las diferentes especies ganaderas y tipos de producción, sin poner en riesgo la competitividad del sector.La CE ha anunciado sus propuestas de modificación para finales de 2023. El informe apoya dicha actualización y pide a la Comisión que trabaje implicando al PE, a las autoridades nacionales competentes y, especialmente, a los ganaderos. Hasta entonces, se deberá garantizar la correcta aplicación del conjunto de normas en vigor y su control por parte de los Estados miembros, en línea con el interés de los consumidores y de la sociedad en general.
A European strategy for offshore renewable energy (A9-0339/2021 - Morten Petersen)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado en a favor del informe sobre la estrategia europea para el despliegue de energía renovable marina porque se trata de una estrategia fundamental para incrementar la producción de energía renovable en la Unión y contribuir así a los objetivos de descarbonización y aumentar la seguridad energética.Los mares y océanos presentan un elevado potencial de recurso energético renovable abundante y limpio, como el viento, las olas y las mareas. El informe destaca la necesidad de mejorar la infraestructura asociada a este tipo de proyectos, acelerar los procesos administrativos e invertir en innovación. El informe también es sensible a las actividades que actualmente ocupan el espacio marítimo y pide que la estrategia contribuya a la protección del medio ambiente y permita la prosperidad de las comunidades pesqueras. Destaca también que la energía renovable marina desempeñará un papel clave en la aceleración de la producción de hidrógeno renovable.La DSE también apoya objetivos de capacidad instalada más ambiciosos que los propuestos en la estrategia de la Comisión, así como la necesidad de un despliegue más rápido de interconexiones eléctricas entre países para facilitar la integración de energías renovables.
Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer (A9-0001/2022 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
Europa representa una décima parte de la población mundial, pero cuenta con un cuarto de los casos mundiales de cáncer, que se cobra la vida de 1,3 millones de europeos al año, entre ellos 6 000 niños. Si no hacemos nada, corremos el riesgo de incrementar hasta en un 21 % los nuevos casos.A lo largo del último año, la Comisión BECA ha trabajado a fondo con expertos, profesionales, investigadores y asociaciones de pacientes para dar brío a un plan europeo que tenga un impacto significativo en la lucha contra esta enfermedad.Como socialista, estoy orgullosa de que este informe asuma la justicia social como principio inspirador de la lucha contra el cáncer: no podemos seguir aceptando diferencias en las ratios de supervivencia superiores al 25 % entre los Estados miembros. Todo paciente debe tener acceso al mejor tratamiento allí donde se ofrezca. Así lo reclama este informe. Comisión y Estados miembros deben movilizar los recursos necesarios para hacerlo realidad.Igualmente, este informe ha tratado de recoger las aportaciones realizadas por los innumerables expertos que han participado en las audiencias organizadas por esta comisión y que nutren las propuestas incluidas para mejorar la prevención, el diagnóstico precoz, los tratamientos y la calidad de vida de los pacientes y supervivientes. Además, gracias a nuestro grupo, se ha incluido la perspectiva de género, al igual que se ha acentuado el foco sobre el cáncer pediátrico y en la población anciana.Pero si queremos vencer a esta enfermedad, necesitamos acabar con las desigualdades en inversión en investigación entre países de la Unión y acercarnos a la inversión del 3 % del PIB en I+D, así como reforzar infraestructuras y asegurar carreras profesionales atractivas y estables para los investigadores.Este informe constituye, por tanto, un hito en la lucha contra el cáncer en Europa. Por ello, he votado a favor.
Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (A9-0358/2021 - Nathalie Loiseau)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe que aborda el desarrollo de una doctrina de seguridad y defensa europea utilizando la brújula estratégica como guía hacia la autonomía estratégica, analiza y realiza recomendaciones sobre las misiones de la PCSG y la mejora de su gobernanza, aboga por una Unión más resiliente capaz de anticipar y controlar crisis, así como desarrollar capacidades militares y civiles con coherencia, y defiende el multilateralismo y los sistemas de control de armas, desarme y no proliferación.El Grupo S&D apoya el llamamiento para una mayor autonomía estratégica de la UE en el área de seguridad y defensa. Es hora de que los Estados miembros muestren voluntad política y den cumplimiento al nivel de ambición conjunto para hacer de la UE un actor global para la paz, la seguridad y el desarrollo sostenible.
A statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations (A9-0007/2022 - Sergey Lagodinsky)
Desde el Grupo de los Socialistas y Demócratas en el Parlamento Europeo, hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución para brindar un mayor grado de protección a las asociaciones y organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro transfronterizas europeas, especialmente en donde la libertad de asociación puede verse comprometida, y para que esta prospere en toda la Unión Europea.Este informe del Parlamento Europeo está compuesto tanto de una propuesta de Reglamento, que introduce un Estatuto para las Asociaciones Europeas, así como de una propuesta de Directiva, que introduce normas mínimas de la UE para asociaciones y organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro.El objetivo de esta propuesta es garantizar el reconocimiento mutuo entre los Estados miembros al respecto, reconocer el papel fundamental que desempeña este sector y abordar la necesidad de superar los actuales obstáculos legales y administrativos que atraviesan estas asociaciones y organizaciones. Asimismo, este informe marca un paso importante hacia una mejor representación de la sociedad civil a nivel de la UE y un mayor empoderamiento de esta en toda la Unión.
Empowering European youth: post-pandemic employment and social recovery (B9-0091/2022)
He votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución sobre el empoderamiento de la juventud y la recuperación social tras la pandemia.El texto incluye buena parte de las propuestas progresistas del Grupo S&D, pero no recogerá el compromiso que pedía a la Comisión un marco jurídico común de cara a la prohibición efectiva y ejecutable de los períodos de prácticas no remunerados, debido al voto en contra del PP y de los liberales.No obstante, la propuesta de Resolución recoge las principales aportaciones progresistas como el desarrollo de un marco jurídico común para garantizar una remuneración justa para los períodos de prácticas; poner fin a la discriminación que sufren los y las jóvenes en el acceso a esquemas de renta mínima y en la cobertura de los SMI en algunos Estados miembros, así como hacer de la salud mental una verdadera prioridad para la UE.A pesar de las reticencias de la derecha, también hemos conseguido garantizar que los periodos de prácticas cuenten como experiencia laboral y que se reduzca el período mínimo de cotización necesario para acceder a las prestaciones sociales.
Protection of workers from the risks relating to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins at work (A9-0114/2021 - Stefania Zambelli)
El informe sobre el cáncer ha conseguido un respaldo mayoritario en el Parlamento Europeo. Queda aprobado por una gran mayoría (652 votos a favor, 15 en contra y 27 abstenciones).El cáncer es la principal causa de muertes relacionadas con el trabajo en la UE. Los carcinógenos contribuyen a un número estimado de 100 000 muertes por cáncer ocupacional en el lugar de trabajo cada año y, actualmente, 12,7 millones de trabajadores de la salud están expuestos a productos y medicamentos peligrosos en la UE.Con la aprobación de este documento, los socialistas hemos conseguido ampliar significativamente al ámbito de aplicación de la Directiva, añadiendo un nuevo enfoque para establecer valores límite a partir de una metodología basada en el riesgo, una propuesta para abordar la exposición combinada, así como la introducción de 25 sustancias prioritarias adicionales, algunas de ellas dañinas para la fertilidad, y seguir, de esta manera, avanzando juntos en la lucha contra el cáncer.
Role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism (A9-0027/2022 - Salima Yenbou)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor del informe de propia iniciativa sobre el papel de la cultura, la educación, los medios de comunicación y el deporte en la lucha contra el racismo porque, a pesar de que la discriminación por origen racial o étnico está prohibida en la Unión, esta sigue existiendo. De ahí que este documento sea tan pertinente.El informe destaca la necesidad de incorporar la justicia racial en todas las políticas culturales, educativas, deportivas y de medios de la UE como herramienta para el fomento de la cohesión social.Las aportaciones del Grupo S&D toman como punto de partida que, independientemente del origen racial y étnico,1. todo ciudadano y ciudadana debe poder tener acceso a la cultura;2. la educación es un derecho fundamental que requiere políticas que garanticen la accesibilidad e igualdad de oportunidades para todos y todas en una educación de calidad; y hace una llamada a poner fin a la práctica de la segregación racial y étnica en las escuelas;3. los medios de comunicación son una pieza fundamental e imprescindible en las democracias avanzadas y son determinantes en el combate contra la desinformación y el discurso de odio ―una lucha que hay que ganar con las mismas herramientas que se usan para difundir esos bulos: tecnología y digitalización―;4. el deporte promueve valores como la democracia, el respeto, la solidaridad, la diversidad y la igualdad; es un vector de integración y por ello debe ser inclusivo y estar abierto a todos los ciudadanos y ciudadanas;Además, el informe pide a la CE que publique principios rectores comunes para la implementación de planes de acción nacionales contra el racismo y la discriminación racial, así como otras herramientas que contribuyan a luchar contra el racismo en los Estados miembros; y la completa implementación de la Directiva 2000/43/CE sobre la aplicación del principio de igualdad de trato de las personas independientemente de su origen racial o étnico.
Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU (A9-0022/2022 - Sandra Kalniete)
Desde el Grupo de los Socialistas y Demócratas en el Parlamento Europeo, hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución para combatir las injerencias extranjeras y la desinformación en toda Europa, así como para trabajar en propuestas ambiciosas para responder a la interferencia y la manipulación extranjeras.La investigación que el Parlamento Europeo ha llevado a cabo para determinar cómo manipulan algunas potencias extranjeras la información con intenciones maliciosas e interfieren para debilitar los procesos democráticos de la Unión ha concluido que estos agentes malintencionados pueden influir en las elecciones, ejecutar ciberataques, captar a políticos de alto nivel una vez han dejado el cargo y polarizar el debate público, entre otros. Esta situación se ve agravada por las lagunas existentes en la legislación europea.En el informe se proponen soluciones concretas alrededor de la resiliencia europea, entre ellas legislativas, y se pide una regulación internacional, así como la cooperación con organizaciones internacionales, como la OSCE y el Consejo de Europa, en la búsqueda de medidas estructurales y globales para responder a la naturaleza híbrida de las interferencias. Asimismo, el informe también aborda la protección de todo el proceso electoral, más allá de la jornada electoral.
Rule of law and the consequences of the ECJ ruling (B9-0134/2022, B9-0135/2022, B9-0136/2022)
Tras la sentencia dictada por el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea (TJUE) el pasado 16 de febrero, el Parlamento Europeo ha votado esta sesión una propuesta de Resolución sobre las consecuencias de dicha sentencia. En ella el TJUE desestima los recursos planteados por Hungría y Polonia contra el Reglamento sobre un régimen general de condicionalidad para la protección del presupuesto de la Unión en caso de vulneración de los principios del Estado de Derecho (Reglamento relativo a la condicionalidad del Estado de Derecho).Hungría y Polonia interpusieron sendos recursos ante el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea, solicitando la anulación del Reglamento. Su impugnación se apoyaba, entre otros motivos, en la ausencia o inadecuación de la base jurídica elegida para el Reglamento, en su incompatibilidad con el artículo 7 del TUE y en la violación del principio de seguridad jurídica.Aunque el Reglamento entro en vigor el 1 de enero de 2021, la Comisión Europea (CE) no lo ha implementado hasta la fecha, a pesar de la presión ejercida en este sentido por el Parlamento, que espera que después de esta sentencia ya no haya ningún obstáculo para su implementación inmediata.Ahora que tenemos una sentencia clara del TJUE el PE pide a la CE que actúe con urgencia y aplique el Reglamento de condicionalidad del Estado de Derecho sin más demora, ya que han pasado ya 14 meses desde la entrada en vigor del mecanismo.La inacción debilita a toda la UE y la confianza de los ciudadanos.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: annual sustainable growth survey 2022 (A9-0034/2022 - Irene Tinagli)
El Grupo S&D quiere transformar el Semestre Europeo en un motor de cambio hacia una recuperación sostenible, priorizando el bienestar de la ciudadanía e incorporando objetivos sociales y medioambientales.He votado a favor del informe porque contiene mensajes importantes en esa línea; entre ellos, los siguientes:Destaca la importancia de la intervención de la UE para mitigar el impacto de la pandemia, en particular, a través de la MRR.Aboga por mantener la aplicación de la cláusula de escape tanto tiempo como sea necesario.Defiende mantener el apoyo fiscal e incrementar la inversión pública ―y privada― para financiar sectores estratégicos para la recuperación y resiliencia de las economías y sociedades, y para afrontar los desafíos futuros.Reclama acciones contra el fraude fiscal para lograr la sostenibilidad de las finanzas públicas.Pide que las reformas estructurales sean socialmente equilibradas y favorezcan el crecimiento.Solicita a la Comisión que incorpore aspectos sociales y ambientales en el proceso del Semestre.Aboga por una mayor implicación del Parlamento y los agentes sociales en el Semestre.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social aspects in the annual sustainable growth strategy survey 2022 (A9-0040/2022 - Helmut Geuking)
Los y las socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos decidido abstenernos en la votación de este informe, debido a la falta de ambición alcanzada en comparación a lo establecido en años anteriores.El Semestre Europeo, como mecanismo de coordinación de políticas económicas y de empleo, juega un papel fundamental para hacer frente a los retos que enfrenta Europa actualmente, no solo en cuanto al impacto de la pandemia sino a los costes socio-económicos que acarreará la guerra contra Ucrania.Los socialistas abogamos por una transición socialmente sostenible, de progreso y bienestar, y por ello defendemos la necesidad de dotar al Semestre Europeo de una fuerte dimensión social, que otorgue a los objetivos sociales la misma relevancia que a los digitales o medioambientales, invierta en servicios públicos de calidad y garantice coherencia entre las recomendaciones específicas por país y los objetivos del Reglamento del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia. Modernizar el Pacto actual de Estabilidad y Crecimiento, y prolongar la cláusula general de salvaguardia con el fin de facilitar la inversión pública, son también aspectos clave que necesitaban verse reflejados en este informe relativo al Semestre Europeo para 2022.
Batteries and waste batteries (A9-0031/2022 - Simona Bonafè)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe ya que queremos que la UE se convierta en un continente líder en baterías sostenibles. Con este informe hemos conseguido establecer normas ambiciosas sobre la sostenibilidad, la seguridad, el etiquetado y la información de las baterías.La ecologización de las baterías que pretende este Reglamento es fundamental en la transición energética verde. Estamos viviendo un aumento en la demanda de baterías, y la electrificación del sector del transporte dará lugar a un mayor aumento para vehículos eléctricos. El año 2035 es el año previsto por la Comisión para eliminar los motores de combustión de los turismos y furgonetas. Además, cada vez tenemos mayor dependencia de dispositivos portátiles eléctricos.Por ello, hay que ser ambiciosos en la fijación de límites a las emisiones de carbono en la producción de baterías, y en la obligación para los Estados miembros y fabricantes de recoger y utilizar contenido reciclado.Las baterías son una industria estratégica a nivel mundial. En los tiempos convulsos que vivimos, el suministro energético es clave y las baterías juegan un importante papel en la necesaria estabilidad del sistema energético ya que pueden almacenar y distribuir energía renovable.
Refugees in Europe: CARE (C9-0057/2022)
He votado a favor del despliegue del mecanismo CARE, y también de su tramitación por vía de urgencia, porque creo que es fundamental que los Estados miembros puedan desbloquear lo antes posible los fondos necesarios para hacer frente la llegada de refugiados ucranianos.Nos encontramos ante una situación excepcional que requiere de soluciones sin precedentes. Por ello, la aprobación del programa CARE supone el alivio de las presiones presupuestaras, ampliando la posibilidad del 100 % de la cofinanciación para los fondos remanentes de la política de cohesión 2014-2020 en el ejercicio contable 2021-2022. Además, gracias a su ágil tramitación, los Estados miembros y sus respectivas regiones podrán utilizar los recursos de los Fondos FEDER y el Fondo Social Europeo para cualquier tipo de medida destinada a socorrer a las personas que llegan de Ucrania; también de forma retroactiva, siendo financiables todas las medidas desplegadas a partir del 24 de febrero de 2022.El grupo socialista en el Parlamento Europeo sigue expresando su firme compromiso con la justicia social, también materializada en este Reglamento, que permitirá la financiación de proyectos relacionados con la educación, vivienda e integración de los millones ciudadanos que se espera lleguen a nuestras fronteras en los próximos meses.
More flexible use of funds under the AMIF Regulations in light of the war in Ukraine (C9-0056/2022)
Desde la Delegación Socialista Española, hemos trabajado para reafirmar nuestro compromiso de seguir prestando apoyo político, financiero, material y humanitario de forma coordinada para hacer frente a las duras consecuencias de la injustificada y brutal guerra lanzada por Putin contra Ucrania, así como apoyar la reconstrucción de una Ucrania democrática y plural. Por ello, he votado a favor de este procedimiento de urgencia para dar a los Estados miembros un acceso más rápido y más flexible al Fondo de Asilo, Migración e Integración y al Fondo de Seguridad Interior.El objetivo es hacer frente a las duras consecuencias de la guerra, prorrogando hasta la mitad de 2024 el periodo en el que se puede recurrir al Fondo de Asilo, Migración e Integración, así como permitir un acceso más flexible al Fondo de Seguridad Interior del periodo 2014-2020, para asegurar las fronteras exteriores y los visados, y para prevenir y combatir el terrorismo y la radicalización. Además, los Estados miembros podrán asignar contribuciones para el periodo 2021- 2027 en la partida de ingresos afectados externos. La propuesta permite utilizar urgentemente los fondos restantes, que ascienden a 420 millones de euros, para ayudar a hacer frente al aumento del número de personas en las fronteras y en los sistemas de gestión de la migración derivado de la invasión.Esta mayor flexibilidad para la gestión de los fondos potenciará la adopción de las medidas previstas en la Directiva del Consejo de 2001 sobre normas mínimas para la concesión de protección temporal y podrá buscar sinergias con la Acción de Cohesión para los Refugiados en Europa (CARE).
Status Agreement between the EU and Moldova on Frontex operational activities (C9-0120/2022)
Desde la Delegación Socialista Española hemos solicitado la activación del artículo 163 para la tramitación por procedimiento de urgencia del proyecto de Decisión del Consejo relativa a la celebración del Acuerdo entre la Unión Europea y la República de Moldavia sobre las actividades operativas realizadas por la Agencia Europea de la Guardia de Fronteras y Costas (Frontex) en dicho país.El objetivo general del acuerdo es garantizar que la Agencia Frontex pueda proporcionar apoyo operativo a las autoridades moldavas sobre el terreno. Con este acuerdo, las autoridades moldavas podrán contar con el apoyo de los equipos de gestión de fronteras de Frontex para así responder más rápidamente a los desafíos actuales. Del mismo modo, los agentes del cuerpo permanente de la Agencia podrán ayudar en las verificaciones de documentos, los procesos de registro y ayudar a las personas vulnerables.Más de 500 000 refugiados han entrado en la República de Moldavia desde Ucrania tras la invasión del 24 de febrero de 2022. Las autoridades moldavas de gestión de fronteras se enfrentan ahora al doble desafío de regular la entrada y posterior salida de cientos de miles de refugiados, además de garantizar la vigilancia del contrabando de armas. Asimismo, un 12 % del territorio del país no está bajo el control de las autoridades, incluida una gran parte de Frontera con Ucrania.En vista de ello, es indiscutible que la Unión Europea también debería apoyar a las autoridades moldavas para poder responder a los desafíos actuales y ayudar a las personas que huyen de las zonas de guerra mientras dure esta situación. De igual forma, también debemos asegurarnos de que en Moldavia se cumpla el mismo nivel de protección y salvaguardias contra las violaciones de los derechos fundamentales que en la UE.
Need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (RC-B9-0160/2022, B9-0160/2022, B9-0162/2022, B9-0163/2022, B9-0164/2022, B9-0165/2022, B9-0166/2022, B9-0167/2022)
He votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común que reclama diversas acciones para preservar la seguridad alimentaria dentro y fuera de la UE.Tras el drama humanitario que padece Ucrania, esta invasión amenaza seriamente la seguridad alimentaria de muchos países en desarrollo.El texto analiza las consecuencias e insta a la Comisión contribuir en los foros internacionales en la búsqueda de soluciones para garantizar la nutrición en los países más vulnerables. A nivel interno, propone medidas de apoyo temporales para que agricultores, pescadores y ganaderos en la UE conserven sus ingresos y afronten el reto de la escalada de costes de insumos y garanticen el funcionamiento de la cadena de suministro durante esta nueva situación de emergencia, como ya lo hicieron durante la pandemia.
Election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (A9-0083/2022 - Domènec Ruiz Devesa)
He apoyado con mi voto esta nueva ley electoral porque su texto defiende la creación de una circunscripción paneuropea de 28 escaños adicionales a los 705 elegidos en las circunscripciones nacionales. Con esta circunscripción adicional se conseguirían tres objetivos.Primero, se reforzarían los partidos políticos europeos al tener el poder de seleccionar candidatos transnacionales, así como de hacer campaña en favor de los mismos y de su programa con los logos del partido político europeo en cuestión.En segundo lugar, con esta reforma de la ley electoral europea promoveremos un debate político y electoral paneuropeo mediante la competición por los escaños de la nueva circunscripción en base a los programas presentados por los partidos políticos europeos, superando así el paradigma de las veintisiete elecciones nacionales paralelas.En tercer lugar, el principio del cabeza de lista para presidir el ejecutivo comunitario, ensayado en 2014 y 2019, pasaría de virtual a real, pues el elector en cualquier país tendría dos urnas, una para la papeleta de la lista nacional de su elección, y otra para la lista transnacional con el logo del partido político europeo y encabezada precisamente por el candidato a presidir la Comisión por la familia política europea de que se trate.
A sustainable blue economy in the EU: the role of fisheries and aquaculture (A9-0089/2022 - Isabel Carvalhais)
He votado a favor de este informe de propia iniciativa que representa la contribución del Parlamento Europeo a la propuesta que la Comisión Europea presentó el 17 de mayo de 2021, relativa a la Comunicación sobre un nuevo enfoque de la economía azul sostenible de la UE (COM(2021)0240), donde se destaca que la pesca y la acuicultura son fundamentales para impulsar el empleo y la mano de obra cualificada en las zonas costeras de la UE, pero también para conciliar el desarrollo económico con la protección de la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas, utilizando los recursos de manera responsable y contribuyendo a alcanzar el objetivo de contaminación cero.También destaca la importancia de tener en cuenta que la pesca y la acuicultura son sectores responsables del suministro de proteínas y micronutrientes esenciales para la seguridad alimentaria y la salud humana.Este informe mantiene el equilibrio necesario entre la pesca de arrastre y la protección de las áreas marinas protegidas.
EU action plan for organic agriculture (A9-0126/2022 - Simone Schmiedtbauer)
He votado a favor de este informe con el que el Parlamento Europeo da un amplio respaldo al Plan de acción de la UE para la agricultura ecológica con el que se espera un importante incremento de este tipo de agricultura y acuicultura en la UE.La agricultura ecológica no es el único sistema agrario sostenible, pero sí el único reconocido por un sólido método de certificación. Esperamos que, a través de las 23 acciones recogidas en el Plan, se consiga un desarrollo equilibrado del sector en consonancia con la capacidad del mercado para absorber la producción ecológica. Es decir, preservando la rentabilidad de los agricultores que dan el paso de conversión hacia ese tipo de agricultura.Se quiere avanzar todo lo posible, pero no se marcan objetivos cuantitativos de superficie que no hayan sido previamente sometidos a estudio de impacto. El incremento de esta agricultura ha sido, durante la última década, de un 66 % en la Unión Europea con distintos avances según cada Estado miembro. Es el momento de que los más rezagados den un impulso decisivo para alcanzar a los más avanzados en su implantación.
Artificial intelligence in a digital age (A9-0088/2022 - Axel Voss)
He votado a favor del informe que concluye el trabajo de la Comisión Especial sobre Inteligencia Artificial en la Era Digital porque es un informe equilibrado que incluye muchas de nuestras prioridades, garantizando la centralidad del enfoque humano que debe guiar el desarrollo de la inteligencia artificial y la protección y la formación digital de todos los ciudadanos.La inteligencia artificial tiene un enorme potencial e igualmente presenta riesgos en una escala desconocida hasta ahora. El informe realiza un análisis global sobre el impacto de la inteligencia artificial en áreas tan importantes como la salud, el trabajo, el medioambiente, la seguridad, el transporte, la educación, las inversiones, etc., favoreciendo la innovación y estableciendo obligaciones y salvaguardas para garantizar un uso responsable. También analiza las relaciones con países terceros, Estados Unidos y China, y la necesidad de impulsar estándares éticos en el ámbito internacional, siguiendo los trabajos ya realizados por organismos multilaterales.El objetivo es conseguir una inteligencia artificial en Europa que sea ética, democrática, transparente y segura, que dote de confianza a la ciudadanía y respete los derechos fundamentales, incluyendo medidas para garantizar la no discriminación y el respeto a la igualdad de género.
The follow up of the Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0228/2022, B9-0229/2022, B9-0235/2022)
La Conferencia sobre el Futuro de Europa celebró su acto de clausura el 9 de mayo, Día de Europa, después de un año desde su inicio.He votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución porque pone en valor el ejercicio de democracia deliberativa que ha supuesto esta Conferencia y que finalmente se ha materializado en 39 propuestas concretas basadas en 300 recomendaciones propuestas por la ciudadanía. Esta propuesta de Resolución subraya el ejercicio de democracia realizado, donde se ha garantizado la participación de ciudadanos, de la sociedad civil organizada y representantes institucionales. El ejercicio se ha visto completado por las propuestas de la ciudadanía y de la sociedad civil registradas en una plataforma digital multilingüe.Entre las propuestas adoptadas se cuentan ambiciosas medidas en el ámbito medioambiental, en materia de juventud o en materia social entre las que se ha adoptado apoyar una directiva por un ingreso mínimo y el protocolo de progreso social de forma vinculante. En materia institucional se ha acordado el fin de la unanimidad en la toma de decisiones, el refuerzo del Parlamento Europeo, las listas electorales paneuropeas y la convocatoria de una convención para la reforma de los Tratados.
Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (B9-0262/2022, B9-0263/2022, B9-0264/2022)
La Delegación Socialista ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución, ya que muestra un verdadero compromiso para realizar progresos significativos en los procedimientos en curso del apartado 1 del artículo 7 del TUE, en consonancia con sus obligaciones en virtud de los Tratados.Observamos con preocupación que, a pesar de las reiteradas peticiones del Parlamento, las audiencias no se organizan de forma regular, estructurada y abierta. Instamos a las futuras Presidencias a que organicen las audiencias con regularidad y como mínimo una vez por Presidencia. Pedimos al Consejo que garantice que las audiencias, en virtud del apartado 1 del artículo 7 del TUE, también aborden los nuevos acontecimientos, incluidos los relacionados con las violaciones de los derechos fundamentales.Pedimos a la Comisión y al Consejo que se abstengan de aprobar los planes nacionales de Polonia y Hungría en el marco del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia hasta que hayan cumplido plenamente todas las recomendaciones específicas para cada país en el marco del Semestre Europeo y hayan aplicado todas las sentencias pertinentes del Tribunal de Justicia de la UE y del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos.Las conclusiones de la Comisión deberían constituir motivo suficiente para que el Consejo adopte recomendaciones en el procedimiento del apartado 1 del artículo 7 del TUE.
The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (B9-0219/2022)
Las consecuencias de una guerra son terribles y afectan de manera desproporcionada a mujeres y niños y niñas, que son el 90 % de los casi 6 millones de personas que han abandonado Ucrania a causa de la guerra.Los y las socialistas hemos votado a favor de que Europa participe en la recogida de pruebas contra las atrocidades de guerra cometidas, incluidas las violaciones, para evitar que prescriban, así como rechazar la barbarie de la maternidad subrogada, una forma de mercantilización y deshumanización.Consideramos imprescindible garantizar los derechos de las mujeres y niñas en los próximos meses, más teniendo en cuenta que estamos viviendo el desarrollo de una agenda antigénero a nivel global, que no respeta los derechos humanos, especialmente los sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres. Por ese motivo, demandamos a la Comisión que apoye y coordine los servicios sanitarios de llegada al territorio UE y también la puesta en marcha de estrategias específicas para prevenir y combatir el tráfico de mujeres y niños.
Preservation, analysis and storage at Eurojust of evidence relating to genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and related criminal offence (C9-0155/2022)
He votado a favor de la propuesta de Reglamento por el que se modifica el Reglamento la Agencia de la Unión Europea para la Cooperación Judicial Penal (Eurojust) para dotar a la Agencia de la posibilidad legal de recopilar, preservar y compartir pruebas sobre crímenes de guerra, crímenes de lesa humanidad y genocidio.El Reglamento propuesto crea la base jurídica por la que se autoriza a esta Agencia a crear un sistema electrónico y una base de datos para almacenar pruebas de crímenes de lesa humanidad y crímenes de guerra y confirma los poderes de Eurojust para ayudar a las autoridades nacionales e internacionales en el análisis de las pruebas. Asimismo, se garantiza la asistencia a las autoridades nacionales e internacionales en la constitución de expedientes judiciales a efectos de enjuiciamiento ante los tribunales, y en particular ante la Corte Penal Internacional.Los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales para investigar los horribles crímenes de guerra en Ucrania ya están en marcha. La UE, debe actuar con rapidez para almacenar y asegurar las pruebas de estos horribles crímenes en Ucrania para ayudar a construir un caso contra la agresión de Rusia y garantizar la rendición de cuentas de los responsables de tales delitos.
Regulation (EU) 2016/1628: Extension of the empowerment to adopt delegated acts (C9-0119/2022)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe para facilitar la correcta implementación del Reglamento (UE) 2016/1628 que regula las emisiones de gases y partículas contaminantes y la homologación de tipo para los motores de combustión interna que se instalen en las máquinas móviles no de carretera.El artículo 55, apartado 2, de dicho Reglamento faculta a la Comisión para que establezca ciertas especificaciones técnicas detalladas en actos delegados por un período limitado de cinco años. Dicho periodo terminó el 6 de octubre de 2021. En aras de que la Comisión pueda adoptar nuevos actos delegados y actualizar algunos de los ya existentes, los socialistas españoles hemos apoyado la adopción de esta modificación del Reglamento que prorroga los poderes delegados de la Comisión hasta 2026, con la posibilidad de nuevas prórrogas. El objetivo es tener en cuenta el progreso técnico e introducir otras modificaciones de conformidad con los poderes delegados otorgados, incluyendo un acto delegado que establece requisitos relativos a la vigilancia en servicio para los motores de combustión interna instalados en las máquinas móviles no de carretera.De esta manera facilitamos su correcta ejecución y su adaptación al progreso técnico.
Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law Report (A9-0139/2022 - Terry Reintke)
El Grupo S&D toma nota el informe de la Comisión y se destaca su esfuerzo en realizar un análisis con recomendaciones por país.Por este motivo, he votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución ya que insta a la Comisión a abordar todas las recomendaciones formuladas por el Parlamento en su Resolución, de 24 de junio de 2021, sobre el informe de la Comisión sobre el Estado de Derecho en 2020, la ampliación del alcance de sus informes para cubrir todos los valores consagrados en el artículo 2 del TUE; considera que esas recomendaciones siguen siendo válidas, y las reitera.Del mismo modo, se insta a incluir en el informe anual otros elementos importantes como la prevención del abuso de poder, la igualdad ante la ley y la no discriminación y el acceso a la justicia, incluidos los aspectos del derecho a un juicio justo, reitera su llamamiento a la Comisión para que incluya en futuros informes una evaluación de las condiciones carcelarias. Pide un análisis detallado del retroceso a la protección de los derechos fundamentales en Hungría y Polonia, reconociendo el procedimiento formal iniciado el 27 de abril de 2022 contra Hungría en virtud del Reglamento de condicionalidad.
Social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine – reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act (RC-B9-0267/2022, B9-0267/2022, B9-0271/2022, B9-0273/2022, B9-0278/2022, B9-0279/2022, B9-0280/2022)
La UE debe tomar medidas para proteger a sus ciudadanos ―en especial, a los más vulnerables― de las consecuencias de la agresión rusa a Ucrania, como el encarecimiento de la energía o la desaceleración económica.Es necesario poner en marcha un paquete temporal de resiliencia social para reforzar los sistemas de protección social, así como un mecanismo de rescate para apoyar a los hogares con rentas más bajas.Se necesitan también medidas urgentes para abaratar la energía, como ayudas a los consumidores o límites a los precios del gas.Además, debemos reforzar la autonomía estratégica de la UE mediante la creación de un fondo, basado en la experiencia del Next Generation EU, que financie inversiones en interconexiones energéticas, renovables o seguridad alimentaria.Para que los Estados cuenten con margen de maniobra suficiente, es imprescindible mantener la suspensión de las reglas fiscales, gravar los beneficios extraordinarios de las empresas e implementar rápidamente el acuerdo sobre el tipo mínimo en el impuesto de sociedades.Por último, hay que endurecer las sanciones contra Rusia, reunir fondos para la reconstrucción de Ucrania y garantizar una atención adecuada a los refugiados.Por todo ello, he votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común promovida por el Grupo S&D.
Binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States (Effort Sharing Regulation) (A9-0163/2022 - Jessica Polfjärd)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor del informe sobre la propuesta de revisión del Reglamento de reparto del esfuerzo (RRE) para alinearlo con los objetivos climáticos vinculantes establecidos en la Ley Europea del Clima. El RRE es una pieza clave en la consecución de nuestros objetivos climáticos para 2030, ya que regula el 60 % de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de la UE, por ello, apoyamos la propuesta de la Comisión de aumentar el objetivo de reducción de emisiones de los sectores del RRE en al menos un 40 % para 2030 en comparación con 2005.Los socialistas españoles creemos que es necesario incentivar la acción temprana y fomentar la implementación rápida de medidas de mitigación y descarbonización a nivel nacional. Por eso hemos apoyado medidas como el establecimiento de una trayectoria lineal de reducción de emisiones más ambiciosa, la limitación de las flexibilidades mediante préstamo, acumulación o transferencia, y la eliminación de la nueva reserva adicional introducida en la propuesta de la Comisión.Por último, celebramos la inclusión de una cláusula sobre transición justa en el texto, con el objetivo de amortiguar el impacto social y laboral que pudiera tener la aplicación del Reglamento.
Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) (A9-0161/2022 - Ville Niinistö)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe porque consideramos importante el papel de los sumideros de carbono del sector del uso de la tierra, el cambio de uso de la tierra y la silvicultura (UTCUTS) en la mitigación del cambio climático.La naturaleza debe estar en el centro de la acción climática de la UE. La conservación y restauración de los sumideros naturales de carbono, como los bosques, es crucial en el camino a la neutralidad climática. Por tanto, los esfuerzos para alcanzar los objetivos climáticos de la Unión deben estar en consonancia con nuestros objetivos de biodiversidad.Por otro lado, estamos en contra de la inclusión de las emisiones no-CO2 del sector agrícola dentro de UTCUTS creando un sector de la agricultura, la silvicultura y el uso de la tierra (AFOLU, por sus siglas en inglés) como propone la Comisión, por lo que apoyamos el informe del Parlamento que pide previamente una evaluación de impacto en la que se estudien todas las posibles opciones.Por último, hemos defendido y apoyado la creación de un fondo de 50 Mt de CO2 que pueda ser utilizado por países cuyos sumideros puedan verse afectados por el impacto constante e inevitable del cambio climático que puede dificultar la consecución de los objetivos.
CO2 emission standards for cars and vans (A9-0150/2022 - Jan Huitema)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe porque consideramos que impulsa la transformación de la industria europea del automóvil para hacerla más sostenible, porque ayuda a la UE a alcanzar sus objetivos climáticos, y porque también salvaguarda los empleos europeos garantizando una transición justa.Como socialistas, por un lado, queremos que el sistema de movilidad europeo esté en línea con los compromisos climáticos de la Ley Europea del Clima y el Acuerdo de París y, por otro lado, queremos asegurarnos de que todas las medidas del paquete «Objetivo 55» aprobadas vayan acompañadas de sólidos mecanismos de justicia social y solidaridad que compensen los costes, para garantizar que la transición no solo sea ambiciosa desde un punto de vista climático, sino también socialmente justa. Por ello, hemos respaldado el informe del Parlamento ya que este aporta seguridad jurídica para los fabricantes, incentiva una mayor acción y refuerza la dimensión social para mitigar los posibles impactos negativos.A su vez, celebramos que los objetivos aprobados garantizarán importantes logros en términos de salud y de reducción de la contaminación atmosférica, de lucha contra el cambio climático y de protección de las generaciones futuras.
The rule of law and the potential approval of the Polish national Recovery Plan (RRF) (B9-0316/2022, RC-B9-0317/2022, B9-0317/2022, B9-0320/2022, B9-0321/2022, B9-0322/2022, B9-0323/2022)
El 1 de junio la Comisión Europea anunció un acuerdo con el Gobierno polaco para la aprobación de su plan de recuperación. Según las reglas del fondo, el dinero se paga en tramos, siempre que los países hayan completado una lista de condiciones, los llamados «hitos».Los socialistas pedimos a la Comisión Europea para que no desembolse fondos de recuperación a Polonia hasta que se cumplan plenamente las condiciones relativas a la independencia del poder judicial, es decir, desmantelar una controvertida sala disciplinaria para jueces; reformar el régimen disciplinario y reinstalar a los jueces destituidos. Sin el cumplimiento de estos requisitos, no se puede liberar ni un solo euro a Polonia.Insistimos en la plena aplicación de todas las sentencias del Tribunal de Justicia de la UE y el Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos, en la necesidad de un cambio significativo, no solo cosmético, para implementar plenamente las sentencias.Polonia necesita los fondos de recuperación, pero los valores de la Unión Europea, incluido el Estado de Derecho, son la piedra angular de la democracia. La Comisión, como guardiana de los Tratados, debe garantizar el respeto a la legislación europea y la decisión del Tribunal de Justicia de las Comunidades Europeas.
Global threats to abortion rights: the possible overturn of abortion rights in the US by the Supreme Court (B9-0289/2022, B9-0292/2022, B9-0299/2022)
En los últimos años se han incrementado los movimientos que pretenden no solo frenar los avances, sino volver atrás en materia de igualdad de género, derechos de las mujeres, derechos LGBTI, la salud sexual y libertad reproductiva, tanto en la UE como el mundo.En los Estados Unidos se está librando una batalla que, no obstante, también se extiende por Italia, España o Irlanda, donde han aparecido centros de salud en los que se presiona a las mujeres para que no aborten. Están financiados a escala internacional por empresas y oligarcas que pertenecen a redes de ultra derecha, entre las que se encuentran asociaciones como Hazte oír y Vox.Los socialistas hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución con la que el Parlamento Europeo se posiciona en contra de este retroceso en los derechos de las mujeres en cualquier lugar y no vamos a permitir esos pasos atrás en materia de derechos sexuales y reproductivos cuyo fin es socavar los valores de la Unión y la democracia.
Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (A9-0162/2022 - Peter Liese)
El régimen de comercio de derechos de emisión (RCDE) es la piedra angular de la política climática de la UE y su revisión será crucial para poder cumplir con los objetivos marcados por la Ley Europea del Clima.Después del voto negativo en el primer Pleno de junio por no cumplir con la ambición climática que defendemos, esta vez los socialistas españoles hemos dado nuestro apoyo a este informe que mejora sustancialmente la propuesta de la Comisión.Una de nuestras principales preocupaciones ha sido asegurar que la extensión de la RCDE al transporte marítimo se hace de una manera justa con todos los territorios. Hemos trabajado para incluir mecanismos que tengan en cuenta la particularidad de las regiones insulares y ultraperiféricas como Baleares y Canarias. También hemos incorporado medidas concretas para evitar prácticas evasivas como la desviación del tráfico a puertos de terceros Estados, previniendo así la fuga de carbono.
Social Climate Fund (A9-0157/2022 - David Casa, Esther de Lange)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor del informe que establece el Fondo Social para el Clima. Estamos comprometidos con los objetivos climáticos de la UE para 2030, pero creemos que estos deben venir acompañados de una justicia social sólida y de mecanismos de solidaridad que compensen los costes de la transición ecológica, como es el caso del Fondo Social para el Clima.Los socialistas españoles apoyamos esta propuesta que se regirá por los principios del pilar europeo de derechos sociales y permitirá que los ciudadanos europeos sean ayudados por los recursos generados por las políticas climáticas. Celebramos que la propuesta aprobada incluya elementos sobre pobreza energética y de movilidad, un mapeo de beneficiarios potenciales y objetivos nacionales para la reducción de la pobreza energética y de transporte, la promoción de empleos de calidad, así como la implementación de los planes sociales para el clima en consulta con los interlocutores sociales y la sociedad civil. Con este nuevo mecanismo queremos ayudar a los ciudadanos, hogares y empresas vulnerables a adoptar un consumo de energía más sostenible y asegurar una transición ecológica socialmente justa.
Carbon border adjustment mechanism (A9-0160/2022 - Mohammed Chahim)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe porque creemos que el Mecanismo de Ajuste en Frontera por Carbono (MAFC) jugará un papel crucial en asegurar que los exportadores de productos que entren al mercado único paguen por lo que contaminan y en incentivar la descarbonización de la producción industrial en terceros países.El MAFC será el nuevo instrumento para dar solución al problema de la fuga de carbono de la industria europea. Viene a reemplazar gradualmente las asignaciones gratuitas concedidas a la industria europea en el contexto de la RDCE.La creación de una autoridad central MAFC y el reforzamiento de los instrumentos para evitar la evasión del Mecanismo han sido mejoras visibles en la postura del Parlamento que hemos apoyado.La delegación socialista española ha defendido la necesidad de asegurar una transición ambiciosa a la par que gradual. Con este fin, se incluyen múltiples revisiones y análisis del funcionamiento del Mecanismo programadas en años venideros. El refuerzo de las provisiones en el sector de la electricidad ha sido otra de nuestras prioridades.
Exceptional temporary support under EAFRD in response to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (C9-0185/2022)
He votado a favor de esta medida pues supone una herramienta más para paliar la falta de liquidez de los agricultores y empresas agroalimentarias que se han visto más desestabilizados por las consecuencias de la crisis de Ucrania en términos de costes de producción y/o dependencia de las importaciones.Se trata de una medida excepcional que requiere distintas adaptaciones por parte de los Estados miembros que puedan aplicarla, es decir, que dispongan aún de fondos FEADER del actual período de programación.Por tanto, también considero pertinente el procedimiento de urgencia con el que se ha tramitado esta propuesta legislativa que los socialistas en el PE habíamos solicitado reiteradamente a la Comisión Europea.
Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (A9-0171/2022 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Siegfried Mureşan, Dragoş Pîslaru)
He votado a favor del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia porque, aunque apenas llevamos un año en la ejecución de los planes de recuperación, los datos son bastante positivos.La respuesta a la crisis ha sido, a diferencia de en 2008, contundente, coordinada y sobre todo innovadora, superando muchas barreras y rompiendo algunos tabúes. Hemos creado un fondo de casi 700 000 millones EUR, y ese fondo ha sido financiado con deuda europea y, además, será reembolsado con nuevos impuestos europeos. Es decir, un fondo que aplica una doble solidaridad tanto por el gasto como por el ingreso. Y esta vez sí, la Unión ha demostrado su claro compromiso con sus ciudadanos, sus empresas y sus territorios.El fondo ya ha tenido efectos muy positivos en las economías de nuestros países, dando estabilidad, y permitiendo mantener altos niveles de inversión en un momento de gran incertidumbre mundial.Se están poniendo sólidas bases gracias a las reformas e inversiones que se están financiando.En pandemia hicimos lo más difícil: cambiar nuestro paradigma. Ahora toca reflexionar juntos sobre cómo construir una nueva arquitectura financiera basándonos en estos últimos pasos que tan fructíferamente hemos dado todos juntos.
Future of EU international investment policy (A9-0166/2022 - Anna Cavazzini)
El informe hace un balance de la política de inversiones desde la entrada en vigor del Tratado de Lisboa, que amplió competencia exclusiva de la UE a la inversión extranjera directa, y propone reformas para hacer frente a los actuales retos: la recuperación económica, el cambio climático, las crecientes tensiones internacionales, el mayor recurso al unilateralismo y sus consecuencias para las instituciones multilaterales.Los y las socialistas hemos votado a favor porque el informe propone la sustitución del arbitraje en la solución de disputas por un tribunal de jueces permanente, la reforma de las normas de protección de las inversiones y el aumento de la transparencia, el lanzamiento de las negociaciones del tribunal multilateral de inversiones y la puesta en marcha de medidas autónomas en la UE, como la regulación de las subvenciones extranjeras.Las inversiones en combustibles fósiles deben ser descartadas y se ha propuesto la retirada de la UE del Tratado de la Carta sobre la Energía si la modernización no es ambiciosa.
Digital Services Act (A9-0356/2021 - Christel Schaldemose)
He votado a favor de este informe que actualiza la Directiva sobre el Comercio Electrónico del año 2000, con el objetivo de hacer que el ecosistema digital sea más seguro y transparente para todos los usuarios.El principal objetivo es que todo lo que sea ilegal fuera de línea, también sea ilegal en línea.Estoy a favor de las obligaciones que se establecen para los proveedores de servicios digitales, como las redes sociales o los mercados en línea, con el objetivo de contrarrestar el contenido ilegal en línea, permitir que las plataformas reaccionen rápidamente, respetando los derechos fundamentales. Así como el aumento de los controles para garantizar que los productos y servicios sean seguros.Por otro lado, estoy de acuerdo con la prohibición de ciertos tipos de publicidad dirigida, como la dirigida a niños, y los anuncios basados en datos confidenciales.Cabe remarcar tanto el derecho de recurso e indemnización por cualquier infracción de la ley aplicable tanto a las empresas como a los consumidores, como el mecanismo de crisis, que permite a la Comisión exigir a las grandes plataformas que apliquen medidas específicas cuando exista una amenaza para la seguridad pública o la salud pública en la Unión.
Digital Markets Act (A9-0332/2021 - Andreas Schwab)
He votado a favor del texto acordado en las negociaciones con el Consejo y la Comisión ya que este nuevo Reglamento aplica normas y obligaciones a las grandes plataformas que son consideradas como guardianes de acceso, estableciendo así una igualdad de condiciones para pequeñas y medianas empresas, así como empresas emergentes que operan en el mercado digital, permitiendo la innovación y eliminando barreras existentes en el mercado interior.Los motivos para dar mi voto favorable han sido, entre otros aspectos, la interoperabilidad acordada para servicios auxiliares, servicios de mensajería y servicios de redes sociales. Además de otorgar a los usuarios el derecho a desinstalar aplicaciones preinstaladas en los dispositivos y el aumento de protección de los consumidores aumentando los requisitos de transparencia sobre cómo las plataformas utilizan los datos personales.En líneas generales, los usuarios salen beneficiados y reforzados con esta nueva ley y también así las pequeñas y medianas empresas que podrán acceder al mercado sin cláusulas abusivas y que generarán mercados abiertos y justos.También es importante resaltar el mecanismo de multas con hasta el 10 % de su volumen de negocios mundial total en el ejercicio fiscal anterior y del 20 % si reinciden.
Women’s poverty in Europe (A9-0194/2022 - Lina Gálvez Muñoz)
La pobreza y, especialmente la pobreza de las mujeres, se ha incrementado en la mayor parte de los Estados miembros de la UE en los últimos años, agravada con el alza de precios de productos básicos y de la energía, a partir de la invasión de Rusia a Ucrania.Hay que actuar de forma urgente para combatir una realidad que afecta cada vez más a mujeres mayores y familias monoparentales encabezadas por mujeres, cuyos hijos e hijas tienen un riesgo alto de no salir de la pobreza.Hemos votado a favor de que el Parlamento ponga en marcha una ambiciosa Estrategia de lucha contra la pobreza 2030, incluyendo el despliegue de rentas mínimas en todos los Estados miembros, apostando por un nuevo contrato social feminista, con empleos y trabajos decentes. Debemos atajar todas las brechas de género, en el empleo 11 %, el de salario hora 13 %, el de pensión 29 % y el de ingresos 36 %, que conducen al riesgo de exclusión social. Proponemos que la Comisión Europea y los Estados miembros diseñen políticas fiscales y tributarias que tengan una clara perspectiva de género, que no solo no aumenten las desigualdades socioeconómicas y de género en todas sus dimensiones, sino que las eliminen.
Mental health in the digital world of work (A9-0184/2022 - Maria Walsh)
He votado a favor de este informe que incluye numerosas prioridades socialistas para la prevención de riesgos psicosociales, el reconocimiento de enfermedades tanto mentales como ocupacionales, y legislación relativa al uso de la IA en los lugares de trabajo y al teletrabajo.El informe, aprobado en el Pleno con 501 votos a favor, aborda la crisis de salud mental en Europa, centrándose en su causas y efectos en el lugar de trabajo dentro de un contexto digital. Destaca, además, todos los factores que provocan riesgos y afectan a la salud mental de los trabajadores y trabajadoras, como la inestabilidad financiera, falta de seguridad, el desempleo, y la falta de regulación existente.El Grupo S&D aseguró la inclusión de hasta cinco llamadas a legislación clave para atajar esta creciente problemática, referentes no solo a la creación de una Directiva para la prevención de los riesgos psicosociales, sino a un Reglamento relativo al teletrabajo y derecho a la desconexión, una Directiva para regular el uso de la IA en el trabajo, y una Directiva que reconozca como enfermedades ocupacionales, desórdenes mentales como la ansiedad, el burnout o la depresión, con el fin de garantizar una adecuada compensación y protección.
Objection pursuant to Rule 111(3): Amending the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act and the Taxonomy Disclosures Delegated Act (B9-0338/2022)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta objeción que se opone al reconocimiento de la energía nuclear y el gas como energías verdes en el marco de la taxonomía de la UE.El acto delegado presentado por la Comisión manda señales erróneas para la transición energética de la UE y para el mercado financiero. La taxonomía verde es un instrumento clave para redirigir las inversiones y lograr la neutralidad climática en 2050. Para ello, debe ser creíble, útil y basada en la evidencia científica. Una actividad económica, sector o tecnología es verde si contribuye sustancialmente a las principales metas ambientales de la UE, y respeta el principio de no causar daño ambiental significativo. Las emisiones de metano de la producción, procesamiento y distribución de gas y los residuos radioactivos de la energía nuclear ponen en cuestión la inclusión de ambas tecnologías dentro de la taxonomía verde de la UE.Además, la Comisión no ha cumplido con su obligación de consulta pública y evaluación de impacto para actos delegados con impacto económico, medioambiental o social significativo, y no ha seguido las recomendaciones de la plataforma europea de finanzas sostenibles que no los reconoce como verdes.
EU action plan for the social economy (A9-0192/2022 - Jordi Cañas)
La economía social ha demostrado una vez más su valía durante la pandemia de COVID-19. También puede desempeñar un papel clave en el marco de las transiciones verde y digital.Tiene, sin embargo, todavía un gran potencial sin explotar en lo que respecta al crecimiento económico inclusivo, la igualdad de género y la creación de empleos y prácticas remuneradas de calidad. Por tanto, desde la Delegación Socialista Española apoyamos plenamente el plan de acción para la economía social de la Comisión Europea.Es fundamental aumentar la visibilidad de las empresas de la economía social y crear un entorno propicio para que prospere la economía social, incluido el acceso necesario a los mercados y la financiación.
US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and Women’s health in the EU (B9-0365/2022, B9-0366/2022, B9-0367/2022)
La decisión del Tribunal Supremo de Estados Unidos, que revoca la histórica sentencia de 1973 que garantizaba el derecho al aborto en este país, se enmarca en los movimientos de derechas y ultraderecha que pretenden no solo frenar los avances, sino volver atrás en materia de igualdad de género, derechos de las mujeres, derechos LGBTI, salud sexual y libertad reproductiva, tanto en la UE como el mundo.Los y las socialistas hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución que reclama los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres en cualquier lugar del mundo, puesto que el derecho al aborto es «un derecho humano inalienable» y el hecho de prohibirlo no va a evitarlos, sino que pondrá seriamente en riesgo la salud de las mujeres. Frente a esto, nos encontramos de nuevo con que la mayor parte del grupo del Partido Popular Europeo, incluyendo al PP español, ha votado en contra.
New EU Forest Strategy for 2030 – Sustainable Forest Management in Europe (A9-0225/2022 - Ulrike Müller)
He votado a favor de la nueva Estrategia forestal de la UE. Un importante instrumento de refuerzo para alcanzar nuestros compromisos relacionados con la mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático, la conservación y restauración de la biodiversidad, la promoción de la bioeconomía circular y el apoyo al desarrollo rural.Los bosques y el sector forestal son una parte esencial de la transición europea hacia una economía moderna, climáticamente neutra, competitiva y eficiente en el uso de los recursos. La estrategia reconoce el carácter multifuncional de los bosques de la UE, estableciendo una visión y acciones concretas para mejorar su cantidad y calidad. El desarrollo de esta Estrategia va a dar lugar a propuesta legislativas para recopilación de datos y el desarrollo de la definición de “bosques primarios” y un mapeo correcto de su presencia en la UE, entre otras, que han recibido el respaldo del PE en la Resolución adoptada con este informe.
Deforestation Regulation (A9-0219/2022 - Christophe Hansen)
Los socialdemócratas hemos impulsado en el seno de la UE el debate sobre la necesidad de contar con una nueva herramienta que allane el camino hacia las cadenas de suministro libres de deforestación, por lo que los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento que constituye un paso muy importante para establecer un marco legal que detenga e invierta la deforestación global impulsada por la UE.La Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación calcula que entre 1990 y 2020 se perdieron 420 millones de hectáreas de bosque, una superficie mayor que la de la UE, a causa de la deforestación, representando el consumo de la UE alrededor del 10 % de la deforestación mundial.Por ello, hemos respaldado este Reglamento que, una vez aprobado, prohibirá el acceso al mercado europeo de productos como la soja o el aceite de palma, cuya producción suele estar vinculada a la deforestación.Con la nueva norma y las mejoras introducidas por el Parlamento, las empresas tendrían que verificar que los productos vendidos en la UE no se han producido en tierras deforestadas o degradadas y que se cumplen las normas internacionales de derechos humanos.
Energy efficiency (recast) (A9-0221/2022 - Niels Fuglsang)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe porque propone una sustancial mejora sobre la propuesta de modificación de la Directiva relativa a la eficiencia energética de 2018, marcando unos objetivos ambiciosos de ahorro de energía, coherentes con el Pacto Verde Europeo, la Ley Europea del Clima y el plan para reducir la dependencia energética de Rusia, REPowerEU.Esta es una propuesta se enmarca dentro del paquete «Objetivo 55» el propósito de actualizar la regulación y los objetivos climáticos y energéticos para 2030.El informe aprobado establece un objetivo vinculante de eficiencia energética para 2030 del 14,5 % sobre el escenario tendencial (referencia 2020). Más ambicioso que la propuesta de la Comisión Europea (del 13 %, con la actualización de REPowerEU). Además, se incrementa la obligación de ahorro energético al 2 % anual, por encima del 1,5 % propuesto por la Comisión.Por otro lado, el informe final incorpora también se medidas promovidas desde el Grupo S&D para priorizar las políticas la implementación de eficiencia energética para grupos vulnerables, con bajos ingresos y en situación de pobreza energética.
Renewable Energy Directive (A9-0208/2022 - Markus Pieper)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento ha votado a favor de este informe porque es un importante paso para el fomento de las energías renovables y para promover la transición energética hacia la neutralidad climática.Esta propuesta actualiza la Directiva de renovables y establece los objetivos de cuota de energía renovable de cara a 2030 en la Unión Europea. El informe aprobado mejora la propuesta de la Comisión y proporciona el marco más robusto y ambicioso, para acelerar el Pacto Verde Europeo, cumplir con Ley Europea del Clima y reducir la dependencia energética de los combustibles fósiles y del chantaje de Rusia con el gas.En este informe el Parlamento ha acordado incrementar el objetivo global vinculante de cuota de energías renovables en el consumo de la Unión Europea al 45 %, con respecto al 32 % vigente. Se han establecido nuevas medias y objetivos para el sector industrial y de edificios, y se han incrementado los objetivos de cuota de renovables en los sectores de calefacción y refrigeración, y transporte. Se han reforzado medidas para una integración más eficiente de renovables en el sistema eléctrico. Además, se refuerzan los criterios de sostenibilidad de la bioenergía, especialmente la biomasa forestal.
Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (RC-B9-0384/2022, B9-0384/2022, B9-0391/2022, B9-0393/2022, B9-0403/2022, B9-0404/2022, B9-0405/2022)
Este verano de 2022 ha sido el más caluroso hasta la fecha en Europa, los efectos del cambio climático son más tangibles que nunca. España está siendo particularmente castigada por las olas de calor, incendios forestales y sequías. Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común porque consideramos crucial el buscar soluciones a la presente crisis y asegurarnos el estar mejor preparados para estos fenómenos en el futuro.La propuesta de Resolución común enfatiza la necesidad de buscar soluciones a las problemáticas relacionadas con el estrés hídrico y la desertificación. Se requieren medidas específicas para reducir el impacto de las sequías en el sector agrario y cultivos más resistentes al calor extremo. De igual manera, necesitamos más recursos para reaccionar ante situaciones de emergencia como los incendios forestales, que se expresan con especial virulencia en el sur de Europa.Los graves incendios del pasado verano en Ateca y Añón de Moncayo en la provincia de Zaragoza reflejan la importancia de destinar más recursos para frenar el cambio climático y evitar más catástrofes. El mecanismo de protección y el fondo de solidaridad, creados hace 20 años, fueron un acierto europeo, pero debemos adaptarnos a las nuevas circunstancias.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (A9-0253/2021 - Joanna Kopcińska)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta al estar convencidos de que la UE ha de mejorar lo antes posible su preparación ante fenómenos como la pandemia de COVID-19.Estamos satisfechos de haber contribuido a la expansión del mandato del ECDC, posibilitando que actúe de garante de la capacidad de respuesta de los sistemas sanitarios de los estados miembros. Estamos satisfechos del acuerdo llegado con el Consejo Europeo al respecto de la futura evaluación, en 2025, de la necesaria inclusión de enfermedades no transmisoras, como el cáncer o la diabetes. Este asunto ha sido una prioridad absoluta del Parlamento Europeo.Nuestro Grupo S&D ha trabajado para asegurar el máximo grado posible de transparencia. la estandarización y comparabilidad de datos y la inclusión de los actores de la sociedad civil en el proceso. Otros puntos a destacar son la creación de una Grupo de Trabajo sobre Salud de la UE permanente o la obligación de dar asistencia técnica y científica a las autoridades nacionales para ayudar a desarrollar su capacidad de secuenciar los genomas de los agentes infecciosos.
Serious cross-border threats to health (A9-0247/2021 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
La delegación socialista española ha votado a favor de esta iniciativa legislativa de vital importancia para dar respuestas a nivel europeo a amenazas transfronterizas graves para la salud. El principal objetivo es dotar a la UE de una mejor capacidad de reacción y de cooperación entre Estados miembros.El texto final pone énfasis en la importancia central de las medidas para mejorar la planificación y la preparación, una prioridad absoluta del Parlamento. Hemos trabajado para dotar de una mayor certeza legal y transparencia en los procesos de compras conjuntas de medicinas y dispositivos médicos. La Comisión estará obligada ahora a informar al Parlamento Europeo de todas las compras conjuntas y dar acceso a todos los contratos pertinentes.Otros aportes de este Reglamento son el rol reforzado del Comité de Seguridad Sanitaria para dar respuestas coordinadas y la creación de planes europeos para monitorear las existencias de recursos disponibles y un mejor conocimiento de la capacidad productiva de productos médicos de vital importancia.
Radio Equipment Directive: common charger for electronic devices (A9-0129/2022 - Alex Agius Saliba)
He votado a favor de este informe que actualiza la Directiva 2014/53/UE relativa a la armonización de las legislaciones de los Estados miembros sobre la comercialización de equipos radioeléctricos.El principal objetivo es, por un lado, proteger a los consumidores de la necesidad de comprar un sistema de carga cada vez que compra un dispositivo y, por otro lado, reducir los residuos electrónicos y, por tanto, la huella ambiental.Los motivos para dar mi voto favorable han sido, entre otros aspectos, que la Directiva facilitará la reutilización de aparatos electrónicos viejos, ahorrará dinero y reducirá costes innecesarios para el consumidor y el medio ambiente.Siendo conscientes de que la tecnología avanza a una velocidad extraordinaria, también acogemos la decisión de la Comisión Europea de revisar y actualizar periódicamente esta larga lista de dispositivos recargables con nuevos productos beneficia tanto a nuestros ciudadanos como al sector de la investigación y el desarrollo. La revisión periódica garantiza que las normas de la Unión Europea benefician a los ciudadanos y las ciudadanas no bloquean el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías en Europa.
EU Customs Single Window (A9-0279/2021 - Ivan Štefanec)
He votado a favor del informe sobre la propuesta de Reglamento del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo por el que se crea el entorno de ventanilla única de la Unión Europea para las aduanas y se modifica el Reglamento (UE) n.º 952/2013.El principal objetivo es mejorar la cooperación y la coordinación entre diferentes autoridades, y apoyar la verificación automatizada de las formalidades no aduaneras para las mercancías que entran o salen de la UE.La ventanilla única facilitará el trabajo de las empresas y les ahorrara tiempo, ya que no tendrán que enviar información a varias autoridades diferentes, cada una con su propio portal y procedimientos. También es importante resaltar que la ventanilla única aumentara la capacidad de las autoridades para actuar de manera conjunta en la lucha contra los riesgos.Así mismo, el informe final ha incluido las prioridades generales del grupo: reforzar el objetivo de las propuestas para la digitalización y las nuevas tecnologías, al tiempo que se garantiza un alto nivel de ciberseguridad y protección de datos personales.
Key objectives for the CITES CoP19 meeting in Panama (B9-0414/2022)
Los socialdemócratas hemos votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución que fija la posición del Parlamento de cara a la celebración de la 19ª Conferencia de las Partes de la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES).Los socialistas queremos poner fin al comercio de marfil, abordar los mercados de animales vivos, la delincuencia organizada, la ciberdelincuencia y los animales confiscados, reforzar el enfoque una sola salud y las enfermedades zoonóticas, incluir nuevas especies en los apéndices I y II, mejorar la transparencia y la presentación de informes y también el cumplimiento y aplicación de la Convención. A su vez pedimos una mayor protección de los grandes felinos, de los elefantes vivos y de otras especies, como los rinocerontes, los hipopótamos, los pangolines y la totoaba.Asimismo, los socialdemócratas pedimos a la Comisión que publique un nuevo y ambicioso Plan de acción de la UE contra el tráfico de especies silvestres, con acciones y objetivos claros y aplicables y que cree una lista positiva de animales permitidos como mascotas en la UE, bajo condiciones adecuadas de bienestar, que garantice que no se dañan ni las poblaciones en la naturaleza ni la biodiversidad europea.
The EU’s response to the increase in energy prices in Europe (RC-B9-0416/2022, B9-0416/2022, B9-0417/2022, B9-0418/2022, B9-0419/2022, B9-0420/2022, B9-0421/2022, B9-0422/2022)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo llevamos más de un año reclamando soluciones para abordar la subida de los precios de la energía y hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común sobre la respuesta de la Unión al aumento de los precios de la energía, ya que ha sido impulsada por nuestro Grupo y hemos aportado propuestas que se encuentran reflejadas en ella.Entre las medidas impulsadas por el Grupo S&D en esta propuesta de Resolución común se encuentran: el limitar los beneficios extraordinarios (windfall profits ) de las compañías energéticas; desacoplar el precio del gas del precio de la electricidad; establecer un tope al precio del gas; mejorar la transparencia y actuar contra la especulación y manipulación de los mercados energéticos. También se subraya la necesidad de mejorar las interconexiones energéticas, con una referencia explícita a la conexión de la península ibérica con Francia. Además, varias de las medidas planteadas en esta propuesta de Resolución común ya han sido puestas en marcha por el Gobierno de España.Ante la rotura del mercado, se requieren medidas excepcionales, revertir los beneficios inesperados de esta crisis en los ciudadanos y centrar las inversiones en descarbonizar el sistema energético. Las soluciones para prevenir otra crisis es lograr los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo.
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A9-0243/2022 - Alicia Homs Ginel)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor del informe que marcará las políticas sociales y de empleo de todos los países de la Unión Europea los próximos tres años.Las orientaciones, que se actualizan para hacer frente a las consecuencias de la COVID-19, la invasión rusa de Ucrania, la emergencia climática y el aumento del coste de la vida, tienen por objetivo proteger a los trabajadores y trabajadoras, especialmente a las personas jóvenes que realicen prácticas, fortalecer el Estado de bienestar y garantizar que las transiciones verde y digital sean justas para todos y todas.A pesar de los intentos de la derecha de volver a la austeridad y desmantelar el Estado social, hemos insistido en que se siga apostando por garantizar el acceso universal a unos sistemas de salud y cuidados de calidad, un sistema de rentas mínimas que no deje a nadie atrás, la creación de nuevos mecanismos de rescate que amplíen la financiación de los ERTE y una fiscalidad justa y progresiva.Trabajamos para que la Unión Europea continúe siendo sinónimo de solidaridad, de igualdad y de oportunidades.
Objection pursuant to Rule 112 (2) and (3): Active substances, including 8-hydroxyquinoline, chlorotoluron and difenoconazole (B9-0460/2022)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta oposición al considerar que la Comisión Europea no cumple con el principio de precaución al extender el período de autorización de estas tres sustancias activas. En concreto, esta prórroga, que se concede mediante un acto de ejecución, propone extender el período para clorotolurón hasta el 31 de octubre 2023 y para la 8-hidroxiquinoleína y el difenoconazol hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2023.Es de vital importancia que la extensión de los períodos de aprobación de sustancias activas cumpla con los criterios de seguridad establecidos en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 1107/2009 relativo a la comercialización de productos fitosanitarios. Consideramos que este no es el caso e instamos a la Comisión Europea a que vuelva a presentar un acto ejecutivo teniendo en cuenta la nocividad de las tres sustancias mencionadas. El Parlamento Europeo sigue llamando la atención a la Comisión Europea para asegurar que estas prórrogas dentro del procedimiento no se concedan a sustancias carcinógenas, reprotóxicas, con propiedades disruptivas endocrinas o dañinas a humanos o a animales.
Sustainable maritime fuels (FuelEU Maritime Initiative) (A9-0233/2022 - Jörgen Warborn)
La propuesta del FuelEU Maritime pretende reducir las emisiones del transporte marítimo a través del uso de combustibles sostenibles.El Grupo S&D ha conseguido incorporar más ambición climática y social en línea con el Pacto Verde con corazón rojo que defendemos. Se aumentan los porcentajes de reducción de emisiones propuestos por la Comisión, introducimos una subcuota para el hidrógeno verde a partir de 2030, creamos un Fondo para los océanos para incentivar la innovación en tecnologías verdes y reforzamos las sanciones.Además, el informe incluye medidas para prevenir el desvío de tráfico a puertos de terceros Estados, evitando así la fuga de carbono y la consecuente creación de paraísos fiscales de CO2 que pondrían en peligro los objetivos climáticos de la Unión. Así, se pretende mantener la competitividad de los puertos europeos como los españoles de Algeciras o Valencia que distan muy poco de puertos de terceros países, salvaguardando el desarrollo regional de estos territorios y los puestos de miles de trabajadores. Se incorpora, también, un pilar de justicia territorial con medidas para que la transición verde sea justa para aquellos territorios como Canarias y Baleares que dependen del transporte marítimo para el suministro diario de bienes básicos de consumo, medicinas, etc.
Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (A9-0234/2022 - Ismail Ertug)
La propuesta de Reglamento relativo a la implantación de una infraestructura para los combustibles alternativos establece objetivos nacionales vinculantes para el despliegue de suficiente infraestructura de recarga de combustibles alternativos en la Unión Europea, tanto para vehículos de transporte por carretera, como para embarcaciones y aviones.El Grupo S&D ha conseguido aumentar los requisitos de potencia y distancia para objetivos de electrificación e hidrógeno en transporte por carretera. Así, se busca crear confianza entre los consumidores, contribuir a bajar los precios y aumentar la demanda del coche eléctrico para lograr su despegue definitivo en las carreteras europeas.Gracias al Grupo S&D, el informe especifica que estos puntos de recarga deben ser rápidos, accesibles, asequibles y con métodos de pago fáciles y armonizados en toda la Unión. Asimismo, incorporamos la creación de un punto de acceso europeo de datos con información en tiempo real sobre la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de estos puntos. También se añade la recapacitación de los trabajadores que se encarguen del despliegue de los combustibles alternativos y su correspondiente infraestructura. Además, los planes nacionales deben garantizar la lucha contra la disparidad territorial, asegurando el acceso de todos los territorios a los puntos de recarga.Por último, en transporte marítimo, añadimos objetivos de suministro de amoniaco e hidrógeno en puertos marítimos.
UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (B9-0461/2022)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de la propuesta de Resolución que establece las prioridades del Parlamento Europeo ante la próxima Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático en Sharm el Sheij, Egipto (COP27). Creemos que, pese a ciertos avances en la acción climática global, sigue habiendo una gran brecha entre los compromisos anunciados y la realidad climática. Los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos siguen batiendo récords y los más afectados son los países en vías de desarrollo, que a su vez son los que históricamente menos han contribuido a la emergencia climática.Los socialistas españoles creemos que la UE y la comunidad internacional deben comprometerse a un rápido aumento de la ambición climática, una gran inversión en adaptación y abordar el tema de las pérdidas y daños, con una movilización suficiente en financiación climática y asistencia técnica. Abordar el cambio climático requiere de una respuesta global basada en la justicia, la ciencia, la responsabilidad y la solidaridad, y esperamos que en la próxima COP27 la UE sea un actor decisivo para alcanzar un resultado exitoso.
Prevention, management and better care of diabetes in the EU on the occasion of World Diabetes Day (B9-0492/2022)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución al considerar necesario redoblar esfuerzos en la lucha contra la diabetes a nivel europeo. Esta condición afecta a uno de cada diez ciudadanos europeos, su número total aumentó de 27 millones en 2012 a 32 millones en 2021.Esta propuesta de Resolución llama a la Comisión Europea y los Estados miembros a fijar objetivos ambiciosos para la reducción de la diabetes a nivel europeo. Se propone el desarrollo de planes nacionales de lucha contra esta condición, poniendo especial énfasis en contener los mayores factores de riesgo y en informar mejor a la ciudadanía.Como familia socialdemócrata, nos parece de vital importancia centrarse en el desigual impacto que esta condición causa a los ciudadanos europeos, afectando más a colectivos vulnerables, excluidos o residentes en zonas de difícil acceso. Otro aspecto crucial es asegurar la accesibilidad y asequibilidad de los medicamentos, para lo que se pide revisar periódicamente los incentivos concedidos a empresas del sector farmacéutico e incrementar la transparencia a la hora de fijar precios. Mejorar la alimentación de los europeos y evitar la obesidad también será clave para prevenir la aparición de diabetes.
Outcome of the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty (RC-B9-0498/2022, B9-0498/2022, B9-0502/2022, B9-0510/2022, B9-0513/2022, B9-0536/2022)
La propuesta de Resolución común sobre la modernización del Tratado de la Carta de la Energía, que hemos votado favorablemente y que ha conseguido una mayoría de votos, propone una salida coordinada de la Unión Europea de este acuerdo de inversiones vigente desde los años 90.Para la Delegación Socialista Española, la propuesta de modernización que ha negociado la Comisión Europea con las otras contrapartes es insuficiente porque no cumple con los acuerdos de París. Además, perpetúa el sistema para la resolución de litigios entre inversores y Estados a través del sistema de arbitraje.La posición del Parlamento coincide con la que ya habían anunciado Estados miembros como España, Francia, Alemania o Países Bajos. El Consejo todavía no ha tomado su decisión sobre si se retira del acuerdo mientras la Comisión Europea ha conseguido seis meses más para anunciar en el Tratado de la Carta de la Energía si el bloque comunitario permanece o se retira definitivamente.
A long-term vision for the EU's rural areas (A9-0269/2022 - Isabel Carvalhais)
He votado a favor de este informe destinado a mejorar la vida de 137 millones de ciudadanos de la UE que viven en las zonas rurales de la UE y cuyo objetivo general es garantizar que dichas zonas ocupen un lugar destacado en la agenda política de la UE.La Resolución adoptada demuestra que la Comisión Europea y el Parlamento Europeo están alineados para lograr una transición demográfica, ecológica y digital en las zonas rurales. La misión es hacer de las zonas rurales lugares más prósperos, dinámicos y atractivos para vivir y trabajar, preservando al mismo tiempo su carácter original.Los socialistas consideramos que hay que abordar el descontento político en estos territorios. Para ello hay que ayudar a resolverlo implicando activamente a sus habitantes, en especial a las mujeres, en el diseño de políticas transversales e integradoras impulsadas desde la UE. Además, hay que actuar de manera simultánea con intervenciones a escala nacional, regional y local con el fin de que también participen y se beneficien de la transición digital, verde y se revierta la actual tendencia demográfica en las mismas.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Spain and Greece (A9-0282/2022 - Henrike Hahn)
Esta nueva movilización del FSUE es otro ejemplo de la forma tangible y visible de la solidaridad de la Unión con la ciudadanía y las regiones en las áreas afectadas en Alemania, Bélgica, Países Bajos, Austria, Luxemburgo, España y Grecia.Sin embargo, la cantidad máxima disponible para esta movilización del FSUE es muy inferior a la cantidad de ayuda potencial que se necesitaría y viene más de un año después de que ocurrieran los desastres debido a las inflexibles normas de movilización del FSUE.En este sentido, consideramos que en el marco de la revisión del marco financiero plurianual los recursos disponibles para el FSUE deben incrementarse sustancialmente y estar disponibles de manera más oportuna.
Upscaling the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (A9-0281/2022 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
La crisis económica provocada por la COVID, la guerra en Ucrania, los altísimos precios de la energía y la inflación, la inseguridad alimentaria y el agravante del cambio climático implican que nuestro presupuesto está bajo una presión extrema y los recursos son muy escasos. El MFP 2021-2027 ya está al límite menos de dos años después de su adopción. Necesitamos actuar rápido. La UE debe poder estar a la altura de los desafíos actuales y emergentes.Pedimos a la Comisión que presente una propuesta ambiciosa para la revisión del MFP lo antes posible, a más tardar en el primer trimestre de 2023. Dicha propuesta debe incluir disposiciones para elevar los límites máximos las rúbricas principales del presupuesto de la Unión, y también debería permitir la creación de un instrumento especial permanente a nivel de la Unión, por encima de los límites máximos del MFP, que permitiría a la Unión reaccionar con agilidad y eficacia ante circunstancias imprevistas.Deberíamos tener en cuenta las lecciones aprendidas de la implementación del NGEU y la respuesta exitosa de la UE a la crisis de COVID-19 para asegurarnos de que, en la próxima crisis, la Unión esté preparada para responder a las necesidades de sus ciudadanos.
REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans (A9-0260/2022 - Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Siegfried Mureşan, Dragoş Pîslaru)
Tras la invasión de Ucrania por Rusia, declarando una guerra con consecuencias humanas, geopolíticas y económicas, el aumento de los precios de la energía, han provocado este año una subida de precios en alimentos, suministros y productos con consecuencias muy negativas para familias y empresas.REPower EU muestra la solidaridad de la UE. Este capítulo del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia contribuirá a reducir las facturas de los ciudadanos de la UE, proporcionando inversiones sustanciales para abordar la pobreza energética, acelerar la integración de fuentes de energía renovable e incentivar la reducción de la demanda de energía.Para ello, los Estados miembros dispondrán los créditos existentes del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia y 20 000 millones de euros adicionales.REPowerEU contribuye de manera sustancial a la rápida eliminación de la dependencia de la UE de los combustibles fósiles rusos y por lo tanto constituye un elemento importante en el esfuerzo de la UE en su respuesta a la guerra rusa contra Ucrania.Al movilizar inversiones adicionales en la producción de energía renovable, REPowerEU aumenta aún más la ambición de la UE con su Pacto Verde y la Ley Europea del Clima.Por todos estos motivos hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento.
Amendments to the European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs) Regulation (A9-0196/2022 - Michiel Hoogeveen)
La modificación del Reglamento FILPE pretende introducir cambios en el Reglamento FILPE de 2015 de cara, por un lado, a hacerlo más flexible para los administradores de fondos y, por otro, a conseguir que estas inversiones a largo plazo sean más atractivas para los inversores minoristas, impulsando a su vez el mercado de capitales europeo.Los y las socialistas europeos respaldan el marco FILPE revisado, que ampliará el acceso de los inversores minoristas a este tipo de vehículos de inversión, al tiempo que garantiza una protección adecuada de los inversores. Además, los vehículos de inversión FILPE podrían desempeñar un papel importante en el apoyo a la transición hacia una economía más sostenible.Sin embargo, para garantizar este objetivo, es fundamental que la Comisión Europea presente normas de sostenibilidad más estrictas para los fondos de inversión de largo plazo comercializados en la Unión Europea como sostenibles y/o la imposición de normas mínimas para la inversión en fondos sostenibles, bajo el Reglamento relativo al establecimiento de un marco para facilitar las inversiones sostenibles. Hemos asegurado que este punto conste en este Reglamento, que la Comisión tiene que cumplir.
Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe: Chips Joint Undertaking (A9-0012/2023 - Eva Maydell)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe que apoya la creación de una Empresa Común de Chips, en el marco de Horizonte Europa, para reforzar su investigación e innovación dentro de la UE.Hemos incluido provisiones que evitan una brecha digital e industrial aún mayor dentro de la UE y que esta iniciativa beneficie solo a países con mayor capacidad fiscal y con industrias digitales avanzadas.Además, hemos pedido un presupuesto sólido, la inclusión de las materias primas críticas como elemento clave del ecosistema de chips y un marco de cooperación internacional que permita garantizar su suministro.Asimismo, hemos logrado incluir menciones para acabar con la brecha entre la industria, la investigación y la educación. Todo ello reforzando las capacidades, atrayendo talento y fomentando la educación CTIM, con foco en la participación activa de las mujeres.Por último, hemos hecho énfasis en acelerar el desarrollo de chips cuánticos y semiconductores fotónicos y remarcado la importancia del diseño y del empaquetado.
An EU strategy to boost industrial competitiveness, trade and quality jobs (B9-0085/2023, B9-0086/2023, B9-0087/2023, B9-0088/2023, B9-0089/2023, B9-0090/2023, B9-0091/2023, B9-0104/2023, B9-0105/2023, RC-B9-0107/2023, B9-0107/2023, B9-0108/2023, B9-0110/2023, B9-0111/2023, B9-0115/2023)
La Delegación Socialista española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución común que destaca que las medidas incorporadas en el Plan Industrial del Pacto Verde son insuficientes. Igualmente, denuncia la falta de dimensión social y pide que se pongan al mismo nivel los criterios ambientales y sociales, para contribuir verdaderamente a una transición justa a la vez que se alcanzan los objetivos climáticos.Señala que este Plan debe ir en línea con las iniciativas sobre la reforma del mercado eléctrico y la ley de materias primas críticas. Además, considera central la propuesta del nuevo Fondo de Soberanía Europea, pide que se incorpore al MFP, que el Parlamento Europeo participe en el procedimiento presupuestario. Se menciona que el nuevo Fondo debería complementar al sistema de ayudas de Estado y que deberían controlarse los posibles efectos distorsionadores, ya que, si bien las ayudas públicas son necesarias, tienen el peligro de fragmentar el mercado único dado que no todos los Estados miembros tienen la misma capacidad fiscal.La propuesta de Resolución común defiende que la estrategia debe ir acompañada de iniciativas correspondientes en formación mediante inversiones públicas adicionales en toda la UE. E insta a la Comisión a desarrollar una agenda bilateral comercial ambiciosa.
Availability of fertilisers in the EU (B9-0101/2023)
Mi voto a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución traslada a la Comisión Europea la solicitud de una estrategia de fertilizantes en la UE que termine con nuestra dependencia de Rusia y otros países y apueste por el uso de fertilizantes orgánicos.La disponibilidad de fertilizantes es indispensable para proveer de alimentos a nuestros ciudadanos, en un momento en el que se tienen que enfrentar a un deterioro de su poder adquisitivo en el que la carestía de la cesta de la compra juega un papel muy importante.Las medidas hasta ahora propuestas por la Comisión trasladan a las ayudas de Estado el apoyo a los agricultores para hacer frente al incremento de insumos provocado por la guerra de Ucrania, rompiendo la igualdad de trato para el conjunto de agricultores de la UE.La disponibilidad y asequibilidad de un insumo tan fundamental como son los fertilizantes, es indispensable para la autonomía estratégica del conjunto de la UE.
Energy performance of buildings (recast) (A9-0033/2023 - Ciarán Cuffe)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento ha votado a favor de este informe porque es un importante paso para el fomento de la eficiencia energética y las condiciones de habitabilidad en los edificios, para promover la renovación de edificios y para la transición energética hacia la neutralidad climática.Los edificios son responsables de aproximadamente el 40 % del consumo de energía y del 36 % de las emisiones de CO2 en la Unión. Es un sector con un gran potencial para reducir el consumo energético, implementar energías renovables y reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI). El informe aprobado mejora la propuesta de la Comisión y proporciona el marco más ambicioso para acelerar la mejora de los estándares energéticos en los edificios, lo que ayudará a cumplir con los objetivos de la Ley Europea del Clima, rebajar las facturas energéticas y reducir la dependencia energética de los combustibles fósiles.Para evitar que las medidas sean una carga para los edificios residenciales, el informe incluye límites en su aplicación, así como el refuerzo de las medidas para impulsar la financiación. Gracias al impulso de nuestro grupo también se refuerzan las provisiones específicas para grupos vulnerables y viviendas sociales.
Adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion (B9-0099/2023, B9-0116/2023)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución, que es clave para asegurar que personas vulnerables o en riesgo de pobreza, estén cubiertas por un régimen de ingresos mínimos y tengan derecho a una vida digna.Los socialistas hemos conseguido que esta Resolución, aprobada por 336 votos a favor, incluya una petición para establecer una Directiva sobre renta mínima en el ámbito de la UE, con el fin de garantizar la inclusión social y que ninguna persona cuente con ingresos por debajo del umbral de pobreza fijado. A día de hoy, los sistemas nacionales de rentas mínimas no permiten alcanzar estos estándares. Contar con legislación a este respecto supondría también poder alcanzar los objetivos de reducción de pobreza, pactados durante la cumbre de Oporto de cara a 2030.La Resolución incluye, asimismo, importantes medidas de cara a abordar inadecuaciones en los sistemas actuales, como el llamado «non-take-up», una cláusula para evitar que los perceptores de ingresos mínimos se vean obligados a aceptar trabajos de mala calidad, o una petición para que las rentas mínimas sean complementarias a otro tipo de prestaciones como la pensión o el desempleo, y que sean percibidas individualmente y no por unidad familiar.
European Semester for economic policy coordination 2023 (A9-0044/2023 - Irene Tinagli)
He votado a favor del informe de la Comisión ECON sobre el Semestre Europeo porque recoge muchas de las prioridades del Grupo S&D.En primer lugar, señala claramente que la lucha contra la inflación requiere, no solo medidas de política monetaria, sino también medidas regulatorias y de política fiscal. Además, alaba el papel fundamental del instrumento SURE en la estabilización económica e invita a seguir su ejemplo en el futuro. Finalmente, recomienda avanzar rápidamente en la reforma de la gobernanza económica, que debería estar lista antes de que termine el año y en la que el Parlamento debe estar plenamente implicado.Las nuevas normas deben ser más simples, deben adaptarse a la realidad de cada país y deben permitir movilizar la inversión pública necesaria para afrontar las transiciones ecológica y digital, así como para garantizar la autonomía estratégica de la UE.
European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and social priorities for 2023 (A9-0051/2023 - Estrella Durá Ferrandis)
Los socialistas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este informe que aboga por un Semestre justo e inclusivo y pone al mismo nivel los objetivos sociales, económicos o medioambientales. Todo ello con el objetivo de alcanzar una transición sostenible y que proteja a las personas y grupos vulnerables.El informe fue aprobado en el Pleno con 319 votos a favor, 171 votos en contra y 138 abstenciones. Los socialistas conseguimos que se aprobará por primera vez una posición del Parlamento Europeo con prioridades clave para nuestra familia política como: la revisión del marco de gobernanza para ofrecer mayor flexibilidad y en vistas a la desactivación de cláusula de escape; un nuevo marco de convergencia social como sistema de vigilancia de los posibles riesgos ante la convergencia social al alza y que detecte potenciales consecuencias negativas de otras políticas; un nuevo Fondo de Soberanía para garantizar que los países tengan flexibilidad para hacer frente a los retos sociales, climáticos y medioambientales; y una dimensión social de las políticas climáticas y más herramientas para abordar el impacto desigual del cambio climático en los diferentes grupos de ingresos.En definitiva, hemos apostado por un Semestre renovado, que afronte los desequilibrios sociales y medioambientales.
Strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women (A9-0056/2022 - Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Samira Rafaela)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo vota a favor de este informe porque nos acerca al fin de las diferencias salariales entre hombres y mujeres y a garantizar que mujeres y hombres reciban igual salario por igual trabajo o trabajo de igual valor.La diferencia salarial media entre hombres y mujeres en la UE continua alrededor del 14 %, diferencia que, en el caso de los ingresos anuales se aproxima al 40 %. Dicha brecha se debe en parte a la falta de transparencia salarial, que facilita la discriminación por razón de sexo.Socialistas y Demócratas han logrado que las empresas con más de 100 trabajadores y trabajadoras deban informar anualmente sobre la brecha salarial y tomar medidas, así como reforzar los derechos laborales a través de las fuerzas sindicales y hacer recaer la carga de la prueba en las empresas y los Estados miembros, y no sobre las trabajadoras, que hasta ahora tenían que acudir a los tribunales para demostrar la discriminación salarial.
Fluorinated Gases Regulation (A9-0048/2023 - Bas Eickhout)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento que establece normas más estrictas para los gases fluorados, que son potentes gases de efecto invernadero que provocan hasta 25 000 veces más calentamiento global que el CO2 y representan alrededor del 2,5 % de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de la Unión.Los socialdemócratas hemos conseguido buenas soluciones para las bombas de calor, así como para los inhaladores de dosis media. A su vez, hemos conseguido incluir la formación de los trabajadores y disposiciones contra el comercio ilegal, para establecer normas claras sobre las tiendas online. En cuanto a las bombas de calor, hemos conseguido alinear esta propuesta con la propuesta REPowerEU y nuestras ambiciones de seguridad energética. No podemos permitir el uso de PFAS en las bombas de calor ya que tendrían un potencial de calentamiento global (PCA) muy alto, por lo que hemos defendido que estas usen alternativas naturales.El Reglamento sobre los gases fluorados no solo contribuirá a acelerar la transición hacia la neutralidad climática, sino que también limitará el riesgo de bloqueo en soluciones intermedias y ofrecerá seguridad a consumidores e inversores.Por todo ello, los socialistas hemos respaldado el informe.
Ozone-depleting substances (A9-0050/2023 - Jessica Polfjärd)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento que refuerza las disposiciones que regulan las sustancias que agotan la capa de ozono. Estas sustancias son productos químicos fabricados por el hombre que, una vez emitidos, llegan a la atmósfera superior y destruyen la capa protectora de ozono, causando el llamado agujero de ozono. Tienen importantes repercusiones sobre la salud humana y el medio ambiente y son gases de efecto invernadero con un elevado potencial de calentamiento global.Los socialdemócratas hemos conseguido reforzar la propuesta de la Comisión e introducir un nivel máximo de emisiones y un calendario para la eliminación progresiva de los límites cuantitativos, así como garantizar que la Comisión actualice la lista de sustancias del Anexo I cuyo uso está permitido. Asimismo, pedimos que los Estados miembros establezcan planes de acción vinculantes para reducir el riesgo de formación de piro-cumulonimbos procedentes de incendios forestales y su impacto negativo en la estratosfera y la capa de ozono.El ozono es una de las grandes historias de éxito de la política medioambiental y muestra cómo se pueden lograr excelentes resultados con normas vinculantes claras, que han faltado durante décadas en cuanto a ambición climática.
Monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport (A9-0134/2023 - Peter Liese)
Los socialistas españoles hemos votado a favor del acuerdo interinstitucional correspondiente a esta pieza angular de las políticas climáticas europeas. La arquitectura revisada del régimen de comercio de derechos de emisión y la retirada progresiva de los derechos gratuitos trazan una trayectoria a seguir y da certidumbre a los sectores cubiertos para su descarbonización.Una de nuestras principales preocupaciones ha sido el asegurar que la extensión de la ETS al transporte marítimo no causa fuga de carbono en puertos europeos y estamos satisfechos con la solución incluida para asegurar que esto no es así.Asimismo, valoramos positivamente el tratamiento de la situación particular de las regiones insulares y regiones ultraperiféricas y su conectividad.
Carbon border adjustment mechanism (A9-0160/2022 - Mohammed Chahim)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor del acuerdo interinstitucional porque creemos que el mecanismo de ajuste de carbono en frontera (CBAM) jugará un papel crucial para asegurar que los exportadores de productos que entren al mercado único paguen por lo que contaminan. Asimismo, incentivará la descarbonización de la producción industrial en terceros países.CBAM será el nuevo instrumento para dar solución al problema de la fuga de carbono de la industria europea, sustituyendo a los derechos gratuitos de emisión de la ETS.La delegación socialista española ha defendido la necesidad de asegurar una transición ambiciosa a la par que socialmente justa.La creación de una autoridad central CBAM y el reforzamiento de los instrumentos para evitar la evasión del mecanismo han sido mejoras visibles de la propuesta de la Comisión.
Social Climate Fund (A9-0157/2022 - David Casa, Esther de Lange)
La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor del Fondo Social para el Clima, pues, al abordar los impactos sociales de la inclusión de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de los edificios y el transporte por carretera, este Fondo constituye un importante instrumento para lograr una transición socialmente justa hacia la neutralidad climática.El Fondo Social para el Clima, aprobado por 521 votos a favor, 71 en contra y 43 abstenciones, ayudará a los hogares vulnerables, las microempresas y los usuarios del transporte a hacer frente a los impactos en los precios de la extensión del sistema de comercio de derechos de emisión de la UE a sectores adicionales como los edificios y el transporte por carretera y otros tipos de combustibles.Se establecerá durante el período 2026-2032 y los Estados miembros lo utilizarán para financiar medidas e inversiones para abordar el impacto de la tarificación del carbono en ciudadanos vulnerables y microempresas. Además, las medidas e inversiones apoyadas por el Fondo contribuirán a la aplicación del pilar europeo de derechos sociales, así como a puestos de trabajo sostenibles y de calidad en los ámbitos cubiertos por las medidas e inversiones del Fondo.
Deforestation Regulation (A9-0219/2022 - Christophe Hansen)
Los socialdemócratas hemos impulsado en la UE el debate sobre la necesidad de una nueva propuesta legal sobre las cadenas de suministro libres de deforestación, por lo que los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de este Reglamento que constituye un paso muy importante para establecer un marco legal que detenga e invierta la deforestación global impulsada por la UE.La Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura calcula que entre 1990 y 2020 se perdieron 420 millones de hectáreas de bosque, una superficie mayor que la de la UE, a causa de la deforestación, representando el consumo de la UE alrededor del 10 % de la deforestación mundial.Por ello, hemos respaldado este Reglamento que prohibirá el acceso al mercado europeo de productos como la soja o el aceite de palma, cuya producción suele estar vinculada a la deforestación.Con la nueva norma, y gracias a las mejoras impulsadas por el Parlamento, las empresas tendrán que verificar que los productos vendidos en la UE no se han producido en tierras deforestadas o degradadas, con la posibilidad de que en dos años se extienda el ámbito de aplicación a otros ecosistemas.
Act in Support of Ammunition Production (C9-0161/2023)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor de la propuesta de ley para aumentar la producción europea de municiones y misiles para apoyar a Ucrania y ayudar a los Estados miembros a reponer sus reservas. Mediante la introducción de medidas específicas, incluida una financiación de 500 millones de euros, la ley tiene por objeto potenciar la capacidad de producción de la UE y hacer frente a la actual escasez de munición y misiles, así como de sus componentes. Esta propuesta pretende apoyar la utilización de las reservas de los Estados miembros y la adquisición conjunta de municiones.Los y las socialistas españoles apoyaron unas enmiendas para evitar que los Estados miembros usen fondos regionales y de cohesión o los planes nacionales de recuperación y resiliencia para producir munición y para que se suprima la excepción a la Directiva sobre el tiempo de trabajo. Estas enmiendas no prosperaron por la negativa en bloque de la derecha, los liberales y la extrema derecha en el Parlamento Europeo.A partir de la votación empezarán las negociaciones con el Consejo para llegar a un acuerdo político que se votará en Estrasburgo en el Pleno de julio.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (A9-0184/2023 - Lara Wolters)
Los y las socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor del informe relativo a la Directiva sobre diligencia debida de sostenibilidad corporativa. De acuerdo con las nuevas reglas, las empresas y sus socios en la cadena de valor deberán tomar en consideración y actuar para eliminar su impacto negativo sobre los derechos humanos y el medio ambiente. La norma es clave para liberar de la explotación del trabajo infantil o la esclavitud a aquellos que los sufren; o de proteger los hábitats naturales de la contaminación o la pérdida de biodiversidad. Y también es una norma necesaria —especialmente porque el enfoque voluntario de diligencia debida corporativa en los ámbitos de los derechos humanos y ambiental es insuficiente—.Uno de los logros más importantes de los y las socialistas ha sido el de la introducción de artículos sobre reparación y participación de las partes interesadas, incluidos los sindicatos, y la introducción de medidas de acceso a la justicia para las víctimas.A partir de la votación empezarán las negociaciones con el Consejo para llegar a un acuerdo político.
Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products (A9-0173/2023 - Paolo De Castro)
He votado a favor de este informe que constituye el mandato de negociación del PE en la reforma del Reglamento sobre indicaciones geográficas de la UE. Las indicaciones geográficas son un símbolo de la calidad de los alimentos y bebidas europeas en todo el mundo. Juegan un papel muy importante como instrumentos de política pública de desarrollo y como parte fundamental de las políticas agraria y comercial de la UE.El informe del PE se ha centrado en reforzar el papel de las agrupaciones de productores, nuestros consejos reguladores, en una mayor protección de los productos que ostenten estos sellos de calidad y en simplificar procedimientos para la obtención de los mismos. Respecto al papel de la Oficina Europea de Propiedad Intelectual (EUIPO), el PE considera que su papel debe limitarse al apoyo administrativo dentro de un procedimiento en el que la decisión final de aprobación de una DOP o IGP, debe seguir correspondiendo a la Dirección General de Agricultura de la CE. Se propone, en definitiva, un sistema de indicaciones geográficas más fuerte y mejor adaptado a las necesidades de los productores europeos.
Sexual harassment in the EU and MeToo evaluation (A9-0178/2023 - Michal Šimečka)
La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe, porque considera que es necesaria una postura clara en contra todas las formas de acoso, incluido el sexual, de tal forma que se establezca un entorno laboral saludable y sin discriminación. Teniendo en cuenta, por ejemplo, que una de cada dos mujeres ha sido acosada sexualmente en Europa, al menos una vez, desde la edad de 15 años o que se constata que el ciberacoso sexual crece de forma constante.Los y las socialistas apoyamos las medidas del informe como la creación de protocolos estándares de apoyo a las víctimas, la inclusión del acoso transfronterizo, el intercambio y evaluación de mejores prácticas en la lucha contra el acoso sexual en el lugar de trabajo con otras instituciones de la UE y su difusión para mejorar, las medidas sancionadoras más duras para las personas acosadoras, la introducción de una red de consejeros y consejeras confidenciales para las víctimas dentro de las instituciones europeas y hacer evaluación periódica de medidas y resultados. Tolerancia cero.
Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation (A9-0187/2023 - Sandra Kalniete)
La Delegación Socialista española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe para redoblar los esfuerzos en la lucha contra las injerencias extranjeras hostiles, la desinformación, las amenazas híbridas y los ciberataques. Entre otras tácticas que explotan las vulnerabilidades de las sociedades abiertas europeas, que están aumentando y se intensificarán de cara a las elecciones al Parlamento Europeo de 2024. Asimismo, instamos a que las instituciones europeas y los Estados miembros apliquen una serie de recomendaciones con el objetivo de reforzar la resistencia, defender nuestras democracias y salvaguardar las elecciones libres y justas en Europa y el mundo.De igual forma, además de hacer un mapeo de las principales tácticas y actores que llevan a cabo injerencias en procesos democráticos, en el informe pedimos una estrategia coordinada a nivel europeo que ponga las elecciones como prioridad nacional y de la UE. También señalamos el importante papel de las plataformas y redes sociales al respecto y la necesidad de normas vinculantes en el marco regulatorio europeo, entre otras propuestas.
Artificial Intelligence Act (A9-0188/2023 - Brando Benifei, Dragoş Tudorache)
He votado a favor de la posición del Parlamento sobre la Ley de Inteligencia Artificial porque considero necesario regular la inteligencia artificial y controlar los riesgos inherentes al uso de dicha tecnología, asegurando la protección de los derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos y ciudadanas, favoreciendo la transición digital de nuestras sociedades y dotando de seguridad el desarrollo de las IA europeas.He apostado por una inteligencia artificial que sirva y ayude a las personas, situándolas en el centro de su desarrollo, una IA transparente, segura, justa y responsable. Hemos reforzado el ámbito de aplicación de la normativa y solicitado la aplicación de principios éticos a todos los sistemas de IA. También he apoyado la ampliación de las prohibiciones de uso de sistemas de reconocimientos biométrico en lugares públicos en tiempo real, el uso predictivo por la policía o el reconocimiento de emociones en áreas sensibles, como la educación o el control de las fronteras. Finalmente, hemos propuesto regular los sistemas como Chat GPT y cubrir los riesgos contra el medioambiente, la democracia y el Estado de Derecho.La norma empodera a los trabajadores, que deberán ser informados y cuyos representantes sindicales deben ser consultados.
Ensuring food security and the long-term resilience of EU agriculture (A9-0185/2023 - Marlene Mortler)
Durante décadas, la seguridad del abastecimiento alimentario en la Unión ha sido incuestionable. En la actualidad, tanto las consecuencias del cambio climático como las dificultades derivadas de la pandemia y de la invasión de Ucrania han puesto de relieve la necesidad de reforzar la seguridad alimentaria, la autonomía estratégica y la resiliencia del sector agrario de la Unión.He votado a favor de este informe que reconoce el carácter estratégico de la agricultura y analiza ampliamente los retos que afronta la seguridad alimentaria, dentro y fuera de la Unión. El informe resalta el indiscutible nexo entre agricultura y el medioambiente y la necesidad de apoyo a los agricultores para seguir avanzando en la sostenibilidad de nuestro sistema alimentario; en especial, garantizando el relevo generacional, pues la digitalización, la innovación, el producir más con menos, solo serán posibles si conseguimos atraer jóvenes al sector: la mejor garantía de futuro para la seguridad alimentaria de la Unión.
Quality traineeships in the EU (A9-0186/2023 - Monica Semedo)
Cuando una persona joven realiza prácticas está trabajando y, por tanto, debe ser tratada como tal. Sin embargo, el último eurobarómetro muestra que solo un 55 % de los becarios y becarias recibe algún tipo de compensación económica y que solo un 33 % tiene plena cobertura social.Frente a una derecha que se abstiene y se pone de perfil a la hora de defender los derechos de los y las trabajadores jóvenes, los socialistas hemos votado a favor de este informe que pide una ley europea para garantizar la calidad de los periodos de prácticas y poner fin a la explotación de los becarios y becarias en la Unión.Recogemos demandas clave, como la obligatoriedad de las empresas a suscribir contratos que establezcan condiciones de trabajo dignas, acceso a protección social, incluyendo derechos de pensión, seguro médico y vacaciones pagadas, así como el reconocimiento de los periodos de prácticas como experiencia laboral en la contratación y su duración limitada.Los socialistas apostamos por oportunidades con derechos, apostamos por el empleo de calidad.
Composition of the European Parliament (A9-0214/2023 - Loránt Vincze, Sandro Gozi)
He votado a favor de la propuesta legislativa del Parlamento sobre la composición de la Eurocámara tras las elecciones europeas de 2024. Los socialistas europeos hemos apoyado esta nueva propuesta en la que se añaden 11 escaños adicionales (pasando de 705 a 716) para compensar la representación de los Estados miembros que ganan población. Los Tratados atribuyen como máximo 751 diputados a la composición de la Eurocámara, por lo que con esta propuesta garantizamos espacio suficiente para incluir la circunscripción paneuropea de 28 escaños incluida en la nueva propuesta de ley electoral europea al mismo tiempo que se lanza un mensaje positivo de cara a futuras ampliaciones. De igual modo, el Parlamento cumple con la obligación que establece el Tratado de respetar la proporcionalidad decreciente y España aumenta su peso y representación pasando de 59 a 61 escaños.Una vez el Parlamento Europeo adopta su posición, corresponde al Consejo Europeo por unanimidad adoptar una posición que ha de ser refrendada por el Parlamento Europeo.
Objection pursuant to Rule 112 (4): The food additives nitrites (E 249-250) and nitrates (E 251-252) (B9-0307/2023)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos decidido votar en contra de esta oposición sobre aditivos alimentarios (nitritos E 249-250 y nitratos E 251-252) usados principalmente como preservativos en la carne procesada y la charcutería.El Reglamento al que se objeta fue aprobado con anterioridad en el Comité Permanente de Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos decidido votar en contra de esta oposición sobre aditivos alimentarios (nitritos E 249-250 y nitratos E 251-252) usados principalmente como preservativos en la carne procesada y la charcutería.El Reglamento al que se objeta fue aprobado con anterioridad en el Comité Permanente de Vegetales, Animales, Alimentos y Piensos por unanimidad de los Estados miembros. Dicho Reglamento reduce los niveles máximos de contenido de estas sustancias en el mayor grado posible dentro de lo actualmente factible. La EFSA avala dicho enfoque en sus opiniones, considerando que los nuevos umbrales garantizarían niveles seguros para los consumidores. Consideramos que esta es la vía oportuna para la reducción del impacto negativo en la salud humana ocasionado por estos aditivos. La prohibición, después de un periodo de cuatro años que se pedía en el texto de oposición, hubiera puesto en riesgo la capacidad de producción, así como compromiso la capacidad de prevención contra bacterias como la listeria o la salmonela.
European Chips Act (A9-0014/2023 - Dan Nica)
Los y las socialistas españolas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor del acuerdo al que se llegó en las negociaciones con el Consejo ya que se considera una propuesta estratégica para reforzar la autonomía estratégica abierta de la UE.La Ley de Chips pretende movilizar más de 43 000 millones de euros de inversiones públicas y privadas con el objetivo de aumentar su producción actual inferior a un 10 % hasta alcanzar el 20 % de la producción mundial en 2030. También tiene como objetivo facilitar la adopción temprana de nuevos chips por parte de la industria europea y aumentar su competitividad.Los y las socialistas españolas apoyamos esta ley que garantiza financiación, asegurando que la financiación destinada a las actividades de investigación e innovación se financian a través de Horizonte Europa y aquellas de desarrollo de capacidades a través de Europa Digital. Asimismo, la ley crea un entorno favorable para las inversiones en Europa, reconoce el importante papel de las pymes y se refuerza su apoyo, especialmente en el diseño, refuerza la cooperación internacional con socios estratégicos y crea una red de centros de competencias para atraer nuevos talentos en investigación, diseño y producción.
Fostering and adapting vocational training as a tool for employees' success and a building block for the EU economy in the new industry 4.0 (A9-0232/2023 - Anna Zalewska)
Los socialistas creemos que la educación y formación profesional desempeña un papel clave en la promoción de las competencias necesarias para las transiciones verde y digital. En este contexto de cambio, es fundamental que la FP sea inclusiva y accesible para todos los trabajadores y trabajadoras, incluidos los y las nacionales de terceros países. Asimismo, los empleadores tienen un rol clave a la hora de desplegar una FP de calidad, invirtiendo en la educación y capacitación de su personal para adaptarse a los avances tecnológicos. Para ello, es esencial que proporcionen permisos retribuidos para la formación.La FP, sin embargo, no puede ser una solución mágica para reducir la escasez de mano de obra. Es esencial que las empresas proporcionen condiciones de trabajo dignas para atraer y retener a trabajadores cualificados. Solo a través de la inversión en formación y talento se podrán garantizar empleos de calidad que consoliden la FP como fuente dinamizadora de innovación y progreso.Hemos votado a favor.
Nature restoration (A9-0220/2023 - César Luena)
Los socialistas españoles hemos liderado las negociaciones sobre el Reglamento de restauración de la naturaleza en el Parlamento Europeo y hemos respaldado, junto a la totalidad de diputados socialdemócratas, la aprobación de esta Ley.El 80 % de los hábitats europeos están en malas condiciones. A nivel mundial, la naturaleza está disminuyendo a un ritmo sin precedentes con 1 millón de especies en peligro de extinción.La Ley de Restauración de la Naturaleza, pilar clave del Pacto Verde Europeo y la respuesta a nuestros compromisos internacionales en materia de biodiversidad y clima, es crucial para prevenir los peores impactos del cambio climático y la pérdida de biodiversidad. Restaurar los humedales, ríos, bosques, praderas, ecosistemas marinos, entornos urbanos y las especies que albergan es esencial para nuestra seguridad alimentaria, resiliencia climática, salud y bienestar.Pese a la férrea oposición del PPE y de la ultraderecha a esta Ley, hemos conseguido aprobarla con la convicción de que la restauración de la naturaleza ofrece numerosos beneficios a la sociedad en su conjunto, incluidos los agricultores, que ya están experimentando los efectos combinados del cambio climático y la pérdida de biodiversidad. Tomar medidas para restaurar la naturaleza es fundamental para abordar estos desafíos.
Act in Support of Ammunition Production (C9-0161/2023)
Los socialistas españoles en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor del acuerdo al que se llegó en las negociaciones con el Consejo ya que se considera una propuesta prioritaria y urgente para potenciar la capacidad de producción de la UE para apoyar a Ucrania y ayudar a los Estados miembros a reponer sus reservas.Los y las socialistas españolas apoyamos unas enmiendas para evitar que los Estados miembros usen fondos de cohesión o los planes nacionales de recuperación y resiliencia para producir munición y para que se suprima la excepción a la Directiva sobre el tiempo de trabajo. Estas enmiendas no prosperaron por la negativa en bloque de la derecha, los liberales y la extrema derecha en el Parlamento Europeo, pero se recogen en el acuerdo con el Consejo. Por eso, votamos a favor del acuerdo.El acuerdo introduce una financiación de 500 millones de euros, apoyar la utilización de las reservas de los Estados miembros y la adquisición conjunta de municiones, garantizar una contribución financiera de hasta el 35 % de los costes subvencionables para acciones que aumenten las capacidades de producción de productos de defensa, con una bonificación adicional de 10 puntos porcentuales cuando participen pymes.
Protection of workers from asbestos (A9-0160/2023 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
. – Los socialistas hemos votado a favor de este texto para revisar la Directiva sobre protección de los trabajadores expuestos al amianto. El informe aprobado esta semana por el PE incluye prioridades socialistas en materia de salud y seguridad laboral, cumpliendo con el objetivo propuesto de alcanzar la ratio de cero muertes en los lugares de trabajo. No existen niveles seguros de exposición al amianto, por lo que los socialistas abogamos por una eliminación total de la exposición a esta sustancia, reforzando la normativa europea existente.En cuanto al texto, se ha conseguido incluir aspectos clave como la obligación de microscopía electrónica con período transitorio de 6 años, la restricción de la encapsulación o sellado del amianto o nuevos requisitos referentes a la formación y capacitación. También la supresión de exenciones respecto a una exposición esporádica y de baja intensidad y la inclusión de disposiciones sobre equipos de protección y descontaminación, con el fin de proteger a las familias o personas expuestas de forma secundaria.Esperamos que la Comisión presente ahora propuestas legislativas sobre el control y el registro obligatorios del amianto en los edificios y la revisión del protocolo de gestión de residuos de construcción y demolición de la UE.
Interim report on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (A9-0273/2023 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
. – La Unión Europea necesita urgentemente un marco financiero plurianual revisado que permita afrontar los desafíos y respetar los compromisos adquiridos hasta 2027. El MFP actual ha llegado al límite. No podemos desmantelar nuestros programas: hemos acordado objetivos y hemos asumido compromisos con nuestros ciudadanos y con nuestros socios internacionales y necesitamos una solución sostenible para pagar los intereses de la deuda contraída para el paquete de recuperación económica Next Generation EU.Los aumentos que recoge este informe subrayan las prioridades de nuestro grupo: más financiación para la ayuda humanitaria, mayor ayuda a Ucrania, mayores medios financieros para mitigar el impacto social y económico de la guerra en la UE, asistencia para la preadhesión y apoyo a los países vecinos, reforzar la autonomía estratégica de la UE, más financiación para la migración, así como más flexibilidad para hacer frente a desastres naturales y acontecimientos imprevistos. Los incendios y las inundaciones de este verano en toda Europa son una prueba más de lo urgente que es actuar.Todo esto sería imposible sin una revisión del presupuesto plurianual de la UE 2021-2027. Por todo ello hemos votado a favor de este informe.
European Media Freedom Act (A9-0264/2023 - Sabine Verheyen)
. – El derecho de acceso a una información libre y plural, la libertad editorial, la seguridad de los periodistas y la protección de sus fuentes de información son, entre otras, las razones que me han llevado a votar a favor de este Reglamento europeo.La posición del Parlamento Europeo viene a reforzar la propuesta de Ley Europea de Libertad de los Medios de Comunicación, para hacer frente a los ataques a la libertad de prensa provenientes de algunos Gobiernos extranjeros o actores maliciosos y a los retos de la digitalización. Para ello, se aumenta la transparencia en la gestión de los medios de comunicación, para conocer de dónde proviene la financiación que reciben, incluidas las subvenciones públicas; se garantiza el acceso libre a las noticias cuando son distribuidas por plataformas en línea y se mantiene el control sobre la desinformación; se permite la libre configuración de los dispositivos y de las pantallas de acceso a los medios audiovisuales; y se refuerza la gobernanza europea a través de una Oficina del Comité Europeo de Servicios de Medios de Comunicación totalmente independiente.
Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (A9-0271/2023 - Maria Spyraki)
. – La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de este informe porque es necesaria una mejor identificación y clasificación de los productos químicos peligrosos, una mejora de la comunicación sobre los peligros químicos, así como soluciones a las lagunas jurídicas y a los actuales altos niveles de incumplimiento de la normativa.Los socialistas defendemos que los productos químicos peligrosos, incluidos aquellos con propiedades de alteración endocrina, persistentes, bioacumulables y tóxicas, y persistentes y móviles se clasifiquen de manera adecuada y uniforme en toda la UE.Los socialdemócratas en el Parlamento Europeo abanderamos la lucha por un entorno libre de sustancias tóxicas y la aplicación de la Estrategia sobre sustancias químicas adoptada en octubre de 2020, a la vez que defendemos que la transición ecológica sea justa y no deje a nadie atrás.A su vez, luchamos para que los consumidores estén bien informados de los peligros para la salud y el medioambiente de las sustancias químicas, a través de etiquetas más accesibles y comprensibles para los usuarios de productos químicos, para que puedan tomar decisiones de compra con mayor conocimiento de causa. Es clave proteger a los ciudadanos de la exposición a sustancias químicas peligrosas y nocivas.
Standardised dimensions for carry-on luggage (B9-0391/2023)
. – La Delegación Socialista Española en el Parlamento Europeo ha votado a favor de esta propuesta de Resolución no vinculante para solicitar a la Comisión Europea una revisión de la legislación en materia de derechos de los pasajeros aéreos que permita estandarizar las medidas del equipaje de mano permitido a bordo, y evitar así el sobrecoste por la maleta de mano que a día de hoy aplican algunas aerolíneas.El texto aprobado pone el acento en las incomodidades derivadas de las políticas arbitrarias y, en ocasiones, abusivas por parte de las aerolíneas en materia de equipaje permitido a bordo de los aviones. Tal y como denuncia la propuesta de Resolución, esta situación es aún más grave para aquellos pasajeros que deben hacer trayectos combinando diferentes aerolíneas con estándares diferentes.La propuesta de Resolución incide, además, en la existencia de sentencias por parte del TJUE, que ya en 2014 se pronunció sobre este tema expresando que las compañías no deberían cobrar por el equipaje de mano, siempre y cuando este se ciña a unas determinadas dimensiones.
Urban wastewater treatment (A9-0276/2023 - Nils Torvalds)
. – La Delegación Socialista Española ha votado a favor de la propuesta de revisión de la Directiva sobre el tratamiento de las aguas residuales urbanas, con el objetivo de reforzar la calidad del agua de los lagos, ríos y mares europeos, a la vez que se hace más rentable el tratamiento de las aguas residuales.La propuesta aprobada refuerza las normas de recogida, tratamiento y vertido de aguas residuales urbanas con el fin de reforzar la protección del medio ambiente y también de la salud humana, a la vez que apunta a la neutralidad energética del sector para 2040 y a una mejor calidad de los lodos reutilizados, fomentando una economía más circular.Con la aprobación de esta propuesta, los socialistas españoles subrayamos también la necesidad de utilizar más ampliamente las aguas residuales tratadas para evitar la escasez de agua, especialmente en los sectores industrial y de calefacción/refrigeración.
Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (A9-0343/2023 - Christian Ehler)
Los y las socialistas españolas en el Parlamento Europeo hemos votado a favor del informe aprobado en la Comisión de Industria, Investigación y Energía al ser un acuerdo equilibrado que garantiza el fortalecimiento de la fabricación europea de tecnologías de cero emisiones netas.Apoyamos esta ley que garantiza que cada Estado miembro pueda decidir qué tecnologías considera estratégicas y seleccionar sus proyectos estratégicos, que deberán estar en consonancia con los objetivos climáticos y energéticos de la Unión. Dichos proyectos gozarán de permisos acelerados y apoyo financiero.Asimismo, se incluyen criterios de sostenibilidad social en relación a la contratación pública, se refuerzan los criterios de sostenibilidad ambiental y del 15 %-30 % del texto original de la CE, se pasa a un mínimo del 30 %. Además, se ha incluido que se descalifiquen las ofertas de licitaciones y adquisiciones si la proporción de productos originarios de terceros países excede el 50 % del valor total de los productos que constituyen la oferta para impulsar las empresas de la Unión.Esta ley será clave para alcanzar la autonomía estratégica abierta de la UE, acelerar el avance hacia los objetivos climáticos y energéticos para 2030 y crear empleos de calidad.
Reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families (A9-0360/2023 - Sandra Pereira)
Las múltiples crisis recientes han exacerbado aún más la situación de vulnerabilidad de muchos niños, niñas y sus familias, reforzando aún más las desigualdades.Con esta propuesta de Resolución, los y las socialistas instamos a los Estados miembros a garantizar una inversión pública sostenible y adecuada en políticas que garanticen servicios públicos universales, inclusivos y asequibles de alta calidad, y a establecer medidas específicas para los niños, niñas y las familias en situación vulnerable. Asimismo, creemos que son necesarias medidas universales que mitiguen los efectos económicos y sociales negativos de las crisis, así como políticas universales que las impidan. Hablamos de empleos de calidad con derechos laborales fuertes, esquemas de renta mínima o estrategias de vivienda pública.Gracias a los socialdemócratas, hemos conseguido que el texto recoja la necesidad de que estas inversiones estén siempre exentas de los recortes del gasto nacional. Pedimos, además, que los Estados miembros aumenten su apoyo a la Garantía Infantil y garantizar su aplicación completa sin demora.
Children first - strengthening the Child guarantee, two years on from its adoption (B9-0462/2023)
Los y las socialistas creemos que la Garantía Infantil Europea, insignia socialdemócrata, es el instrumento clave de la Unión para luchar contra la pobreza y la exclusión infantil. Tras casi siete años de espera hasta su implementación en 2021, es el momento de que los Estados miembros la utilicen sin demora y con ambición para garantizar que ningún niño, niña o adolescente crezca en la pobreza, sin acceso a servicios básicos y esenciales, como pueden ser una buena alimentación, una educación de calidad o una vivienda adecuada.La pandemia de COVID-19 y la invasión rusa de Ucrania han tenido un impacto desastroso sobre una situación ya de por si alarmante. Veinte millones de niños y niñas en la UE se encuentran en situación de gran vulnerabilidad, por lo que es más necesario que nunca que la Garantía Infantil aumente su capacidad para dar una respuesta adecuada.Con esta propuesta de Resolución, instamos a que los Estados miembros movilicen todo su capital político y financiero para romper de una vez por todas el círculo de pobreza y de exclusión desde la raíz, para salvaguardar los derechos de estos niños y niñas, y para sentar las bases de una Europa más fuerte e inclusiva.
2024 budgetary procedure: Joint text (A9-0362/2023 - Siegfried Mureşan, Nils Ušakovs)
Estamos ante una crisis presupuestaria. El presupuesto se ha llevado al límite, dejando un escaso margen para posibles imprevistos. Por ello se necesitan soluciones para apoyar a los más afectados: los ciudadanos y las pequeñas empresas.Como socialistas hemos luchado por un presupuesto eficaz para la gente y que mejore su bienestar, para obtener aumentos en programas que pueden marcar una diferencia en la vida de las personas, como Horizonte Europa, Erasmus, apoyo a los jóvenes agricultores o el diálogo social. También hemos aumentado la ayuda humanitaria de la UE.Nuestras prioridades también incluyen garantizar una financiación continua para la transición verde y la eficiencia energética, así como impulsar las inversiones para la reindustrialización. Además, tenemos que salvaguardar el papel de la UE como actor global y para lograrlo necesitamos un apoyo reforzado a Ucrania y países vecinos, y asegurar inversiones en una estrategia migratoria integral basada en los valores de la UE.Por ello, nos felicitamos por la buena cooperación con la Presidencia española del Consejo de la Unión Europea para alcanzar un acuerdo necesario para un año en el que el presupuesto de la UE tendrá que afrontar momentos de crisis y retos globales.
Packaging and packaging waste (A9-0319/2023 - Frédérique Ries)
La Delegación socialista española ha votado a favor de la propuesta de Reglamento de Envases y Residuos de Envases que sustituye a la Directiva de 1994 porque es necesario atajar la problemática que supone el incremento de residuos generados en la UE, que han aumentado más de un 20% en la última década.Defendemos un objetivo de reducción de residuos de envases del 15% para 2040, de un 20% para los envases de plástico y la prohibición de añadir intencionadamente a los envases en contacto con la comida sustancias químicas dañinas para la salud, como los químicos eternos (PFAS) y el Bisfenol A.Los socialistas hemos luchado para que sectores clave en nuestro país, como el vino o la cerámica, cuenten con provisiones especiales atendiendo a sus características particulares. Sin embargo, hemos defendido una postura más ambiciosa en lo relativo a los objetivos de reutilización para reducir los residuos generados o la prohibición de envases innecesarios, que son clave para alcanzar los objetivos de reducción de residuos.Esta ley es clave dentro del Plan de Acción de Economía Circular y del Pacto Verde Europeo, por lo que esperamos que en las negociaciones interinstitucionales se recuperen algunos de estos objetivos.
Proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties (A9-0337/2023 - Guy Verhofstadt, Sven Simon, Gabriele Bischoff, Daniel Freund, Helmut Scholz)
He apoyado con mi voto la propuesta del Parlamento Europeo para la reforma de los Tratados porque su aprobación activa el procedimiento de reforma previsto en el artículo 48.2 del Tratado.Europa y el mundo han cambiado radicalmente desde la aprobación del Tratado de Lisboa de 2007 y a estos cambios se unen las últimas crisis con la pandemia del Coronavirus, la guerra de agresión a Ucrania o la escalada bélica en Oriente Medio. Este contexto demuestra que actualizar nuestro marco institucional en un nuevo Tratado es más necesario que nunca.Con este informe, el PE refleja las demandas de la ciudadanía expresadas en la Conferencia sobre el Futuro de Europa. Estas se pueden resumir en mejores políticas (neutralidad climática, Unión sanitaria, Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales) y en una mejor toma de decisiones (fin del veto en el Consejo y ampliación del procedimiento legislativo ordinario, entre otras). Esta reforma de los Tratados es aún más necesaria si cabe si queremos ampliar la UE a Ucrania, Moldavia o los Balcanes Occidentales.Con este informe se abre el camino para una Convención constitucional que nos lleve a un nuevo Tratado más federal.
Job creation – the just transition and impact investments (A9-0342/2023 - Sara Matthieu)
Los socialistas hemos votado a favor de este informe, que tiene por objetivo el fomentar la creación de empleo calidad y proteger los derechos laborales. El cambio climático y la descarbonización son también puntos centrales del texto, que apuesta por unas transiciones justas y aboga por oportunidades de cambio, relativo a la creación de nuevos empleos, sobretodo en el sector energético y economía circular.El informe ha sido adoptado por 349 votos (+), 142 (-) y 65 abstenciones. Nuestra familia política seguirá trabajando por impulsar reformas, que garanticen la justicia social y medioambiental en las transiciones, así como por un nuevo contrato social que garantice el bienestar y el progreso socioecológico de todas las personas, y que sitúe los objetivos sociales y ecológicos al mismo nivel que la disciplina fiscal. También, por una aplicación total y efectiva del pilar europeo de derechos sociales, y por una mayor democracia en los lugares de trabajo.Continuaremos trabajando por garantizar un trabajo digno en Europa, con oportunidades para prosperar y llevar una buena vida. El acceso a una vivienda decente y a un mercado de trabajo estable y de calidad que garantice pensiones futuras, es prioridad para nuestro grupo.
Written questions (31)
Ryanair's policy of separate seat allocation
Impact of Thomas Cook's bankruptcy
Dismissal of Ryanair pilots in favour of pilots on suspect freelance contracts
Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air
Parental veto in schools
Passenger rights and flight refunds in view of travel restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19
Impact of COVID-19 on the automotive industry and its transformation
Relocation of the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) to Brussels
COVID-19’s impact on aircrew employment
International Management Group’s status as an international organisation
U-Space regulatory procedure
Systematic and coordinated push‑backs by the Greek authorities
Action to tackle discrimination against air passengers with disabilities
The crisis in Airbus and aerospace sector
Termination of the Commission’s catering tender on the grounds of ‘force majeure’
Consequences of Aernnova’s labour force adjustment plan in Berantevilla, La Rinconada and Cádiz
European ports and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
Introducing an EU hygiene certification seal and making it available to SMEs in the tourism industry
Use of acoustic cannons against migrants and asylum seekers in Greece
‘Parental pin’ – veto of LGBTIQ educational content at schools in Murcia (Spain)
Closure of the border crossing at Bielsa-Aragnouet
Inclusion of the parent company of the internet search engine and ride-hailing service Yandex on the list of Russian companies sanctioned by the Union.
Challenges facing the merchant shipping industry
Alleged infringement of passengers’ rights in connection with flights to Iceland
European School in Uccle: closure of the Spanish section in the nursery and primary school for the 2023-2024 academic year
The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area
Additional measures to prevent bottlenecks and delays along the Mediterranean Corridor through France
Unfair practices by airlines that charge passengers for printing tickets at the airport
Refunds for vouchers issued for flight cancellations during COVID-19
Floods in Zaragoza and European measures to adapt to climate change
Blocking Spanish lorries at the French border
Amendments (2610)
Amendment 3 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the Council Decision 2022/1223 for the reuse of EUR 600 million was taken to address the food security crisis and economic shock in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; believes that in view of the exceptionally dire food security situation in ACP countries, those funds need to be complemented with appropriate measures to enhance food autonomy of local communities;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes that in 2022, the implementation of the EDF contributed to improvements in water and sanitation, access to electricity, access to legal aid, food security and nutrition, environmental protection, climate change mitigation strategies and natural ecosystems, health, education, and entrepreneurship/employability;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the consolidation in 2022 of the Team Europe approach resulting in increased information flow and exchange with Member States and European financial institutions for a better coordination and more effective management of the EDF with other national, EU or partners resources; takes note of the regional Team Europe Initiatives (TEI) on the Western Mediterranean migration route, where its management group includes representatives from both DG NEAR and DG INTPA ensuring coherence of action and optimal use of financial resources;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets however that according to the Court’s report the DG INTPA’s KPI on reducing old pre-financing does not take into consideration the number of years for which each pre-financing transaction has remained open, therefore the Court considers that achievement of this KPI did not reflect the difficulties it had encountered in clearing older pre-financing transactions, some of which had been open for up to 12 years; notes the Commission’s reply that as to the ageing of open invoices and pre-financings that have remained uncleared for up to 12 years, the majority of these old pre-financings are linked to litigation cases, and that the Commission has already put in place annual controls and is using a Portfolio Dashboard allowing staff to monitor these open transactions, which was updated in October 2023; calls on the Commission to provide a detailed report to the European Parliament and the Court specifically addressing these litigation cases, including an explanation concerning their origins and context, as well as a plan how to reduce and minimise litigation cases in the future; regrets that the Court did not probe the litigation cases and calls upon the Court to do so in its next audit report;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes with concern that by typology of errors the estimated level of errors in the financial year 2022 related to expenditure not incurred was 51 % (14,9% in 2021), to ineligible expenditure was 24 % (38,6% in 2021), to serious failure to respect public procurement rules was 16 % (14,6% in 2021), to absence of essential supporting documents was 7% (23,3% in 2021) and related to other types of errors was 2% (8,6 % in 2021); highlightsnotes the Commission’s reply that most errors such as that could have been avoided are relevant to excess clearing (expenditure not incurred is mostly), which is due to deinsufficiencies in the EU delegations’ control systemt financial reporting provided by implementing partners in indirect management and does not affect the implementation of the projects;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Is concerned that Benin´s EDF national authorising officer awarded a contract to a consultancy company to strengthen civil society involvement in the country, in serious breach of the public procurement rules; notes with concern that according to the Commission, the Evaluation Committee used its “discretionary power” to apply a calculation method which was not sufficiently documented in the procedure; recalls that the Qatargate scandal has revealed the role of non-profit organisations and civil society in corruption; recalls that European Court of Auditors Special Report No 35/2018 warns that the Commission does not have sufficiently detailed information on how the money is spent on civil society organisations, recalls the report of the Budgetary Control Committee A9- 0446/2023 on the transparency and accountability of non-governmental organisatnotes the remedial actions taken by the Commission concerning the internal control systems of the concerned EU delegation, such as clarification of the relevant rules, a review of similar clearings and a supervision missions; calls on the Court to produce a special report on EU funds being funnelled into civil society organisations, and to propel the Evaluation Committee and its discretionary powers concerning public procurement procedures, as well as any contacts and ties between the Evaluation Committee, including its members, and civil society organisations and other non- governmental organisationsnotes that the level of error in the EU delegation in Benin accounted for approximately 30 % of the total error and that if it were not included, the total error would have been approximately 4,7 % instead of 7,1 %;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Notes that, in 2022, 333 Recovery Orders were issued by the Commission on 293 contracts for a total amount of EUR 62.92 million;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes with concern thatthe Court’s observation that in 2022 the Commission and its implementing partners committed more errors in transactions relating to programme estimates and grants and to contribution and delegation agreements with beneficiary countries, international organisations and member state agencies than they did with other forms of support (such as those covering works, supply and service contracts); notes, in addition, that out of the 99 transactions of this type examined by the Court, 46 contained quantifiable errors, which accounted for 86 % of the estimated level of error; takes note that DG INTPA is currently reviewing its control strategy, including reporting requirements, and exploring potential remedial measures; asks the Commission to inform the discharge authority about its revised control strategy;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses that, according to Court’s assessment, the RER study does not constitute an assurance engagement or an audit and is based on the RER methodology and manual provided by DG INTPA; stresses, furthermore,notes that DG INTPA clarifies that the RER study is meant to be a key indicator for the estimated financial impact of residual errors, i.e. it measures the good functioning of the internal control system and thus, demonstrates the Commission’s corrective capacity; stresses that, as in previous years, the Court has found limitations in the study; notes that the Court, by reviewing the calculation method used in the 2022 RER study, considered that the RER was underestimated and that the Court’s calculation yielded an RER of 1,35 % ; notes, furthermore, the Court’s opinion, as in previous years, that the RER methodology allows the contractor to rely entirely on the results of DG INTPA´s management checks, and that placing reliance on the work of other auditors is contrary to the purpose of an RER study;
Amendment 32 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that in 2022, the two largest budget support recipients were Morocco and Tunisia; recalls that Tunisia denied entry to an official delegation of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee in September 2023 and has been the first country torecipients of EDF payments were Mozambique, Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the sectors with the highest funding were government and civil society, agriculture, evner do so; recalls that Morocco is at the centre of the Qatargate scandal and that a senior member of the Moroccan royal family features prominently in the Pandora Papers; urges therefore for the EDF support to these countries to be substantially lowered until all concerns regarding human rights abuses, corruption and tax evasion have been properly addressedgy and social infrastructures and services; notes that the implementation of the EDF concerns countries that are facing aggravating impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity and are weakened by rising debt, new and forgotten humanitarian crises and conflicts, generating growing inequality and poverty;
Amendment 39 #
2023/2183(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46 a. Recalls that global crises have generated and expanded inequalities both within and between countries, undermining social cohesion and, in this context, welcomes the development of an Inequality Marker (I-Marker) to create a sound reporting and benchmarking system on the contribution of all interventions to reducing inequalities;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas trust in Parliament’s integrity and the rule of law is paramount for the functioning of European democracy; whereas citizens’ rights are fully respected;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the 2022 follow-up process resulted in the closure of 38 of the 92 open actions and for which the agreed due dates for implementation had expired; is concerned by the fact that as of 31 December 2022, 29 open actions were overdue for more than 12 months; expects the different directorates-general to ensure that the remaining actions are closed without any further delay and that the agreed actions are implemented in accordance with the due dates set in the internal auditor’s annual report;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that pursuant to Rule 25 of and Annex V to the Rules of Procedure and Articles 6 and 262 of the Financial Regulation, once the Plenary calls for different rules or measures to be implemented by Parliament, the rules or measures proposed arshall be discussed and voted on by the Bureau; recalls, in light of Rule 25 of the Rules of Procedure, that the Bureau is responsible for taking decisions on financial, organisational and administrative matters concerning Members; recalls that the Bureau is composed of the President of the European Parliament, the 14 Vice-Presidents and the five Quaestors (non-voting members) democratically elected by Parliament; notes, that the members of the Bureau deliberate on Parliament’s draft estimates; recalls that the discharge is an exercise of democratic scrutiny and that the concrete demands adopted by Plenary in discharge resolutions shall be reflected in the discussions of the Bureau;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Stresses that transparency, accountability, and integrity are essential ethics principles within the Union institutions and particularly Parliament as the house of European democracy; notes that Parliament reconfirms trust in the Union’s decision-making process by improving transparency, ethics and good conduct in the most representative European institution through its actions;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes that 2022 was the first year of the full implementation of the mandatory transparency register under the revised IIA adopted in 20212 and that the register is a key tool for promoting transparent and ethical interest representation at Union level becauseas long as registration is respected as a precondition for interest representatives to be able to carry out certain activities with the Union institutions, including Parliament; calls for the provision of all necessary resources to ensure that the internal rules related to the Transparency Register are effectively enforced, including, where appropriate, the imposition of adequate sanctions; _________________ 2 Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 May 2021 between the European Parliament, the Council of the EuropeanUnion and the European Commission on a mandatory transparency register, OJ L 207, 11.6.2021, p. 1.
Amendment 33 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the increased use of the transparency register as an information and reference tool for interest representation activities at Union level; notes the continuous improvement in the quality of information on the public database resulting from eligibility and data quality checks of new applicants; welcomes the regular communication, helpdesk and awareness-raising activities undertaken by the Secretariat among stakeholders both within the institutions and outside, as well as the development of IT solutions to improve the transparency register; recommends that IT solutions are used to integrate the Transparency Register in all Parliament’s activities involving external entities to allow to record and track their participation through the relevant databases;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls, as a consequence of the events at the end of 2022, for the establishment of robust standards on transparency and access to EU institutions for entities listed in the transparency register, including NGOs; recalls that NGOs were allegedly used as vectors of foreign interference in European Parliamentarism; reiterates, in this context, the need for comprehensiv's decision-making processes; regrets that the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) organised a two-day conference financial pre-screening of entities before June 2022 together with those organisations, despite the fact they awere lnot registered in the tTransparency rRegister;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Stresses the need for a thorough pre-check as part of registration in the transparency register to disclose all funding sources; notes that funding from Union funds must be traceable from the direct recipient to the final beneficiary when funds are passed on in a chain; calls for a revision of the guidelines for registration in the transparency register to disclose all incoming and outgoing funds, including the transfer of funds from one NGO and stakeholder to another; underlines that NGONotes that funding from Union funds must be traceable from the direct recipient to the final beneficiary; underlines that all registrants receiving money from third parties, whose registration in the transparency register is not required, need to disclose the source of their funding by specifying the same information as all regular registrants;
Amendment 48 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Recalls the changes in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure on 20 December 2020 allowing for remote voting and the fact that voting remotely in committee is currently not allowed unless the President establishes the existence of extraordinary circumstances; reiterates its request to the Bureau, adopted at Plenary level on several occasions, to enable Members to exercise their right to vote remotely while benefiting from maternity or paternity leave, during a long term illness or in cases of force majeure, thus capitalising on the great administrative effort and financial investment that Parliament has made in technical solutions to allow remote voting;
Amendment 49 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Notes that the average number of MEPs signing the attendance register on Friday of the plenary weeks in Strasbourg during 2022 was 71; points out that many Members work in their offices and hold meetings in Brussels on Fridays of plenary weeks and requests that the attendance register be enabled to record their presence in both places of work;
Amendment 50 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Recalls that OLAF has the mandate to investigate suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions, including possible breaches of the Code of Conduct of Parliament’s Members; notes that Parliament has systematically rejected OLAF’s requests to conduct inspections of MEPs’ offices and access their electronic servers and devices, which is a legal prerogative only used when it is strictly needed and proportionate for the investigation and fully respecting confidentiality; calls Parliament’s administration to not put any obstacles in the way of implementation of Parliament’s Decision of 18 November 1999 governing relations with OLAF during internal investigations;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that, on 10 March 2022, the President issued a revised decision on ‘Security measures to limit the spread of COVID-19’ which meant physical presence for several activities was restored, including re-admitting visitor groups; notes the decision to increase the paid financial contributions for travel, accommodation, meals and minor local expenses by 10 % for the sponsored visitor groups in 2022; notes the decision by the Bureau to reduce the annual quota of sponsored visitors per member from 110 to 100 and from 55 to 50 for election years; highlights that the decision to carry over the unused quota from 2020 to 2022, 2023 and 2024 remained unchanged; reiterates that the financial responsibility of the sponsored visitors’ groups shall be taken up only for a member of the group or a professional, such as paying agents or travel agencies, and repeats its request to the Bureau to eliminate APAs from the list of permitted heads of groups;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the actions taken on the fight against disinformation and information manipulation and calls to reinforce these actions in light of the upcoming European elections; highlights that one of the most powerful tools against disinformation is positive, factual communication about Parliament’s work;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Acknowledges that several Directorates-General have expressed their concerns about attracting talent and specialised profiles that are essential to carry out Parliament’s core business; notes that only services that are essential may be considered for a potential internalisation exercise; highlights that some services are carried out by external service providers due to their specific nature which does not meet the conditions for internalisation; is therefore of the opinion that the services not meeting these conditions should not be considered for internalisation by the governing bodies and thus, is of the opinion that Parliament's governing bodies should consider the internalisation of essential services such as catering and cleaning, as Parliament has previously done with security and IT services, as well as with the CPE2 crèche in Luxembourg; calls on the Secretary-General to carry out a feasibility study on the internalisation of catering and cleaning services in order to have a reasonable cost-benefit analysis and to report back to the Committee on Budgetary Control on the outcome;
Amendment 79 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Acknowledges that the work of APAs is an integral part of the work of Members and therefore of Parliament; notes that following the adoption of the APA statute in 2009, their status over the years has been recognised; notes the efforts made by Parliament to create a framework for providing support to APAs; calls for due adherence to the rules in place; notes, that since then, APAs participate in official missions to Parliament’s three places of work; reiterates its long-standing request to allow APAs, under certain conditions yet to be determined, to accompany Members on official Parliament delegations and missions outside of the three places of work, as reiterated by Plenary in several discharge resolutions; urges the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents to respond positively to this demand;
Amendment 83 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55 a (new)
Paragraph 55 a (new)
55a. Notes that APAs, regardless of their experience and qualifications, are excluded from participating in Parliament’s internal competitions as well as in Schuman Recruitment and Development Programme; encourages the Bureau to avoid the loss of this knowledge and experience by providing APAs with similar career opportunities within Parliament on a fair basis and with appropriate criteria;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57 a (new)
Paragraph 57 a (new)
57a. Recalls its concerns about some of the measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic having modified working conditions in specific services and calls for a proactive monitoring and evaluation of the new ways of working so the well- being and satisfaction of the staff are not negatively impact; highlights in this context the importance of the social dialogue with staff representatives;
Amendment 97 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 a (new)
Paragraph 58 a (new)
58a. Recalls Parliament’s recommendation to the Commission in its resolution of 18 April 2018 “to review its administrative procedure for the appointment of senior officials with the objective of fully ensuring that the best candidates are selected within a framework of maximum transparency and equal opportunities, thereby also setting an example for the other European institutions”; is of the opinion that Parliament, regarding appointment procedures, should always meet the highest standards in terms of transparency, accountability and good administration; calls therefore on the Bureau to include the appointment to the post of secretary-general in its decision of 16 May 2022 laying down the steps in the procedure for appointing senior officials;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 a (new)
Paragraph 67 a (new)
67a. Recalls the Bureau decision of 23 October 2019 to approve the creation of an IDEA Lab with the aim of testing new, innovative solutions in the context of offices and facility management; points out that the IDEA Lab is supposed to be at the disposal of Members and thus, points out that Members have not been properly and proactively informed about the innovations to be tested nor their costs; notes the high annual maintenance cost of IT solutions that are not being implemented in Parliament; calls on the Bureau working group on buildings and Parliament’s administration to ensure greater transparency regarding the functioning and budget for the IDEA Lab and to regularly present to the Committee on Budgetary Control the list of innovative solutions, their cost and the feedback produced, as well as the potential saving if implemented;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Takes note of the measures implemented in order to lower Parliament’s energy consumption, such as reducing maximum heating temperatures in office areas and increasing minimum cooling temperatures, switching off the heating and cooling systems during the weekend and public holidays, reducing the lighting of building facades and decreasing indoor lighting levels; acknowledges that the measures are to be reassessed as the energy crisis evolves; and to take into account the feedback of the staff on how those measures impact its satisfaction and wellbeing;
Amendment 119 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Paragraph 72 a (new)
72a. Is concerned that the tribune in the visitors’ area of the hemicycle in the SPAAK building is not accessible to people with reduced mobility; recalls that every European citizen should have equal access when visiting the EU institutions; recalls that the Union has been at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and equality for all its citizens; calls for an analysis of the needs of visitors with disabilities and for the appropriate measures to be implemented;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73 a (new)
Paragraph 73 a (new)
73a. Notes that in 2022, after the COVID-related capacity restrictions were lifted, the offer of seats in the service fleet going on Mondays from Brussels to Strasbourg was 250 places and that per part-session week in 2022, on average 162 seats or 65% of seats available in the fleet were occupied; reiterates its call on Parliament’s administration to widen the use of seats while making sure that Members’ seats are secured to avoid wastage of resources;
Amendment 127 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73 b (new)
Paragraph 73 b (new)
73b. Is concerned that the Osmose building in Strasbourg will not be able to accommodate meeting rooms, as was the initial reason for renting it and that this will not be solved even if part of the administration is moved to that building; is concerned about the hidden costs of the Osmose project, i.e. leasing, cleaning and security that would amount to EUR 189 981 000 for the stipulated leasing period of 99 years, in addition to EUR 10.3 million for furnishing, security and IT equipment and the still undetermined cost for connecting the Osmose building to Parliament premises; believes that the Legal Service shall confirm whether Parliament can take on a leasing from the French authorities on a building they don’t own;
Amendment 134 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Takes nNotes that interpreter representatives contested the working conditions applicable to interpreting for remote participantParliament’s interpreters held a strike from June to October 2022 with the aim of improving the working conditions applicable to interpreting for remote participants, due to the impact on the health and well-being of interpreters that resulted from remote interpretation for long periods of time, in particular the reported hearing problems; highlights that the resulting industrial action in the summer and autumn of 2022 led to interpreting stoppages in specific situations, affecting remote speakers that had insufficient sound quality to avoid health risk for the interpreters; regrets the use of external interpreting services during this strike as this decision jeopardised Parliament’s quality standard for interpretation, damaged its image and obstructed workers' right to strike; remarks that interim Interpreter Working Arrangements for meetings with remote participation entered into force on 17 October 2022 as a result of social dialogue between trade unions, interpreters’ representatives and Parliament’s administration; notes that they allowed for restoration of interpretation for remote speakers while maintaining the reduced weekly working hours for interpreters, thus resulting in a reduction of the service provision by interpreter; notes that social dialogue aiming to establish a permanent framework and full restoration of interpretation services was ongoing at the end of 2022 and was concluded in 2023;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84 a (new)
Paragraph 84 a (new)
84a. Stresses that, under Rules of Procedure of the Parliament, Members have the right to speak in the official language of their choice, which reflects European cultural and linguistic diversity and also makes the Union institutions more accessible and transparent to all Union citizens; welcomes the exceptional work done by interpreters in 2022, ensuring, as far as possible, that public debates are interpreted in all official EU languages;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85 a (new)
Paragraph 85 a (new)
85a. Appreciates the need for interpreters for the Head of Delegation to participate in official missions to third countries;
Amendment 145 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 a (new)
Paragraph 94 a (new)
94a. Is concerned that in 2022, five cases of suspected fraud were found where allegedly Members claimed specific means of transport while in fact using a cheaper one; notes that two recovery orders totalling EUR 39 807 are expected to be issued and that the other cases are currently under further investigation, these covering several budgetary years, and could amount to EUR 801 000;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 111
Paragraph 111
111. Welcomes Parliament’s zero tolerance policy on harassment and the awareness-raising campaigns carried out; stresses that the Code of Appropriate Behaviour for Members of the European Parliament seeks to ensure that Members behave towards everyone working in Parliament with dignity, courtesy and respect and without prejudice or discrimination; recalls that in 2022, 56 MEPs participated in the training session; notes that, since November 2018, when the first sessions were offered, a total of 324 current MEPs had participated in the training session, plus 56 former Members whose mandate has ended; notes that in 2022, 106 members of staff and APAs had participated in anti-harassment training courses; notes with concern that cases of harassment are still occurring regardless of the activities being carried out to eliminate harassment in the work place; recalls that Parliament has requested on several occasions the implementation of mandatory anti-harassment training courses for all Members, as well as staff, including persons in managerial roles in the different Directorates-General and political groups;
Amendment 171 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 113
Paragraph 113
113. Highlights that the Advisory Committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning Members has a mandate to examine allegations of psychological or sexual harassment against Members from all categories of staff, including APAs, trainees, seconded national experts and political group staff; notes that with the aim of further reinforcing Parliament’s anti-harassment policies, on 20 November 2023, the Bureau adopted a number of additional amendments to the rules on the functioning of the advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning Members; remains concerned by the lack of independent experts on harassment issues in this committee and in the advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace; reiterates thus its calls on the Bureau to review the composition of both committees in order to include the pertinent independent expertise;
Amendment 172 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 114 a (new)
Paragraph 114 a (new)
114a. Considers that harassment of the parliamentary assistant by other parliamentary assistants or Parliament officials should also be taken into account;
Amendment 179 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117
Paragraph 117
117. Welcomes the decisions taken by the Bureau; recalls that the problem will still need to be addressed in the future as the measures adopted are expected to extend the lifespan of the VPF only by two or three years and asks the Administration and the Bureau to guarantee that no taxpayer money is used for any future bail-out; notes that legal assessment of the latest judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and their consequences for future Bureau decisions were also made available to the Members of the Bureau in order to allow them to take an informed decision; notes that there are ongoing appeals in the Court of Justice of the European Union and the matter will need to be addressed again after the judgments are handed down;
Amendment 183 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 a (new)
Paragraph 117 a (new)
117a. Acknowledges that Parliament is not involved in the management of the VPF’s investment portfolio but expresses its concern regarding press reports on the investments made by the Fund in controversial sectors and the potential reputational risk for the institution;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines the risk of conflicts of interest when all actors involved in the implementation of the EU budget at any level, might be compromised for reasons beyond economic interest, particularly family, emotional life, political or national affinity; notes the highly fragmented legal framework across Member States and regions concerning the conflict of interest and welcomes the Commission guidance to promote a uniform interpretation and application; supports the Court’s observation in its Special report 6/2023 that “data mining, by comparing information from different sources, has the potential to help detect possible conflicts of interest”;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Recalls that on 15 December 2022, the Council adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2506 on measures for the protection of the Union budget against breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary, including the suspension of 55 % of budgetary commitments under three operational cohesion policy programmes; notes that the Commission has been monitoring the implementation of the remedial measures proposed by Hungary in the framework of the ‘Conditionality Regulation’; notes that in December 2023, the Commission reassessed on its own motion the situation in Hungary and concluded that the Union’s budget remains at the same level of risk as there are still commitments that were neither correctly nor timely fulfilled;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Notes that in December 2022, the Commission concluded that Hungary was not fulfilling the horizontal enabling conditions under the CPR on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’) with regard to judicial independence and the provisions of several laws posing serious risks to LGBTIQ+ rights, academic freedom and the right to asylum; is concerned about the Commission decision in December 2023 considering that the horizontal enabling condition of the Charter had been fulfilled in relation to judicial independence, thus enabling the Hungary authorities to submit reimbursement claims of up to EUR 10,2 billion; believes that this decision politically contradicts the decision to prolong the measures adopted under the Conditionality Regulation and reiterates the need of treating as a single, integral package all the measures required for the release of EU funding under the Conditionality Regulation, the CPRs and the RRF Regulation; expresses its disappointment that Parliament was not adequately informed during the process;
Amendment 48 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls that spending areas subject to more complex rules and eligibility criteria are at higher risk of errors and create an excessive administrative burden for recipients of support, specially newcomers; reiterates the need to implement simplification in EU spending programmes to the extent possible, striking a balance with robust checks and controls; stresses that the digitisation of the management, reporting and auditing of EU funds is essential to improve access for potential recipients in an equitable way and to make the management of funds more efficient and transparent for the citizens as a whole;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Stresses the importance of EU cohesion policy for economic and territorial convergence and development in the regions of the Union, as well as for supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights; highlights the synergies of the cohesion funds in coordination with other EU programmes, particularly the RRF, to maximise the impact and efficiency of public spending;
Amendment 56 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Welcomes the vital role played by NGOs in representing civil society and in promoting and defending the values enshrined in the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’) while implementing programmes and projects financed by the EU budget in full respect of the EU financial rules and the protection of the EU’s financial interests;
Amendment 78 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recalls that the audit approach and methodology of the Court are based on international audit standards that require the testing of a random, representative sample of transactions that result in an estimate of the error rate; recalls that the Court differentiates between low-risk expenditure, i.e. entitlement-based payments under simplified rules, and high- risk expenditure, i.e. reimbursement-based payments subject to complex rules; notes that for the 2022 expenditure, the Court has selected 66 % of its audit population from the high-risk expenditure (63,2 % in 2021), amounting to EUR 110,1 billion, and 34 % from the low-risk expenditure, amounting to EUR 56,7 billion; notes that the Court’s estimated error rate for 2022 (4,2 %) is mainly driven by ‘Cohesion, resilience and values’ (2,5 % of the overall error rate), ‘Natural resources and environment (0,8 %), ‘Neighbourhood and the world’ (0,4 %), and ‘Single market, innovation and digital’ (0,3 %), all of themfor the most part considered high-risk expenditure areas by the Court; notes that the Commission’s risk at payment for 2022 is 1,9 %;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes that the Court, in the exercise of its mandate, does not investigate fraud but does take account of the risk of fraud; notes that the Court forwards to the EPPO suspicions of criminal offences falling in its competences and to OLAF suspicions of fraud, corruption or other illegal activity affecting the Union’s financial interests identified while performing its audits; notes that, in 2022, the Court reported 14 cases of suspected fraud to OLAF, and in parallel reported 6 of these cases to the EPPO, resulting so far in 26 OLAF investigations and 3 EPPO investigations;
Amendment 105 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Welcomes the online based transparency platforms developed and maintained by the Commission which provide data on the implementation of the EU spending programmes and allow to search through the recipients of EU funding and projects, such as the Financial Transparency System, giving information about the EU funding under direct and indirect management, the RRF Scoreboard, the Cohesion Open Data Platform and Kohesio platform;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 – point iii
Paragraph 36 – point iii
(iii) step up efforts to improve transparency in the use of funds, including as regards information on final beneficiarierecipients;
Amendment 124 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes the Court’s review 06/2023 on the Commission’s 2022 AMPR for the Union budget and its conclusion that Volume I of the 2022 AMPR followed the Commission’s corporate management board strategic guidance when it presented the facts and achievements concerning budgetary management for 2022, and notes that there was scope to improve the quality of performance data; notes the Commission’s replies to written questions on an IAS audit into data qualityon the Commission’s control system in relation to the reliability of performance information and the reassurance given that the identified issue is being dealt with;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44 a. Notes that the EU budget needs to respond to multiple challenges with additional financial programmes, such as the NGEU recovery instrument; notes that for 2022, the revenue from traditional own resources remained relatively stable, while budgetary guarantees for borrowing and lending operations were a substantial part of revenue; recalls in that regard Parliament’s resolution of 10 May 2023 on own resources: a new start for EU finances, a new start for Europe;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Welcomes the developments that have resulted in lifting both the quantified and unquantified reservation in the area of textiles and shoes imported from China; notes with satisfaction that the United Kingdom has now paid the total amount due (final payment of EUR 1,57 billion in January 2023) including interest (EUR 1,4 billion in February 2023); notes that 26by the end of 2023, 27 Member States had made significant provisional payments for their expected amounts due to the Union budget and that in line with the CJEU judgment in the case C-213/19 the Commission will apply the same quantification method for these Member States as for the United Kingdom, which will result in recalculated amounts, allowing the Commission to finalise the exercise completely;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Notes that, in total, CEF Energy 1 and 2 (2014-20232) provided EUR 6,324 billion of support to energy projects (EUR 5,874 billion works, EUR 0.5 billion studies) to more than 1178 Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and by the end of 2022, 10723 actions that received support from CEF-1 Energy were completed;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65 a. Notes that Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy upended energy markets in 2022, triggering price volatility and energy insecurity across the world EU’s energy system; highlights the Commission’s response to the crisis developing the REPowerEU Plan aiming to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and phase out Russian energy imports before 2030; notes that REPowerEU Plan mobilises close to EUR 300 billion, approximately EUR 72 billion in grants and EUR 225 billion in loans; notes that REPowerEU Plan has additionally provided a legal basis for both Member States and the Commission to modify national RRPs and to check whether M&Ts are well defined to clarify them where necessary;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 a (new)
Paragraph 76 a (new)
76 a. Notes that the Court identified cases of projects for which ineligible expenditure was accepted, as well as their contribution to the overall estimated level of error; stresses the importance of remedying the systemic root causes and the need for audit authorities to effectively assess the eligibility criteria;
Amendment 160 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76 b (new)
Paragraph 76 b (new)
76 b. Notes that the Commission considers that self-declarations are a useful tool to gain assurance when finding alternative supporting evidence would be difficult or administratively too costly for the beneficiaries; supports the Court’s recommendation to improve checks by audit authorities of self- declarations issued by beneficiaries of the funds in order to ensure their validity and reliability;
Amendment 161 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77
Paragraph 77
77. Takes note that for ERDF and CF, the Commission implemented financial corrections and withdrawals amounting to EUR 11 billion over the programming period, including EUR 2,4 billion for the accounting year 2021-2022; notes further that the Commission continues the implementation of its targeted ‘action plan on public procurement and State aid’ in cooperation with Member States; acknowledges that national authorities are primarily responsible for making the financial corrections decided by the Commission but believes that additional checks shall be implemented in order to confirm that all corrections have been implemented correctly;
Amendment 172 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Notes that the Court considers that the Commission’s desk reviews and compliance audits have inherent limitations in confirming the validity of the residual total error rates reported by audit authorities; takes note of the Commission’s reply that its assessment, based on a combination of desk and on-the- spot audit work covering the different individual programmes and assurance packages, enables it to establish a reasonable and fair estimate of the error rates for each programme, every year, and cumulatively for cohesion policy funds;
Amendment 177 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Is concerned about the persistent shortcomings observed by the Court in the national audits, which can be due to inadequate scope, unclear documentation of audits and sample filtering performed by national audit authorities, as well as resource issues, including inadequate funding and a lack of a skilled workforce within national audit authorities; notes that the Commission considers the work of the majority of the audit authorities to be reliable and that only 710 out of 8116 of Cohesion audit authorities need serious improvements;
Amendment 182 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 88
Paragraph 88
88. Notes from the Annual Report on the Protection of the EU Financial Interests for the year 2022 (PIF Report)7[1] that from 2021 to 2022, the number of fraudulent irregularities relating to the Cohesion Policy indecreased by 4,2 %11,6 % (233 reported in 2021 compared to 206 reported in 2022), while non- fraudulent irregularities increased by 10,29,3 %; notes that the Commission requested audit authorities to pay particular attention to new risks related to the multiplication of Funds and additional funding under NGEU, in particular, ‘double funding’, conflicts of interest, fraud or corruption; notes the efforts made by the Commission to promote the use of the ARACHNE risk scoring tool to the reluctant Member States, and to introduce improvements in the tool; notes that the audit authorities explicitly addressed the risk of fraud for 65 % of the audited operations in the 2014- 2020 period, which is an improvement on the 38 % found in 2021 by the Court; _________________ 7 COM(2023) 464 final
Amendment 183 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 88 a (new)
Paragraph 88 a (new)
88 a. Stresses that the Court, OLAF and the EPPO should have access to a single integrated IT system for data-mining and risk-scoring provided by the Commission, in a proportionate manner, within the exercise of their respective competences, as is envisaged in the recast of the Financial Regulation;
Amendment 186 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 89 – point i a (new)
(i a) continue its close work with the audit authorities in order to strengthen their capacity to prevent and correct recurring errors, to better document their audit work and therefore to contribute to the assurance process;
Amendment 188 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 – point i b (new)
Paragraph 89 – point i b (new)
(i b) ensure that audit authorities have appropriate methods in place to check self-declarations by means of identifying good practices and issuing a guidance to Member States;
Amendment 189 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 – point i c (new)
Paragraph 89 – point i c (new)
(i c) carry out specific targeted checks as part of the closure audits to ensure that Member States have applied the necessary financial corrections for errors detected;
Amendment 190 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 – point i d (new)
Paragraph 89 – point i d (new)
(i d) grant the Court, OLAF and the EPPO access to a single integrated IT system for data-mining and risk-scoring provided by the Commission, in the terms agreed in the recast of the Financial Regulation;
Amendment 204 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 90
Paragraph 90
90. Notes that the budget for the programmes under MFF heading 3 ‘Natural resources’ was EUR 58,13 billion (29,7 % of the Union budget) distributed as follows: 65,9 % for direct payments under the European Agricultural Guarantee fund (EAGF), 26,2 % for the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EARDF), 4,7 % for market-related expenditure under the EAGF, 1,8 % for Maritime and Fisheries, 0,9 % for Environment and Climate (LIFE), and 0,5 % for other areas; notes that as of 31 December 2022, under MFF heading 3 ‘Natural Resources and Environment’ the final adopted budget commitments appropriations were EUR 56 681,11 million and 98,92 % of them were implemented (EUR 56 069,86 million); notes further that the final adopted budget payment appropriations amounted to EUR 55 781826,717 million and 98,895 % of them were implemented (EUR 55 197,56205,48 million);
Amendment 205 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 91
Paragraph 91
91. Notes that 2022 was the second and last year of the transitional period during which funds from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2021-2027 budget allocation and an additional EUR 8 billion of externally assigned revenue from the NextGenerationEU funds for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) could be uscommitted by Member States for continued payments to farmers and other CAP beneficiaries in anticipation of the entry into force of the new CAP on 1 January 2023 and that the related payments by Member States to farmers and other CAP beneficiaries can be made until 31 December 20235;
Amendment 206 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94
Paragraph 94
94. Notes that the Court has examined a sample of 218 transactions covering the full range of spending under this MFF heading; notes that the Court also examined the regularity information given in the annual activity reports of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) and the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), as well as selected systems in 17 Member States and the United Kingdom; notes that the Court estimates the level of error for ‘Natural Resources’ to be 2,2 % (1,8 % in 20221) and that the majority of the errors found affected rural development transactions; notes that DG AGRI estimates a risk at payment of 1,76 %;
Amendment 207 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 96
Paragraph 96
96. Notes that the majority of errors found by the Court were related to the provision of inaccurate information on areas or animals (42 %) and ineligible beneficiary, activity, and project, expenditure; notes with concern, as in 20221, that the Court found in several cases that the Member State authorities and the Commission had sufficient information to prevent, or to detect and correct the error before accepting the expenditure and that this would have resulted in a lower error rate estimated at, had the Member States' authorities and the Commission made proper use of all the information at their disposal, the estimated level of error for this chapter would have been 1,.3 %percentage points lower;
Amendment 214 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 102
Paragraph 102
102. Notes that, in 2022, the Commission reported an implementation rate of 99,69 %, for commitments under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), a marked improvement from the 15,98 % implementation rate of its predecessor, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)EMFAF in 2021; notes, however, that 94,76 % from the EUR 1 135,74 million committed appropriations in 2022 and 97,06 % from EUR 148,12 million in 2021 remained unpaid at the end of the corresponding year; notes further that the implementation rate of the authorised payment appropriations for EMFAF in 2022 was 99,99 % and for EMFF in 2021 was 86,55 %;
Amendment 215 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 104 – point ii
Paragraph 104 – point ii
Amendment 217 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 104 – point v
Paragraph 104 – point v
(v) promote, provide incentives and support the Member States’ paying agencies in using IT tools like checks by monitoringCopernicus Satellite imagery and other imaging technologies in the field of agri- monitoring;
Amendment 222 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 109
Paragraph 109
109. Welcomes the progress identified by the Court in its review of the work done by six Member States’ audit authorities in preparation for the 2021-2027 AMIF, the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) and ISF annual accounts; notes the Court’s observation that, at the time of its visits (between September 2022 and February 2023), the six Member States’ audit strategies had not yet been adopted, which is a prerequisite for submitting an ‘assurance package’; notes that, at the time of the Court’s visit, the IT systems to store information and documentation needed for audits of the six Member States’ managing authorities were either under development or yet to be developed;
Amendment 223 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112
Paragraph 112
112. Notes that more than 16 million people from Ukraine and Moldova have been recorded as having entered the Union since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and over 4 million persons fleeing the war obtained protection in the Union; notes that the Commission provided financial support to the International Organisation for Migration to support the process, as part of a EUR 15 million project facilitating transfers from Moldova of vulnerable persons from Moldovaople fleeing Ukraine; notes further that on 30 November 2022, the Commission announced the decision to award financial support of EUR 5,5 million to a project to be carried out by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support hosts and all those involved in providing private accommodation to displaced people, putting together good practices for future needs; takes note that, in 2022, in the context of financing Ukraine, the Commission adopted decisions authorising the use of the funding not linked to costs amounting to EUR 248 million (May 2022) and EUR 137 million (August 2022), as well as for smaller grants, safe homes and psychosocial support amounting to EUR 15 million;
Amendment 230 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point -i (new)
Paragraph 117 – point -i (new)
(-i) develop a longer-term strategy for the EDF building on the experience with PADR and the Court’s recommendations;
Amendment 236 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 123
Paragraph 123
123. Notes with concern that the AARs of DG NEAR and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) reported difficulties in the implementation of the new operational information system OPSYS, which was at times unstable, failing to meet expectations, and requiring frequent intervention from DG DIGIT support teams, leading to it being identified as a critical risk in DG NEAR’s risk assessment exercise; notes the actions implemented by the Commission’s services to improve the situation and its opinion that these difficulties did not result in unreliable data or incomplete management information;
Amendment 237 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 124 a (new)
Paragraph 124 a (new)
124 a. Recognises the importance of NGOs in ensuring that the EU, as the largest donor of development aid in the world, continues to contribute to promoting stability and peace, overcoming poverty and advancing sustainable development; commends in particular the activity of NGOs in areas of conflict in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the civilian population in a rapid and effective manner; takes note of the control and audit, transparency and accountability requirements applicable to all EU funding and different stakeholders, but considers that there is always room for improvement, particularly by making the most of digitalisation;
Amendment 240 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 126
Paragraph 126
126. Notes with concern that the Court, in its Special Report 14/2023 “Programming the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe” found that, although the Commission and the EEAS had merged funding into a single instrument, the NDICI-Global Europe Instrument, which covers more than 70 % of the Union funding allocated for external action in the 2021-2027 financing period, they followed two different fund allocation methodologies for Neighbourhood and non-Neighbourhood countries, and that the multiannual indicative programmes did not ensure that the selected sectors of intervention were those in which Union funding could achieve an high impact;
Amendment 244 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127
Paragraph 127
127. Notes that, following the despicable terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023, the Commission announced on 9 October 2023 its decision to review the Union’s assistance for Palestine; welcomes that the review, finalised on 21 November 2023, has shown that the Commission hasapplies adequate ex- ante and ex-post controls, and a system ofthat safeguards in placethat work well are effective and that no evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes; highlights, furthermore, that according to the Commission’s reply, the current rules in tender procedures and calls for proposals “make the participation of entities, individuals or groups affiliated with terrorist organisations categorically incompatible with any Union funding”;
Amendment 247 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Paragraph 127 a (new)
127 a. Is concerned by the serious allegations made by Israel that 12 employees of UNRWA might have participated in the despicable terrorist attacks in October 2023; notes that the Agency immediately terminated their contracts and welcomes the launch of an UN investigation; notes that the allegations involve 12 out of 13 000 local staff members of UNRWA in Gaza alone, who are themselves victims of the ongoing humanitarian tragedy while playing a critical role in distributing food, water, and medicine; notes that UNRWA has developed a specific framework to ensure the neutrality and independence of its operations in line with the UN standards, which includes vetting and due diligence measures, and shares the list of all its staff with the host countries, including Israel, on an annual basis;
Amendment 248 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 b (new)
Paragraph 127 b (new)
127 b. Highlights that UNRWA is the backbone of the UN humanitarian response in Gaza and is the primary organization providing life-saving assistance to over 2.2 million people; is worried that UNRWA’s defunding would not only threaten the humanitarian response in Gaza, but would also jeopardize the regional stability as the Agency provides essential services such as education and healthcare to some 5,9 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon; recalls that the Union is one of the largest donors of humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians in Gaza and welcomes the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs confirmation that EU funding to UNRWA has not been suspended, and supports his stance that “defunding UNRWA would be both disproportionate and dangerous”;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 d (new)
Paragraph 127 d (new)
127 d. Recalls that the findings of the study commissioned by the Commission to Georg Eckert Institut on the Palestinian Textbooks revealed a complex picture where the textbooks (i) adhere to UNESCO standards and adopt criteria that are prominent in international education discourse, including a strong focus on human rights, (ii) express a narrative of resistance within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and (iii) display an antagonism towards Israel; notes that the Union does not fund the Palestinian Textbooks and that neither are they the responsibility of UNRWA, which works to delivers quality education with an emphasis on fostering a human rights culture, even in challenging times;
Amendment 254 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 c (new)
Paragraph 127 c (new)
127 c. Is concerned about the destruction and confiscation of Union-funded projects in the West Bank and notes that in 2022, 101 structures funded by the EU or EU Member States were demolished or seized by Israel with a value at EUR 337 019, representing the third highest financial injury since 2016; recalls that representatives of EU institutions, concerned Member States and other donors have requested on several occasions the return or compensation for EU-funded assets demolished, dismantled or confiscated; recalls the position of the Council expressing its commitment to ensure that all agreements between Israel and the Union must unequivocally and explicitly indicate the inapplicability to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, as well as to continue the effective implementation of existing Union law and bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products;
Amendment 256 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 a (new)
Paragraph 128 a (new)
128 a. Welcomes that the Ukraine Facility lays out provisions to ensure effective controls; recalls that on 7 April 2022, the Parliament called for the confiscation of Russian assets owned by Russian individuals and entities, frozen as a result of EU restrictive measures, in order to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction;
Amendment 257 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 b (new)
Paragraph 128 b (new)
128 b. Welcomes the Global Gateway strategy as a concerted EU response to global challenges bringing together public and private investment; notes that 2022 was the first full year of the implementation of the Global Gateway strategy; stresses the need for more transparency, accountability and regular assessments of the Global Gateway implementation as well as for enhanced Parliament’s involvement in respect of its democratic scrutiny role;
Amendment 258 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 130 – point ii
Paragraph 130 – point ii
(ii) continue ensuring that all contracts involving Union funding fully respect applicable Union legislation, including accountability, transparency and protection of Union funds; make the participation of entities, individuals or groups affiliated with terrorist organisations categorically incompatible with any Union funding; and ensure that strict monitoring and control mechanisms make sure that all individuals involved in Union funded actions exclusively pursue the objectives and activities approved for Union funding, where necessary, request the restitution, or compensation for EU-funded assets that have been demolished, dismantled or confiscated;
Amendment 265 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 136 a (new)
Paragraph 136 a (new)
136 a. Notes the adoption and implementation of an action plan to increase attractiveness of careers in Luxembourg; takes note of the Commission’s considerations against introducing a correction coefficient for Luxembourg at this stage in its report assessing the evolution of purchasing power of remuneration and pensions of Union officials (COM(2022) 180 final); recalls its reiterated requests to the Commission to find ways to mitigate the growing problem of the purchase power disparity suffered by the staff members posted to Luxembourg, which is mainly due to the cost of living;
Amendment 266 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 137 a (new)
Paragraph 137 a (new)
137 a. Recalls the Court’s conclusion in its Special report 13/2019 that “any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of EU institutions and bodies is unacceptable and, even if it is only alleged, attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU”; regrets the two cases of potential conflicts of interests involving high-ranked officials in DG MOVE for missions and DG NEAR for ownership reported by the press in 2022; takes note that the Commission implements effective internal control system in matters of ethics management according to the Court in its 2019 report and the European Ombudsman in its decision on the revolving doors inquiry; points out that unethical behaviour also has a budgetary cost for the institution concerned and reiterates its position and expectations of the EU's Ethics Body;
Amendment 268 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 138 a (new)
Paragraph 138 a (new)
138 a. Notes the adoption on 5 April 2022 of the ‘Communication on greening the Commission’, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, including an action plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; notes the Commission intends to achieve these objectives by acquiring more energy efficient and greener buildings, shifting to dynamic collaborative workspaces and reducing the number of offices, and reiterates its warning that staff wellbeing and satisfaction should be taken into account in all future decisions in this regard;
Amendment 274 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 144 – point iv a (new)
Paragraph 144 – point iv a (new)
(iv a) address without further delay and in an efficient way the challenges faced by staff members who are assigned to and reside in Luxembourg;
Amendment 275 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 145 – introductory part
Paragraph 145 – introductory part
145. Furthermore, calls on the Commission andto continue to support the European Schools to:
Amendment 276 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 145 – point iii
Paragraph 145 – point iii
Amendment 291 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 152 a (new)
Paragraph 152 a (new)
152 a. Notes that the Court has identified what it considers to be cases of continuation of a pre-existing project started before the eligibility period and targets that were a substitution of recurring national budgetary expenditure, although this conclusion does not agree with the Court’s own consideration that recurring actions refers to types of expenditure like staff and operating costs of government entities;
Amendment 313 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 159
Paragraph 159
159. Notes that the Commission verified the adequacy of the control systems of Member States as a precondition for the positive assessment of the RRPs and, in some cases, specific M&Ts on audit and control were added in the RRPs to ensure the full adequacy of the systems to protect the financial interests of the Union; notes that the satisfactory fulfilment of audit and control M&Ts was, in turn, a precondition for the first payments and welcomes that the Court did not raise any issues related to their satisfactory fulfilment assessed during 2022; notes that afterwards, the Commission performed 16 system audits in 2022 and 114 in 2023, soincluding whether they check compliance with EU and national rules, so that all Member States’ control systems will have been audited at least once by the end of 2023; understands that the RRF Regulation places the principal responsibility to ensure respect for national and EU law on the Member States but is concerned about the Court’s observation on a potential assurance gap regarding compliance;
Amendment 315 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 160 a (new)
Paragraph 160 a (new)
160 a. Recalls that on 15 December 2022, the Council adopted Implementing Decision on the approval of the assessment of the RRP for Hungary; recalls that 27 ‘super milestones’ were added to the national RRP with remedial and audit and control measures; notes that on 7 December 2023, the Council adopted Implementing Decision approving Hungary’s amended RRP, including a REPowerEU chapter, which allows Hungary to receive EUR 0,9 billion in pre-financing of the REPowerEU funds;
Amendment 319 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 161
Paragraph 161
161. Notes that the Commission reports that the achievement of M&Ts is broadly on track, after the first year of the RRF's functioning was more focused on the necessary reforms to build the framework for subsequent investment projects to have a higher impact; notes that the Commission reports delays compared to the indicative calendar of payments, due to the process of revising the RRPs in the context of the REPowerEU Plan and implementation challenges Member States are facing, such as administrative capacity issues, investment bottlenecks, and consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, including the energy crisis, unexpected price shocks, shortages of certain materials and high inflation; notes that the Commission is supporting all Member States in accelerating the implementation and revision of their plans, including through the Technical Support Instrument; is concerned that according to the Commission’s RRF 2023 implementation reportScoreboard, 83 Member States have not yet submitted any payment request to the Commission by end December 2023;
Amendment 321 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 161 a (new)
Paragraph 161 a (new)
161 a. Recalls that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed structural weaknesses in health systems across the EU and welcomes that health resilience is among the six pillars of the RRF decided by the co-legislators that make possible reforms and investments to strengthen their capacity, quality and resilience; notes that 531 M&Ts and 223 measures, as well as 48 % of the estimated contribution to this pillar is related to healthcare, including reforms to improve access to healthcare, developing e-health services and incentives for R&D investments by pharmaceutical companies; notes that an estimate 45 million people can use or be served by new or modernised health care facilities thanks to the RRF;
Amendment 336 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 166 a (new)
Paragraph 166 a (new)
166 a. Notes that the RRF Scoreboard provides real-time information on the disbursements and progress made by Member States, as well as additional data, indicators and thematic analysis and welcomes the launch of the EU-wide interactive map showing RRF projects by geographical location and providing information on the state of play; notes that the RRF Scoreboard also links to the national websites and commends those Member States that have set up specific websites where all information and documentation relevant to their national RRPs are published;
Amendment 347 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 168
Paragraph 168
168. Notes that, following an explicit demand of the Parliament, the amended RRF Regulation requires Member States to publish information on the 100 final recipients receiving the highest amount of funding under the RRF; notes that all Member States but one have published the required list on the RRF Scoreboard by December 2023 and observes a large variety of the size of the payments both across the Member States and within each country, which is explained by the heterogeneous nature of RRPs;
Amendment 354 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 171 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 171 – point i a (new)
(i a) continue to undertake Member States’ system audits in order to obtain reasonable assurance on the compliance with EU and national rules, particularly public procurement, and work closely with the Court to find ways to remove its concerns about the assurance gap;
Amendment 359 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 171 – point ii
Paragraph 171 – point ii
(ii) keep improving the clarity of the measures and the related M&Ts, as well as ensure that they fully respect the horizontal principles of the Regulation, when the Member State submits a revision of the national plan;
Amendment 37 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) The Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 intends to tackle the diverse challenges that persons with disabilities face and progress on all areas of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both at EU and Member State level.
Amendment 73 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Examples of special conditions or preferential treatment include free access, reduced tariffs, reduced fees or user charges for toll roads/bridges/tunnels, priority access, designated seats in parks and other public areas, accessible seating in cultural or public events, personal assistance, assistance animals (recognizing the importance of guide dogs or assistance dogs for people with visual impairment), assistance on the beach to enter the water, support (such as access to braille, audio guides, sign language interpretation), provisions of aids or assistance, loan of a wheelchair, loan of a floating wheelchair, obtaining tourist information in accessible formats, using a mobility scooter on roads or a wheelchair in bike lanes without a fine, etc. Parking conditions and facilities include extended parking or reserved parking spaces. With respect to passenger transport services, in addition to the special conditions or preferential treatment offered to persons with disabilities, in accordance with national legislation or practices, assistance animals (recognizing the importance of guide dogs or assistance dogs for people with visual impairment), personal assistants or other persons accompanying or assisting persons with disabilities (or reduced mobility) may travel free of charge or be seated, where practicable next to the person with disabilities.
Amendment 121 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) “special conditions or preferential treatment” means specific conditions, including those related to financial conditions, or differentiated treatment related to assistance and support such as free access, reduced tariffs, priority access, offered to persons with disabilities and/or, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s) or assistance animals, such as guide dogs or assistance dogs, recognised in accordance with the national legislation or practices as such, irrespective whether provided on a voluntary basis or imposed by legal obligations;
Amendment 139 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall introduce the European Disability Card following the common standardised format as well as the universal accessibility requirements set out in Annex I. Member States shall introduce digital features in physical cards using electronic means addressing fraud- prevention as part of the European Disability Card, as soon as the requirements concerning the digital features referred to in Annex I, are laid down by the Commission in the technical specifications referred to in Article 8. The digital storage medium shall not contain more personal data than the data provided for the European Disability Card in Annex I.
Amendment 146 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The issuance and renewal of the European Disability Card for persons with disabilities should always be and remain free of charge. The costs that this entails for the national body that issues the European Disability Card may be covered by financial instruments of the European Union such as the European Social Fund +.
Amendment 158 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. The validity of the card shall be extended up to 8 months upon request in cases of longer periods of stay in the event that the national deadlines to obtain the permanent card are longer than the validity of the European Card of Disability.
Amendment 160 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 7
Article 6 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 11 to supplement this Directive in order to set the digital format of the European Disability Card and ensure interoperability, and to amend Annex I in order to modify the common features of the standardised format, adapt the format to technical developments, introduce digital features in order to prevent forgery and fraud, address abuse or misuse and ensure interoperability and accessesibility.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall introduce the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities following the common standardised format as well as the universal accessibility requirements set out in Annex II. Member States shall introduce digital features in physical cards using electronic means addressing fraud- prevention as part of the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, as soon as the requirements concerning the digital features referred to in Annex II, are laid down by the Commission in the technical specifications referred to in Article 8. The digital storage medium shall not contain more personal data than the data provided for the European Disability Card in Annex II.
Amendment 170 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The issuance and renewal of the European Parking card for persons with disabilities should always be and remain free of charge. The costs that this entails for the national body that issues the European Disability Card may be covered by financial instruments of the European Union such as the European Social Fund +.
Amendment 177 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 7
Article 7 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 11 to supplement the Directive in order to set the digital format of the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and ensure interoperability, including through the development and deployment of digital tools, and to amend Annex II in order to modify the common features of the standardised format, adapt the format to technical developments, prevent forgery and fraud, address abuse or misuse and ensure interoperability, and accessibility including through the development and deployment of digital tools.
Amendment 187 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall make the conditions and rules, practices, and procedures to issue, renew or withdraw a European Disability Card and a European Parking Card for persons with disabilities publicly available in accessible formats, including in digital formatsphysical and digital formats, including braille, large print, the audio version, and upon request in other alternative assistive formats requested by persons with disabilities.
Amendment 190 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Commission shall create an EU database available providing information about the benefits available in each Member State, including on the conditions and services related to the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, as well as about the allocated EU funding. This information shall be accessible and available in all EU languages. In addition, the Commission in coordination with Member States shall develop an EU- wide awareness campaign aimed at citizens and service providers.
Amendment 211 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to ensure compliance with this Directive, promoting the participation and dialogue with associations representing persons with disabilities.
Amendment 219 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that private operators or public authorities make information on any special conditions or preferential treatment pursuant to Article 5 publicly available in accessible formatsphysical and digital formats, including braille, large print, the audio version.
Amendment 236 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 10 a (new)
Annex I – point 10 a (new)
Amendment 240 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – point 3 – point b – indent 1
Annex II – point 3 – point b – indent 1
– in capital letters, the words ‘European Parking Card for persons with disabilities’ in the language(s) of the Member State issuing the card and in braille; after a suitable space, it shall appear in small type in the other languages of the European Union;
Amendment 245 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex II – point 5 a (new)
Annex II – point 5 a (new)
5 a. The card shall have a defined QR code containing all the card data in an accessible format and shall be duly marked with raised marks.
Amendment 279 #
2023/0271(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) market opening
Amendment 471 #
2023/0271(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 1
Article 37 – paragraph 1
1. Where the consensual conflict resolution mechanisms referred to in Article 36 has not resolved the capacity conflict, infrastructure managers shall allocate infrastructure capacity in accordance with Article 8 in a way providing access to the largest number of applicants.
Amendment 68 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) European Modular Systems (EMS) have been used and trialled at length and have proven to be an interesting solution to improve the economic and energy efficiency of transport operations, while ensuring road safety and protection of infrastructure, thanks to their confinement to adequate parts of the road networks. Given national specificities, different economic interests, transportation needs and diverse transport infrastructure capacities in Member States, they are best placed to assess and authorise the circulation of EMS on their territories. At the same time, to enlarge the positive socio-economic and environmental impacts of the use of EMS, it is crucial to remove unnecessary barriers to their use in cross- border operations between neighbouring Member States that allow such vehicle combinations on their territories, without limitation in the number of borders crossed as long as they comply with the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for EMS established by Member States within their respective territories. This is to ensure that EMS used in cross-border operations comply with the common lowest weight and dimension limit for EMS applicable in those Member States. In the interests of safety of operations, transparency and legal clarity, common conditions should be established for the circulation of EMS in national and international traffic, including providing clear information on the weights and dimensions limits for EMS and on parts of the road network compatible with specifications of such vehicles, and monitoring the impacts of the use of EMS on road safety, on the road infrastructure, on modal cooperation, as well as the environmental impacts of European Modular Systems on the transport system, including the impacts on modal share. The clear definition of EMS in this Directive guarantees that EMS are composed of standard vehicle units to ensure compatibility with other transport modes, notably rail.
Amendment 72 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The transport of indivisible loads carried out by vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the maximum weights or dimensions and the use of EMS, given their needs for additional safety features and for suitable infrastructure, require that special attention is given to elements such as transparency of relevant information, legal certainty and harmonisation of the permit processes. It is therefore necessary for Member States to establish a single electronic information and communication system containing all the relevant information regarding the operational and administrative conditions for the transport of indivisible loads and for the use of EMS, in a clear and easily accessible manner. This national system should also enable the operators to obtain the information and submit electronically the application, in an EU standardised format, for special permits for the carriage of indivisible loads in the Member State concerned. These permits should be issued in an electronic format and it should be possible to carry out an abnormal transport using this electronic document. In addition, that national system should provide information on the national maximum authorised dimensions and weights of vehicles and vehicle combinations, information on possible restrictions, in particular on height, as well as on the minimum qualifications requirements for drivers. To ensure that operators and citizens can access all relevant information in one place, a dedicated European web portal connecting the national electronic and communication systems and providing, among others, a clear graphic overview of the roads on which EMS are allowed to circulate in the relevant Member States, should be established by the Commission, at the latest by [6 months after the date of transposition of this Directive].
Amendment 94 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Similarly to the need for extra space, current standards are also not suitable to compensate for the extra weight of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, in particular in long distance transport. Additional weight and axle weight are necessary for vehicle combinations including a zero-emission motor vehicle combinations, as well as to the most common passenger vehicles in use in the Union. Lighter technologies and better aerodynamics will render the use of zero- emission propulsion systems more efficient (for example, to allow for longer range travelled and longer battery life) by reducing their energy consumption. To provide additional incentives to the deployment of zero- emission heavy-duty vehicles, to promote technological development, as well as the equipment of vehicles with improved aerodynamics, extra weight allowances should therefore be disconnected from the weight of the zero-emission technology.
Amendment 96 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Effective, efficient, and consistent enforcement of the rules is of utmost importance to ensure undistorted competition between operators and eliminate risks to road safety and to road infrastructure posed by vehicles unlawfully exceeding the applicable weights or dimensions. To better target roadside controls at overloaded vehicles, and if they choose to use automatic systems on the road infrastructure, Member States should ensure as a minimum the deployment of such systems in the trans-European road transport network. Moreover, for reliability and consistency of the enforcement across the Union, the mandatory minimum level of controls to be performed by Member States should be established in proportion to the level of traffic on their territories by the vehicles within scope of this Directive, including an appropriate number of controls during night hours. Certified automatic systems should be able to recognise vehicles or vehicle combinations which exceed the maximum authorised weights and have a derogation based on a special permit or a similar arrangement. This will avoid unjustified penalties and save administrative costs for both operators and Member States.
Amendment 106 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) To promote the growth of multimodal transportation system, in particular in combination with rail transport, containerised transport should be further facilitated by allowing extra height to road vehicles to transport high- cube containers.
Amendment 112 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to establish an EU common standard application form and harmonise the rules and procedures for the issuing of national permits or similar arrangements for vehicles or vehicle combinations which exceed the maximum weights and/or dimensions and are intended to carry indivisible loads, to establish a standard reporting format for Member States to comply with their reporting obligations, and to establish temporary exceptions from the application of the weights and dimensions limits used in international traffic between Member States affected by a crisis. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council45 . __________________ 45 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 134 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – second subparagraph
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – second subparagraph
Member States shall ensure that the procedure for obtaining permits or similar arrangements for the transport of indivisible loads is smooth, efficient and non-discriminatory, by providing an EU common standard application form and by minimising administrative burdens and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Amendment 136 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – third subparagraph
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – third subparagraph
Member States shall guarantee that the conditions under which the permits or similar arrangements related to the transport of indivisible loads are issued are proportionate and non-discriminatory. In particular, Member States shall cooperate to issue the permits or similar arrangements in an electronic format as well as to avoid the multiplicity of vehicle markings and signalling, and to favour the use of pictograms over text. Member States shall also cooperate to harmonise rules on the prescribed use, markings and signs for escort vehicles. Member States shall not impose language requirements related to the transport of indivisible loads.
Amendment 194 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 4a – paragraph 2
Article 4a – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing an EU common standard application form and harmonising the rules and procedures for the issuing of national permits or similar arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and in Article 4(3). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10i(2).
Amendment 228 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 9a – paragraph 1
Article 9a – paragraph 1
1. Vehicles or vehicle combinations which comply with Regulation (EU) 2018/858 may exceed the maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Annex I to this Directive provided that their cabs deliver improved aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and, safety performance and driver comfort. Any excess of the maximum lengths allowed under this Article may also be used to install zero-emission technology. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such cabs shall comply with point 1.5 of Annex I to this Directive and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the load capacity of those vehicles.
Amendment 237 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 10c
Article 10c
The maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Annex I, subject where applicable to Article 9a(1) and 10b(2), and the maximum distance laid down in point 1.6 of Annex I, may be exceeded by 15 cm for vehicles or vehicle combinations engaged in the transport of 45-foot or 48-foot containers or 45-foot swap bodies, empty or loaded, provided that the road transport of the container or swap body in question is part of an intermodal transport operation.;
Amendment 238 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 – point a
Directive 96/53/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – new subparagraph
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – new subparagraph
Certified automatic systems shall be linked to the single national entry point for special permits or similar arrangement set out in Article 4a in order to be able to recognise vehicles or vehicle combinations which exceed the maximum authorised weights and are in possession of a special permit.
Amendment 261 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall adopt and publish, by [date-of-adoption+21 years] at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.
Amendment 296 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – table – point 3.4
Annex I – table – point 3.4
3.4 Driving axle 3.4.1 Driving axle of the vehicles referred to in points 2.2, 2.3 and 11,5 tonnes 2.4 other than zero-emission vehicles 3.4.2 Driving axle of zero-emission vehicles referred to in points 12.5 tonnes 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 3.4.3 Zero-emission two-axle buses 12.5 tonnes 3.4.4 Zero-emission three-axle buses 12.5 tonnes
Amendment 297 #
2023/0265(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – table – point 3.5.3
Annex I – table – point 3.5.3
3.5.3 1,3 m or greater but less than 1,8 m (1,3 ≤ d < 1,8) 18 tonnes Where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air 19 tonnes suspension or suspension recognised as being equivalent within the Union as defined in Annex II, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and where the maximum weight for each axle does not exceed 9,5 tonnes. In the case of zero- emission vehicles, the maximum sum of the axle weights per tandem axle shall be increased by 1 tonne.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive 2005/35/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Amendment 80 #
2023/0171(COD)
Amendment 23 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Since the entry into force of Directive 2009/18/EC, there have been changes in the international regulatory environment and technological developments. Those changes and developments as well as the experience gained in the implementation of Directive 2009/18/EC should be taken into account. The EU - in line with its commitments under the Paris agreement - should continue exerting its leadership in a sector regulated both at European and international level and still highly dependent on fossil fuels.
Amendment 26 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Fishing vessels less than 15 metres in length are at present excluded from the scope of Directive 2009/18/EC, therefore the conduct of maritime accident investigations involving such fishing vessels is non-systematic and non- harmonised. Such vessels are more prone to capsizing and members of the crew falling overboard is relatively common. Therefore, there is a need to protect those fishing vessels, their crew and the environment by introducing a preliminary assessment of very serious marine casualties involving fishing vessels less than 15 metres long to determine whether the authorities should open a safety investigation. The Commission should include the study ‘Training of Fishers1a’ from 2018, calling for developing harmonised training standards across Member States. __________________ 1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2018/617484/IPOL_STU(20 18)617484_EN.pdf
Amendment 29 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The available staff, as well as the operational resources of the Member States’ marine safety investigation authorities vary distinctly, resulting in ineffective and inconsistent reporting on and investigation of marine casualties. Therefore, the Commission, with the assistance of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should provide highly specialised analytical support during an individual investigation (soft skills), as well as analytical tools and equipment (hardware). For compliance with environmental, social, public health and labour law standards, safety on board of ships calling at EU ports for both seafarers and dockworkers, with a special focus on the needs for female workers.
Amendment 32 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In light of what has been stated, EMSA should organise trainingregular training sessions and certification programmes on specific techniques and on new developments and technologies which can be relevant for accident investigations in the future. New technology can play a role in the decarbonisation of the industry but the way vessels and crews can interact with technology can also be a factor in new unknown types of incidents. Such training should focus, among others, on renewable and low carbon fuels, which are particularly relevant in view of the “Fit for 55 package”, and automation, as well as on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules. This will contribute to collecting more complete data on accidents and injuries aboard these vessels and improving the health and safety of the seafarers and fishermen working on them.
Amendment 36 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) To improve the quality of accident investigations, EMSA should develop GPS tracking of containers. This should be reflected in the European Marine Casualty Information Platform in Annex II. If all the containers are equipped with a GPS beacon, their loss can easily be identified and it will be easier to geolocate them to recover them. This will limit their presence's danger on the surface and the detrimental effect their presence entails on the ocean.
Amendment 41 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2009/18/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Where the investigation authority decides not to undertake a safety investigation of a very serious marine casualty involving a fishing vessel of less than 15 metres the reasons for that decision shall be recorded and notified in accordance with Article 17(3) without delay and no later than one month after its occurrence.
Amendment 46 #
2023/0164(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive 2009/18/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. When deciding if a marine casualty or incident occurring alongside, moored or in dock, involving shore or port workers, occurred “directly in connection with the operations of a ship” and therefore is subject to a safety investigation, particular consideration shall be given to the involvement and relevance of the ship’s structure, the condition of the vessel, its seaworthiness both offshore and onshore, safety compliance, equipment, procedures, crew and ship management to the activity being undertaken for all kind of cargo.
Amendment 17 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) More flexible rules in the scheduling of the breaks and rest periods of drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should in no way jeopardise the safety of drivers, road safety, increase the level of fatigue of drivers or lead to a deterioration in working conditions. Such flexibility should therefore not alter the current rules on the total minimum breaks, on maximum driving periods per day and per week and, on the maximum fortnightly driving time and on maximum working time.
Amendment 19 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) More flexibility in the scheduling of breaks for drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should not prevent those drivers fromcause in any way more fatigue or stress for drivers and should ensure they takinge breaks of the minimum duration necessary to enable them to rest properlyget proper and sufficient rests. Therefore, it is appropriate to set a minimum duration for each break. Therefore, d, which should not prevent drivers from having longer breaks than the minimum required duration. Drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should be allowed to decide to split their obligatory break into three separate breaks of at least 1520 minutes each, in addition to the other possibility of splitting a break.
Amendment 27 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) To ensure that greater flexibility in the scheduling of rest periods of drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services is not abused, it is essential to clearly delimit the scope of such flexibility and also to provide for appropriate checks by the competent national authorities as well as the European Labour Authority (ELA). Drivers should therefore be able to postpone the start of their daily rest periods for a maximum period of 1 or 2 hours, in cases where the driving period for that day has not exceeded 5 or 7 hours respectively, and should postpone the start only when carrying out journeys of 8 days or longer. Such flexibility should not jeopardise road safety and should be further limited to only one of each derogation during the period of the tour. It should be also possible to counter check such circumstances with a printout from the recording equipment or the duty roster, in addition to the tachograph recordsWith a view to effective and efficient enforcement and in order to counter check such circumstances, a digital journey form should be electronically registered prior to the start of the journey in addition to the tachograph records and the printout from the recording equipment or the duty roster.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Limiting the possibility to postpone the weekly rest period for up to 12 consecutive 24-hour periods exclusively to occasional international passenger services has a negative impact in terms of equal treatment and undistorted and fair competition between operators, especially small and medium enterprises. Occasional national passenger services might as well provide their services under the same conditions as occasional international passenger services in terms of the distance travelled or the duration or services rendered to passengers. Occasional national passenger services should therefore also benefit from such possibility.
Amendment 32 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) In order to ensure effective and efficient enforcement, improved control measures and requirements should be established taking full advantage of digital tools. To allow for checks on the derogation to postpone the daily rest period and the possibility to postpone the weekly rest period for up to 12 consecutive 24 hour periods, a digital journey form should be electronically registered prior to the start of the journey in addition to the tachograph records and the printout from the recording equipment or the duty roster. The digital forms should be accessible in real time during road side checks and be solely used for controls of compliance and enforcement. For this purpose the Commission should develop a multilingual interface on the basis of the IMI system to allow operators to upload their digital journey forms.
Amendment 34 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 b (new)
Recital 10 b (new)
(10b) Social partners at Union and national level can play an essential role in improving the enforcement of existing regulations on driving and working time of road transport workers, including drivers of occasional road passenger services. Therefore, they should be invited to undertake joint actions, develop guidelines and issue recommendations in this regard.
Amendment 35 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 c (new)
Recital 10 c (new)
(10c) To guarantee efficient and high- quality occasional passenger transport services and improve working and driving conditions for drivers, the Commission should carry out an assessment report two years after the adoption of these new rules in order to study their social impacts as well as to evaluate the application of enforcement rules. When relevant, the Commission should consider proposing new measures.
Amendment 51 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation 2006/561/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 64 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation 2006/561/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 70 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation 2006/561/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a – subparagraph 2
Amendment 78 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation 2006/561/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a – subparagraph 1 – point a
Amendment 80 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation 2006/561/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a – subparagraph 1 – point a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a – subparagraph 1 – point a (new)
(aa) a digital journey form with the required information set out in the Regulation (EC) 1073/2009 has been electronically registered prior to the start of the journey.
Amendment 21 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
1. ‘prevention of corruption’ refers to the detection and elimination of the causes of and conditions for corruption, through development and implementation of a system of appropriate measures and necessary tools, as well as deterrence against corruption-related acts.
Amendment 23 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) any other person assigned and exercising a public service function in relation with the implementation of the EU budget.
Amendment 24 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
6a. 'conflict of interests' exists where the impartial and objective exercise of the functions of any person as referred to in this article is compromised for reasons involving family, emotional life, political or national affinity, economic interest or any other direct or indirect personal interest.
Amendment 29 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 3 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Member States shall take measures to create a strong public service culture based on independence, integrity, transparency and accountability, including the provision of fair remuneration, adequate support and anti- corruption training and tools for public officials.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall take measures to ensure the highest degree of integrity, transparency and accountability in public administration and public decision-making with a view to prevent corruption, in particular through the development of national anti-corruption strategies in consultation with the relevant specialised bodies referred to in Article 4.
Amendment 36 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall take measures to ensure that key preventive tools such as an open access to information of public interest, effective rules for the disclosure and management of conflicts of interests in the public sector, effective rules for the disclosure and verification of assets of public officials and effective rules regulating the interaction between the private and the public sector, particularly revolving doors and interest representation, are in place.
Amendment 38 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Member States shall take the appropriate measures to set up clear internal and external reporting channels that can guarantee confidentiality for whistle-blowers in both public and private sectors to protect the EU financial interests.
Amendment 44 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Member States shall take all necessary measures to digitalise all aspects of corruption prevention covered by this article, as well as to create a more unified and interoperable information system at the EU level.
Amendment 46 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Where appropriate, Member States shall take measures to promote the participation of civil society, non- governmental organizations and community-based organizations in anti- corruption activities.
Amendment 56 #
2023/0135(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The entities referred to in the first paragraph will make all necessary efforts to carry out joint actions and to contribute to the design and implementation of EU sectoral policies and spending programmes, as well as in the external action and enlargement process, with a view to building a common anti- corruption culture based on an EU-wide approach.
Amendment 50 #
2023/0081(COD)
(43) The amended Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation54 made available an additional EUR 20 billion of non-repayable support to Member States in order to promote energy efficiency and replace fossil fuels, amongst others through EU net-zero industry projects. As pointed out in the Commission Guidance on the REPowerEU chapters55 , Member States are encouraged to include in the REPowerEU chapter of their recovery and resilience plans, measures supporting investments in net-zero technologies manufacturing and industrial innovation, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council56 . Member States should ensure a swift implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans and a quick roll-out of the RePowerEU measures and the respect of the agreed timeframes for investments in the whole value chain of the net-zero technologies. _________________ 54 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 February 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2021/241 as regards REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) 2021/1060 and (EU) 2021/1755, and Directive 2003/87/EC, (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1). 55 Commission Notice Guidance on Recovery and Resilience Plans in the context of REPowerEU 2023/C 80/01, (OJ C 80, 3.3.2023, p. 1). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 53 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) To overcome the limitations of the current fragmented public and private investments efforts, facilitate integration and return on investment, the Commission, and Member States should better coordinate and create synergies between the existing funding programmes at Union and national level as well as ensure better coordination and collaboration with industry and key private sector stakeholders. The Net-Zero Europe Platform has a key role to play to build a comprehensive view of available and relevant funding opportunities and to discuss the individual financing needs of net-zero strategic projects. The Platform should also review the different instruments for the financial support of net-zero technologies, address difficulties in accessing finance and ensure that EU and national funds can be quickly absorbed by the relevant industries. The Platform should build synergies, when relevant, with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, to direct existing funding towards STEP projects and speed up implementation in digital and deep tech, clean tech and biotech sectors which are crucial for Europe's leadership.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘net-zero technologies’ means renewable energy technologies66 ; electricity and heat storage technologies; heat pumps; grid technologies; renewable fuels of non-biological origin technologies; sustainable alternative fuels technologies67 ; electrolysers and fuel cells; advanced technologies to produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle, small modular reactors, and related best-in-class fuels; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies; and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies. They refer to the final products, specific components and specific machinery primarily used for the production of those products along the entire value chain. They shall have reached a technology readiness level of at least 8. _________________ 66 ‘renewable energy' means ‘renewable energy’ as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources 67 ‘sustainable alternative fuels’ means fuels covered by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, COM/2021/561 final and by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport COM/2021/562 final.
Amendment 229 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) It is important that candidates to hold driving licence in any category follow a compulsory theoretical and practical test with the aim of demonstrating sufficient knowledge and a qualified degree of expertise. Harmonisation among Member States of the minimum requirements for theoretical and practical training set out in Annex VIa, is needed in order to improve road safety at EU level.
Amendment 238 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure uniform rights across the Union, taking into account also considerations of road safety, driving licences of categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1 and B should have an administrative validity of 150 years, while categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E shall have an administrative validity of five years. Member States should be allowed to define shorter period in exceptional cases, as defined by this Directive.
Amendment 239 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) Refresher courses for experienced drivers can improve road safety by raising awareness and requiring drivers to gain additional experience in new technological solutions such as advanced driver-assistance systems, semi-automated and automated. To this aim, the use of simulators could be key to update skills of experienced drivers. In addition, driving simulators could also recreate adverse conditions and emergency scenarios and consequently improve the driver's ability to respond and make decisions in critical situations.
Amendment 246 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
Amendment 257 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) It should be ensured that drivers who newly acquire their driving licence in a given category do not endanger road safety on account of their inexperience. For those novice drivers a probationary period of two years should be established, during which they should be subjected to stricter rules and penalties Union-wide when breaking them, due to the influence of alcohol. The penalties for such conduct should be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and non-discriminatory and their severity should to the furthest extent possible take into account the Union’s mid- term and long-term goals of halving and nearly eliminating deaths and serious injuries. As regards any other restrictions on novice drivers, Member States should be allowed to freely implement additional rules in their territory. Member States may extend penalties to all drivers who drive with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0,0 g/mL.
Amendment 261 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Minimum standards concerning access to the profession of examiner and examiner training requirements should be established in order to improve the knowledge and skills of examiners including hazard perception training, thereby ensuring a more objective evaluation of driving licence applicants and achieving greater harmonisation of driving tests. The Commission should be empowered, moreover, to adopt delegated acts to amend and adapt those minimum standards to any technical, operational or scientific developments in this field where it becomes necessary.
Amendment 266 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In a context of gradual digitalisation and automation, of ever more stringent emission reduction requirements of road transport, as well as of constant technological progress of power-driven vehicles, it is necessary to keep all drivers up to date in terms of knowledge about new technologies, road safety and sustainability. The promotion of lifelong training can contribute to more inclusive mobility and can be key in keeping experienced drivers’ skills up to date in terms of road safety, new technologies, ecodriving, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, and speed management.
Amendment 269 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to specify interoperability features and security measures applicable to the QR codes introduced on physical driving licences; provisions related to interoperability, security and testing of mobile driving licences; the extension of the period of administrative validity of driving licences across the Union in case of a crisis; the content of the self-assessment on physical and mental fitness to be conducted for drivers of group 1; the conditions of the exchange of driving licences from third countries for driving licences issued by Member States without recording the fact of exchange on the driving licence; as well as interoperability between national systems connected to the EU driving licence network and the protection of personal data exchanged in that context. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council57 . __________________ 57 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 453 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 150 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1 and BE;
Amendment 471 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) normal residence in the territory of the Member State issuing the licence, or evidence that the applicant has been studying there for at least six months, at the time they submit their application and when the issuing process has been carried out.
Amendment 474 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
When issuing or renewing driving licences in categories AM, A, A1, A2, B, B1 and BE, Member States may require an examination applying the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving set out in Annex III instead of the self-assessment laid down in point 3 of that Annex. In that case, the medical examination shall cover all the medical incapacities mentioned in Annex III. Member States may establish compulsory refresher courses with instructors as well as making use of driving simulators to update their skills as a condition to conclude the renewal process.
Amendment 477 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
When issuing or renewing driving licences in categories AM, A, A1, A2, B, B1 and BE, Member States mayshall require an examination applying the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving set out in Annex III instead of the self-assessment laid down in point 3 of that Annex. In that case, the medical examination shall cover all the medical incapacities mentioned in Annex III.
Amendment 484 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
No person may hold more than one physical driving licence. A pers and one may however hold severalobile driving licences. However, a person may hold several digital copies of the same mobile driving licences, provided that these are issued by the same Member State.
Amendment 505 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14
Article 14
Amendment 559 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall lay down rules on penalties for novice drivers who drive with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.0g/mL and take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. Those penalties shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and non-discriminatory. Member States may extend the application of the 0.0g/mL limit to all drivers.
Amendment 571 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Member States may decide to eliminate the probationary period for new vehicle categories for drivers who have completed the full probationary period of category B.
Amendment 734 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 1
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 1
Amendment 742 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 2
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 2
The applicants shall be required to undergo a medical examination, if it becomes apparent, from the self-assessment of their physical and mental fitnessncluding an appropriate examination for eyesight as described in point 6, when the necessary formalities are being completed or during the tests which they have to undergo prior to obtaining a driving licence, that they are likely to have one or more of the medical incapacities mentioned in this Annex.
Amendment 779 #
2023/0053(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex III – point 13 – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point c
Annex III – point 13 – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point c
(c) severe behavioural problems, ageing-linked behavioural problems; or personality impairments leading to seriously impaired judgment, behaviour or adaptability,
Amendment 55 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32a) In order to increase public confidence in the traffic law enforcement as well as to increase the financing of road safety at national level, Member States should set up a transparent system for the allocation and channel of revenues generated by fines into road safety works and improvements.
Amendment 60 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 a (new)
Recital 33 a (new)
(33a) Non-financial penalties such as demerit point systems have a strong deterrent effect and can improve road safety. It can reduce collisions and deaths when coupled with increased enforcement and effective follow-up and communication campaigns. Considering the latter, the European Commission should encourage Member States to set up and implement a demerit point system for at least the major road safety-related offences in the scope of this Directive as the first step towards a gradual approach to the cross-border recognition of non- financial penalties.
Amendment 72 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point o (a) new
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point o (a) new
(oa) not respecting the rules on vehicle access restriction zones;
Amendment 75 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point o (b) new
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point o (b) new
(ob) not respecting road safety related requirements of access zones e.g. pedestrian zones, speed limit zones;
Amendment 86 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point o (a) new
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point o (a) new
(oa) ‘not respecting road safety related requirements of access zones" means driving without respect to access zones which have been introduced in urban areas which result in road safety benefits such pedestrian zones.
Amendment 87 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point o (b) new
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point o (b) new
(ob) ‘not respecting the rules on vehicle access restriction zones’ means not respecting the rules on accessing or making use of a zone that is part of the territory of a Member State, as delimited by that Member State for the purpose of ensuring road safety, managing traffic or preventing pollution.
Amendment 123 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 4 d new
Article 4 d new
Article 4d Non-financial penalties Member States may set up and implement a demerit point system for at least the major road safety-related offences listed in Article 2. Where Member States decide to establish such systems, the Commission should encourage the exchange of best practices as a first step towards a gradual approach to the cross-border recognition of non- financial penalties.
Amendment 167 #
2023/0052(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive (EU) 2015/413
Article 8 a – subparagraph 1
Article 8 a – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall provide financial support to initiatives that contribute to cross-border cooperation in the enforcement of road-safety-related traffic rules in the Union, in particular the exchange of best practices, the application of smart enforcement methodologies and techniques in the Member States and developing common minimum standards for enforcement equipment and their deployment and operation, increasing the capacity building of enforcement authorities and awareness raising campaigns regarding cross-border enforcement actions. The exchange of best practices should be based on the publishing of new and revised European Commission's Recommendation 2004/345 on enforcement and sanctions in the field of road safety. These new and revised recommendations should encourage Member States to achieve high standards on enforcement.
Amendment 38 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas parents play a key role in ’ associations represent the interest of the parents and play a key role in managing transport and canteens and delivering extracurricular activities and providing transport and other services;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas progress has been made to strengthen the inclusion of students with disabilities and special needs and improve the ratio of students to support teachers, the resources provided to ensure effective inclusion differs markedly between schools and sites;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Requests a reinforced mandate for the European Court of Auditors and the Commission’s Internal Audit Service to provide opinions and recommendations on various aspects of the ESS; calls that the European Court of Auditors publishes an annual report on the accounts of the ESS and that Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control examines these reports as part of the annual discharge procedure; requests a reinforced mandate for the European Court of Auditors and the Commission’s Internal Audit Service to provide opinions and recommendations on various aspects of the ESS and that all relevant aspects related to audit and control systems be discussed on a regular basis in joint meetings of Parliament's committees on budgetary control and culture;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Requests that theUrges Member States to meet their obligations vis-à-vis the ESS in full, particularly with regard to the secondment of qualified teachers and the provision of adequate infrastructure (suitable premises, maintenance thereof and upgrades thereto), guaranteeing the standard of education and organisational aspects, as well as the safety, security and well-being of students and staff alike, and calls for a binding system of direct financial contributions to ensure greater flexibility for both the ESS and the Member States;
Amendment 103 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Member States to meet their obligations with regard to the secondment of qualified teachers, and calls on the BoG to resolve ongoing teacher shortages and ensure a stable and fair employment situation for all by retaining staff and reducing turnover, thereby avoiding a brain drain; calls, in this regard, for a strengthened employment package for seconded and locally recruited staff alike, with competitive remuneration, more equal salaries for nursery, primary and secondary teachers, clarity about employment status and stability, continuous professional development (CPD) and further career prospects in and beyond the ESS;
Amendment 118 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Recalls that, under Article 3. 3(a) of the Convention defining the Statute of the European Schools, any proposal to modify the fundamental structure of a School shall require a unanimous vote of the Member State representatives on the Board of Governors, and that, under Article 9.1(a), the adoption of a decision affecting the specific interests of a Member State shall require a favourable vote by the representative of that Member State; also recalls that any proposal, in particular to modify the language sections or the enrolment guidelines for the ESS, shall respect the principles of proportionality, multiculturalism and multilingualism from the earliest school age, as well as the legitimate expectations of parents regarding the school their children will attend and of teachers regarding working conditions;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Requests the BoG and the OSG to boost inclusion and improve educational opportunities for all students, with a focus on class size and better catering for students with particular educational needs, including by considerably increasing the number of educational and psychological support staff in place and the provision of orientation and mentorship services; highlights that the surge in the number of students who need so-called Intensive Support Assistance should be matched with appropriate resources;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Underlines that the training, adequate remuneration and length of employment contracts are key instruments to ensure that support teachers and assistants provide quality, tailored and continued support to students with particular needs;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Notes that whilst the BoG Policy on the Provision of Educational Support and Inclusive Education has been defined centrally, its implementation remains unevenly implemented and depends on individual Schools; is concerned at cases of drop-outs of students with special needs who have not received adequate support or have been encouraged to leave the ESS;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the outermost regions are highly dependent on transport, especially air and maritime connections for accessing to basic goods and services, as well as for their regional economic development;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the outermost regions are characterised by their remoteness, insularity and strong economic and social dependence on the tourism and transport sectors, which makes them even more vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that, taking into account the dependence of the outermost regions on air and maritime connections, flights from those regions to the mainland of their respective Member States should be exempt from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) until 2030, and that the exemptions for maritime transport connections until 2030 in the Parliament's position on ETS should be respected; calls on the Commission to take into account the regions’ specific characteristics in the revision of all relevant legal acts;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Points out that the exemptions foreseen in the Parliament's position on FuelEU Maritime should be respected at the same time the green transition is accelerated in a fair way taking into account the outermost regions' specific characteristics;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the necessity for all Member States to have modern, safe and sustainable transport infrastructure in order to facilitate travel across the EU and to make the outermost regions, peripheral and remote areas and islands more accessible for intra-European and international tourism and strengthen territorial cohesion;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights that the TEN-T guidelines recognise as a priority to ensure and enhance the accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the Union, paying particular attention to outermost regions and other regions with demographic and accessibility challenges such as insular and remote regions; recalls that the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027 foresees a maximum co-funding rate of 70% for projects located in outermost regions in the transport, digital and energy sectors;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Commission to support investments Calls on the Commission to consider the special characteristics and additional constraints of the outermost regions when formulating and assessing the impact of tourism legislation, in accordance with Article 349 of the TFEU, as these regions rely heavily on tourism for their economic, social and cultural development; recalls the need to ensure proper funding tourism, safeguard the accessibility of the outermost regions and the need to ensure EU funding for itsto support the recovery and the sustainable development and to provide the sector withof the tourism sector and to provide information on EU funding opportunities;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas in the transport workforce, women are dramatically underrepresented. Only 221a% of transport employees in the European Union are female. Women are particularly rare in management roles in the transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors _________________ 1a https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport- themes/social-issues-equality-and- attractiveness-transport- sector/equality/women-transport-eu- platform-change_en
Amendment 13 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. Whereas the transport sector is facing an unprecedented crisis of shortages of people willing to work in the industry due to deteriorating working conditions and poor salaries, particularly during and in the aftermath of COVID-19
Amendment 24 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas too little attention is still being paid to women’s needs in public transport or infrastructure planning, including safety issues; whereas most users of public transport are affected by transport -poverty and have a low-income.
Amendment 68 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to implement the Woman on Boards directive (COM/2012/0614) in transport companies, also by applying penalties for non-compliance.
Amendment 70 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on all Member States to address the gender pay gap and to implement the Pay Transparency- Directive. Stress that no country has yet achieved equal earnings for men and women in the EU. Highlights the difficulty of earning equal pay for men and women in the transport sector, as well as equal pay for equal value of work.
Amendment 74 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls the Commission and Council to address the lack of workforce, in particular female workforce, promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining that promote gender balance and inclusion.
Amendment 90 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to promote equal training opportunities for men and women. Highlights that training is one of the cornerstones of professional and personal development to maintain an equivalent professional level for men and women, including specific training in equality and work-life balance.
Amendment 96 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Council and all Member States to promote initiatives to prevent all kinds of discrimination, as well as to promote measures ensuring safe and secure workplaces, and training aimed at preventing violence and harassment in all transport-related workplaces. Calls for the Commission to include in future transport legislation to offer protection to women who have been victims of gender violence as well as reporting procedures for incidents of psychological or sexually motivated harassment, supported by practical strategies for prevention and risk assessment of gender violence, including psychosocial risks.
Amendment 104 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to promote systems for collecting and recording data on incidents, reviewing and learning from incidents and building this into organisational changes and improvements in working conditions; Calls Council and Members State to address the issue of lack of sanitary facilities for women at the workplace, particularly in the transport sector.
Amendment 112 #
Amendment 117 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Emphasizes that women should always be able to use transportation without threats, uncomfortable situations or the presence of danger.
Amendment 121 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls on the Commission and Member States to analyse the needs of women of all ages taking public transport to ensure that the transport system is inclusive, accessible and safe for everybody;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Calls on the Commission and Member States to always integrate the gender perspective and social dimension when developing policies in the transportation sector, through gender mainstreaming, and gender budgeting.
Amendment 127 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Amendment 130 #
2022/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Calls on the Commission and Member State to share best practices on how to ensure safety for women using transportation, also by facilitating this dialogue for transportation companies.
Amendment 5 #
2022/2097(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses its concern about worrying press reports and individual complaints on the Agency’s internal management culture, which includes serious reports of aggressive management techniques, workplace harassment, increased sick leaves due to burnout, and a general lack of transparency; is concerned about the resignation of the staff committee in 2021 in a context of a deteriorated social climate; notes that the recent social dialogue has led to the convening of elections for a new staff committee in 2023; calls on the Agency to put in place effective measures to end all abusive work practices as well as to restore social dialogue with its staff, and to duly inform the budgetary authority thereof;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Court of Auditors stated in its audit that, in its specific assessment of the administrative and other expenditure in 2021, it did not identify any serious weaknesses in the annual activity reports of the institutions and bodies it examined as required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046did not show material levels of error, which is consistent with the Court’s findings;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 16 September 2021 on strengthening transparency and integrity in the EU institutions by setting up an independent EU ethics body;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2022 on suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas trust in Parliament’s integrity and the rule of law is paramount for the functioning of European democracy; whereas it is key to ensure that democratic processes are not captured by private and external interests and that citizens’ rights are fully respected;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’) performs a specific assessment of administrative and other expenditure as a single policy group for all Union institutions; highlights that administrative and related expenditure includes expenditure on human resources (salaries, allowances and pensions), accounting for 68% of the total, and on other categories, such as buildings, equipment, energy, communications and information technology;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes with concern that the Court’s annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2021 presents specific findings on Parliament, namely errors in two payments: (i) a minor over- payment for IT services caused by an incorrect application of contract terms, and (ii) one payment by Parliament to one of its political groups; is concerned that the internal procurement rules adopted by the Bureau and Parliament’s guidelines on their application allow the use of negotiated procurement procedures for high-value contracts whereas the Financial Regulation stipulates the use of open or restricted procurement procedures; notes with concern, furthermore, the Court’s finding that the political group failed to fully follow these internal rules, as it did not seek enough tenders and did not adequately document the criteria used to award the contract; highlights that the Court has previously reported shortcomings in transactions relating to procurement by political groups;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Acknowledges that, in accordance with Article 118(9) of the Financial Regulation, “the reports and findings of the internal auditor, as well as the report of the Union institution concerned, shall be accessible to the public after validation by the internal auditor of the action taken for their implementation”; calls on the internal auditor to regularly reportport as often as necessary to the Committee on Budgetary Control on the annual audit activities carried out;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that once the Plenary calls for different rules or measures to be implemented by Parliament, such proposed rules or measures should be discussed and voted on by the Bureau, pursuant to Rule 25 of and Annex V to the Rules of Procedure and Articles 6 and 166262 of the Financial Regulation; is deeply disappointed, however, that each year very concrete demands adopted by Plenary in discharge resolutions are not reflected in the discussions of the Bureau meetings despite the fact that both Bureau members and the Secretary-General are aware of the discharge resolutions and have the capacity to submit proposals under the aforementioned Rule 25; is disappointed that the Secretary-General's written replies to Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control are often limited to quoting the current rules without any dedicated discussion in the Bureau and thus, lacking a genuine effort or intention to review those rules in accordance with Parliament’s will; believes that this situation is detrimental to the exercise of democratic scrutiny which is carried out via the discharge procedure and for which Parliament should be a role model for all Union institutions and bodies;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is concerned that in certain cases, some of the measures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in modified working conditions in specific services within Parliament which had a negative impact on staff, for example at the copy shop in Brussels where members of staff had to work in isolation for a long period of time even after the safety measures were lifted; asks Parliament’s administration to proactively re-evaluate the working conditions changed in possible similar situations;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Praises the key role of Parliament’s medical services at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic response and acknowledges the enormous workload involved, which included treatment, testing and vaccination of staff, providing psychological support and advising on mitigation measures; regretnotes the fact that the staff annual medical check-up washad to be cancelled in 2021 and, recalls that is a statutory right laid down in Article 59(6) of the Staff Regulations, and welcomes the fact that the progression of the pandemic situation has made it possible to resume it; welcomes the creation, in October 2021, of the Medical Preparedness and Crisis Management Unit (MPCMU) made up of staff from the medical services in Brussels and Luxembourg with the objective of enhancing Parliament’s response capacity for future crisis;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2082(DEC)
32. Notes that the total cost of the testing centres was EUR 5 415 789 in Brussels, EUR 302 288 in Luxembourg and EUR 39 370 in Strasbourg; welcomes the fact that the public health authorities provided the vaccines and all other material free of charge for Parliament’s vaccination campaign; notes that the total cost of the vaccination centre in Brussels in 2021 was EUR 230 502, including a reinforcement by six interim nurses and the adaptation of an existing IT tool for the administrative aspects (EUR 45 655 and EUR 184 847 respectively); praises the work of the medical service and, the staff of the contracted laboratory and the volunteers in Parliament’s tests and vaccination centres in Brussels; notes that in both Strasbourg and Luxembourg, the vaccination campaigns were organised by the national authorities, and thus no cost was incurred by Parliament;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Stresses the major negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Parliament’s catering staff which led to worsening working conditions and even dismissals; welcomes the solidarity measures implemented from April 2020 to December 2021, namely the provision of ‘charity meals’ and a business continuity fee in the three places of work, that at least helped to safeguard 37 jobs for catering staff; welcomes the fact that there 20 new jobs have been created since the restart of all catering activities in March 2022, but regrets the fact that Parliament’s administration has not communicated how many jobs were lost during the pandemic with the pretext that it is a concession contract; is of the opinion that the internalization of essential services such as catering and cleaning should be considered by the governing bodies, as Parliament has recently done with security, drivers and IT services, and it was also made with the CPE2 crèche in Luxembourg; calls on the Secretary-General to carry out a feasibility study on the internalisation of these services and to report back to the Committee on Budgetary Control on the outcome;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Recalls that the Bureau approved on 13 January 2020 new and more ambitious targets for gender balance at senior and middle management levels of Parliament’s administration to be achieved by 2024, namely 50% female heads of unit, 50% female directors and 40% female directors-general; recalls that a gender action plan for the years 2021-2022 aimed at facilitating the implementation of these targets, as well as comprehensively mainstreaming gender into all activities of Parliament, was subsequently developed and approved by the Bureau on 6 July 2020; welcomes the fact that 42,7% of heads of unit and 50% directors are women, while women occupying director- general positions have increased from 15,4% to 28.,% since 2021; notes that in 2021 Parliament recruited 536 women (50,3%) and 530 men (49,7%) across all categories of staff combined; notes the difficulties to achieve a satisfactory gender balance in some specific services, such as DG SAFE with 81% men and 19% women; asks the Administration for an assessment of the 2021-2022 roadmap based on the selected progress monitoring indicators in the context of the forthcoming discharge;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Recalls Parliament’s recommendation to the Commission in its resolution of 18 April 2018 ‘to review its administrative procedure for the appointment of senior officials with the objective of fully ensuring that the best candidates are selected within a framework of maximum transparency and equal opportunities, thereby also setting an example for the other European institutions’; is of the opinion that an ad hoc accelerated appointment procedure and an interview made up of only three questions to select its Secretary-Generalthat lasted less than 4 months, setting the required grade lower than that of direct subordinates and a single interview made up of only three questions to select its Secretary-General, a position that oversees over 9 000 staff members and a EUR 2 billion annual budget, falls short of what is expected of Parliament in terms of transparency, accountability and good administration, and it is profoundlyhas generated public criticism preventing it from being perceived as an open, fair and transparent procedure, which is a barrier to attracting candidates and is also damaging to the institution’s reputation; recalls furthermore its own recommendation that officials from staff representatives bodies should sit on Parliament’s senior management selection panels; calls therefore on the Secretary- General to submit a proposal to the Bureau to modify its decision of 16 May 2000 laying down the steps in the procedure for appointing senior officials, in order to include the appointment to the post of secretary-general as well as to enable staff representatives to participate as observers in the Advisory Committee, which is fully compatible with Article 3(4) of Annex III of the Staff Regulations;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Reiterates its opinion that the particular working relationship between Members and APAs can encompass a situation where both parties decide to terminate the contract by mutual agreement earlier than anticipated but without loss of trust; urges the Bureau to review the implementing measures for Title VII of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servantsconsult with Parliament’s Legal Service and DG PERS ofn the European Union (CEOS) to allowfeasibility of the contract to be terminated by mutual agreement before its expiry date and to inform the committee on budgetary control of the answer;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Recalls that Members may offer a traineeship to nationals of third countries, provided that they ensure that trainees comply with visa requirements of the country of designation; notes that third- country workers coming to Belgium for a traineeship in Brussels longer than 90 days must apply for a prior authorisation with the competent regional public service, i.e. Brussels Economy and Employment; is alarmed that Parliament’s competent service agreed with the latter that the relevant Member’s office would submit the candidate’s dossier which in practice means that an APA is appointed responsible before the public authorities, including the provision of their personal data and being legally accountable; recalls that the Parliament cannot put the APAs in a situation that could be detrimental to their rights as statutory personnel and calls on Parliament’s administration to find a different solution that will not endanger the privacy and legal security of the APAs or be a risk to the security of Parliament;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Stresses that transparency, accountability, and integrity are essential ethics principles within the Union institutions and particularly Parliament as house of the European democracy; recalls that unethical behaviours must be prevented, persecuted and condemned for significantly damage the credibility and legitimacy of the UnionParliament and the Union as a whole and constitute a serious threat to democracy and public trust; recalls the Court’s conclusions and recommendations in its special report 13/2019 on the ethnical frameworks of Union institutions, as well as Parliament’s resolution of 16 September 2021 on strengthening transparency and integrity in the Union institutions by setting up an independent Union ethics body;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Calls for a thorough overhaul of Parliament’s ethical framework that integrates lessons learned, ensures fully implementation and strengthens the current control rules to ensure that there are stronger deterrents to address effectively current and future threats and interferences, whether they affect Members or staff; stresses that illegal activities funded by paid lobbying constitutes a profound attack on democracy and should be met with zero tolerance and heightened vigilance; calls in particular for a revision of the Rules of Procedure and the Members’ Code of Conduct, as well as for an urgent upgrade of the current European Parliament’s Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members, in order to ensure that Members act without any undue influence from interest representatives by means of a strict regulation of paid activities during the mandate, gifts or travel invitations, future employment expectations, and of undue use of information or contacts; echoes the proposal to create a special advisory committee on integrity, transparency and corruption with the participation of representatives of the Administration, APAs representatives, and also independent experts; recommends mandatory anti-corruption and transparency training for Members, APAs and staff members;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 a (new)
Paragraph 62 a (new)
62a. Calls for the provision of all necessary resources to ensure that the internal rules related to the Transparency Register are effectively enforced, including, where appropriate, the imposition of adequate sanctions; recommends in particular that digital solutions are used to integrate the Transparency Register in all Parliament's activities involving external entities, such as requesting the registration number for accreditation of visitors and for organisation of events, as well as to cross- check the relevant records and databases;
Amendment 98 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 b (new)
Paragraph 62 b (new)
62b. Regrets that the EPRS organised in June 2022 a two-day conference together with two non-governmental organisations, Fight Impunity and No Peace Without Justice, which were not registered in the Transparency Register and are today at the origin of one of the biggest corruption scandals ever suffered by Parliament; urges the Administration to put in place the means to strengthen internal rules and instruments for the prevention of conflicts of interest, such as the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) and the Public Procurement Forum (PPF), particularly with regard to events and studies commissioned by Parliament's bodies, and to make registration in the Transparency Register compulsory for external entities participating in any form;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68
Paragraph 68
68. Welcomes Parliament’s zero- tolerance policy on harassment and the awareness-raising campaigns carried out; is concerned, however, that on 28 October 2022 only 245 sitting Members (36,3%) had completed the training on respect and dignity in the workplace; recalls that Parliament has requested on several occasions the implementation of mandatory anti-harassment training courses for all Members, as well as staff, including persons in managerial roles in the different directorates-general and political groups; stresses the importance of early intervention, together with training and awareness-raising actions and notes the initiative taken by the administration to set up internal mediators as a step towards early conflict resolution;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Notes that the ‘advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace’ is composed of three members designated by the Appointing Authority (including the chair), two Staff Committee members and one expert advisor from the medical service; notes that the ‘advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning Members’ is composed of three Quaestors (including the chair), the chair of the first committee, two APA committee members, one staff committee member (only for cases concerning a member of staff), and two expert advisors, namely from the legal and the medical services respectively; is concerned by the lack of independent experts on harassment issues in both committees, as well as the absence of the legal service in the first case; calls for a Secretary-General decisionon the Bureau to reviewing the composition of both advisory committees andin order to include the pertinent independent expertise and to stipulatinge mandatory training on harassment prevention and equal opportunities for all their membersinternal members; strongly recommends a complete review of the functioning of the advisory committees with the assistance of independent legal and harassment prevention specialists, so that Parliament is equipped with clear, effective and robust rules of procedure while focusing on adequate response times and the necessary procedural safeguards, information, counselling and protection measures for all parties as appropriate;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Reiterates that APAs are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their particular employment situation; therefore calls on the Secretary-General to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 December 2015 to align them to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 , as well as to provide whistleblower APAs and staff with a similar protection to that of victims of harassment, in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity, pay until the end of the contract, transfer of post and protection from retaliation; _________________ 2 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17).;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Reiterates that APAs are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their particularspecific employment situation; therefore calls on the Secretary-General to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 December 2015 to align them to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 , as well as to provide whistleblower APAs with a similarreinforced protection to that of, in the same line as for victims of harassment, in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity, pay until the end of the contract, transfer of post and protection from retaliation; _________________ 2 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17).
Amendment 131 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73
Paragraph 73
73. Highlights the importance of its communication strategy to engage with Union citizens through a varied multichannel series of projects and activities despite the challenges encountered in 2021; notes in Parliament social media channels an average growth in engagement rate between 2020 and 2021 of 69% and an average growth in the number of followers in 2021 of 11%; notes that, following a President decision in June 2021, visitors’ facilities were partially reopened and were able to welcome a total of 337 984 visitors until the end of the year and budgetary commitments of EUR 15 982 020 for 2021; notes that the works of the Zweig Visitor Centre continued as planned in 2021 and it was inaugurated in November 2022, and in this respect asks that consideration be given to the amount of time visitors' groups invest in moving from the Zweig building to the Spaak building, including security and identification checks, which may reduce the number of groups that can be received on a daily basis; notes that the House of European History, the Parlamentarium and the Europa Experiences remained closed or operated at reduced capacity for parts of 2021; welcomes the fact that the European Youth Event could finally be held in 2021 in a hybrid format and that it was a success with 10 000 young people taking part, although regrets a certain lack of preparation for the security checks which delayed access to Parliament's premises; notes the first editions of the LUX Audience award, with 6 000 voters, and the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for journalism, which drew over 200 applications from across the Union;
Amendment 154 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86a. Deplores the fact that there is no system in place to ensure that Members who are temporarily absent for a justified reason, such as maternity leave, parental leave, long-term sick leave or carer’s leave, can continue to carry out their core duties if they so wish, first and foremost to speak in debates and to vote; deems this problematic as it can negatively impact citizens’ representation in Parliament; underlines that younger, particularly female, Members and their voters are disproportionately affected when no such arrangements are provided for; emphasizes that a vote for a female member of Parliament should not lead to a lack of representation; calls on the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to provide for the continuation of remote participation and for providing for the substitution of a Member - whether female or male - while on parental leave and in the above mentioned cases by revising Parliament’s Rules of Procedure; equally emphasises the importance of amending the European Electoral Law so as to make such substitution possible;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86a. Takes note of the changes in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure on 20 December 2020 allowing for remote voting; regrets that voting remotely in committee is currently not provided for under Parliament’s Rules of Procedure unless the President establishes the existence of extraordinary circumstances; reiterates its request, adopted at Plenary level on several occasions, to the Bureau to launch a revision of the Rules of Procedure in order to enable Members to exercise their right to vote remotely while benefiting from maternity or paternity leave, during a long term illness or in cases of force majeure, thus capitalising on the great effort and financial investment that the Parliament has made in technical solutions to allow remote voting;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 90
Paragraph 90
90. Notes the architectural competition on the design of the renewal of the Spaak building in which the competitors handed over their proposals in January 2021, the jury analysed the 15 entries and ranked the five laureates in February 2021 and the Bureau endorsed the five laureates proposed by the jury at its meeting of 6 July 2022; believes that the current economic context calls for renovation projects to be reconsidered in order to explore money-saving opportunities to bring safe working conditions to Members and Parliament’s staff without unreasonable budgetary implications; also calls in this light for proper information and consultation to the relevant Parliament committees on next actions in the renovation plans, as well as where the purchase of new buildings is concerned, particularly regarding possible plans to acquire the Osmose building;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 96
Paragraph 96
96. Notes with concern the Secretary- General’s decision of 22 March 2021 to abolish the Supervisory Committee for Canteens, Cafeterias and the Staff Shop (CORECA) based on the fact that since October 2020 all activities in the sector on Parliament’s premises have operated under concession contracts, which function without any direct involvement from Parliament’s budget; believes, however, that CORECA was a useful contact point between Parliament’s competent services and the Staff Committee on the food offer and the catering services, and that it would have been useful, for instance, to involve and receive feedback from the staff about the recent adaptation of the food offer in several venues and its noticeable deterioration in quality; regrets also that the Astrid Lulling Lounge no longer serves hot meals and has reduced its offer; calls, therefore, on the Secretary-General to reinstate CORECA or a similar contact point to involve staff representatives;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100
Paragraph 100
100. Observes that the evacuation system in Parliament’s buildings is largely based on security volunteers, as well as the difficulties to recruit them in buildings with less presence of administrative staff and taking into account that volunteers can also be on a teleworking mode; stresses the importance of counting on trained volunteers capable of guiding and supporting people present in Parliament’s building during evacuation simulations and real emergencies;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100 a (new)
Paragraph 100 a (new)
100a. Calls on the security services controlling access to Parliament’s buildings to find a reasonable solution for external photographers who works in Parliament's premises on a daily basis and who have to carry a large amount of professional equipment through the security control every time, for example by allowing them to use the specific access for press;
Amendment 179 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100 b (new)
Paragraph 100 b (new)
100b. Points out that at weekends the access to Parliament's buildings requires attendance to be signed on a paper register and, based on past problems with this method, strongly recommends that a more reliable and effective system be put in place;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 103
Paragraph 103
103. Recalls that transport of persons accounts for roughly two-thirds of Parliament’s carbon footprint; notes that the CO2 emissions from the monthly commutes to Strasbourg in 2021 were approximately 490 tonnes of CO2 including travel of staff and APAs, and transport of documents and equipment; also notes that the suspension of Strasbourg part-sessions contributed to total savings of EUR 26 260 608 according to Parliament’s Secretariat, while also significantly reducing Parliament’s carbon footprint; highlights that the Court estimates that “the end of moving from Strasbourg to Brussels could generate annual savings of EUR 114 million plus a one-off saving of EUR 616 million if the Strasbourg buildings are successfully divested, or a one-off cost of EUR 40 million if they are not"1a; considers that given the current climate crisis, retaining the Strasbourg seat is untenable, calls on the Council to take Parliament’s position into account and act on it as a matter of urgency; _________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/PL1407_LETTER/PL1407_LETT ER_EN.pdf
Amendment 189 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 108
Paragraph 108
108. Understands that the core business of the service cars is the transport of Members, including the journey between Brussels and Strasbourg; points out, however, the waste of resources resulting from the fact that on average 15% of the seats available in the service fleet were not been occupied for that journey in 2021; reiterates its call on Parliament’s administration to widen the user group while making sure that Members’ seats are secured, i.e. establishing a reserve list and coherent deadlines to confirm the journey;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 113
Paragraph 113
113. Suggests the creation of a Bureau ad-hoc Working Groupjoint Task Force with Members and the relevant services of the Administration to carry out a thorough overhaul of the Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament (IMMS) while striking a balance between the freedom of the exercise of the mandate, the reputational risks to Parliament and managerial ethics; strongly recommends that a comprehensive consultation of Members is carried out before the end of the current mandate to provide this Working GroupTask Force with first-hand information from experienced Members and officials on the practical application of the rules governing Parliament and the ability to identify inconsistencies, such as the fact that the Members’ attendance on Fridays is not registered in Brussels during plenary weeks or even if a Parliament’s committee official mission is carried out on Thursdays;
Amendment 213 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 115 a (new)
Paragraph 115 a (new)
115a. Notes that in 2021, when contacted in the context of a mission of Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Central America (DCAM), the travel agency could not provide a quote for flights to and from Cuba because, as a US owned company, it has to respect the US embargo against Cuba; notes that the travel agency had to outsource the search for the aforementioned flights to another agency, leading to delays in the process; recalls that Parliament’s bodies are obliged to use a quote from its travel agency in order to establish a financial statement for missions, which may be negatively impacted by restrictions concerning Cuba and other countries on which the US has imposed sanctions; demands that this issue be duly taken into account in the next tender for the selection of a new travel agency;
Amendment 217 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116
Paragraph 116
116. Is concerned that the actuarial deficit of the Voluntary Pension Fund (VPF) on 31 December 2021 amounted to EUR 379 million (compared to EUR 371.3 million on 31 December 2020); is concerned that the complete exhaustion is expected by the end of 2024 or 2025 at the latest and that in the meantime the VPF continues to sell assets in order to meet its pension obligations, which probably means that the remaining capital is being reduced; acknowledges that Parliament is not involved in the management of the portfolio but expresses its concern regarding the articles published in the press about the investments made by the Fund and the potential reputational risk for the institution; recalls the Bureau decision of 10 December 2018 increasing the retirement age from 63 to 65 years and introducing a levy of 5% to pension payments for future pensioners with a view to improving the VPF sustainability; notes that in its judgment of 15 September 2021 in cases T-720/19 to T-725/19, Ashworth and Others v Parliament3 , the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concluded that already acquired rights were not impacted by the contested Bureau decision of 10 December 2018 and confirmed the Bureau's competence to adopt decisions aiming at improving the sustainability of the fund provided that they respect the principle of proportionality; notes that an appeal was lodged before the CJEU against its judgment of the 15 September 2021 and that in the meantime Parliament’s Bureau willis in the process of examineing the implications for future proposals for options to improve the sustainability of the Fund while reducing Parliament`s liability; _________________ 3 Judgment of the General Court of 15 September 2021, Richard Ashworth and Others v European Parliament, T-720/19 to T-725/19, ECLI:EU:T:2021:580
Amendment 222 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 125
Paragraph 125
125. Recalls the key role of a lively and resilient European democracy underpinned by pluralism of political parties at Union level; emphasises therefore that a level playing field has to be ensured and compliance has to be controlled in full respect of procedural rights; welcomes in this context the essential work of the Authority which independently and in close cooperation with Parliament controls compliance of European political parties and foundations with the legal framework, provides transparency to the citizens, and contributes to the integrity of Parliament elections; urges the budgetary authority to ensure that the Authority is equipped with the necessary resources, in particular human and IT resources, to continue fulfilling its existing mandate including in light of evolving threats of foreign interference, especially to protect Union values, to counter abuses of personal data for electoral purposes and to identify the origin of donations, as well as any new tasks to be provided by the legislator; underlines in this context that the European election year 2024 will be pivotal for financial and functional integrity of European democracy and create a significant surcharge of work for the Authority;
Amendment 224 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 125 a (new)
Paragraph 125 a (new)
125a. Notes in this regard that additional resources for democratic integrity have to be invested by the European Union in its entirety; recalls that the Authority is an independent body of the Union and consequently its appropriations and posts should be distinguished in a transparent manner from those of Parliament; reiterates thus its recommendation to create a separate section for the Authority in the general budget of the European Union, as expressed on its Resolution of 19 October 2022 on the EU draft general for 2023;
Amendment 225 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 125 b (new)
Paragraph 125 b (new)
125b. Welcomes the follow-up carried out by the Authority to the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement issued in January 2021 in the frame of its case 1094/2020/DL, namely the improvement of the website allowing to increase the amount of information offered to the viewers, the linkage to Parliament’s website, and the publication of information about the Register of European political parties and foundations;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the RRF's contribution to preventing a strong economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that the RRF has beenis instrumental in making progress with the implementation of the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) stemming from the European Semester in almost all Member States; notes however that several CSRs remain unaddressed, despite the financial incentives stemming from the RRFmake European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions; notes that the recovery and resilience plans will drive the Member States’ reform and investment agenda for the years to come, while the European Semester, with its broader scope and multilateral surveillance, will usefully guide and complement the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2081(DEC)
16. Is concerned by the findingNotes the findings and conclusions of the Court in its first annual assessment of the RRF; considerunderstands that the implementation of the RRF takes place under time pressure, with however a much more straight forward delivery model that puts much, lighter requirements on the Commission, and reduces the control burden from the Commission towards the Member States, in particular in comparison with the cohesion policy; is therefore concerned by the types of findings of the Court which fundamentally calls into question whether the Commission can handle even this reduced control burden; calls on the Commission not to apply, in comparison with the cohesion policy; calls on the Commission to assess the advantages and disadvantages of theis performance -based delivery model as used in the implementation of the RRF for other policies until the advantages and disadvantages are more clear, followingpart of the evaluation of the implementation of the RRF due by 20 February 2024;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the agreement reached in the inter-institutional negotiations on RePowerEU on the bi-annual publication of the 100 biggest final beneficiaries per Member State on the RRF Scoreboard; reiterates its call for the list of all final beneficiaries and projects to be made available to auditors andto make the data at the Commission's disposal available in the framework of discharge, for the discharge authority;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Expresses concern about the limited number of cross-border projects under the RRF, which calls into questionle understands that the main focus of the RRF has been to support economic recovery in the EU Member States after the COVID-19 pandemic; stresses that the alignment of the national recovery and resilience plans with the EU policy objectives materialises the Union added value of this instrument;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Notes that the Commission applies controls to the EU budget both before and after payments have been made, and makes corrections if and when necessary; notes that this control system is reflected in both the ‘risk at payment’, which is an estimation of the level of expenditure that is not in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations at the time of the payment, and the ‘risk at closure’ (of the programme), which estimates the level of expenditure that is not in compliance when all controls and related corrections have been completed and, legally, no further action can be taken; further notes that the Commission’s estimated risk at closure is of 0.8%, well below the 2% materiality threshold;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes that the Court divides their audit population into high risk (mainly reimbursement based payments) and low risk (mainly entitlement based payments) expenditure; notes with concern however, that the Commission in its Annual Management and Performance Report categorises the expenditure into higher, medium and lower risk segments; emphasis, notes that the use of different risk categories by the Court and the Commission impedes the work of the discharge authority in making a comparative analysis of the respective reports; notes with concern the discrepancy between the Court’s calculation of high-risk expenditure as 63.2 % compared to Commission’s calculation of 22 %Commission’s analysis of where the risks are is based on checks performed by national authorities, other partners and the Commission itself every year, at the most granular level;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Notes that, despite the factRecalls that the objective of the Court’s audit of the RRF was to contribute to the statement of assurance and provide the basis for its opinion on the regularity of 2021 RRF expenditure; notes that the audit population comprised the only 2021 disbursement, a payment to Spain, and the clearing of the related pre- financing; welcomes that the Court considers the RRF expenditure accepted in the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 as legal and regular in all material reaspects, there i; notes that the Court considers one milestone in the payment to Spain that ias not satisfactorily fulfilled, casting doubt on the Commission’s assessment of the milestone and targets associated with the related RRF expenditure; recalls that the only reason the identified error was not quantified was the absence of a methodology for partial payments by the Commissionwhich was found to be non-material error;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 – point e
Paragraph 43 – point e
Amendment 202 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 121 a (new)
Paragraph 121 a (new)
121 a. Stresses that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed the economic and social outlook in the Union and commends the united effort that led to the agreement in December 2020 of the recovery package for Europe, namely the 2021-2027 Multinannual Financial Framework and the European Recovery Instrument 'Next Generation EU', of which the cornerstone is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); recalls that the Regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF Regulation) was approved by Parliament on 9 February 2021 and adopted by the Council on 11 February 202, laying down the objectives, financing and rules for accessing the RRF funding;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2081(DEC)
121 b. Stresses that the specific objective of the RRF is to provide Member States with financial support with a view to achieving reforms and investments in order to mitigate the serious economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and make European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 204 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 121 c (new)
Paragraph 121 c (new)
121 c. Recalls that the RRF is a temporary recovery instrument based on performance, i.e. payments are linked to the satisfactory fulfilment of a group of milestones and targets reflecting progress on several reforms and investments of the national recovery and resilience plans; recalls that Member States were also required to provide the estimated cost of the proposed measures, together with supporting documentation;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 121 d (new)
Paragraph 121 d (new)
121 d. Highlights that the RRF Regulation provides that the reforms and investments included in each of the recovery and resilience plans must reach targets for climate and digital expenditure and contribute appropriately to the six pillars or policy areas of European relevance; recalls that each national plan should effectively address challenges identified in the European Semester, particularly the country-specific recommendations adopted by the Council; stresses the added value of the RRF supporting an unprecedented agenda of reforms and investments to address the specific challenges Member States are facing;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 123
Paragraph 123
123. Notes the Commission’s activities to issue securities on the international capital markets necessary to fund the RRF'Next Generation EU' Recovery Instrument, for which the Commission raised, by the end of 2021, EUR 71,0 billion of long-term funding and EUR 20 billion of short-term funding; notes the issuing of the first NGEU green bond with a value of EUR 12,0 billion, that requires implementation of reporting on the precise use of proceeds green bonds and on the impact of investments; recalls the issues concerning performance reporting identified by the Court and the reputational and financial risks that this can bring for the green bonds; considers that the first interest costs have been incurred for these borrowed amounts, including a negative interest rate of over EUR 20 billion in deposit at the ECB; notes the introduction of interest rate risk for the Union budget because of NGEU’s funding needs;
Amendment 207 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 122
Paragraph 122
122. Notes that the Commission approved 22 National Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) in 2021, committing EUR 154 billion in loans and EUR 291 billion in grants; notes that the Commission disbursed pre-financing for loans with a total value of EUR 18 billion, with the biggest two recipients being Italy (EUR 15,9 billion) and Greece (EUR 1,65 billion); recalls that the Council's approval of the NRRPs enabled the Member States to receive pre-financing up to 13 % of the financial contribution; notes that the Commission disbursed pre- financing for grants with a total value of EUR 36,3 billion, with the biggest two recipients being Spain (EUR 9,04 billion) and Italy (EUR 8,95 billion); notes that the Commission disbursed one payment, to Spain, with a value of EUR 10,0 billion; notes that the payment to Spain was accompanied by the clearing of EUR 1,5 billion of pre-financing of the EUR 9,04 billion received as pre-financing by that Member State, in accordance with Article 5(3) of the financing agreement between the Commission and the Kingdom of Spain;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 124
Paragraph 124
124. Notes the Court’s observation regarding the RRF in its 2021 Annual Report concerning the first payment request fromRRF and the only payment made in 2021, to Spain; notes that the Court assessexamined the Commission’s ex-ante work on all milestones associated with theis payment to Spain in 2021; observes that it will not be possible for the Court to assess all milestones associated with future payment; observes that the Court had not been able to examine other payments in 2021, and will not be able to assess all milestones associated with future payments to all Member States, which will have an impact on its future analyses;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 125
Paragraph 125
125. Is worried byNotes the Court’'s serious findingconclusion that, for the payment made to Spain in 2021, one of the 52 milestones was not satisfactorily fulfilled; regrets to, although this is not considered by the Court as a material error; notes that the element identified by the Court was not able to quantify this error because of the absence of a methodology to quantify the impact of (partially) not achieving afulfilled is not in the milestone, but is contained in the description of the measure, which is a separate part of the CID as per Article 20(5)(c) of the RRF Regulation, and whose elements are not always relevant for the Commission's assessment on the satisfactory fulfilment of milestone ors and targets; notes the Commission’s Internal Auditor also obshighlights that the Commission considers that the concervned the absence of this methodology; considers it grave negligence of the Commission to not have this methodology in place before making payments, as this calls into question the Commission’s sincerity of assessing the satisfactory fulfilment of milestones and targelement is not directly or indirectly referred to in the milestone, nor is directly or indirectly relevant for the fulfilment of that milestone; understands, therefore, that it cannot be considered as a basis for assessing this milestone as not having been satisfactorily mets;
Amendment 221 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 125 a (new)
Paragraph 125 a (new)
125 a. Notes that the Commission’s Internal Auditor had observed in its 2021 Overall Opinion on Commission financial management as an emphasis of matter the need for the timely development of a methodology to quantify the impact of partially not achieving a milestone or target; commends the Commission's work in rectifying this situation and welcomes the publication of such methodology on 21 February 2023, which will allow the Commission to determine, when necessary in the future, the amount to be suspended if a milestone or target is not satisfactorily fulfilled, in full respect of the principles of equal treatment and proportionality; observes that the calculation of the suspended amount will reflect both the performance-based nature of the RRF and the unique combination of reforms and investments, as well as the fact that not all measures contribute equally to the realisation of the objectives of a NRRP;
Amendment 227 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 126
Paragraph 126
126. Notes that the Commission’s Internal Audit Service did not performstarted any audit engagement as regards the NGEU programme in 2021; notes that following the work done the Internal Auditor draws in its 2021 Overall Opinion on Commission financial management also attention to the need to continue work on control design and implementation of appropriate financial management, and audit and control strategies; considers the Internal Auditor to be an essential element of internal checks and balances within the Commission and that independent and objective information derived from its own audit activities is indispensable for the Internal Auditor to function effectively; underlines that according to international internal audit standards the work by the Court as external auditor cannot substituted the work of the Internal Audit Service; should be coordinated;
Amendment 229 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127
Paragraph 127
127. Recalls the CONT committee’s opinion to the committee on Budgets and the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation establishing the RRF; recalls the call therein for a list of all final beneficiaries andthe Member States to keep records of the economic operators and their beneficial owners for the purpose of audit and control, as well as a call for a list of all final beneficiaries of the Facility in full compliance with data projtects of the Facility; considers that Article 22(2) (d) of that Regulation puts the requirement on the Member States to keep these records, and that the provisions in Article 22(3) call for making the data concernedion regulation; welcomes that the RRF Regulation adopted by the EU co- legislators follows this line, as its Article 22(2) (d) puts the requirement on the Member States to keep these records (i) for the purpose of audit and control and (ii) to provide for comparable information on the use of funds; notes, furthermore, that the provisions in Article 22(3) call for making the personal data only processed by Member States and by the Commission for the purpose of discharge, audit and control proceedings, as well as for making the data at the Commission's disposal available in the framework of discharge, for the discharge authority;
Amendment 234 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Paragraph 127 a (new)
127 a. Recalls that, in line with the national ownership of the recovery and resilience plans, the principal responsibility for the protection of the financial interests of the Union and the Member State under the RRF lies with the national authorities, which have the obligation to collect data on final recipients; notes that this data may be requested by national control, investigative and audit bodies or, at EU level, as per Article 22(2)(e) of the RRF Regulation by the Commission as well as OLAF, EPPO, and the European Court of Auditors;
Amendment 235 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128
Paragraph 128
128. Welcomes the agreement reached in the inter-institutional negotiations on the RePowerEU onRegulation amending the RRF Regulation to make it mandatory for the Member States the bi-annual publication of the 100 biggest beneficiaries of RePowerEU and the RRF in each Member State by February 2024 at the latest; considers however that this does not replace the requirement to provide the list of all final beneficiaries and projects to auditors and the discharge authority for every financial yearnotes that in the guidance adopted on 1 February 2023, the Commission has invited the Member States to publish such a list as soon as April 2023 to increase the transparency on the RRF;
Amendment 241 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 130
Paragraph 130
130. Notes the Commission’s approach to adherence to procurement and state aid rules in the investments under the RRP is to rely on national systems, and revert to infringement procedures when cases of non-compliance in Member States are detected; considers that the protection of the Union financial interests is not timely guaranteed and does not necessarily target the beneficiariacknowledges that the first responsibility in this regard lies with the Member States, that enjoyed an unfair advantage of the cases of non- compliance; acknowledges that the first responsibility in this regard lies with the Member Statare obliged to put in place suitable control systems and compliance with all relevant national and European legislation, including procurement and State aid rules; recalls the repeated findings by the Court as reflected in previous discharge reports that the work of certain national authorities isor certifying bodies is considered too error- prone and thus unreliable; stresses therefore that the Commission has the residual responsibility to make sure that effective and efficient internal control systems are in place, and to step in where Member States do not act as is required by the RRF Regulation; welcomes in that regard the Commission’s audit strategy and the launch in 2022 of system audits on the Protection of Financial Interest of the EU in 16 Member States, as well as the plans to cover all Member States by the end of 2023;
Amendment 247 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 131
Paragraph 131
131. Is concerned that differences in the quality of controls and the complexity of the control systems applied by the Member States could risk of resulting in a less effectivedeficiencies in internal control system for the funds available under the RRF; is concerned by repeated warnings byrecalls that OLAF, the EPPO, Europol and other competent bodies warn that a less effective internal control system could attracts misuse, fraud and organised crime;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 132
Paragraph 132
132. Recalls that the RRF must be implemented by the Commission in direct management in accordance with the relevant rules adopted pursuant to Article 322 TFEU, in particular the Financial Regulation and the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of 16 December 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget; reiterates that the effectiveness of the rule of law conditionality mechanism in part rests on information stemming from audits and investigations at Union level and not having this information available will make the mechanism less effective;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 133
Paragraph 133
133. Notes that the Commission’s reporting on the implementation of the RRF on has established the RRF scoreboard, as stipulated by Article 30 of the RRF Regulation; notes that most of the reporting so far, in order to display the progress of the implementation of the NRRPs; observes that the reporting so far display achieved results across countries, pillars and milestones and targets, in particular on the 14 common indicators, is about expected results and notdentified by the Commission, the Member States and Parliament; notes that part of the reporting is about achievexpected results; and recalls that this same issue was identified by the Court in its Special Rreport 09/2022 on Cclimate Sspending;
Amendment 256 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 134
Paragraph 134
134. Notes the RRF scoreboard on which the Commission reports progress on the implementation of the RRF;Considers the information presented on the RRF scoreboard as useful and readable considersing the information presented useful; is however worried that it is not sufficient to establish actual performance of the RRF; considers that actual achieved progress on the indicators, not just budgeted or expected, should be presentedvast amount of information available; commends in particular the inclusion of a detailed list of fulfilled milestones and targets indicators that displays the RRF achieved progress across Member States and policy pillars;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135
Paragraph 135
135. Acknowledges that the SRRF scoreboard contains a complete and useful repository of official documents that gives insight in the most important agreements reached with the Member States in the National RRPs and related documents; regrets however, such as the Commission preliminary assessment of payments to Member States; notes that the RRF Scoreboard does not allows tracing financial flows from Union- level to the level of the final beneficiaries in theMember States as beneficiaries of the RRF according to Article 22 (1) of the RRF Regulation, in particular the grants and loans allocated and disbursed to each Member States, and does notthus provides a clear overview of the actual implementation of the RRF in that regard;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 136
Paragraph 136
136. Considers that the element of Union funding being additional to national funding is not satisfactorily and clearly communicated by the Commission, and that it cannot be excluded with certainty that money from the RRF is used to replace national expenditure; considers an analysis of national expenditure is necessary to see if the funding made available through the RRF is truly additional and was not used to substitutein Article 4 (2) of the RRF Regulation which stipulates that the specific objective of the RRF is to provide Member States with financial support; understands that it is prohibited with certainty that money from the RRF is used to replace recurring national budgetary expenditure in accordance with the Article 5(1) of the RRF Regulation; recalls in this regard that the payments to Member States depend on the fulfilment of milestones and targets of the NRRPs, which excludes recurring national budgetary expenditure, in accordance with Article 5(1) of the RRF Regulation; considers in this regard that it is unclear what has happened with the payments and pre- financing received by Member States for which no investment related costs were incurred yet; notes that the Commission developed guidelines to frame the interpretation of double funding and provided Member States with clear information to ensure synergies and avoid double funding; notes further that Member States report on the funding received from other funds for the measures under the RRF;
Amendment 266 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 137
Paragraph 137
137. Recalls that keeping documentation supporting payments is an important principle of sound financial management; is very worried by the finding of the Court that the audit trail was insufficient to cover all elements considered relevant in the assessment process of milestones and targetin the case of two milestones for the first payment request; recalls in particular the Court’s findings regarding milestone 215 and the Commission’s reply to this finding, suggestexplaining that there was at least an analysis performed Commission positive assessment was based on a thorough analysis of the content of the DATAESTUR website, including screenshots taken in October and November 2021; notes the Commission recognition that the registration of these screenshots did not take place in line with the internal guidance and that improvements in record-keeping could be made; recalls the written question of the discharge authority requesting this analysis and the staggering reply from the Commission that there was ‘it did not write a detailed report on this matter so has no ‘analysis’ to be provided, but that ‘several Commission staff reviewed the DATAESTUR site and confirmed that the required information was present’; concludes that such method of walls on the Commission to ensure suficient audit trail recorkding is a flagrant violationthe assessment of milestones and calls ofn the principle of sound financial management; Court to follow this issue in its future audits;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 138
Paragraph 138
138. Notes that the declaration of assurance of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs for 2021 is different from the declaration of assurance of all other Directorate-Generals; notes that the declaration concerns the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions, which is aligned with the other Directorates-General; notes further that ‘the implementation of Article 22(5) of the RRF Regulation’, is added; notes the Commission’s reply to written questions from the discharge authority that ‘it is different only in format but not as regards the level of assurance provided’; questions why it was then necessary to explicitly limit the assurance tounderstands that Article 22(5) of the RRF Regulation, and not to provide assurance over Article 22 in its entirety; concludes that the declaration of assurance by the Commission as guardian of the Treaty, in particular as regards protection of the Union financial interests and accountability towards taxpayers, must be trustworthy and cannot leave any room for doubt that the Commission were to evade its responsibility through diverging declarations of individual auth overall relates to obligations for the Member States, including elements to be included in the financing agreements, while Article 22(5) provides for the Commission to intervene in cases of fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interests affecting the financial interests of the Union that have not been corrected by the Member State, or a serious breach of an obligation resulting from the financing agreements; takes note, in addition, of the Commission's reply that it assures, both through an initial assessment of each RRP, as well as audits of the systems that Member States have put in place to protect the financial interests of the Union, that each Member State implements the necessary monitorising officerand control systems;
Amendment 272 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139
Paragraph 139
139. Notes the Court’s observations in its Review 01/2023 on Union financing through cohesion policy and the RRF that address the complementarity of both funding stems; notes in particular that during the 2014-2020 period, the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund already provided an equivalent of around 10 % of total public investment across the EU-27 and that the RRF will further increase the share of EU- financed public investments in Member States; recalls in this regard the Court’s finding that the absorption rate for Cohesion was exceptionally low in 2021, explained by the combined impact on the managing authorities of the late adoption in mid-2021 of the CPR and fund-specific regulations, the programming of REACT- EU, and the implementation of other emergency measures;
Amendment 275 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140
Paragraph 140
140. Notes the Court’s conclusion that in Member States where the share of EU- financed public investments is already high, the additional RRF funding may further add to the pressure on Member States’ ability to spend the funds available to them; recalls that the RRF is implemented under direct management, while cohesion policy funds are implemented under shared management, which means that EU and Member State authorities have different responsibilities in connection witheach source of funding; is worried that because of the different delivery methods, with direct management for the RRF and shared management for the cohesion policy, the more straight forward implementation method of the RRF willmay ‘crowd-out’ the more complex funding through cohesion; notes that this will come at the detriment of the involvement of local authorities and regions, civil society organisations and economic and social partners in Union funding;
Amendment 276 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 141
Paragraph 141
141. Is worried by the negligible contribution of the RRF to cross-border cooperation, especially considering the amounts of Union funding involvedObserves that according to the Commission Staff Working Documents, twenty Member States foresee cross- border projects in their NRRPs and notes that the amounts invested per Member State vary widely; is worried by the negligible contribution of the RRF to cross-border cooperation, especially considering the amounts of Union funding involved; takes into account, however, that a stronger focus on cross-border projects would have required more time for planning and implementation as well as a clear incentive mechanism for Member States, in addition to the fact that other EU funds might be better designed to implement cross-border projects; welcomes that in its January 2021 guidance, the Commission offered to provide interested Member States a coordination platform to assist in setting up cross-border projects;
Amendment 281 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 142
Paragraph 142
142. Notes the Court’s findings in its special report 21/2022 on “The Commission’s assessment of National RRPs - Overall appropriate but implementation risks remain”; observes that the Court's assessment is based on a sample of six Member States; welcomes the Court's conclusion that the Commission’s assessment of the NRRPs was overall appropriate given the complexity of the process and the time constraints, although a number of weaknesses in the process and risks for the successful implementation of the RRF were also identified; welcomes the fact that the Commission accepts the Court's recommendations and also notes that the Commission considers that some of the risks and limitations highlighted stem from the design of the RRF itself;
Amendment 284 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 143
Paragraph 143
143. Is worried that the Court found that there were gaps in addressing the 2019 and 2020 Country Specific Recommendations in the National RRPs ; notes that the Court assessed that RRPs of relatively small Member States did not coNotes the Court's observation that important aspects of the Country Specific Recommendations remained unaddressed across the Member States, in particular those of 2019, representain gaps, whereas the Court assessed that the RRPs of the bigger Member States contain serious gaps; is worried the ‘negotiations’ observed by the Court in agreeing on the RRPs leads to inequality in treatment of Member States; questions in addition whether important partsg recurrent structural changes; recalls that the Commission's assessment of the relevance of the NRRPs includes the contribution to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of challenges identified in the relevant CSR; welcomes that a link has been made between the IT systems used by Member States to report ofn the CSRs, which even with the RRF’s financial incentives are not taken up by the Member States, will ever be implemented and on RRPs respectively, to ensure adequate reporting and to avoid duplication of work;
Amendment 285 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 144
Paragraph 144
Amendment 289 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 145
Paragraph 145
145. Notes the statements made by Commission representatives that all payments will go towards the investments made under the RRF, so that afat the Commission assessed the estimated total costs of the NRRPs on the basis of the criter ia certain time lag where instalments are paid out for reforms as well, by August 2026, the total amount of payments will have been spent on investments; recalls the Court’s finding that the Commission, in its assessment of all National RRPs , gave a ‘B-rating’ for the cost estimates of these investments, calling into question the accuracy of the amounts involved; underlines in the light of the Commission’s statement the problematic fact that of front-loading reforms and back-loading investments in the RRPs; reiterates its concern that this only amplifies the risk that Member States might not request the last payment tranche, and thus might fail to fulfil all reforms and investments after having receivedmentioned in the Annex V of the RRF Regulation, namely relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence; notes that the RRF Regulation does not specify how these four criteria should be consolidated into an overall rating for costs and welcomes that the Commission developed a rating system for each one a as well as for the consolidated overall rating to ensure fair treatment; observes that the Commission required each Member State to improve its cost estimates and submit additional evidence and justification until the plargest part of their total financial support under the RRF; emphasises that the discharge authority cannot wait to receive full clarity on the proper use of Union funds until after the end of the RRFusibility and reasonability of the costestimate reached at least a ‘B’, which allow the NRRPs to be put forward to the Council for adoption;
Amendment 291 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146
Paragraph 146
Amendment 295 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146 a (new)
Paragraph 146 a (new)
146 a. Notes with satisfaction the commitment of Spanish authorities to not compromise or reduce the control of the NRRP implementation and the protection of the Union financial interests by no means; welcomes in this regard the solid control system put in place by the Spanish authorities based on several layers and including internal and external audit and control bodies, as well as digitalised systems for control (CoFFEE) and for prevention of conflict of interests (Minerva); takes note of the significant preparation, invested efforts, training and elaboration of supporting documentation, all of which have been made available in short time for the successful functioning of the two control related systems; calls on the Commission to continue to use examples of national good practices such as this when providing technical support to Member States in the implementation of the NRRPs;
Amendment 297 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146 b (new)
Paragraph 146 b (new)
146 b. Notes with satisfaction the measures undertaken by the Spanish authorities for avoidance of double funding and the requirement for funding a project only from one instrument (RRF or ESIF); takes note that the Union funds are managed separately and independently from the national budget; notes further that CoFFEE system in addition to its role for control and audit trail provides information for the financial implementation of the RRF funding;
Amendment 298 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146 c (new)
Paragraph 146 c (new)
146 c. Welcomes the excellent cooperation between Spain and the Commission to put in place and implement requirements related to the control of the RRF which has helped to further improvement of the national system, as well as to learn lessons useful for other countries; notes the commitment of the Spanish authorities to give access to the national digitalised systems to the Commission, the Court and EPPO in accordance with article 22 of the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 299 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 147
Paragraph 147
147. Is worried by the Court’s observation that certain milestones and targets lack clarity; shares the Court’s concern that the absence of clear definitions of milestones and targets implies the risk that these milestones and targets are difficult to assess and the related risk that the initially aimed at objective was not fulfilled; underlines that this leaves the Commission with a large margin of discretion when assessing whether a vaguely defined milestone and target was “sufficiently” achieved; notes in this regard the observation of the Court that miasks the Commission to draw the lestsone 395 in the first payment request from Spain was not satisfactorily fulfilled; notes the Commission’s reply that the element that the Court considered as not fulfilled is not part of the milestone, but is contained in the description of the measures from the experience of the RRF and reflect on the possibility to develop a standardised methodology for the definition of milestones and targets;
Amendment 303 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 148
Paragraph 148
148. Is worried byNotes the finding of the Court that milestones and targets are often based on output and even input indicators, which limits as well as its observation that impact indicators have by definition a longer time horizon, which may not be well suited to the limited timeframe for implementing the RRF; takes note of the Court's opinion that avoiding impact indicators will limit the possibility of measuring the performance of measures and ultimately their impact on the Unionrather general EU policy objectives of the RRF;
Amendment 305 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 149
Paragraph 149
149. Notes the Court’s finding that the Commission’s assessment of RRPs was often based on arrangements not yet in place; notes in this regard the Court’s finding that the Commission included additional milestones and targets to be achieved before the first payment in order to adopt the NRRP; is worried that not having a fully functional monitoring system in place at the start of the implementation of the RRP risks that milestones and targets in reality may not have been fulfilled until the milestones and that its assessment contributed to improving the quality of milestones and targets; notes the Court observation that the controls systems oin monitoring are fulfilled; highlights the fact that the monitoring systems or implementing bodiesthe sampled Member States at the time of the assessment were partly not yet in place, at the time the RRPs were approved also limited the Commission’s assessment of their administrative capacity; notes furthers well as the Court's conclusion that the ‘A’ rating for all NRRPs in this aregard the Court’s finding that even on audit and control arrangements, the last resort in terms of reliability of information, an A rating was given despite several measures not being in placa is at least partly explained by the fact that the RRF Regulation only allowed for either an ‘A’ (adequate) or a ‘C’ (insufficient) rating with a ‘C’ resulting in the rejection of the RRP as a whole; recalls that adequate audit and control structures are a prerequisite for receiving funds from the RRF;
Amendment 308 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 150
Paragraph 150
Amendment 313 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 152 – point a
Paragraph 152 – point a
a. develop an effective methodology to sample milestones and targets for which it willin case it decides to re-assess the Commission’s assessment, since it will not have the resources to check all milestones and all targets of all payment requests in the future; considers that this methodology should effectively identify milestones and targets that have a higher risk of non- fulfilment;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point b
Paragraph 153 – point b
b. mtake the list of all final beneficiaries and projects of RRF funding available to auditors and the discharge authority for all payments (in 2021 and throughout the implementation of the RRF)steps to operationalise the new obligation on Member States to publish the 100 final recipients receiving the highest amount of RRF funding;
Amendment 321 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point c
Paragraph 153 – point c
Amendment 326 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point d
Paragraph 153 – point d
d. apply additional vigilance towhether there are signals of organised crime targeting the funds available under the RRF together with EUROPOL, the EPPO, OLAF and other relevant actors;
Amendment 329 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point e
Paragraph 153 – point e
e. make clear that all projects and measures described in any RRPsfunded by any NRRPs of Member States participating in enhanced cooperation pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, are to be considered as financed by European money from the RRF, and thus fall under the scope of the EPPO;
Amendment 331 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point f
Paragraph 153 – point f
f. explain and duly justify to the discharge authority why the Internal Auditor has not performed internal audit engagements related to the RRFrequests, especially in light of the Internal Auditor’s risk assessment as the basis for its audit planning, wherethat the implementation of the RRF should continue to feature prominently in its audit plans, given its innovative character and high financial stakes;
Amendment 333 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point g
Paragraph 153 – point g
Amendment 338 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point i
Paragraph 153 – point i
i. publish bi-annually on the RRF scoreboard a link to the NGEU financing website that contains the amounts borrowed to fund the RRF, and the interest incurred to pay for the borrowed amounts; also publish on the RRF the amounts of interest paid by the Member States to the Commission on the loans made available to them under the RRF;
Amendment 339 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point j
Paragraph 153 – point j
Amendment 342 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point k
Paragraph 153 – point k
Amendment 345 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point l
Paragraph 153 – point l
l. only accept milestones and targets for which is has received documentation supporting its implementation, and not just statements of Member States; requests in that regard a re-assessment of the fulfilment of milestone 215 in the Spanish payment request by a qualified IT-expert, accompanied by a declaration of assurance by an IT-auditor, taking account of the requirements of the milestone and its related measure, and the statements of the Commission in its assessment that the milestone has been satisfactorily fulfilledensure sufficient audit trail recording which cover all elements considered relevant in the assessment process of milestones;
Amendment 348 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point m
Paragraph 153 – point m
Amendment 351 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point n
Paragraph 153 – point n
n. closely monitor fulfilment of milestones and targets, given negative experience with the first payment request handled by the Commission, and the non- satisfactory fulfilment of one milestone, in particular also those where additional milestones were considered necessary forrelated to audit, monitoring and control purposes;
Amendment 356 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point o
Paragraph 153 – point o
o. discontinue the practice of assessingcheck not just the set-up but also the actual functioning of Member States’ future audit and control arrangements and in cases where this has already been agreed, to check not just the set-up but also the actual functioningwhile identifying areas that could be improved or made more efficient;
Amendment 358 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point q
Paragraph 153 – point q
q. re-perform the Court’s analysis of payment profiles from Special Report 21/2022 for all payment profiles of all Member States and report to the discharge authority how each payment request relates to the number of milestones and targets to be fulfilled for each Member State, and to propose measures to guarantee that all reforms and investmenmilestones and targets are completed by 31 August 2026;
Amendment 359 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point r
Paragraph 153 – point r
r. address the tension between cohesion and the RRF, in particular concerning the involvement of local, regional, economic and social partners and civil society organisations, that makes it easier to absorb risks and challenges arising from the parallel implementation of cohesion and the RRFF funding in comparison to cohesion funding, by putting more emphasis on involvement of these actors in the implementation of the RRFs and to strengthen their complementarity;
Amendment 369 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point t
Paragraph 153 – point t
t. include instrengthen, where relevant, its system audits in the Member States for each internal control system (in case of decentralised or implementation methods) a minimum number of 25 tests of individual procurement files under the RRF in order to not just provide assurance on the set-up of the internal control system in all Member States, but also on the effectiveness in practice of the internal control of the systems;
Amendment 372 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point u
Paragraph 153 – point u
u. make sure checks on double funding are included in the Member States’ audit and control frameworks for the NGEU, Rural development and Cohesion programmes and to ensure its proper functioning through system checks; calls in addition on the Commission to verify that double funding does not take place by performing risk based checks on all payments to final beneficiaries under these programmes;
Amendment 376 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 153 – point v
Paragraph 153 – point v
v. make sure that the reliability of the repositories of the final beneficiaries of the Member States is guaranteed, in particular as regards the integrity and completeness, with a view that once irregularities concerning final beneficiaries are discovered, correct follow-up at Union level is ensured;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its concern as regards the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy for the 2021-2027 period, as well as its call for the Commission and the Member States to speed up the adoption of the partnership agreements and programmes, without undermining their quality and while respecting the EU’s political priorities and the applicable principles; reiterates the need for special consideration to be given to less-developed and transition regions and islands in this context, as well as to urban areas with high levels of inequalities;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas, in line with Parliament’s long-standing position, new policy commitments and objectives need to be matched with fresh money, and are not to be financed at the expense of other Union programmes and priorities;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many negative social consequences throughout Europe, such as the digital and gender gaps, that have been broadened; Underlines the need for specific assistance to address these consequences;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Commission to urgently carry out an economic and social assessment of the consequences of the war on all modes of transport in the EU market and to swiftly present, where necessary, support, including through further legislative and/or financial measures, to mitigate the negative effects and to ensure the well-functioning and fair level playing field for the European transport sector;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its calls for increased financing of transport infrastructure through EU funding, particularly the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF); suggests to this end, for the current multiannual financial framework (MFF), the mobilisation of unused funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and calls on, given the rising needs of the transport sector; calls for the necessary adjustment of the 2021-2027 MFF through its forthcoming revision, taking also into account the new geopolitical context; acknowledges in that regard the Commission’s intention to use the CEF to support interoperability and connectivity projects of the Union's transport network with Ukraine; further urges the Commission to plan a successor programme to CEF II for the MFF 2028- 2034, with reinforced funding;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the necessity of providing the regions with appropriate financial means in order to deal with the waves of migration caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and itss well as the waves of migration caused by other crises and their multifaceted consequences; emphasises the need to address the grave difficulties that the current rise in energy costs is causing for the regions, and to identify suitable financial instruments to deal with them at a regional level through a bottom-up approach involving local and regional authorities;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Deplores the undue reallocation of EUR 400 million from CEF, including EUR 250 million from CEF-Transport, to finance the Chips for Europe Initiative; regrets this technical budgetary practice, which reduces the CEF budget at a time when the transport sector is facing multiple challenges;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for a significant increase in the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) budget, which would help regions to anticipate and mitigate the effects of climate change, which causes large population displacements, and for the scope of the EUSF to be broadened, so that it can also support more climate-resilient restoration or construction of public and private infrastructure;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recommends further strengthening synergies between the CEF and other programmes such as Horizon Europe and InvestEU, in order to support, innovation, sustainability and safety in the transport sector and optimise the use of budgetary resources particular, EU joint undertakings related to transport, in order to boost innovation and research in sustainability, performance and safety in the sector;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that the existing possibility of transfers from the cohesion policy funds to other EU instruments of up to 5 % of the initial allocation provides for sufficient flexibility; strongly opposes the proposal of additional transfers from the cohesion policy funds put forward under the RePowerEU initiative. and instead calls on additional financial resources to be made available to reach these objectives;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the role of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and related national plans in stimulating the recovery in the transport and tourism sectors while advancing the Union’s priorities for a green and digital transition; calls on the Commission to support the Member States in committing the relevant projects by the end of 2026, paying particular attention to accelerating priority projects of the TEN- T such as cross-border projects; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the tourism sector receives a proper share of assistance under the RRF;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines that promoting gender equality, paying special attention to women with disabilities, is crucial for reducing regional economic and social disparities and ensuring the long-term development of regions; deplores that EU's budget cycle to date has not adequately taken gender equality into account; Highlights the Commission's commitment to gender mainstreaming in the EU budget; calls on the Commission ro strengthen the institutional framework for supporting gender budgeting, to carry out gender analyses of the needs and impacts, to systematically collect, analyse and report on existing sex-disaggregated data for EU funding programmes, to make use of gender-related objectives and indicators to monitor progress and to develop a system for tracking the funds allocated and used to support gender equality;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that in the current geopolitical context, achieving the goals of the European Green Deal should be tackled together with the reduction of the EU’s energy dependency, which is critical for the transport sector; welcomes in this respect the Commission’s initiative for a REPowerEU plan and calls on the Commission to promptly adopt further measures to address rising transport and energy costs; such as the funding of energy interconnections between Member States, notably those between the Iberian peninsula and the rest of Europe, to diversify energy supply in the internal market and help tap into the long-term potential for renewable hydrogen; takes note that the Commission foresees the mobilisation of CEF funding to achieve the targets set on renewable hydrogen production, infrastructure and end-use appliances;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the transition to a smart and sustainable mobility system has to be fair and inclusive and requires mitigating the risk of energy and mobility poverty and protecting the most vulnerable; considers that to ensure a successful transition, it is essential to invest in the upskilling and reskilling of workers; therefore insists on targeted measures within the ‘Fit for 55’ package in that respect, in coordination with Member States’ plans; welcomes, the creation of the Social Climate Fund (SCF) as an essential element to alleviate the cost of the transition; calls for a swift implementation of the new own resources, which will partly finance the SCF;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Points out that digitalisation and innovation for all modes of transport are of utmost importance; therefore, calls on the Commission to come forward with an investment programme for the transport industry, including investments in infrastructure, digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability; believes that particular attention should be paid to autonomous driving; highlights the importance of training programmes for all workers along the value chain to upskill and reskill them for the new type of jobs that could be created due to digitalisation and innovation; urges the Commission to offer concrete guidance as to how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance transport links, as well as to raise awareness on cyber-risks and build preparedness in the transport sector;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to further spell out the ‘Global Gateway’ initiative, to foster joint infrastructure investments in particular in those countries which are sharing universal values with the European Union;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. considering that cohesion policy is the main instrument to reduce the differences between the different territories of the EU; considering that one of the main axes of the New European Bauhaus is inclusiveness and reaching those who need it the most through the transformation of the built environment;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 134 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 144 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 192 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is convinced that the role of small cities, towns and villages should be bolstered in order to support local economies and address demographic challenges; backs, therefore, the reinforcement of the second pillar of the common agricultural policy, the EAFRD and that in this respect the contributions of the New European Bauhaus should also be taken into account;
Amendment 196 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes the increasing emergence of less developed, disadvantaged and impoverished areas that are embedded in developed areas; it therefore calls on the European Commission to enhance micro- cohesion in these less developed areas through specific funds for this new type of vulnerable areas;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Supports the increase in the budget allocated for the period 2021-2027 for the new cohesion policy which, in line with the strong focus on smart, green and social actions, will provide sufficient confidence for new innovative projects; calls for strong coordination between these funds and NEB programs and actions;
Amendment 273 #
2022/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Asks the Commission to present as soon as possible a proposal for the NEB to become an EU program for the next MFF, with a specific and stable budget based on new resources, through which to measure the evolution of our territories and cities, providing solutions for the development of sustainable and innovative urban areas, such as: sustainable mobility solutions, inclusive public spaces and nature-based solutions;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/2338 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007concerning the opening of the market for domestic passenger transport services by rail;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 c (new)
Citation 10 c (new)
— having regard to the guidelines on the PSO (non-paper “Revised interpretative guidelines concerning Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road”; Ref. Ares (2021 ) 7430531 – 02/12/2021);
Amendment 6 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 d (new)
Citation 10 d (new)
— having regard to a proposal of the European Commission for new guidelines for the development of the trans- European transport network COM (2021) 812, that is currently under negotiations;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 e (new)
Citation 10 e (new)
— having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Commission proposal on amending the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) aims at building an EU-wide sustainable, effective, accessible and multimodal transport network, including the development of sustainable urban mobility plans for cities;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. Whereas the EU Urban Mobility Framework asserts that, "A clear priority should be placed at national and local level on the development of public transport, walking and cycling, as well as connected, shared mobility services."
Amendment 20 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the transport sector is unattractive for employees, among other things due to the appalling working and break conditions, the non-transparent awarding of contracts via platforms, wage and social dumping and the lack of social security that might lead to a shortage of young people in the transport sector;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Horizon Europe Framework Programme will provide EUR 359.3 million over the period 2021-2023 for its mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, aiming to reach a total of 100 climate neutral cities in the EU by 203011 ; whereas the research and innovation actions proposed by the EC to achieve this objective will address, inter alia, green urban planning; _________________ 11 https://research-and- innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding- opportunities/funding-programmes-and- open-calls/horizon-europe_en
Amendment 36 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas urban design directly conditions urban mobility and must incorporate it as another variable in the process of building cities;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 46 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. Whereas the revision of the EPBD is closely related to the traffic flow in cities as it provides charging points for electric vehicles, for micro-mobility, for chargers and provision of space for bicycles in buildings;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges being faced by urban mobility systems, but has also served as a catalyst to make them more resilient, smarter, safer, more sustainable and accessible; especially with numerous cities across Europe accelerating the implementation of their mobility plans during the pandemic, leading to a high increase in walking and cycling and implementation of new kilometres of cycling infrastructure;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas to achieve sustainable urban mobility it is vital to incorporate a vision that puts public transport, pedestrians and cycling at the centre;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas a comprehensive plan for climate neutrality in sectors such as energy, buildings, waste management and transport, together with corresponding investment plans, should be included in the City Climate Contracts;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that in order to meet its ambitious economic, environmental, digital, health and societal objectives, urban mobility in the EU needs to be guided by smart, competitive, more sustainable, seamless and multimodal transport solutions;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Stresses the need to address the problem of transport and mobility poverty, as it affects the daily lives of millions of people around the world; Calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle inequalities in access to public transport networks and to support smaller cities and peri-urban areas in order to ensure that these areas are connected; emphasises the need for a multimodal and integrated approach to combat mobility exclusion and to ensure equal access to urban centres;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Stresses that public transport, including the suburbs, as the backbone of urban mobility needs to be enforced in terms of capacity increase, geographical coverage, frequencies and affordability; Points out that public transport systems have to be accessible for all citizens, especially taking into account the needs of persons with disabilities; Believes that optimisation of public transport depends on the cooperation between local authorities, transport companies and representatives of passengers and employees;
Amendment 104 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Supports all efforts to make cities more accessible and calls on Member States to take swift and ambitious action to make cities more inclusive;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2023(INI)
1g. Underlines the importance of local transport, as 93% of rail passenger’s travel on regional lines;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that all modes of transport have their role to play and that the modal shift cannot simply be imposed upon people but must be supported by peopleUnderlines that modal shift is necessary if the EU wants to reach its target of climate neutrality by 2050 and that this also needs the support of citizens;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that all modes of transport have their role to play and that the modal shift cannot simply be imposed upon people but must be supported by people sustainable mobility plan must take into account all modes of transport, including sustainable active modes such as walking and cycling and public transportation, that have a proven capability to improve mobility in urban areas and contribute to the achievement of EU climate goals;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that all modes of transport have theira role to play and that the modal shift cannot simply be imposed upon people, but must be supported by people; Underlines that the EU must raise awareness of the importance of modal shift through campaigns, car-free days and discounted fares on specific occasions in order to gain people's support;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Stresses the need to set mandatory social standards for workers in passenger and freight transport and to take further measures to end wage and social dumping to make urban transport jobs more attractive;
Amendment 123 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Stresses the need for safe, free, modern break and recreation rooms (cooling, heating, hygiene) and supply facilities for transport workers;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for support for the use of zero- and low-carbon private mobility, complementthe development of an efficient urban mobility system in Europe, that is coordinated by local public transport authorities, based byon efficient, accessible and affordable collective transport services and other modes of transport that bring various options to the market, in order to boost competition and thereby provide better and more valuable solutions for citizencomplemented by active modes of transport and new mobility services;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for support for the use of zero- and low-carbon private mobility, complemented bEU and Member States to strongly support the use of zero- and low-carbon sustainable mobility modes, particularly efficient and affordable collective public transport services, and other modes of transport that bring various options to the market, in order to boost competition and therebys well as active forms of mobility, to provide better and more valuable and sustainable solutions for citizens;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to study the advantages that shared mobility can offer, preferably electric, and to promote sustainable mobility initiatives such as car sharing;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for better accessibility and connectivity between urban, peri-urban and rural areas, as well as multimodal passenger hubs, and further calls for unhindered access to smart, sustainable and affordable transport to be guaranteed for all;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans must be incorporated and coordinated with municipal and territorial urban planning; encourages regions to promote this coordination between their territories and municipalities, through incentives that support this connection between SUMPs and urban and territorial planning;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that the implementation of multimodal ticketing is of utmost importance, in order to make sustainable transport modes as accessible and efficient as possible for users;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines that through strong and enforceable protection of passenger´s rights associated to delays and other service shortfalls (such as cancellations, response to complaints, special passenger needs) contribute to facilitate passenger mobility and to make modes of transport such as rail more attractive;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the European Commission, Member States and on all the parties involved to adopt measures that could better ensure road safety, such as implementing 30 km/h in urban and built- up areas, improving walking and cycling infrastructure, deploying means to detect safety-related events or conditions, and also by taking into account users from groups with special needs;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that ensuring road safety for the most vulnerable road users significantly influences transport behaviours; Stresses in this regard that the future EU urban mobility framework must encompass systemic road-safety- related measures to allow urban dwellers to walk or cycle safely; Calls on all the parties involved to adopt measures that could better ensure road safety, such as deploying means to detect safety-related events or conditions, and also by taking into account users from groups with special needs;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to adopt guidelines on the use of 30km/h speed limits in cities with the support of Member States, drawing on the experience and results of existing initiatives on local level to protect the most vulnerable road users; Underlines that streets can be made safer with measures such as street design for low speeds, better visibility and concepts of traffic calming;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to strengthen minimum requirements for driving tests in the Driving Licence Directive to better train future drivers regarding their interactions with vulnerable road users in an urban environment;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Amendment 164 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Stresses the use of proper female dummies in car crash tests to improve road safety for women; Notes, that men are more likely than women to be involved in a car crash, but when a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured, 71% more likely to be moderately injured and 17% more likely to die; Stresses in this context that cars have been designed using car crash-test dummies based on the “average” male;
Amendment 168 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Affirms that urban transport should be more accessible; encourages the Commission, in this context, to propose guidelines regarding accessibility, safety and security for all transport users and particularly for those from groups with special needs; highlights the key role artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions can play in this regard;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to develop in collaboration with the Member States and local authorities harmonised technical standards and requirements regarding types of micro-mobility transport and its infrastructure as well as harmonised European road-safety standards for micro-mobility and its use such as speed limits; Underlines that in particular the problem of 'random parking' of e-scooters, particularly on sidewalks, should be addressed as this affects pedestrians, cyclists, but also wheelchair users and parents with strollers; Encourages Member States to proceed with the adaptation of minimum standards and requirements of their national legislation and to launch information campaigns in the meantime;
Amendment 184 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Emphasizes in this context that new forms of mobility such as scooters, e- bikes and sharing models, especially in regard of the first and the last mile, can make a significant contribution to making public transport more attractive;
Amendment 194 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that urban infrastructure planning should contribute to a smart and sustainable transport transition, allowing for multimodality and ensuring quality of life in cities; recommends, in this regard, incorporating active mobility and micro- mobility, as well as underdeveloped sustainable transport modes, into sustainable urban mobility plans and to facilitate the creation of multi-modal hubs at the urban node level;
Amendment 210 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the need for a new Urban Mobility Framework at European level must take into account all its levels; therefore asks the Commission for more ambition and the development of this mobility for all its counties and regions through Urban Mobility Plans at regional level;
Amendment 216 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses the importance of the implementation of HUBs for parcel collection, common to all transport operators, accessible to all types of users and in sufficient number to facilitate the safe collection of parcels with the reduction of traffic associated with the delivery of goods via last mile connections within cities;
Amendment 224 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a reinforced approach to TEN- T urban nodes as being necessary to address missing links and poor connections that remain a major challenge; highlights, in particular, the need to reinforce seamless connectivity between rural, peri-urban and urban areas, with an interoperable infrastructure backbone of sustainable modes of transport, such as rail and inland waterways, as well as high-quality public transport;
Amendment 230 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Member States and local authorities to ensure the continuity and safety of cycling and walking infrastructure when building and modernizing road infrastructure and to allocate more space for active mobility;
Amendment 231 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Encourages cities and local authorities to explore the potential and the possibilities for transporting goods using cargo bikes and (e-)bikes in their city logistics as a very cost-effective, emission-free and immediate solution to decarbonize transport in cities;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights that urban infrastructure planning should be developed in accordance with EU standards on road safety, including standards for safety of cycling and walking infrastructure and other active modes of transport (pedestrian and cycling tracks, lanes, bridges, tunnels, parking areas and fast recharging points for light means of transport batteries) to increase the shift to more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 253 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Welcomes the Commission's proposal to improve the 19 sustainable urban mobility indicators by 2022; furthermore calls on the Commission to prioritise the allocation of funds to projects based on SUMPs aimed at improving these indicators;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for a dedicated EU funding instrument to support cleaner, more digitalised rolling stocks and infrastructure;
Amendment 263 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports the integration of the freight dimension into sustainable urban mobility plans in order to accelerate sustainable urban logistics plans and low- emissions solutions to city freight transport, including rail and inland waterways, with the use of new distribution models, dynamic routing, cycle logistics and multimodal connections;
Amendment 273 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to ensure, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, the availability of recharging and alternative fuels refuelling infrastructure, pursuant to the alternative fuels infrastructure regulation; invites the Member States to collaborate with the Commission to create incentives for individuals and businesses to take up zero- and low-carbon modes of transport;
Amendment 277 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Highlights that basic charging infrastructure should be provided to facilitate the regular use of electric bicycles and electric cargo bikes given the rapid uptake of their sales; asks the Commission and Member States to increment and facilitate access to this infrastructure and to take the opportunity that the revision of the EPBD gives to this aim;
Amendment 285 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights that AI and digitalisation can play a key role in improveing efficiency, safety and affordability, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions;;
Amendment 290 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to support European cities in overcoming the challenges related to data collection on active mobility through the Revision of the Framework of the Intelligent Transport Systems Directive and the Data Act to better serve the needs of active mobility and to prioritise the development of ITS- based services to improve the convenience and reliability of public transport;
Amendment 299 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the further development and implementation of ‘mobility as a service’ (MaaS) across Europe putting public transport at the core of this ecosystem;
Amendment 315 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Urges Member States to support local authorities in developing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPSs) with a particular focus on the integration of housing policies with sustainable mobility and urban planning, paying particular attention to public transport and active mobility;
Amendment 316 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on local authorities to provide secure bicycle parking spaces at train stations, airports and maritime ports as well as in new, renovated and existing buildings through the Revision of the Energy Performance of Building Directive;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Highlights that incentivising the purchase of bikes, including e-bikes, can play a key role in the shift to more sustainable mobility alternatives as well as to decarbonise transport and to prevent congestion; Points out that public cycling stations with pumps and bicycle repair facilities can contribute to an increase in bicycle use; In order to provide guidelines and a European Framework for cycling policies, the Commission must accelerate the work towards a European Cycling Strategy
Amendment 323 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes with concern that urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs) are leading to further fragmentation of the single European transport area, wthat UVARs are increasingly being used in European cities to reduce the negative externalities caused by road traffic, such as noise, congestion and air pollution; stresses, however, that cities must nevertheless remain accessible to all, as restricting access to an urban area for specific vehicle also going against the principles ofs or users can lead to discrimination among citizens; stresses that the Court of Justice has recognized that UVARs do not constitute barriers to the singleternal market; highlights in this regardin this context, underlines the importance of smart solutions to better informing drivers about their compliance with certain rulesand cross-border enforcement;
Amendment 330 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Underlines the need for a harmonised European definition of car- sharing as well as a recognition of the role of car-sharing in contributing to sustainable urban mobility in the New Urban Mobility Framework to foster the transition from a model of owning cars to one of sharing mobility; Stresses in this regard the importance to offer cities with a harmonised framework to implement sustainable mobility solutions that are accessible and affordable for all; Highlights that car-sharing can contribute to solve societal concerns related to carbon emissions but also congestion issues and parking places shortages in urban areas;
Amendment 335 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Points out that road transport aspects are becoming increasingly important due to their high impact on economic, environmental and social sustainability; Stresses in that regard that the exchange of best practices and the active involvement of citizens in terms of road safety, safe and adequate infrastructure, mobility transition, affordability of public transport, modal shift and the green transition plays a fundamental role within the European Union;
Amendment 339 #
2022/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the development of an appropriate legal and policy framework for the use of AI in smart mobility and transport, whereby the ultimate responsibility must always lie within human control and not with the machine;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
ea) ensuring and promoting train drivers and railway staff training, upskilling, reskilling and certification in line with future needs;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the need to accelerate work on removing national operating and infrastructure rules and further develop deployment plans for the implementation of Technical Specifications for Interoperability to ensure these are coherent across borders; further emphasises that regulatory stability is a key enabler to unlock the investments needed from public and private stakeholders to meet the deployment objectives of ERTMS at EU and national level;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance of ensuring the synchronised deployment of the trackside system and on-board units and the need for improved ERTMS governance to ensure such aa binding and synchronised deployment at both national and EU level;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reminds that adequate funding of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is needed in order to provide additional support for the TEN-T completion objectives, particularly ERTMS and cross-border sections;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the timely completion of the multimodal, seamless TEN-T core network corridors by 2030 is imperative and must involve the elimination of bottlenecks and missing links and the completion of cross-border sections; supports the planned high-speed rail connections in the extended core network, to be realised by 2040; stresses the need for an EU Masterplan for High Speed, in the context of the revision of the TEN-T guidelines, which connects the EU capitals with high speed train services and improves the quality of infrastructure, the efficiency and the affordability of the services;
Amendment 112 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the need for clear interoperable standards and further investments in rolling stock; reminds the Council's conclusions of 3 June 20211a stating that major investment by the sector in international long-distance rolling stock is required, particularly from private sector and reminding Member States of the existence of international agreements and treaties which facilitate private investment, such as the Luxembourg Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention; _________________ 1a Council's conclusions of 3 June 2021 "Putting Rail at the Forefront of Smart and Sustainable Mobility", Section V, Networks, investment and connectivity, point 38.
Amendment 118 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reminds that the Green Rail Investment Platform recently launched by the European Investment Bank (EIB) is a key initiative to support and boost public and private investment in rail projects; encourages rail operators, infrastructure managers, transport authorities and other stakeholders to access the platform in order to address specific market needs and boost opportunities to finance innovation, climate action and digitalisation in rail transport, including infrastructure projects as well as rolling stock and automation;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that the lack ofe need for harmonisation of the certification of train drivers may hamperto improve their mobility between Member States and the development of long- distance passenger services, particularly in cross-border sections;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to support further development and deployment of digital tools, that are already being tested, to bridge the gaps of language of train drivers crossing borders and to offer a viable solution in the future to help with language barriers;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Highlights that joining the "European Alliance for Apprenticeships" could be key for railway undertakings to equipping young people with skills and knowledge matching the current and future needs of the rail sector;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights the role of digitalisation and better coordination, in particular for cross-border rail traffic; asks the Commission to consider the creation of a Union-level entity that oversees the optimisation of cross-border rail traffic and coordination mechanisms for its better integration to the national traffic and consequently, for more efficient management of rail capacity for both passenger and freight trains;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Acknowledges that making long- distance rail passenger services more attractive requires more accessible smart ticketing and appropriate protection for passengers in the event of delays or missed connections for single options and through tickets, ensuring, as a minimum, journey continuation; further highlights the needed cooperation between railway undertakings and ticket vendors to develop a sector standard for ticket distribution, exchanging data under FRAND conditions based on commercial agreements and preventing the establishment of gatekeepers;
Amendment 185 #
2022/2022(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of ensuring fair, affordable and advantageous ticket prices for all categories of passengers, including the most vulnerable, as well as the accessibility to the platforms and tickets providers, in particular for senior passengers as well as for people with reduced mobility;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the Union’s transport policy aims to ensure the smooth, efficient, safe and free movement of people and goods throughout the EU by means of integrated networks using all modes of transport, aiming to provide efficient, interoperable, safe and environmentally friendly mobility solutions within the EU and to create the conditions for a competitive industry generating growth and jobs;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Higlights that the Transeuropean Transport Network (TEN-T) policy is key to the good functioning of the internal market, to the connectivity and accessibility of all regions in the UE, as well as to the socioeconomic and territorial cohesion of the EU and to the European Green Deal objectives; recalls that large infrastructure projects play a crucial role in the delivery of the TEN-T policy as they are instrumental in removing bottlenecks and eliminating missing links, and are often located on cross-border sections;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that Member States’ transport networks cannot be looked at in isolation since a Europe-wide transport network has been clearly acknowledged as vision whose benefits go beyond isolated national action; stresses that the proper connectivity within and between European regions is crucial, especially with regard to and has been proven especially with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis as well as with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the critical need to establish alternative logistics routes using various transport modes; is concerned that the current social and political post-pandemic outlook, combined with the consequences of the war, is posing a further threat to the timely completion and development of large projects; highlights, therefore that the extension of the European transport network corridors to neighbouring non-EU countries (such as Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Albania, etc.) would significantly improve the seamless functioning of the TEN-T network;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that large transport infrastructure projects are fully aligned with the objectives in European Green Deal and contribute to the sustainability, safety and interoperability of transport, as well as to job creation in the sector;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that in the EU, the competence to implement projects lies with the Member States; further recalls that Member States should ensure a coherence between their national transport and investments plans with the EU transport objectives in order to accelerate the implementation of large infrastructure transport projects and the finalisation of the TEN-T; highlights that the Commission has for this purpose appointed European coordinators to facilitate the implementation of all infrastructure projects along each of the nine core transport network corridors set out in the TEN-T Regulation; is concerned about the risk of misalignment between the EU’s and Member States’ strategic priorities and call for a subsequent reinforcement of the role of European Coordinators in order to facilitate the deployment of infrastructure projects along the TEN-T corridors;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned by the limited CommissionStresses that the Commission should have a more prominent role in the oversight of project planning and implementation along transport network corridors, as Member States’ priorities are often mainly determined in the national context and may thus neglect cross-border sections where EU co-funded large infrastructure projects are located; highlights the risk of decreased utility derived from the use of EU funds if adequate performance is not achieved; believes that in order to address this issue, the coherence between national transport plans and investments and EU priorities should be strengthened, as should the conditionality of EU funding on engagement with EU priorities in terms of transport infrastructure deployment;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Acknowledges that according to the European Court of Auditors (ECA), large transport projects require significant implementation time; notes that according to the European Court of Auditors,ECA the average expected construction time for the audited EU co-funded large transport projects up to 2020 was 15 years, due in part to significant delays (of up to 11 years) compared with the initial schedules and that the average delay was 11 years and that such delays put the efficiency of EU co-funding at risk; highlights that this timeframe excludes the planning period, when projects can also receive EU co- funding for actions such as studies; notes that as the EU co-funding is organised around the seven-year multiannual financial framework period, large transport projects are often co-funded via several subsequent grants, each requiring a new project proposal and selection process; is concerned that this leads to duplication of effort for the project promoters and public authorities, increasing the administrative burden; notes with concern that such delays put the efficiency of EU co-funding at risk; urges Member States to implement Directive 2021/1187 on streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the TEN-T in order to enable simplified and harmonised permitting procedures and prevent delays in the projects;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses, moreover, that many EU co-funded projects are subject to cost overruns compared to initial estimates at the project planning stage; highlights that this will become even more problematic in the post-COVID-19 environment and in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; points especially to the rising inflation rates and the increasing costs of construction and raw materials, and their impact on project budgets; draws attention to the fact that inflation represents an enormous risk to current and future infrastructure projects, which may be stalled due to the highly inflated prices of building and raw materials; calls for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) budget to be increased to meet the additional costs stemming from inflation, as well as other geopolitical and transition needs and challenges that affect the implementation of the TEN-T;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) budget to be increased to meet the additional costs stemming from the reinforcement and the enlargement of the TEN-T, particularly in cross-border sections, and the integration of military mobility, the war in Ukraine and high inflation; calls for the enhancing of strategic infrastructure segments of the transport network to support their dual use for military and civilian purposes;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights that the project monitoring performed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is mainly oriented towards financial aspects and outputs and does not focus on projects’ broader results and impacts; regrets that, consequently, there is only limited monitoring data that is suitable for the subsequent evaluation of these projeccalls on the Commission and CINEA to make use of more results-oriented goals and indicators to improve the potential for synergies between different funding programmes as well as to redesign the performance framework to better monitor project results;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that while the Union produces systematic ex post evaluations of programmes, the Commission has not performed in a systematic method, nor has it required project promoters to perform, systematic ex post assessments of individual EU co- funded large transport projects; notes that there is currently no legal obligation for them to do so; highlights that these ex post assessments could increase transparency on the effectiveness of the projects and allow deriving lessons-learnt for future large infrastructure projects;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for complete alignment between the EU’s and Member States’ strategic priorities; regrets the Commission’s limited oversight over the planning and implementation of projects along transport network corridorcalls for a greater oversight of the Commission over the planning and implementation of projects along transport network corridors; notes that in many Member States, priority treatment is given to certain project categories based on their strategic importance, characterised by shorter timelines, simultaneous and/or simplified procedures; considers that when such a framework exists within a national legal framework, it should automatically apply to projects on the TEN-T; calls for Member States whose national legal frameworks lack such priority treatment to establish one for transport projects; concludes that this could have a positive impact in accelerating large transport infrastructure projects;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Asks that CEF funding for transport priorities be ring-fenced; calls for new and innovative modes of financing to bridge the funding gap of the projects, blending of grants and loans being the mechanism under the CEF to leverage public grants for key priority projects;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 38 #
2022/2021(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is concerned that long waiting times at internal EU borders negatively affect EU-funded infrastructure and decrease its overall usability, with impacts on cities and citizens, air quality and noise pollution, as well as an increased risk of road accidents, while compromising working conditions for drivers; calls, therefore, for one minute to be set as thethe establishment of a minimum EU-wide standard time for the processing of heavy-duty vehicles at EU borders, in order to help facilitate optimal usage of transport infrastructure and networks;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the European Commission to propose a methodology for the assessment and adjustment of the projects`costs and their financing, fully considering the impacts of the overlapping climate, biodiversity and geopolitical crises;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CNotes that ex post evaluation is an important tool for providing insights into the performance and outcomes of transport infrastructure and decision- making, and for informing the public; calls for systematic ex post evaluation of the large transport projects co-funded by the EU and for their proper maintenance, following the criteria of coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and European added value;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises that transport and energy systems are interconnected; calls on the Commission to ensure that the trans- European energy network (TEN-E) is compatible with the TEN-T and that there are no gaps in the support architecture in order to deliver strategic independence and to achieve a comprehensive approach to public spending;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for significant investment to ensure the decarboniseation of the transport sector, and to align it with the objectives in the European Green Deal, as well as to improve the safety, efficiency and accessibility of transport, in order to pave the way to sustainable next- generation mobility;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls for the prioritisation of projects contributing to the much-needed harmonisation of alternative fuels infrastructure deployment across the Union, as per the objective of Regulation 2022/XXX[Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation];
Amendment 104 #
2022/2021(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the need to ensure the connectivity of countries, and regions, including / particularly remote, insular and outermost ones, impacted by the war in Ukraine and/or Brexit.
Amendment 3 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Shared management and Single Audit approach
Amendment 4 #
2022/2020(INI)
8a. Recalls that under shared management, the Commission retains ultimate responsibility for the implementation of the EU budget while Member States are required to set up effective national management and control systems of EU funded programmes in line with the applicable rules to prevent, detect and correct any irregularities or fraud cases in the EU expenditure and to provide reasonable assurance to the Commission that EU resources are being spent in accordance with the principle of sound financial management;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recalls that the Single Audit approach refers to an audit system in which each audit layer builds on work done by the preceding one provided that this is reliable and accurate; highlights that a correct implementation of the Single Audit approach prevents a duplication of audit work, reducing the overall cost of audit activities for the Member States and the Commission and decreasing the administrative burden on auditees; points out that, in practice, the application of the Single Audit approach depends, inter alia, on the robust and reliable audit work carried out by the audit bodies in the Member States;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the complexity of the rules on EU funds, together with the frequent changes in regulations between programming periods, can lead to legal uncertainty or compliance issues, as well as misinterpretations and deficient implementation, which generate a higher risk of errors; regrets the fact that the Commission’s guidance is often very theoretical, overly detailed, technocratic and open to differing interpretations (for example, as regards conflicts of interest) leading the programme authorities to react to uncertainty and perceived risks by maximising safeguarding measures or notes that the Commission has provided audit bodies in the Member States with guidance and support on how to interpret and apply EU rules and requirements in order to ensure a consistent audit approach across the EU; regrets the fact that the Commission’s guidance is often very theoretical, technocreating circumventing measurec and open to differing interpretations; stresses that these measures reinforcemay lead to gold-plating practices8 or continued changes in implementation standards by the Member States; deplores the fact that these aspects, which create unnecessary administrative burdens, might negatively impact the level of attractiveness of EU funds for potential beneficiaries in the Member States; stresses that the managing authorities run the risk of errors as the result of complex and unclear rules in spite of their best intentions to comply with EU regulations and might also lead to a certain degree of frustration of the stakeholders; _________________ 8 Gold-plating is defined as additional rules and regulatory obligations that go beyond the requirements set out at EU level, and that make the implementation of EU funds more costly and burdensome for programme bodies and beneficiaries.;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes that, notwithstanding the identified shortcomings, the work of the audit bodies in the Member States is perceived as reliable and robust, as well as the fact that the those shortcomings do not directly hinder the application of the Single Audit, according the study on the matter requested by the Committee on Budgetary Control; notes the general agreement on the fact that the audit practices in Member States are compliant with international standards for public- sector auditing and that only in very limited circumstances, potential sources of concern for the independence of the audit bodies have been identified;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Maintains that translation in the field of law is a complex and demanding procedure that adds an extra layer of difficulty to interpretation, as legal translation needs to be accurate and transpose the same ideas expressed in the source text, and legal terms reflect legal concepts that vary between different legal systems, particularly in the fields of management, control and audit, which might be very technical;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls the observations of the discharge authority as regards the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the involvement of regional and local authorities and other stakeholders who were not sufficiently involved in the setting-up of national programmes; acknowledges, likewise, the national ownership of the Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) and the limited time-frame for launching the Facility, and underlines the different ways in which Member States have integrated regional and local authorities in the ongoing implementation of the national RRPs taking into account the different degrees of decentralisation;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that errors and irregularities should be avoided, detected and corrected by the managing authorities in the first instance; recalls that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) found that controls currently in place do not yet sufficiently offset the high inherent risk of error in the implementation of the cohesion policy9 , particularly that the managing authorities’ verifications are still partly ineffective in preventing or detecting irregularities in the expenditure declared by beneficiaries; stresses that effective management control is indispensable to ensure both the performance of operations and their compliance with the legal framework; stresses that, in addition to protecting the Union's financial interests, the detection of errors shall serve to implement the necessary corrective measures and to make improvements to the legislation to prevent such errors in the future; _________________ 9 Annual report on the implementation of the EU budget for the 2021 financial year, p. 160.
Amendment 15 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that the audit bodies in Member States have to comply with internationally accepted standards on audits; states that failing to comply with them might undermine the reliability and quality of the audit work and thus pose a threat to the Single Audit approach; notes, in this regard, that the ECA has repeatedly identified shortcomings in the scope, quality, documentation and reporting of certain national audit authorities’ work10 ; points out that the ECA considers as the main reason for the shortcomings the fact that the documentation stored in audit files was not always sufficient to allow an experienced auditor with no previous connection to the audit to reach the same conclusions as the original auditor; considers that the weaknesses found in the work of several audit authorities covered by the ECA’s sample currently limit the reliance that can be placed on that work; stresses the importance for Member States to have a common basic framework with clear and detailed responsibilities for ensuring the quality of audits, in order to avoid misinterpretation of EU rules; insists that if the audit authorities are working in an effective way and deploying international standards, double audits should be avoided to reduce the bureaucratic burden and to make efficient use of audit capacities; _________________ 10 Annual report on the implementation of the EU budget for the 2021 financial year, pp. 163-168.
Amendment 18 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that in order to carry out verifications and audits of programmes financed with EU funds, it is essential to have competent human resources with adequate training, experience and institutional memory at different levels; regrets that, according to the feedback from a survey and interviews carried out for the aforementioned study on the Single Audit approach, the lack of sufficient resources, including capacity training dedicated to control functions, is a factor affecting the capacity of the managing authorities (in cohesion policy) and the paying agencies (in the common agricultural policy) to carry out effective and thorough checks and verifications of expenditure11 ; recalls, in this context, the necessity to improve the methods and implementation of technical assistance that the Commission can provide to Member States’ authorities; _________________ 11 ‘Single Audit Approach – Root Causes of the Weaknesses in the Work of the Member States’ Managing and Audit Authorities’, p. 57.
Amendment 19 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that having ethical and independent audit bodies and other bodies managing funds in Member States areis a key requirement for the reliability and quality of the audit results; recalls that in some Member States, state bodies with supervisory functions have seen arbitrary appointments leading to questions with regard to their impartiality in detecting and reporting corruption; highlights that deficient independent oversight mechanisms and illegal interconnections between political and oligarchical structures in the economic and societal spheres are conducive to corruption12 ; _________________ 12 https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/ 2022- 07/40_1_193993_coun_chap_hungary_en. pdf.
Amendment 22 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates its concern regarding the difference between the ECA’s and the Commission’s method for calculating errors, which creates confusion and reduces the sense of urgency neededmakes it difficult to tackle the root causes of errors; highlights that these divergences do not occur in all areas of expenditure; emphasises that adequate audit coverage is needed for a statistical representative sample that reflects the high degree of confidence needed for audit work to lead to reliable conclusions; calls on the Commission to improve itsnotes that the Commission carries out its own audits on the basis of a risk analysis and audits a larger number of operations across all operational programmes and Member States; calls on the ECA, as EU external auditor, and on the Commission, as responsible of the EU budget implementation and auditee, to find a compatible methodology and to cooperate with the ECA with a view to increasing harmonisation in order to provide more comparable figures and to continue with a risk-based approach if severe deficiencies appear in certain Member States or sectors;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission to contribute to improve the common understanding of the Single Audit approach in order to achieve a more uniform interpretation and implementation of this model across the Member States;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Asks the Commission to continue simplifying rules and requirements applying to EU funds and programmes, while ensuring a balance with the necessary audits and controls and continuity between programming periods, as well as providing further clarification on their implementation to Member States competent bodies; encourages Member States to use Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) to address the complexity of EU rules and reduce the error rate while focusing on the achievement of policy objectives;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Reiterates that the detection of irregularities and errors shall led to the implementation of corrective measures, the production of guidance for managing authorities and to improve the EU legislation in order to prevent such errors in the future;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and Member States to reduce gold-plating on one side, and to closely monitor the delayed, fragmented or incomplete implementation or transposition of European legislation on the other, as this disrupts harmonisation and leads to distortions in the EU, with contradictory standards applied in the spending of European funds;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to enhance cooperation with the Member States, in particular, on avoiding mistranslation issues that may hinder the uniform interpretation of EU law as well as impose a further administrative burden on national authorities when interpreting and applying the relevant provisions, so that they are not compelled to resort to versions existing in other official languages13 ; stresses that the Commission should ensure a horizontal and equal application of audit standards in all Member States in order to avoid different levels of scrutiny and application; suggests that the Commission should develop a light audit methodology for authorities that consistently perform well and follow all Commission recommendations; _________________ 13 Judgement of the General Court of 12 March 2019, Italy v Commission, T‑135/15, ECLI:EU:T:2019:155.
Amendment 40 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is of the opinion that digitalisation and the adoption of more sophisticated IT tools at national and EU levels would improve the management, control and audit of EU funds, and could contribute to prevent irregularities and to substantially reducing bureaucracy; considers that digitalisation allows easier and quicker access to important data during verifications and, therefore, to a reduction in the number of controls; highlights the importance of promoting and sharing national good practices across the EU of effective IT tools for data mining and avoidance of conflict of interest in the context of EU funds; highlights that, nevertheless, no IT system could ever completely replace the human factor; insists that well-trained staff continue to play an important role in the management and control system of the EU funds; calls on the Member States to ameliorate the digitalisation of administrative work with a view to a harmonised approach, and to ensure the proper training of staff involved in the implementation of EU funds, as well as in control and audits, allowing them to fully understand the capabilities of the IT tools, know what to expect in terms of the results produced and understand their role in the decision-making process;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recommends Member States to establish or use specific ‘ethics’ systems, measures and codes to preserve the good conduct, transparency and independence of the auditors' work in the Member States;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Recalls the importance of ex ante controls and checks in order to prevent financial errors and irregularities, particularly conflict of interests, in addition to the ex post checks on the expenditure declared to the Commission, e.g. by paying more attention to the systems audits; insists on the importance of using IT tools for data mining and avoidance of conflict of interests; notes in this regard the systems audits performed by the Commission in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Facility;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists that good collaboration and feedback between the managing and audit authorities and the Commission is another important factor in the effectiveness of the assurance and control framework; welcomes the fact that overall, there is a good level of communication and exchange between Commission and the national audit authorities but points out that there is always room for improvement; calls on the Commission to proactively promote good communication and the exchange of good auditing practices between the audit authorities and the programme managing authorities at the EU, national and regional levels;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Points out the importance at the national level of allocating adequate resources to the control and auditing of the EU expenditure as well as further enhancing the technical capacity of the audit authorities’ staff in order to avoid delays or risk of inefficiencies in the assurance process, on one side, to improve the audit quality and reliability of their audit work, on the other side;
Amendment 52 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) To that end, harmonised rules on data generation and data sharing for short- term accommodation rental services should be laid down to increase access to and quality of data for public authorities on the provision of short-term accommodation rental services, which in turn should enable them to design and implement policies on such services in an effective and proportionate manner. This implies maintaining opportunities for platforms while respecting public policy objectives like available and affordable housing and protecting urban centres and rural areas, especially when economic conditions in Europe are deteriorating. Short-term accommodation rental services via platforms and their impact shall not undermine the high acceptance of tourism in Europe's regions and cities and degrade the liveability of neighbourhoods. They should respect local communities and promote sustainability from an ecological and socioeconomic point of view.
Amendment 61 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Registration procedures enable competent authorities to collect information on hosts and units relating to short-term accommodation rental services. The registration number, which is a unique identifier of a unit rented, should ensure that the data collected and shared by platforms can be properly attributed to hosts and units. It should therefore be for competent authorities, where they wish to receive data from providers of online short- term rental platforms, to put in place or maintain registration procedures for hosts and their units, either at national, regional or local level. The registration procedure by virtue of this Regulation is understood without prejudice to other possible information obligations, for example in the fields of taxation, population census and statistics.
Amendment 68 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Article 31 of the Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 lays down certain due diligence requirements for providers of online platforms allowing consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders. Those requirements apply to online short-term rental platforms with respect to short-term accommodation rental services offered by hosts that qualify as traders. However, the short-term accommodation rental sector is characterised by the fact that hosts are often private individuals offering short- term accommodation rental services on an occasional peer-to-peer basis, who do not necessarily meet the conditions to be categorised as ‘traders’ under Union law. Therefore, in line with the concept and objective of ‘compliance by design’ under Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and in order to enable competent authorities to verify whether applicable registration obligations are complied with, it is appropriate to apply specific conditions for compliance by design in the context of short-term accommodation rental services, including those offered by hosts that do not qualify as traders pursuant to Union law. Online short-term rental platforms should ensure that services are not offered where no registration number has been provided, in cases where a host declares that such a registration number applies. This should not amount to an obligation for onlinelead to short-term rental online platforms to generally monitmaking every possible effort the services offered by hosts through their platform, nor to a general fact-finding obligation aimed at assessing the accuracy of the registration number prior to the publication of the offer of short-term accommodation rental serviceo assess whether the unit offered for short-term accommodation rental services is located in an area where a registration procedure has been established, for example, by using the list provided pursuant to Article 13(1)(a). This evaluation could be done through the use of automated means.
Amendment 71 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Competent authorities that wish to receive from online short-term rental platforms information about hosts’ activities and have registration systems in place should be able to obtain activity data from online platforms on a regular basis. The type of data that may be obtained should be fully harmonised and include information on the number of nights for which a registered unit has been rented, the number of guests that stayed in the unitfor which the unit was rented per night, the registration number and, the URL of the listing of the unit, which is needed in order to facilitate and the address of the unit, including the exact number of the apartment, which is needed for the identification of the host and the unit offered for short-term accommodation rental services in cases where the registration number is missing or incorrect. Only online platforms that have effectively facilitated the conclusion of direct transactions between hosts and guests are covered by the obligation to provide the activity data, the registration number and the URL of the listing of the unit, as only those platforms are in a position to collect data, such as on the number of nights for which a unit is rented and the number of guests that stayed in the unit per night. Member States should not maintain or introduce measures that require platforms to report on short-term accommodation rental service providers and their activities diverging from those laid down in this Regulation, unless otherwise provided under Union law.
Amendment 74 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The Single Digital Entry Points should facilitate the ability of online short- term rental platforms to randomly check the validity of a registration number or the accuracy of self-declarations, in order to reduce errors and inconsistencies as regards data transmission and to ease their compliance burden. The Single Digital Entry Point should, while not requiring the actual storage of the registration number, allow the performance of random checks either automatically by means of Application Programming Interface allowing the verification of a registration number against the given entries in the registry of the individual registration procedures in a Member State connected to the Single Digital Entry Point or manually, for example, by entering a registration number in an online interface and receiving a confirmation on its validity. Online short- term rental platforms should be free to perform additional checks through the Single Digital Entry Point. Member States should continue enforcing registration obligations using the tools already available to them.
Amendment 80 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Aggregated dData sets based on the available activity data, would also be important for the compilation of official statistics. Those data, together with information on the total number of units and on the maximum number of guests that the unit can accommodate in each geographical subdivision, should be transmitted to national statistical offices and Eurostat every month for the purposes of compiling statistics in line with the requirements applicable to other service providers in the accommodation sector as laid in Regulation 692/2011 concerning European statistics on tourism. Member States should designate the national entity responsible for aggregating data and transmitting it. Competent authorities should also be able to share activity data, without any data that could enable the identification of individual units or hosts, such as registration numbers and URLs, with entities and persons when this is needed to carry out scientific research or analytical activities as well as to produce new business models and services. Under the same conditions, activity data could be made available via sectorial data spaces, when established.
Amendment 85 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) national, regional or local rules regulating the development or use of land, town and country planning or building standards and the law on housing or horizontal property;
Amendment 103 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) technical means are in place to assess the validity of registration numbers for which a common structure of registration numbers will be established as envisaged in Article 11;
Amendment 107 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that hosts are aoble to requiged, when offering their short-term rental servicest that the information or documentation provided pursuant to Article 5(1) and (2) can be re- used for the purposes of subsequentrough an online platform, to provide the registration number to the online short- term rental platform if the offered unit is subject to a registrations procedure.
Amendment 112 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 4
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 4
(4) the maximum number of guests that the unit can accommodate; , expressly mentioning the number of people authorised to accommodate in the rental unit in accordance with the requirements set by the competent authorities in the matter;
Amendment 114 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 4 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a – point 4 a (new)
(4a) whether the unit is subject to authorisation from the competent authorities to offer short-term rental accommodation services and, if so, whether the host has obtained such authorisation;
Amendment 120 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may require that the information submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 is accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. With respect to the information referred to in point 5 of subparagraph (a) of paragraph 1, where the host declares that the unit is subject to authorisation, or where the other information referred to in paragraph 1 allows the determination that an authorisation requirement applies, Member States may request a copy of, or reference to, the authorisation.
Amendment 137 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. The competent authority in the event of non-compliance of the orders issued pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, may apply the penalty system they have defined or they define in their rules to online short-term rental platforms.
Amendment 144 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) design and organis, organise and continuously update their online interface in a way that requires hosts to self-declare whetentering the registration number is mandatory in cases where the unit offered for short-term accommodation rental servicesaddress of a specific unit is located in an area where a registration procedure has been established or applies; according to Art.13 (1).
Amendment 147 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) where the host declares that the unit offered for short- term accommodation rental services is located in an area where a registration procedure has been established or applies, design and organise their online interface in a way that enablesmakes it mandatory for hosts to let users identify the unit through a registration number, and to ensure that hosts have provided a registration number prior to allowing the offering of the short- term accommodation rental services with respect to that unit;
Amendment 150 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) make reasonable efforts to randomly check the declarationcheck the listings ofn the hostplatforms concerning the existence or not of a registration procedure, taking into account the list made available pursuant to Article 13(1), point (a), and, where such a procedure exists, thecheck the necessary validity of the registration number provided by the host, including through the use of the functionalities offered by the Single Digital Entry Points referred to in Article 10(2), point (b), after allowing the offering of the short-term accommodation rental services by the host; platforms shall also carry out additional ad hoc checks at the request of competent authorities.
Amendment 159 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. When a listing concerns a unit located in an area included in the list referred to in Article 13(1), point (b), providers of online short-term rental platforms shall collect and, on a monthly basis, transmit to the Single Digital Entry Point of the Member State where the unit is located, activity data per unit, together with the address of the unit, including the exact number of the apartment including its zip code, the corresponding registration number as provided by the host and the URL of the listing. That transmission shall take place by machine-to-machine communication means.
Amendment 160 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. When a competent authority, after verification, finds that there are doubts regarding the accuracy and completeness of the data transmitted, it will be empowered to require the online platforms to rectify the data set in a reasonable time which should be specified by the competent authority
Amendment 167 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall aggregdesignate the activity data obtained pursuant to Article 9 and transmit it on a monthly basis to national statistical offices and Eurostat for the purposes of compiling national entity responsible for transmitting, for each unit, the activity data and the registratistics in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliamenton numbers obtained pursuant to Articles 5 and of9, the Council43. Activity data shall be aggregated at national, regional and municipal level, and shall include information on the total number of unitsmunicipality where the unit is located and on the maximum number of guestavailable bed places that the unit can accommodate in each geographical subdivision. Those data shall be broken down by the type of unit as described in Article 5(1), point (a), of this Regulation. Member States shall designatethe national entity responsible for aggregating activity data and transmitting it to nats, on a monthly basis to national, and where relevant, regional statistical offices and Eurostat. _________________ 43 Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealingmake available to Eurostat for the purposes of compiling statistics in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101223/20089 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the S. Access to the data referred to above by the national or regional statistical Ooffice of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164)s shall be subject to appropriate safeguards for data protection.
Amendment 171 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Authorities designated by the Member State of the relevant Single Digital Entry Point shall be competent to enforce Articles 7(1), 7(2), 7(3) and 9 of this Regulation.
Amendment 172 #
2022/0358(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements by online short-term rental platforms of Articles 7 (1), 7(2), 7(3) and 9. Member States shall ensure that those penalties are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 20 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and Member States to use the available financial tools - CEF, RRF, Cohesion Fund, InvestEU, ERDF - in a comprehensive way to maximise their effect on recovery while ensuring adequate long-term funding of Union transport projects;
Amendment 25 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the crucial role of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in fostering the development and timely completion of a high performance trans- European network that is sustainable and interconnected, as well as in supporting actions related to safe and secure infrastructure and mobility; acknowledges the slight increase in the CEF-transport budget for 2023 compared to 2022 although notes that the increase is impaired by the current economic situation; underlines that the CEF should also support actand geopolitical situation and the consequent rising needs of the transport sector; acknowledges in that regard the Commission’s intention to use the CEF to support interoperability and connectivity projects of the Union's transport network with Ukraine; further recalls that the Commission's related to safe and secure infrastructure and mobilityREPowerEU Plan foresees the mobilisation of CEF funding to achieve the targets set on renewable hydrogen production, infrastructure and end-use appliances; reiterates its call for increased financing of the CEF programme;
Amendment 39 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the increase in the Cohesion Fund allocation to the CEF for transport in 2023; reiterates the essential role the Union transport policy and investment play in enhancing territorial, social and economic cohesion in the Union;
Amendment 42 #
2022/0212(BUD)
5. Notes the increase in the InvestEU budget and its important reinforcement from NextGenerationEU by almost EUR 2,5 billion in 2023; invites the Commission to maintain a high level of investment after 2024 to maintain InvestEU’s role in fostering sustainable and safe infrastructure, mobility solutions and equipment and for the deployment of innovative technologies and alternative fuels;
Amendment 44 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the funding of the Just Transition Fund under the Just Transition Mechanism for 2023 and highlights the role of the Mechanism in disadvantaged regions; highlights the role of the Mechanism and its public sector loan facility in investing in safe, sustainable and resilient transport and tourism infrastructure in the regions that are the most affected by transition challenges such as rural and sparsely populated, disadvantaged regions and environmentally vulnerable territories and in promoting affordable and accessible mobility services for all passengers, including those with disabilities and reduced mobility; stresses the need to support the up- and reskilling of workers and jobseekers in the transport sector, as well as productive and sustainable investment in SMEs;
Amendment 51 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the modest increase in the military mobility budget for 2023 and the attempt to adapt parts of the TEN-T networks for a dual use of the transport infrastructure with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility; highlights that a further increase is needed in line with the needs of the new geopolitical situation in order to reinforce critical infrastructures such as ports, airports, tunnels and bridges;
Amendment 59 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates Parliament’s request for the creation of a specific Union programme on sustainable Union-wide tourism of a specific budget line that reflects both the importance of the sector in the Union economy and its needs;
Amendment 60 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 68 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Recalls that any new legislation applying to the transport sector, such as the Green Deal and in particular the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, implies additional responsibilities for EU transport agencies; highlights that the ERA has an outstanding climate and environmental performance and is crucial to achieving modal shift and advancing in the establishment of the Single European Railway Area and the deployment of ERTMS; recalls that ERA can provide additional support to TEN-T completion objectives -particularly in cross-border sections-, and consequently, could have a key role in assisting Member States in the establishment of the new ‘EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes’; reiterates that adequate financing of EASA is needed in line with its contribution to the green recovery of the EU’s aviation industry; stresses EMSA's important role in supporting sustainability of maritime transport;
Amendment 73 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges the slight increase in the budgets of the transport Joint Undertakings; highlights the importance of their work in boosting research and innovation and improving the performance, safety and sustainability of the transport sector.;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, which is intended to round offeinforce the European Green Deal and complement strategies for territorial, social and economic cohesion with its values of beautiful, sustainable and inclusive solutions, thereby improving quality of life for people in the EU by transforming the places they inhabit;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that opportunities to participate in the NEB must be fully inclusive and accessible to all EU citizens and all regions and territories, including peripheral urban areas and less populated, rural and mountain areas and islands well as islands and outermost regions; emphasises that local and regional authorities and respective stakeholders as civil society and above all residents must be the drivers of NEB projects;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls the importance of geographical balance for this initiative, which should seek to be equally present in all EU territories, and to maintain an appropriate balance between urban and rural areas; calls for the NEB to reduce existing disparities in the development of regions in the EU and to address problems as depopulation, lack of infrastructure, ageing population, etc. suffered by some areas in the EU, providing solutions based on respect for heritage, the environment and rural areas;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Believes that cities and regions are crucial actors in driving culture forward, and that the local and regional levels have key responsibilities for sustainable urban, regional and cultural policies; therefore, local and regional elected representatives are key in making the NEB more accessible and involving citizens in the participation processes;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the fact that NEB projects should contribute to the affordability and accessibility of the green and digital transitions in urban and spatial planning, housing, resilient and sustainable renovation, building conversions, and the recreation of public space as the centre of community life, particularly for those groups and areas that needfor everyone, everywhere itn the mostEU;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls for the NEB to provide innovative solutions for the development of sustainable and innovative urban areas, such as sustainable mobility solutions, inclusive public spaces and nature-based solutions;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the European Commission to study the creation of European harmonised and sustainable urban development indicators to measure the evolution of our cities and territories through the correct application and development of European funds, and especially of NEB projects;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the NEB encompasses many dimensions and policy areas, which may make it difficult forpresents a challenge to regional and local authorities to fully understand how to make the most of its opportunities; underlines the crucial role of local and regional authorities in implementing the NEB; calls on the Commission, therefore, to provide specific and targeted information on projects, funding, technological and capacity- building opportunities as well as clear definitions of award criteria;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes that the NEB links the three pillars of the Urban Agenda for the EU, calls for the NEB to be linked to EU Urban Agenda partnerships, as this Agenda has been working on concepts related to the Green Deal and the NEB for nearly four years, especially in relation to climate action capacity, the Greening Cities proposal and use of public spaces;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Highlights the successful work carried out by URBACT on developing tools which should build synergies with the NEB to foster territorial cooperation and encourage innovation in the exchange of good practices in urban regeneration;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. IRegrets the lack of clarity on funding for the NEB from 2023 onwards; insists that appropriate and accessible public funding is crucial for encouraging and implementing NEB ideas and projects at a local and regional levels; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to provide local and regional authorities with relevant and user-friendly information on all financial possibilities and to support the sharing of best practices.
Amendment 58 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to table a proposal as soon as possible to make the NEB an EU programme by the next MFF, with a dedicated and stable budget based on fresh resources;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 60 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Support the increased budget allocated for the period 2021-2027 for the new Cohesion Policy which in line with the strong focus on smart, green and social actions, will provide confident enough for new innovative projects; to this, ask for a strong coordination between this funds and NEB programmes and actions;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s presentcommunication of 30/6/2021 of its long- term vision for rural areas;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the fact that theis long-term vision was not presented before the conclusion of the negotiations for the regulations on the cohesion policy and common agricultural policy for 2021-2027; recalls that synergies between these funds and other relevant EU and, national fundand regional means are crucial;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Invites the Council to clearly express in its conclusions the need to act forddress the problems rural areas are facing;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that EU cohesion policy, which seeks to promote the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union and involves all levels of governance, is vitally important to rural areas,; acknowledges the important role of agriculture and involves all levels of governancsustainable agriculture;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Amendment 44 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the fact that the main objective of the long-term vision should be to fight depopulation, ageing and rural abandonment, to make rural areas more attractive, including through investment in social infrastructure and the provision of services, such as childcare, care centres for the elderly and those in need of it, schools and after-schools, healthcare, economic diversification, job creation and innovative mobility solutions;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to set up a EU system of rural employment grants which will enable Member States and their regions to reverse the exodus from the country side and persuade remote workers to relocate to rural areas with access to nature, cheaper rent and a lower carbon footprint;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of smart specialisation strategies for the future of rural areas, with particular regard to young people and women, and to innovation, knowledge sharing and cooperation, including the Start-up Village Forum; achieving gender equality, as stipulated in the current CPR, is an important step forward that could help us address demographic challenges in the regions, while promoting inclusion of women and raising the female employment rate;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Welcomes a new Rural Pact launched by the Commission on 20/12/2021 that aims at engaging actors at EU, national, regional and local level, in order to support the shared goals of the Vision, foster economic, social and territorial cohesion and give an answer to the common aspirations of the rural communities, by encouraging stakeholders and actors to join the Rural Pact Community and share reflections and ideas on its implementation and future development;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Notes that the Art. 10 of the Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund includes support for disadvantaged regions and areas, such as those with geographical or demographic handicaps;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to guarantee that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solutions and means of support to deal with demographic changes faced by rural areas, and reiterates the need to implement integrated projects based on the programmes under EAFRD, cohesion policy, the CAP national strategic plans and instruments laid down in the national recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that renewable energy production is also an opportunity for rural areas to combat energy poverty and generate energy self-sufficiency; furthermore, underlines a greater acceptance of renewable energy production facilities if the rural areas were to be included in the sharing of the revenues generated by the production of renewable energy;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that connections between rural and urban areas mustshould be addressed in a complementary manner in order to implement rural strategies and action plans accordingly; underlines the importance of partnerships across rural areas and remote rural areas in particular; emphasises the importance of fighting the digital divide between urban and rural areas, especially as regards high-speed broadband connectivity and, the promotion of digital skills and upskilling;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes that the European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) projects are creating cross-border best practices to come up with innovative approaches for an integrated territorial development; points out that particular attention should be paid to infrastructure and cross-border cooperation in rural border regions;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Emphasises the need to improve the public transport infrastructure and service system in rural areas, ensuring the development of sustainable mobility solutions that reduce travel times and of the number of connections between urban and peri-urban and rural areas; notes that shared mobility connecting rural communities with transport hubs, particularly bus and rail stations, can boost the quality of life in rural areas;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2254(INI)
10 c. Highlights the diversity of rural areas and the crucial importance of tailor-made territorial approaches in implementing the long-term vision, primarily in less developed, remote rural areas and outermost regions;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Welcomes the intention by Commission to take stock, by mid – 2023, of what actions financed by the EU and Member States have been carried out for rural areas. This exercise will be included in a public report, with the scope of identifying the areas where enhanced support and finances are still needed, including the way forward, based on the EU Rural Action Plan;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Draws attention to the particular challenges faced by rural regions impacted by structural change or the transformation processes needed for the green transition, such as in energy production or the automotive industry;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12 c. Notes that rural tourism regions are coping with changing travel patterns due to COVID-19 and climate change; is of the view that cycling, hiking, mycology, wellness tourism, gastronomy, community-based arts or arts workshops and exhibition centres could be models of further sustainable tourism development in rural areas; furthermore, considers that the contribution made by cultural heritage and, artistic and creative professionals to building a sustainable and prosperous future and to improving tourist attractiveness of rural areas will also improve the economic well-being of these communities;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12 d. Considers that, to achieve a just twin transition by leaving no one and no region behind , we need tools to ensure "innovation ecosystems" in each territory that offer opportunities for allentrepreneurs, rural micro-enterprises and SMEs, thus boosting these small rural businesses; this should go hand in hand with a sufficient provision of training, including in digital skills and other soft skills related to open innovation, interregional and international cooperation, and inter- cultural communication;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Paragraph 12 e (new)
12 e. Welcomes the increased support for bottom-up initiatives such as LEADER /CLLD– which define the role of local action groups – and "smart villages", and encourages further use of the lessons learned from these initiatives; draws attention, in this context, to the benefits of an innovation-based regional development, focussed on local skills and engagement; furthermore, competent bodies at local, regional and national level should be made aware of innovative ideas from local stakeholders and support them where possible.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 changed the economic, social and budgetary outlook in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent and coordinated response both at Union and national level in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences as well as asymmetrical effects for Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘the Facility’), as set up by Regulation 2021/241, is the cornerstone of the stimulus package NextGenerationEU (‘NGEU’) and aims to provide funding to Member States, through grants and loans, in order to finance reforms and investments, helping citizens and economies to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundations for sustainable recovery;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Facility is a performance-based instrument, which means that the payments are conditional upon the fulfilment of milestones and targets underpinning the reforms and investments in the respective national recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 6 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Commission has published its report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility on 1st March 2022 as required under Article 31 of the Regulation 2021/241;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that the specific objective of the Facility is to provide financial support with a view to achieving the milestones and targets of reforms and investments set out in recovery and resilience plans aiming to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundations for sustainable recovery;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Underlines that the Commission assess the Member States’ disbursement requests upon achievement of agreed milestones and targets while respecting the national ownership of the NRRPs and the choice of the Member States of the relevant types of financing and the methods of implementation; reiterates, besides, the Parliament’s role of supervision of the work of the Commission with regard to the Facility implementation in the frame of the 'recovery and resilience dialogue';
Amendment 9 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that by mid-February 2022, all Member States but one had submitted national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), requesting in total EUR 337.5 billion in grants and EUR 166 billion in loans; welcomes that the Commission has approved 22 NRRPs, followed by the adoption of the respective 22 Council Implementing Decisions, and has agreed the operational arrangements with 8 Member States, which set the framework for monitoring the plans’ implementation;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the Commission has received 5 payment requests so far and has made one payment in December 2021; notes that on 28 January 2022 the Commission had disbursed EUR 46,6 billion in grants (14 % of the EUR 338 bn available) and EUR 19.9 billion on loans (5 % of the EUR 385.8 bn available); welcomes that the calendar of payments is in line with the expected implementation phase of the Facility; encourages the Commission to continue to work closely with the Member States to maintain this positive development and to report any significant difficulty in its future implementation reports;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. INotes that the Commission concluded in its assessments that all NRRPs comply with the 11 criteria provided for in the Regulation 2021/241 and thus, gave a rating of A to most NRRPs; is concerned, however, about the fact that all Member States have received a B-rating for the criteria evaluating whether the estimated total costs of the NRRPs are reasonable; asks the Commission to monitor this criterion in its future implementation reports indicating whether the implementation corroborates this assessment or the costs estimation carried out by the Member States was in fact reasonable;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 28 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the large number of documents that are published on the Facility’s website, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard that provides an visual and user-friendly overview of the progress made in the implementation of the NRRPs and thereby fosters the transparency, public scrutiny and accountability of the Facility; calls the Commission to maintain or further increase this level of transparency and data visualisation in the future;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Appreciates in particular the publication of the preliminary assessments of the satisfactory fulfilment of milestones and targets related to each Member State’s payment request for the instalments of grants under the Facility; notes the detailed analysis carried out by the Commission, which includes the evidence provided by the concerned Member State;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the reliability of the performance data concerning the targets and milestones of the Facility is of the utmost importance; calls on the Commission to provide a statement of assurance on the performance data for the implementation of the Facility in its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR);
Amendment 33 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that irregularities may lead to the reduction of financial contributions or the recovery of funds by the Commissionan unsatisfactory implementation of NRRPs or serious irregularities may lead to suspension and the termination of financial support agreements as well as the reduction and recovery of financial contributions by the Commission; calls on the Commission to describe in its future implementation reports whether such a case has occurred, the causes, and the remedial actions taken by the Commission or the concerned Member State;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to inform the budgetary authority about the use of FENIX, the IT system set up for Member States to report the relevant information on the implementation of the NRRPs, and particularly about the interoperability of this system with the ARACHNE data- mining tool;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the Court of Auditors and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may exercise their rights laid down in Article 129(1) of the Financial Regulation with regard to the Facility; asks the Commission to provide information about the measures ensuring the early detection of the abuse of EU funds; and in particular, should be able to use the information and monitoring system made available by the Commission within their competences and rights; asks the Commission to alert about any specific obstacle that NRRPs may contain to the full exercise of those rights; asks the Commission to provide information about the measures ensuring the early detection of the abuse of EU funds, as well as to report of the result of any relevant investigation or prosecution concluded on the use of funds at national or EU level, including where applicable the actions to recover the affected funds;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with satisfaction from the Commission’s assessments of NRRPs that Member States’ plans adopted in 2021 have adequate control systems which ensures prevention of double funding, arrangements to correct serious irregularities and recovery of funds are in general quite well developed; notes that the Commission also identified some deficiencies in 16 NRRPs and welcomes that the Member States concerned agreed to take additional remedial measures before requesting the first regular payment; asks the Commission to clearly indicate in its future implementation reports whether the agreed remedial measures were effectively implemented and any eventual impact of the identified deficiencies on the implementation of the relevant NRRP;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes the guidance provided by the Commission to Member States to avoid double funding of the same costs by the Facility and other EU funds, as well as the support to identify suitable instruments at Union level to create synergies with the measures financed under the Facility;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CReiterates that the use of a single data-mining and risk-scoring tool such as ARACHNE is essential to protect the EU budget by means of preventing conflict of interest, fraud, corruption and double funding; welcomes that several Member States aim to use ARACHNE in the implementation of the Facility; calls on the Commission to encourage all other Member States to use ARACHNE and, in the meantime, to make sure that the alternative measures to risk- score the entities and individuals involved in implementation of the Facility are equivalent to ARACHNE; calls on the Commission to make sure that, in addition to the information on the beneficiaries of the programme, data on beneficial owners is also collected by the Member States;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. RWelcomes that most Member States have followed the Commission’s recommendations of designing specific websites where Facility-related information is displayed, but regrets the fact that there are major differences in the level and breadth of the available information made public on the dedicated NRRP websitesm; asks the Commission to include recommendations in itsand best practices in communication and visibility of the NGEU funding allowing for the monitoring of the progress of their implementation, in its future implementation reports with a particular focus on the harmonisation of the information available to citizens in order to foster transparency, public scrutiny and accountability;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. CRecalls that based on Article 22 of the Regulation 2021/241, Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring the protection of the financial interests of the Union; calls on the Commission to report on its assessment of the capacity of national audit systems (particularly audit capacity, beneficiary data storage and audit plan) to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest, and to ensure compliance with national and Union rules; stresses that, in the event of inadequacies in the national audit systems, the milestones or targets suggested by the Commission to address these inadequacies must be appropriately explained in the annual report on the implementation of the Facility;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CEmphasises that in case of a serious breach of the Rule of law, the Conditionality Mechanism can be triggered regarding the NGEU stimulus package, and thus the Facility; calls on the Commission to make approval of the NRRPs conditional on the observance of the rRule of law and the prevention and detection of, and the fight against, fraud, conflicts of interest and corruption; stresses that all measures set out in the NRRPs must comply with the Union’s values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 73 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Highlights that social partners, local, and regional authorities are key stakeholders to achieve the sustainable recovery from the pandemic and thus, they should be appropriately consulted and involved in the implementation of the reforms and investments within the Facility; asks the Commission to further develop its assessment of the consultation of the relevant stakeholders in its future implementation reports, with an identification of best practises that can be implemented for other Member States such as governance systems that involve central and regional governments competent for a given area;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms Parliament’s role in scrutinising the implementation of the Facility, which lays the foundation of its democratic accountability, also through the annual discharge procedure.;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas fragmented and insufficient cross border cooperation can lead increased vulnerability to natural disasters and extreme weather events in border regions;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the challenges border regions face vary from one region to the next depending on the legal, administrative, economic, demographic and geographical circumstances pertaining in the region concerned; emphasises the need for an effective use and greater coordination of EU funds to ensure a more comprehensive approach to before mentioned challenges; calls for bespoke approaches to be taken, to a certain extent, that are integrated and region-specific;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Encourages advancing the programmes for cooperation between the EU border regions at the external borders of the Union and the border regions of the neighbouring countries; recognises the challenges of this cooperation given the difference in relevant regulations that apply; considers this cooperation to be an important tool in advancing the EU enlargement policy;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Emphasises the role of cohesion policy in addressing the main challenges facing the Union’s transport sector, including developing a well-functioning Single European Transport Area, connecting Europe through modern, multi-modal and safe transport infrastructure networks and shifting to low-emission mobility, inter alia through support for the completion of missing small cross-border rail links, thereby contributing to the European integration of border regions;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for increased digitalisation of public services and reinforced interoperability policies to ensure that digital public services are interoperable and cross-border by default; Highlights the importance of support for digital innovation of public services and companies in cross-border regions and welcomes in this regard the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH);
Amendment 83 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure, asa matter of urgency, proper implementation and enforcement of relevant EU legislation as regards the rights of cross-border and frontier workers, improve their employment, working and health and safety conditions, address the need to revise the existing legislative frame work including Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems in order to strengthen the portability of right and ensure adequate social security coordination, review the role of temporary work agencies, recruiting agencies, other intermediaries and subcontractors with a view to identifying protection gaps in the light of the principle of equal treatment; urges Members States, in the context of the increased teleworking, to guarantee that those teleworking from their country of residence, have access to social security rights, labour rights and tax regimes, and certainty as regards the competent authority for their coverage; Underlines the need for strengthened cooperation between the Member States regarding the exchange of information on workers’ applicable legislation and collection of data on cross-border workers in order to bridge gaps in national practices, gain better access to available information, and create a predictable and accessible internal labour market;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2202(INI)
16 b. Believes that digitalisation provides an unprecedented opportunity to facilitate labour mobility while making compliance with applicable EU provisions faster and easier to control; calls on the Commission, in close cooperation with the European Labour Authority, to put forward a legislative proposal for a European social security pass for all mobile workers and non-EU nationals who are covered by EU rules on intra-EU mobility without further delay, which would provide the relevant national authorities and social partners with an instrument ensuring effective identification, traceability, aggregation and portability of social security rights and improving the enforcement of EU rules on labour mobility and social security coordination in the labour market in a fair and effective way in order to ensure a level playing field in the EU;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2202(INI)
17. Points out that there is already an important EU legal framework – including in particular the Birds, Habitats and Water Framework directives, as well as the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 – that must be fully, systematically and jointly implemented by the Member States in cross-border regions; points out that nature, the climate, natural disasters and diseases do not stop at national borders and calls for coordinated and coherent protection of Natura 2000 sites to ensure more integrated implementation measures;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Highlights the obligation for Member States under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to regularly conduct risk assessments and analyses of disaster scenarios which covers cross- border cooperation as well as reporting on key risks having a cross-border impact; calls on the Commission and Member States to increase cooperation on disaster risk management including improved early warning across in border regions; Welcomes in this regard the Interreg Rhine-Meuse projects on public safety, data collection, cross-border river management and administrative cooperation in the field of spatial planning for flood risk reduction;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that border regions reap too few benefits from the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and underlinesthe need to build on regulatory advances; highlights the potential of the European Cross-Border Mechanism in this context;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Emphasises that cooperation among neighbouring Member States will be a central element in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and calls on the Member States to make the most of existing opportunities for cooperation under the applicable EU legal framework;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the Union’s budget and financial interests shall be implemented and protected in accordance with the general principles embedded in the Union Treaties, in particular the values in the Article 2 TEU, and with the principle of sound financial management enshrined in the Article 317 of the TFEU and in the Financial Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council; highlights that the Rule of law is both a guiding value and an essential precondition for compliance with those principles;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls its resolution of 8 July 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the Conditionality Regulation; insists that the Commission include in its annual rRule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rRule of law breaches in a Member State have affected, could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget or the protection of the Union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; calls on the Commission to present in its future reports a summary of the actions undertaken at national or EU level to address such cases, as well as to what extent they have protected the Union’s budget;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Regrets that the Commission has not implemented the recommendations included in Parliament’s resolution of 24 June 2021 and, as a result, that the 2021 report remains mainly descriptive and does not provide sufficient analysis or foresees remedies, which undermines its preventive role; recalls its request to the Commission to include country-specific recommendations on how to address the concerns identified or remedy Rule of law breaches, including concrete actions and deadlines for implementation, as well as to follow-up on the implementation of its recommendations and the remedial actions; reiterates that the annual reports shall assess the intensity of the Rule of Law breaches, as well as the systemic or isolated nature; believes that the Commission’s recommendations shall be linked to concrete Union tools, such as the Article 7 TEU procedures or the Conditionality Regulation, for cases where Member States fail the implementation;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the four areas assessed in the 27 country chapters of the Commission’s 2021 rRule of law report (the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism, and other institutional checks and balances) are key interdependent pillars for upholding the rRule of law, fighting fraud and protecting the Union’s financial interests; welcomes the evaluation of the effects of COVID-19 on the four issues assessed; highlights the importance of continuing this evaluation in future annual rRule of law reports to contribute to streamlining anti-corruption measures in pandemic-related areas, such as recovery funds, emergency legislation and medical care; points out that COVID- 19 pandemic has shortened legislative processes and reduced parliamentary debate and consultation of civil society and other stakeholders;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Points out that measures taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic often involve exceptional and necessary flexibility in administrative rules and controls in the interests of rapid reaction, and welcomes that the subsequent risks for the Rule of law and for the fight against corruption were mitigated in some cases by safeguards built into the national emergency regimes; recalls in this regard Parliament’s resolution of 15 December 2021 on preventive measures for avoiding corruption, irregular spending and misuse of EU and national funds in case of emergency funds and crisis-related spending areas; stresses that in emergency situations like the COVID-19 outbreak, the health sector is particularly exposed to corruption with regard to public procurement, medical-related services, and COVID-19 fraud;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights that Rule of law breaches in Member States can undermine economic and social recovery, particularly when affecting EU instruments for structural reforms such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Structural Funds; asks the Commission to inform in the annual Rule of law reports on the relevant reform priorities included in the national Recovery and Resilience Plans that contribute to protect the EU budget and the Union’s financial interest in the four areas assessed;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Reiterates that the fight against corruption requires that breaches of the law be effectively pursued by investigative and prosecution services, that national courts be independent and that the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union be respected; points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the national justice systems’ vulnerability to disruption in emergency situations and thus, stresses the importance of investing in human and financial resources and digitalisation, as well as addressing structural obstacles, to improve significantly their efficiency and resilience;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that corruption prevention policies cover many fields, typically including ethical rules, awareness-raising measures, rules on asset disclosures, incompatibilities and conflicts of interest, public procurement, internal control mechanisms, rules on lobbying, and revolving doors; reiterates the role of national measures in preventing fraud and corruption, as well as in recovering the profit from those cases; welcomes in this regard the information included in the 2021 report about cases of corruption involving high-level officials in Member States and calls on provision of more clarification in future reports with regard to whether EU funds have been affected;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reiterates its call for the Commission to assess not only the existence but the effectiveness of the national anti-corruption legislation, policies and strategies, including key elements such as clear and measurable objectives, adequate budgetary resources, regular evaluations and well-defined responsibilities for specialised institutions; appreciates that the report comments on the overall good performance of Member States in the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index and, in this regard, welcomes that ten Member States are in the top twenty of the countries perceived as least corrupt in the world and other fourteen Member States remain above the average or have improved their scores, while deeply regrets that some others have registered a significant deterioration in perceived corruption levels;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that transparency, access to public information, media freedom and pluralism, the protection of whistleblowers and an overall culture of integrity in public life are key to preventing and detecting corruption as facilitate the public scrutiny and keep public trust; expresses its concern about deteriorating developments in these areas in several Member States; calls on the Commission, in coordination with the relevant EU and national institutions and bodies, to act against the breaches it has identified in its previous annual rRule of law reports;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the fact that the 2021 report pays particular attention to the financing of political parties due to its importance in shaping a European electoral space and influence on civil society; is concerned that political party financing can be used as a conduit for corruption, and supports the importance of transparency and the rigour of regulation; calls on the Commission to maintain its focus on this issue in future reports including, where necessary, on reforms that may affect compliance with the requirements for political parties members of European political parties;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Is concerned that in many Member States, the lack of adequate resources allocated for investigating corruption and prosecution authorities have created particular difficulties in hiring or retaining highly specialised personnel; points out that public officials need appropriate support, particularly in emergency situations, in order to secure the quality of the public administration, and how authorities apply the law and implement court decisions; reiterates that uniform, up to date and consolidated statistics across all Member States are instrumental to track the comparative success of the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences; calls, therefore, on the Commission to use its annual reports to support the Union-wide harmonisation of definitions of such offences, as well as a better use of data sets in order to obtain comparative data across the EU on the treatment of corruption cases;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the revision of the Financial Regulation should take into account the Union’s security interests - such as key infrastructure and telecommunications projects-, with a focus on the eligibility criteria to participate and receive EU funding;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the upcoming revision of the Financial Regulation should take into account the autonomous strategic interests of the EU, including the need to stimulate EU job creation in key industries, while ensuring a level playing field for fair competition; calls on the Commission to ensure that ambitious award criteria are set, taking particularly into account the Union added value of projects, as well as the principle of the “most economically advantageous tender";
Amendment 142 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Notes that the Commission proposal for the Regulation on the Foreign Subsidies Instruments addresses potential distortive effects of foreign subsidies in the EU Single Market and is a key element to deliver on the updated EU Industrial Strategy; calls on the Commission to take into account the latter in the upcoming revision of the Financial Regulation in order to guarantee fair and competitive conditions in the EU Single Market;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2156(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Encourages the undertaking to promote multimodality and the use of public transport, which will ensure that passengers are connected to the railway stations, airports, regardless of where and how they start their journey;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2156(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 8 #
2021/2156(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Encourages the undertaking to seek to develop, integrate, demonstrate, and validate innovative technologies and solutions that uphold the strictest safety and security standards in order to remove the remaining technical obstacles holding back the rail sector in terms of interoperability, product implementation and efficiency and to reduce the negative externalities linked to railway transport, in particular noise, vibrations, emissions and other environmental impacts;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the delivery of corporate tools and initiatives to secure the efficiency of the Undertaking operations’ full continuity despite the context of the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Welcomes the fact that despite the challenging circumstances, the Undertaking members and partners were successful in advancing new technologies and procedures through the SESAR innovation pipeline, in accordance with the timeline set by the European ATM Master Plan – Europe’s roadmap for the digital transformation of ATM;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Amendment 7 #
2021/2149(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the fact that despite the Covid-19 crisis in 2020, the Undertaking is continuing the implementation of the action plan on synergies with Member States and regions that are interested in investing ESIF (European Structural and Investment Funds) or regional funds into the aeronautics area and other related technologies in this domain;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2136(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the continuous commitment from the Agency to the objective of creating a Single European Railway Area and its sustained work in key areas such as reducing national rules and ensuring the maturity of its technical specifications;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2136(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Welcomes the successful performance of the agency within the framework of the 4th Railway Package technical pillar;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2136(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes the Agency’s timely and adequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic consequences, in relation to both its staff/working arrangements and to the railway sector in general;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the fact that the Agency’s role in helping to assess and verify the implementation of EU maritime security legislation has increased over the years, in step with the demand for support to the Commission and the EFTA Surveillance Authority, which is expected to continue upwards, reflecting the growing priority at EU level;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 7 #
2021/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Welcomes the Agency´s assistance for the Commission and the Member States to advance the simplification, harmonisation and rationalisation of reporting formalities;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2121(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the rate of cancelled appropriations relating to commitments carried over to 2020 increased to 5,46 % (3,7 % in 2019), above the 2,5 % target set by the Agency in its 2020 performance indicators and slightly above the 5 % ceiling set by the Commission. This was mainly due to the COVID-19 crisis and to the cancellations related to global travel restrictions, confinement measures, reduction in activities and cancellation of events; recommends that measures to be set in order to reach the 2,5% target;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2121(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Welcomes the fact that the Agency signed a research contract funded by Horizon 2020 to improve the ICAO Annex 16 Volume II engine emissions sampling and measurement requirements and to propose more robust design and measurement techniques;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European External Action Service (EEAS) is responsible for the management of the administrative expenditure of its Headquarter (HQ) in Brussels and for the network of the 1434 Union Delegations and Offices;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas under the EEAS Internal Rules the Secretary General of the EEAS acts as Authorising Officer by Delegation for the Institution and the Director General for Budget and AdministrationResource Management has the role of principal subdelegated authorising officer;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the approved additional amounts are earmarked for financing the Action Plan against disinformation, the reinforcement of security in Delegations and HQ, investments in cyber-security, the replacement of a number of cost-free national experts with officials, an increase to the stipend amount for trainees in Delegations, , strengthening the structures of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), and some reinforcements of the geographical departments in high- priority key areas;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes that following the “Innovative 2019” exercise, aiming at fostering simplification and modernisation of working procedures and processes, several actions were launched in 2020, in particular the centralisation of high-value calls for tenders, the treasury functions and the payment of individual entitlements; notes that in 2020 some operations, in particular pre-award matters for all procurement procedures, have been increasingly centralised at HQ level to improve the quality of the procurement procedures and to alleviate the workload of the Delegations; notes with satisfaction that the full centralisation is expected during year 2021;2 supports the planned workload assessment on Delegations in 2022 as an appropriate review mechanism to help prioritise resources and organisational aspects of the Delegation network;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that in 2020 the EEAS published 40 high-value procurement procedures (with a value above the Directive thresholds for services and supplies and above EUR 500 000 for works); notes that the Court examined fifteen procurement procedures for personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies organised in 2020 by some institutions, including EEAS; observes that the Court detected some problems in the procedures used by the audited institutions when procuring urgently required protective masks; observes that these institutions had set strict minimum requirements in the tender specifications (including European reference quality standards for medical face masks and delivery dates);
Amendment 14 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes that the nomenclature of errors regarding procurement procedures, used for both ex ante and ex post controls at the EEAS, has been aligned with the one used by the Court, allowing for a better comparison of the results; appreciates that, following the Court’s assessment of the EEAS Annual Activity Report for 2019, the EEAS internal audit strategy was amended to provide more accurate information on the error rates used for the annual statement of assurance, making a clear distinction between the detected errors and the residual errors and thus, providing more accurate information regarding the action taken to correct the errors detected during the ex-post control exercise;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Highlights that the Union is confronted with a volatile international environment and an increasing number of crises, which has led to increasing demands on the Union to play an important role at an international level; notes that the enhanced role of the EEAS in dealing with new challenges such as disinformation shall be underpinned by a corresponding staff increase; supports the EEAS’ call on the budgetary authority for sufficient human resources in order to deliver the Union’s effectiveness as a global actor; underlines in particular the urgent need to use flexibly available resources such as a higher number of SNEs from Member States to adjust to new requests;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that in the AST and AST/SC categories the percentage of women decreased to 65.35 % compared to 66.3 % in 2019; stresses that imbalances remained among the different grades, with women representing 66.2 % of staff in the lower grades (AST2 to AST9) but only 33.3 % in the higher grades (AST10 to AST11); points out the gender balance reached with regard to contract agents (59.4 %) and local agents (54.5 %), while the majority of seconded national experts were men (75.2 %, mostly due to the limited female presence in the Member States military);
Amendment 25 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Notes that the EEAS Medical Service provides guidance and accompanying measures to mitigate the risks of burnout, including psychological support, advice on appropriate local assistance, trainings on stress management and a helpline; welcomes that the EEAS adopted a set of rules to maintain the right to disconnect for all members of staff with specific rules on the use of email and telephone outside working hours;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Commends the EEAS’ attention to social dialogue and underlines the positive impact of the direct participation of members of staff having first-hand experience of the measures submitted for discussion; welcomes in particular the broad consultation on the future of the EEAS where more than 500 colleagues from both HQ and Delegations took part and seven focus groups channelled all reflections into concrete working proposals, a project known as #EEAS@20; encourages the EEAS to keep this approach in order to respond to the expectation of members of staff while addressing the needs of the service;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Notes that in 2020 the EEAS recruited 4157 remunerated Blue Book Trainees for a 5-month traineeship in its HQ; notes that 385 trainees were employed for 101 Delegations, for traineeships with an average length of 5 months; points out that 39 traineeships were unpaid; notes that all the Blue Book trainees received a personal computer to telework; calls on the EEAS to take the appropriate steps to ensure that all its trainees receive a decent remuneration;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Points out that the EEAS has managed a total budget of EUR 65 600 000 for 2020 covering security services; notes that the total amount spent on security installations & maintenance for Delegations was EUR 12 942 311; observes that the whole budget for secure communications amounted to EUR 18 163 000; takes notes of the expected challenges for the protection of EU Delegations identified by the EEAS and, in particular, the lack of autonomous action to mobilise any defence capabilities in case of crises and evacuations; notes that the EEAS has reached agreements with some Members States to support, in some countries, the evacuation of expatriate staff and dependant, which has the negative aspect that this option limits the autonomy of the EEAS and EU Delegations to stay in host countries during crises; reiterates its call for fully using the potential of the Lisbon Treaty provisions to works towards a European defence union and its support for more cooperation, increased investment and pooling resources to create synergies at EU level in order to better protect Europeans;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Notes the success of many EEAS media campaigns on key issues, such as ’We Take You Home’ on the repatriation of Union citizens due to COVID-19, ‘United in Distance’ to showcase stories of solidarity across the world in times of crisis, ’EU in Action’ on the work on the ground of the Union as a security provider, and ’BeTheWave’ on climate issues; points out that EEAS channels have also contributed to enhance visibility of 'Team Europe' worldwide; highlights that that EEAS social media account is one of the global leaders in terms of engagement amongst diplomatic services and its website received 13 millionwith over 700 thousand followers and evident growth in terms of audience interactions, while its website received 21 million page views and 13 million unique page views in 2020;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Notes that following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union on 31 January 2020, the EEAS established, in close cooperation with the Commission and Parliament, an EU Delegation in London and a UK Division within its HQ structure; understands that the Establishment Agreement replaces any temporary provisions and ensures that the Delegation in London, its members of staff and property, enjoy privileges and immunities equivalent to those referred to in the Vienna Convention in a similar way as the other 1434 Delegations and Offices; notes that by the end of 2020, almost 40 positions (including expatriate and local staff) were filled out of the 43 positions available in total; is aware that the Delegation is located in the building, property of the Union, used in the past by the Representation of the Commission and the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO);
Amendment 53 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78
Paragraph 78
78. Supports that in a number of countries additional measures were taken to reduce the medical risks posed to members of staff because the health care systems were deemed fragile; highlights that the EEAS shipped vaccines to the 72 Delegations asking for support, which were provided to around 4,000 people, including expatriate staff in Delegations, their family members and to local agents; points out that all members of staff in HQ were provided with a corporate laptop and that over 5 000 were dispatched to the Delegations, together with PPE and medical supplies for those who were most exposed, despite the challenging delivery in countries with quarantine or lockdown measures; acknowledges that the IT infrastructure was ramped up rapidly to meet the requirements of full-scale teleworking, including increasing the internet capacity and the capacity for video conferencing;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79
Paragraph 79
79. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak also exposed the Union’s strategic and systemic vulnerabilities, such as supply chains or pharmaceutical products, and drew attention to the need for the Union to strengthen its own resilience and autonomy, while at the same time to pursue more assertively international partnerships; acknowledges the pandemic also brought further impetus to on-going processes, not only towards the twin digital and green transitions, but also at global level, such as moving the EU-Africa Partnership to the next level, re-invigorating the European Union-United States relationship, paying additional attention to Latin America, and putting the strategic outlook to China in practice;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Supports the EEAS’ approach to calling for an assertive and comprehensive response as a main tool to aid recovery from a deep geopolitical crisis and to “build back better” at home and globally; encourages the EEAS to fully integrate in the internal management strategy the lessons drawn from the pandemic outbreak, in terms of business continuity and crisis management approaches, IT responsiveness, resilience of the organisation, duty of care towards its staff, effectiveness of internal communication and flexibility of working processes.
Amendment 7 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that in 2020 the Court examined, without remarks, the public procurement procedures organised by the Council and three other Union institutions to acquire personal protective equipment for its members of staff which included strict minimum requirements in the tender specification such as European reference quality standards; is aware that in four cases the successful bidder did not include full evidence that all minimum quality requirements were met at the time of contracting, leading the Council to organise laboratory tests that showed that the personal protective equipment was indeed compliant;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2108(DEC)
20. Regrets the lack of information on the implementation of the Council’s gender action plan and the measures taken to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities at the Council as a workplace; calls on the Council to provide information to the budgetary authority on gender balance, geographical distribution and disabilities of its members of staff and on the related internal policies in force;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Recalls that the Council appoints the members of the Court after consultation with Parliament and understands the difficulties in achieving gender balance as nomination of candidates is the sole responsibility of the Member States and each Member State can only nominate one candidate at a time; finds it unacceptable, however, that the Court has had only 16 female members out of a total of 112 members since its establishment in 1977 (85,7 % male and 14,3 % female) and that in 2020 the Court had only 8 female members compared to 18 male members; strongly calls on the Council to tackle this problem with concrete actions, such as presenting Parliament with at least two candidates from each Member State, one being a woman and one being a man;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Is aware of the Council’s key role in nomination and appointment procedures for the Union institutions and bodies, in particular forthe President of the European Council, the Commission, the Court and the consultative Committees (President of the Commission, the members of the Court, and the members of both the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committees); strongly recommends considering a review of that role exercise of that prerogative with a view to guaranteeing and strengthening the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Is reminded of the Court's statement in its Special Report no 13/2019: The ethical frameworks of the audited EU institutions: scope for improvement that ethical conduct “contributes to sounder financial management and increased public trust, which is indispensable if public policies are to succeed” and, in particular, that “any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of the EU institutions attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU”; makes a strong calls on the Council, therefore, to avoid the appointment of candidates who represent a reputational risk for the Union as a whole, taking into account, in particular, existing investigations by the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF), legal proceedings underway against them anrespect the opinions of Parliament, especially when they contain negative advice on the appointment of candidates who represent a potential damage to the credibility of the Union, for instance due to insufficient professional competence or established unegative recommendations by Parliament or the Commissionthical behaviour;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
Amendment 38 #
2021/2108(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Notes the increased audience on several social media platforms from 2019 to 2020 with an increase of 39 % in visits to the Council’s website, approximately 443 000 followers on Facebook (an increase of 8 %), approximately 561 000 followers on Twitter (an increase of 22 %) and approximately 167 000 followers on Instagram (an increase of 37 %); observes that there were more than 16 million visits to the Council’s websitean increase of 39 % in visits to the Council’s website, reaching more than 16 million visits in 2020;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2108(DEC)
45. Stresses the well-established and respected practice followed by Parliament over the course of almost twenty years of granting discharge to all Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies; recalls that the Commission has declared its inability to oversee the implementation of the budgets of the other institutions; stresses the reiterated view of the Commission that the practice of giving discharge to each institution for their administrative expenditure should continue to be pursued directly by Parliament;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that the Court examined more in particular the EU Institutions’ public procurement procedures for the purchase of personal protective equipment for their members of staff in 2020; notes that the Court checked three procurement procedures organised by Parliament to purchase protective masks, temperature detectors and COVID-19 tests; regrets the cost caused by successive decisions to purchase and use different models of temperature detectors until the most suitable one for the current needs was found; stresses that the Court, in one case related to the purchase of fabric masks, found that the requirements set by Parliament in the tender specifications were too broad to allow assessment of compliance, and that the successful bidders did not include full evidence in their offer that all minimum quality requirements were met at the time of contracting, such as evidence related to compliance with technical specifications or to the durability of masks; highlights that the offers were accepted nonetheless; acknowledges that the urgent procurement of equipment in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging due to surging demand and competition between contracting authorities and countries;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Asks the Secretary-General to forward this resolution to the Bureau, highlighting all requests for action or decisions by the Bureau; calls on the Secretary-General to establish a plan of action and a timetable enabling the Bureau to follow-up and/or to respond to the demands and recommendations contained in Parliament’s discharge resolutions and to include the actions taken and implemented in the annual monitoring document; asks the Secretary-General and the Vice-President responsible for budget to hold regular discussions with Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control on issues concerning the implementation of the said action plan;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Notes that the presence of Parliament’s officials in EU delegations or other bodies aims to strengthen Parliament’s relations with regional organisation; reiterates, however, the concern about the Bureau decision of 11 February 2019 regarding parliamentary support to the European Union Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the European Union delegation to the African Union in Addis Ababa and the European Union Delegation to the United Nations in New York; calls for a thorough cost-benefit analysis to justify any new decision, measurable indicators to assess annual performance, and that Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control be kept informed;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Regrets the continuous changes of criteria in health and safety rules not always justified by a change in the pandemic situation, aggravated by the lack of a genuine communication strategy on the part of the administration, especially considering the vast amounts of resources allocated to communication activities; believes that, especially in this kind of crisis situations, it is essential to speak with one single voice and to address clear, unequivocal and motivational messages addressed to the whole staff;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Regrets the situation of the Schuman trainees with a traineeship from March to July 2020, who were teleworking since the second week of their traineeship; notes that the Commission and the Council had given to their trainees the option to come back in October to re-start a full 5-month traineeship; regrets the decision of the DG for Personnel to give the Schuman trainees that option only if they interrupt their current internship; calls on the DG for Personnel to ensure an equal treatment to its trainees in similar situations;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Calls on the Secretary-General, in the general context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to require all external companies providing their services in Parliament to guarantee the employment rights and working conditions of their staff and to strictly comply with the measures adopted by the government in the context of the pandemic;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Regrets that, as a result of the health measures, working conditions in certain services have worsened significantly, with the prominent example of members of staff employed in the copy shop being forced to work in isolation for months; calls for the applicable measures to be adapted for similar situations in the interest of workers' mental health;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 a (new)
Paragraph 61 a (new)
61 a. Recalls that current rules on the termination of contract for APAs do not foresee the possibility of a termination by ‘mutual consent’, which would be a way to recognise the special political relation between Members and assistants, where both parties can acknowledge the mutual trust no longer exists, and can benefit from a common solution without undermining the APAs’ social rights; regrets that this request has been included in several Parliament discharge resolutions without receiving a satisfactory response, and expects action to be taken as soon as possible;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 b (new)
Paragraph 61 b (new)
61 b. Reiterates its demand for the APAs to receive the same subsistence allowance as the statutory personnel for their missions to attend the part-sessions in Strasbourg; acknowledges that any change to the legal framework, namely the Bureau decision on 2 October 2017, would require a revision of the applicable rules and thus, instructions the Secretary- General to submit this request for decision to the Bureau;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 c (new)
Paragraph 61 c (new)
61 c. Asks the Bureau to reconsider the possibility for APAs, under certain conditions to be determined, to accompany Members on official Parliament delegations and missions, as already requested by several Members; takes note of the estimated financial impact included in the follow-up to the 2018 discharge resolution and, nevertheless, insists on a new discussion at the level of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents to examine this request with exceptional nature;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 d (new)
Paragraph 61 d (new)
61 d. Rejects the compulsory appointment of APAs as representatives to deal with the Belgian authorities for the processing of the residence permit of third country trainees in Members' offices; calls for an immediate revision of the applicable rules so that the administration takes over this function;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 e (new)
Paragraph 61 e (new)
61 e. Reiterates its call to remove the possibility of appointing APAs as head of group in order to make the financial responsibility of sponsored visitors’ groups fall exclusively to a member of the group or to professionals, i.e. paying agents or travel agencies;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Welcomes the possibility offered by the Secretary-General’s decision of 31 March 2021 to work away from the place of employment; regrets, however, that this was only possible on a part-time basis with the corresponding reduction of the salary; regrets that such decision forced staff and APAs out of Belgium at that time to choose between returning to Parliament’s places of work, at a time traveling was strongly discouraged, or the said loss of earnings; notes with satisfaction that the Bureau on 17 April acknowledged the unsound nature of this decision and established a series of criteria under which staff would be able to telework full time (including medical conditions, travel restrictions and border closures); notes with great concern that the obligation to telework from the place of employment during periods of near-complete lockdown has increased feelings of isolation and fueled mental health problems among members of staff; calls on the administration to lift the obligation for all categories of staff, including trainees, in the future to telework from their place of employment in such exceptional and time- limited periods such as periods of near- complete lockdowns in place during parts of 2020;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68
Paragraph 68
68. Notes that two Ddirectorates- Ggeneral (DGs) put in place specific policies framing the right to disconnect while five others raised awareness among managers of the right to disconnect; calls upon the Parliament to adopt guidelines on the right to disconnect for every DG and make sure all DGs put themincluding every category of staff for every directorate-general and make sure all directorates-general put such guidelines in place;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Welcomes the achievements made so far as a result Parliament’s gender mainstreaming policy, in reaching gender parity at the level of Directors and 40% of women employed at the level of Heads of Unit; notes that there is still significant room for improvement at the level of Directors-General with currently 23% of women employed at this level; calls on Parliament to aim to reach gender parity at all three levels by 2024; Reiterates that it is essential for staff representatives to be heard when the Bureau discusses general matters affecting its staff policy, and repeats its request to the Secretary-General to take the appropriate measures to implement this key approach; reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to take further steps to ensure transparency and fairness during senior management appointment procedures, in particular in light of the Court of Justice’s judgment from 14 July 2021 in case T670 / 19 against the European Parliament; asks for the full implementation of the measures recommended in Parliament’s resolution of 18 April 2018, notably that officials from staff representative bodies sit on Parliament’s senior management selection panels, even if that means a modification of the Staff Regulations; calls, furthermore, to ensure consistency when it comes to external publications of senior management posts and diligence in the publication of these posts as and when they fall vacant;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Regrets that political, rather than competency criteria seem to determine the internal “passerelle” competitions; calls on Parliament to ensure in future competitions that candidates are chosen based on skills and competence rather than political affiliation; points out the staff committee’s resolution of 18 October on a new scheme put in place to offer contract agent posts to trainees; is of the opinion that recruitment procedures must be merit- based, competitive, fair and transparent while there must be no privileged access to contract agent posts or discrimination against staff and APAs; asks the administration to reconsider the new scheme involving the staff in the process;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77
Paragraph 77
77. Welcomes the completion of the new wing at the Wayenberg creche; regrets the successive changes and prolonged closures of sections due to the internal COVID-19 protocol which are also communicated with minimal notice and without time to react; calls for a review of the COVID-19 health protocols to bring them in line with national protocols and to ensure that this important service continues to be provided as far as possible; calls on DG PERS to make sure that changes in the creche’s working time arrangements are introduced and communicated to parents in due time to allow them to perform their working obligations with minimum interruptions; reiterates its call to DG PERS to conduct a satisfaction survey among both the creche’s employees and children’s parents to regularly get relevant feedback on the provider; takes note of the new call for tender in relation to the future management of the Wayenberg Creche before the summer 2022; calls on DG PERS to closely follow the quality of services of the current provider, so they stay at the same level until the expiry date of their contract and to do the same in respect of the services of the new provider, which would retain existing workers to avoid the detriment to the children that staff turnover can cause; calls for a constant monitoring to ensure that the new provided offers good working conditions that help retain quality personnel;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 a (new)
Paragraph 77 a (new)
77 a. Calls for Parliament's staff timetables to be taken into account in order to adapt the opening hours of the gym to provide service beyond peak working hours;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79
Paragraph 79
79. Calls for a debate on the space needs of Parliament in light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, current and future increase in teleworking and, if appropriate, for the adaptation of its long- term building strategy; requests, in particular, that the building policy be reviewed to ensure a dedicated office space for each staff member, as this policy would result in significant office space being unused during large parts of the working week; considers that e.g. two staff members teleworking for 3three days a week should be able to share one work station; points out, in addition, that consideration should be given to the detrimental effects on health and staff satisfaction of practices such as open spaces, collaborative spaces and ‘hot desking’;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 87
Paragraph 87
87. Welcomes the fact that the extension of the WAYENBERGayenberg nursery in Brussels was completed in September 2020, and that the new facilities have been gradually put to use; regrets that the works have continued while children and their families have been attending school, in some cases having to pass very close to the works, considering the danger that this entailed;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the fact that in the 2014-2020 period, CEF Transport co- funding amounting to EUR 23.03 billion was allocated to 959 actions. While addressing infrastructure along both the core and the comprehensive network of the trans-European transport network, the programme focuses its support on the core network, with more than 170 sections concerned.
Amendment 10 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights the importance of the Union budget for achieving Union’s political priorities, as well as its role to assisting Member States in unforeseen situations as COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences; stresses that sound and timely implementation of the budget contributes to addressing more efficiently and effectively the needs and challenges in different policy areas; warns that the implementation of the budget under time pressure may lead to increase in errors and irregularities;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the low implementation rate of CEF during the 2014-2020 period:Highlights that CEF’s 2014-2020 cumulative implementation rate reflects the progress of the projects and recalls that CEF Transport projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024; calls on Member States to significantly speed up investments, and on the Commission to step up its monitoring in view of the urgent need for infrastructure investment in order to facilitate a swift recovery from the Covid-19 crisis; icalls concerned that a significant under- the Commission and Member States to accelerate the execution of payments for transport infrastructure financed by the Cohesion Fund contribution to CEF for 2021 is expected, and tha2021-2027 to prevent implementation delays, and decommitment of funds might occur;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines the relevance of the reporting on the performance of the Union budget’s programmes for the discharge procedure; draws attention that the added value of the invested resources is closely linked to the achieved results and their contribution to improving the daily life of European citizens;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes that under CEF Transport, the roll-out of the CEF debt instrument to support green mobility projects continued, and the pipeline of operations grew further; underlines that despite the delays in investment decisions due to COVID-19, four new operations were signed under the high-risk ‘Future mobility’ product, leveraging total investments of EUR 266 million.
Amendment 19 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the positive evaluation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy progress and the agreement on the Streamlining Directive, which will play a key role in accelerating pre-identified cross-border projects on the core network; notes however that there are bottlenecks along the corridors where more focus is needed to guarantee connectivity and timely completion of the core network by 2030; is concerned that phased and new projects along the TEN-T network arcould be at risk due delays in adoption of partnership agreements and cohesion programmes for the 2021-2027 period;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines its strong and repeated requests to the Commission and executive agencies to ensure the protection of the Union budget by making global and systematic use of digital and automatised systems for reporting, monitoring and audit; remarks that this should include the establishment of a mandatory single interoperable database on beneficiaries of funds from all Union programmes; acknowledges that the Commission proposed to make obligatory the use of a single data-mining and risk-scoring tool for funds under shared management and the Recovery and Resilience Facility; notes that this has not been retained in the adopted texts; highlights that such a system should build on unique identifiers for all recipients including information about their ultimate beneficiaries and should also automatically ensure the use of systems such as the date mining tool, ARACHNE, in order to provide for the best possible protection of the Union finances; notes that this digitalisation is overdue and indispensable given the cross- border nature of misuse of funds, fraud, misappropriations, conflicts of interest, double-funding and other systemic problems; underlines that this single datamining tool should be easily searchable and available for OLAF, EPPO and the Commission, in order to enhance the protection of the Union budget and Next Generation EU against irregularities, fraud and conflicts of interest;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic justified considerable changes to the 2020 budget in the form of transfers and amending budgets in order for the Union to give a robust input in order to help alleviate the threats from the pandemic not least through the rapid development of vaccines. Furthermore, notes that the pandemic meant that audits mainly had to be done remotely which also implies that the estimated error rates should be considered as minimum estimate. Also notes that the Commission, on the basis of its specific COVID-19- related risk assessment carried out in 2020, considers that the level of assurance was safeguarded and that its estimated risk at payment and risk at closure are representative of the level of error in the financial transactions;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Asks the Commission to modify the spending rule N+3 years to the previous rule N+2 years in ordercooperate and assists Member States for timely implementation of their programmes and that the spending rule N+3 years is not used as an excuse for delays; encourages the efforts and measures undertaken by the Commission to increase the budget execution and reduce the outstanding commitments for the 2021-2027 period;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2106(DEC)
11. Calls on the Commission and the budgetary authority to ensure the provision of sufficient funding for audits and controls of Union funds in light of the massive increase of funds to be disbursed during the coming years under the combined MFF and NextGenerationEU instrument;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates the need to further simplify rules and procedures, develop compulsory training sessions and practical information for applicants, in particular new applicants, and improve the assistance and guidelines for SMEs, spin-offs, start- ups, administration and payment agencies and all others relevant stakeholders; acknowledges progress made through the 2018 revision of the Financial Regulation and the improvements introduced for the 2021-2027 spending programmes;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2106(DEC)
13. Stresses the increased importance of performance indicators, including the selection of indicators, definition of targets and milestones and monitoring and reporting in light of the new delivery models for the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the reformed Common Agricultural Policy; welcomes in this regard the Commission's work to improve monitoring and reporting on performance of the EU budget with more streamlined and qualitative indicators, as reflected in the adopted basic acts of the 2021-2027 spending programmes;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting gender balance and a gender budgeting approach in the allocated funds; calls onwelcomes the Commission to urgently develop a's progress towards gender mainstreaming methodology in order to integrate a gender equality perspective in all policy areasand the development of pilot methodology for the tracking of gender related expenditure under the MFF 2021- 2027; asks the Commission to inform the Parliament about its feasibility test on the EU funding programmes in the context of Draft Budget 2023;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the establishment of new own revenues in order to repay, from 2028, the loans granted under NextGenerationEU (about EUR 15 billion per year until 2050) with a view to ensuring a better protection of the Union budget; notes that by doing so, the Union's debt burden will not be borne by future generations and essential Union programmes such as Horizon Europe, ESF+, Erasmus+, will not have to be reduced;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Regrets that the Court for the year 2020 has again issued an adverse opinion on the legality and regularity of the expenditure side of the budget and at the same time acknowledges that the level of error has remained stable at 2,7 % in 2020, which is the same as for the year 2019; underlines, however, that an error rate is not the same as fraud and notes that in 2020 six possible fraud cases were reported by ECA to the Union’s Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) compared to nine in 2019’s; reiterates the need to step-up the efforts in the fight against fraud both at Union and Member State level, in close cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and OLAF;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that the annual absorption rate for EFSI funds in 2020 was 15 %, which is the same as the final year of the previous 2007-2013 MFF but that the cumulative absorption rate iwas still only 55 %, which is 7 % lower than at the end of 2013. Notes that this implies thatat the end of 2020 45 % of the total commitments under the EFSI funds for the period 2014-2020 equal to EUR 209 billion has stillwere not been paid out and constitutesd the main part of the total outstanding commitments (RAL) of EUR 303 billion;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the relaxation of applicable rules to provide additional liquidity, ands well as to exceptional and necessary flexibility for COVID-19 related expenditure and of administrative rules and controls in the interest of rapid reaction;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Regrets that the COVID-19 pandemic made it much more difficult to carry out on-the-spot checks and audits, which implies that the estimated error rates for 2020 should be considered as minimum rate; notes however that the Commission, on the basis of its specific COVID-19-related risk assessment carried out in 2020, considers that the level of assurance was safeguarded and that its estimated risk at payment and risk at closure are representative of the level of error in the financial transactions;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses that the combined effect of the new NextGenerationEU instrument and the delays in adoption of legislation risks putting serious pressure on administrative capacities in Member States and the Commission, which again may lead to more errors, less control and increasedpotential losses for the Union budget;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 – point h
Paragraph 34 – point h
h. developto finalise a gender mainstreaming methodology for use across the budget at the latest by the end of 2022, and to follow the recommendations of the Court in its special report on gender mainstreaming in the EU Budget;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines that auditing the performance of the Union budget is equally as important as compliance auditing in order to get a comprehensive view not only of the legality of spending as well as the efficiency and economy of the spending, but of the results achieved and the priorities and targets met;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. RegretNotes that for the common provisions regulation (CPR) for the EFSI funds, an impact assessment was not carried out andseven shared management funds for the period 2021-2027 , an impact assessment was not carried out, since the CPR sets common rules and delivery mechanism for other policies; welcomes that funds related regulations were accompanied by their own impact assessments; notes that important evaluations of the CAP were not available before the impact assessment was made concerning the CAP reform;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Welcomes the Court’s assessment that the scale and scope of Erasmus+ created added value and that its efficiency has been improved by its simplification compared to predecessor programmes; notes with concernthe Court’s view that the Commission has not taken gender equality into account across all aspects of Erasmus+, and that the programme statement for Erasmus+ did not provide a financial estimate of the programme’s contribution to gender equality; recalls that while there are significant gender differences between study fields, 58% of the total number of participants in the programme are women;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 a (new)
Paragraph 58 a (new)
58 a. Notes with concern that women researchers are underrepresented in Horizon 2020 being only 36% (28% in projects from the European Research Council (ERC), 42 % in Marie- Sklodovska Curie grants and 31%in the other parts of the Programme);
Amendment 123 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 b (new)
Paragraph 58 b (new)
58 b. Appreciates that the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Horizon 2020-funded researcher, being the 10th one funded by this programme to be honoured with a Nobel Prize to date;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 c (new)
Paragraph 58 c (new)
58 c. Notes that in 2020 1 173 projects were funded through the ERC programme in Horizon 2020 and 1 255 Principal Investigators received funding; notes as well that currently among the hosting institutions there are institutions from 25 Member States and among the Principal Investigators there are nationals of 23 Member States; notes further that since 2014 the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions has supported the mobility and training of around 69 000 researchers thus exceeding its target of 65 000 researchers;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58 d (new)
Paragraph 58 d (new)
58 d. Is concerned by the findings of the UN Human Rights Office’s report from 12 February 2020 on business enterprises involved uncertain activities related to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory which raise particular human rights violations concerns; notes with concern that some of the identified 112 business entities, in cases of which the UN Human Rights Office has reasonable grounds to conclude that have been involved in one or more of the specific activities referenced in Human Rights Council resolution 31/36 have received EU funding through the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes; calls on the Commission, especially with regard to the UN Human Rights Office’s report from 12 February 2020, to report to the discharge authority how it verifies and what is the outcome of its verification of EU support from the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes to entities’ potential activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and/or the possible exploitation of Horizon project results for the building, expansion, development or management of the Israeli settlements;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h
Paragraph 59 – point h
h. manage expectations by setting realistic and achievable objectives and targets; considers that the EU Youth Guarantee falls short of expectations; calls on the Commission to cooperate better with member states to develop Erasmus+ for professional training, especially for certain technical professions, the artisans, etc;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h a (new)
h a. ensure that sufficient resources are available for Horizon Europe in order to launch new Union partnerships in areas such as clean hydrogen, batteries, clean aviation, rail, connected and automated mobility, zero-emission road and waterborne transport, in particular for the Work Programme 2021-2022; stresses the need to support projects that contribute, in particular, to a future- proof, sustainable, smart and climate- friendly European transport network;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h b (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h b (new)
h b. create a new budgetary line for tourism, to support the recovery of a sector severely hit by the COVID-19crisis, making it resilient for the future, digitalised and sustainable;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h c (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h c (new)
h c. propose new result-oriented mechanism including short, mid and long-term planning and technical assistance, to increase the added value of European Funds and to ensure that Member States meet the 2030 and 2050 completion targets, respectively for the core and comprehensive TEN-T networks;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h d (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h d (new)
h d. continue its action on the grouped purchase of vaccines to protect against COVID-19 which allows savings and develops the Union's sovereign autonomy in the field of health and which can be extended to other areas such as energy, semiconductor or rare earth elements;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h e (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h e (new)
h e. implement its commitment to gender equality in the Horizon Europe and to report to the Parliament about the proportion of the male and female researchers participating;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59 – point h f (new)
Paragraph 59 – point h f (new)
h f. encourage better geographical balance and participation of more researchers from underrepresented Member States;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Expresses its concern that the number and impact of the errors detected demonstrate that the controls in place do not yet sufficiently mitigate the high inherent risk of error in this area; is concerned that this concerns, in particular, managing authorities whose verifications are inot sufficiently effective in preventing or detecting irregularities in expenditure declared by beneficiaries; notes with concern that the Court also considers that other errors are the result of decisions taken by managing authorities themselves;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Notes with concern that the Court has concluded that the residual error rates that audit authorities reported were not always reliable and that shortcomings remain in the way audit authorities perform and document their work; underlines the Court's finding that audit authorities need to keep better track of the risk of fraud in their audits of operations; underlines, however, that an error rate is not the same as fraud and notes that in 2020 six possible fraud cases were reported to the Union’s Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) compared to nine in 2019’s; reiterates the need to step up the efforts in the fight against fraud both at Union and Member State level, in close cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and OLAF;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Takes note that the Court, in its Special Report 26/2021' Regularity of spending in EU Cohesion policy: Commission discloses annually a minimum estimated level of error that is not final' found that the new legal provisions for the programming period 2021-2027 address some limitations in the acceptance of accounts; regrets that nevertheless, the Court found that some risks remain at the time of releasing the payment retention;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71
Paragraph 71
71. Notes with concern that the Court also found that there are inherent limitations to the Commission's desk reviews, thus reducing their contribution to confirming the Residual Total Error Rate (RTER); is concerned that the Commission's desk reviews are not designed to detect additional ineligible expenditurethe Court’s findings that the Commission's desk reviews are not designed to detect additional ineligible expenditure, which limits their contribution to confirming the regularity of the underlying transactions and the validity of the Residual Total Error Rate (RTER) reported by the audit authorities; notes further that for programmes with confirmed track-record of low error rates, such desk reviews are an efficient tool to confirm the reported error rates and audit opinion from the audit authorities; notes with concern that both the compliance audits of the Commission and of the Court found material errors that the desk reviews could not have detected;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Is worriedTakes note that the Court found that the Commission did not always follow its risk-based approach for selecting the riskiest audit authorities for compliance audits and that while the Commission detects irregular expenditure in its compliance audits, it often revises their final results in the follow-up phase with the Member States;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77
Paragraph 77
77. RegretNotes that due to data limitations and the fact that many operations were still ongoing at the time of the Court's audit, it was not in a position to draw an overall conclusion on the actual performance of ESF expenditure during the 2014-2020 period;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 a (new)
Paragraph 77 a (new)
77 a. Notes with appreciation that by the end of 2020 45.4 million participants were supported by the ESF and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) and 5.4 million people found a job (including self- employed) under both programmes as reported by the Commission;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 b (new)
Paragraph 77 b (new)
Amendment 162 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 c (new)
Paragraph 77 c (new)
77 c. Welcomes the impact of the temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) as reported by the Commission in its second report; notes that SURE has been successful in cushioning the severe socio-economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that in 2020 SURE supported approximately 31million people in the 19 beneficiary Member States, of which 22.5 million are employees and 8.5 million self-employed, as well as that around 2.5 million firms affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have benefitted from SURE, allowing them to retain workers;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 d (new)
Paragraph 77 d (new)
77 d. Welcomes the increase in implementation of the financial instruments under all ESI funds in 2020 leading to EUR 10.3billion cumulative payments to final recipients (EUR 4.7 billion in 2019);
Amendment 174 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point h
Paragraph 78 – point h
h. propose a legislative revision to ensure that the payment retention is adequately protected before it is released, to improve its audit work, audit documentation and review process, to strengthen the main elements of the regularity of information provided in the AARs, and to ensure that the College of Commissioners provide relevant and reliable information in the AMPR;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point k
Paragraph 78 – point k
k. simplify rules and procedures, encourage Member States to develop compulsory training sessions and practical information for applicants, in particular new applicants, and improve the assistance and guidelines for SMEs, spin- offs, start- ups, administration and payment agencies and all other relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point l
Paragraph 78 – point l
Amendment 181 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point m
Paragraph 78 – point m
Amendment 183 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point n
Paragraph 78 – point n
Amendment 186 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 – point o
Paragraph 78 – point o
Amendment 196 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 90 a (new)
Paragraph 90 a (new)
90 a. Takes note that by the end of 2020 ESI funds supported over 2 million projects in the agricultural sector and rural areas and contributed to maintaining 31 500jobs and creating 4 000 new jobs in the maritime and fisheries sector; notes, in addition, that more than 54 000 new jobs have been created through projects supported by the rural development programs and that 131 000 young farmers benefited from the business start up support;
Amendment 198 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 91 – point a
Paragraph 91 – point a
a. simplify rules and procedures, encourages member States to develop compulsory training sessions and practical information for applicants, in particular new applicants, and improve the assistance and guidelines for young farmers, SMEs, spin- offs, start-ups, administration and payment agencies and all other relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 91 – point b
Paragraph 91 – point b
b. generalismake better use and encourage the use of IAI and data from new technologies such as Sentinel tothe EU-owned Copernicus Sentinel satellites to monitor and control the correct use of CAP funds;
Amendment 200 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 91 – point c
Paragraph 91 – point c
c. make theencourage the systematic use of the IT tool, Arachne, mandatory and systematic forby paying agencies, as an important tool that can be usedcontribute to identifying projects, beneficiaries and contractors at risk of fraud;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94
Paragraph 94
94. Is concerned that the European Court of Auditors in its Special Report No 10/21 found that the Commission has not adequately applied gender mainstreaming in the Union Budget; calls onwelcomes the Commission to urgently develop’s progress towards gender mainstreaming methodology in order to integrate a gender equality perspective in all policy areas, including the useand the development of a pilot methodology for the tracking of gender-disagg reglated data and indicatorsexpenditure under the MFF 2021-2027;; recalls that the need for gender mainstreaming is ever more urgent in the light of the gendered impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99
Paragraph 99
99. Notes with concern that the Court found marked differences in the implementation of national programmes and that there are gaps in ISF-Borders and Visa’s performance information; welcomes that performance indicators published in the AMPR give an optimistic picture of ISF-Borders and Visa performance; notes with concern that the Court found that the programme has contributed insufficiently to the consistent application of the acquis through trainingwelcomes the Court’s findings that ISF- Borders and Visa has contributed to efficient visa processing by funding the upgrading of 2 680 consulates (290 % of the 2020 target); notes however that 4322 staff (38 % of the 2020 target) have been trained in the common visa policy to date, which according to the Court could increase the risk that Schengen visa applications will not be processed in a harmonised manner;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99 a (new)
Paragraph 99 a (new)
99 a. Welcomes the success under the effective integration and legal migration’ strand of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and notes with appreciation that the target of 2.6 million persons for the 2014-2020 period have been considerably surpassed as almost 6 million persons in the target group have received integration assistance;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100 – point k
Paragraph 100 – point k
k. implement measures to ensure complementarity and better coordination between AMIF and EASO/Frontex (e.g. in the area of forced returns orin support to asylum authorities);
Amendment 228 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 107
Paragraph 107
107. Welcomes that IPA II has responded flexibly to help mitigate crises; notes with concern that there are some gaps in IPA II’s performance information; regretsnotes the Court’s observation that the implementation of political reforms is generally slow, as well as its conclusion that their progress depends not only on IPAII support, but also on other contextual factors such as the political will of the IPA II beneficiary concerned; notes with concern that the Court has found that Union support has been more effective in promoting fundamental reforms than in securing their implementation;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 107 a (new)
Paragraph 107 a (new)
107 a. Reiterates its urgent call on the Commission to re-establish relations with International Management Group (IMG) and to resume the cooperation with this organisation by contracting it, as the Commission has done for more than EUR 100 million for 20 years until 2014, using the specific provisions of the Financial Regulation which allow the signature of direct contracts with any technically qualified contractor, irrespective of the legal nature of its legal status, in all countries in crisis situations;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 a (new)
Paragraph 112 a (new)
112 a. Recalls that the Paymaster Office (PMO) of the Commission is responsible on the basis of a service-level agreement for the verification of the legal conditions for the installation allowance and the payment authorisation of both installation and residence allowance of EU high-level public office holders provided for in the Council Regulation (EU) 2016/300 of 29 February 2016 determining the emoluments of EU high-level public office holders;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 a (new)
Paragraph 112 a (new)
112 a. Notes that in 2020 the Commission received 8.001 initial and 309 confirmatory applications for access to documents, as well as that fully or partially access was granted in 81% of the initial cases, and wider or even full access was further granted in more than 37% of the cases reviewed at confirmatory stage;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 b (new)
Paragraph 112 b (new)
112 b. Is concern, however, about the serious lack of transparency from the Commission regarding buying and distributing of vaccines in the EU during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020; notes with regret the case of the Commission refusal of public access to text messages exchanged between the Commission President and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company on the purchase of a COVID 19 vaccine; draws attention that based on its findings during the inquiry on this case, the Ombudsman considers that it constituted maladministration;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 c (new)
Paragraph 112 c (new)
112 c. Takes note that as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic the Commission spent less budget amounts on missions, conferences and meetings as well as training in 2020 than the amounts included in the 2020 budget; takes note that part of the savings as well as appropriations from other areas of administrative expenditure were redirected to pandemic related needs such as ICT equipment, including for the provision of home office equipment to all staff, and expenditure of the medical service for the COVID-vaccination campaign, including sanitary measures in the childcare centres;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 b (new)
Paragraph 112 b (new)
112 b. Stresses that all EU institutions, and especially the Commission, must respect the highest data protection criteria both in the processing of public tenders and in the good or service to be procured, which requires specialised knowledge on the part of the officials in charge;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 a (new)
Paragraph 116 a (new)
116 a. Echoes the difficulties encountered by the EU institutions installed in Luxembourg to recruit staff according to their needs and recalls the Eurostat study showing that the disparity in purchasing power between Luxembourg and Brussels (25,4%) exceeded the 5% threshold even when housing was excluded from the calculations;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 b (new)
Paragraph 116 b (new)
116 b. Acknowledges that, during 2020 the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on the internal functioning and the management of the Commission’s budget;
Amendment 265 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 c (new)
Paragraph 116 c (new)
116 c. Echoes the Court’s conclusion that “any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of EU institutions and bodies is unacceptable. Such behaviour – even if it is only alleged – attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU. Unethical behaviour is also linked to the risk of corruption and fraud";
Amendment 268 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 117 – point a a (new)
a a. is of the opinion that a rental contract for or a purchase contract of a property shall not be considered sufficient evidence in the sense of the Article 4 of the Council Regulation (EU) 2016/300 as such property may be destined for other uses than primary residence and thus, calls on the Commission to review the mechanism for verifying the legal conditions of the installation allowance to request other documents as evidence to the greatest extend possible with respect to proportionality and privacy;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 117 – point e a (new)
Amendment 272 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 117 – point e a (new)
e a. urges the Commission to address the long-standing and serious problem of salary indexation in Luxembourg by adopting a delegated act to correct the relevant Staff Regulations provision;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 117 – point e b (new)
e b. integrate in the internal management strategy the lessons drawn from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of business continuity and crisis management approaches, IT responsiveness, resiliency of the organisation, duty of care towards its staff, effectiveness of internal communication and flexibility of working processes;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 – point e c (new)
Paragraph 117 – point e c (new)
e c. strongly recommends a review of the nomination and appointment procedures for the Union institutions and bodies with a view to strengthening and respecting both the opinions expressed by the Commission and Parliament, and the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2106(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117 a (new)
Paragraph 117 a (new)
117 a. calls on the Commission to strengthen and optimise the collaboration with the European Data Protection Supervisor in the area of public procurement, particularly in the training of public procurement officers;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the MFF, coupled with NGEU, constitute the largest stimulus package ever financed in the EU and will help rebuild a greener, more digital and more resilient post-COVID-19 EU;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the new cohesion policy presents an unprecedented opportunity for Member States to boost digitalisation as it requires them to allocate minimum amounts to the digital transition and to ensure that certain conditions are in place to receive such funding;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas 10% of households in rural areas are not covered by any fixed network and 41% by any fast broadband technology; whereas, besides poor ICT connectivity, rural and peripheral areas often face other structural challenges such as lack of infrastructure and services, low incomes or a lack of education and cultural assets, which cause highly skilled people to move to more promising areas (brain drain)1a; _________________ 1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ docs_autres_institutions/commission_eur opeenne/swd/2020/0111/COM_SWD(2020 )0111_EN.pdf
Amendment 25 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas only 17% of SMEs have successfully integrated digital technologies into their businesses, compared to 54% of large companies; whereas some industries and traditional sectors such as construction, agrifood, textiles or steel are lagging behind in their digital transformation1a; _________________ 1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/BRIE/2019/633171/EPRS_BRI(20 19)633171_EN.pdf
Amendment 30 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the ESF+ should support investments in people and systems in the areas of employment, education and social inclusion, thereby supporting economic, territorial and social cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU);
Amendment 35 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas although the European Skills Agenda set the objective of having 70 % of the EU’s adult population possess at least basic digital skills by 2025, 42 % of the EU population still does not have basic digital skills and 37 % of workers still lack sufficient digital skills according to the Commission; whereas severe geographical disparities in people’s ICT skills still exist; whereas women across Europe are less likely to have specialist digital skills and work in areas related to ICT; whereas less than 25% of enterprises in the EU 27 provided ICT training to their personnel in 2019, with significant differences between Member States1a; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/sites/jrcsh/files/jrc 120945_policy_brief_- _covid_and_telework_final.pdf
Amendment 49 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Reminds that ERDF-CF support under PO 1 is available to Member States to make investments in innovation in line with the concept of smart specialisation; calls on national and regional authorities.to upgrade their approach to smart specialisation by focusing on the most promising areas and projects in terms of innovation opportunities and sustainable development;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Emphasises the importance of the ‘smart villages’ concept in tackling the Union’s digital and climate-related challenges and welcomes its integration into the future CAP, cohesion and regional policies; insists that Member States include the smart villages approach in their cohesion policy programmes at national and regional level;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Reminds that, under the ERDF- CF regulation, Member States are required to allocate at least 8% of their resources to the investment for jobs and growth to achieve sustainable urban development; notes, in this regard, that the regulation states that special attention shall be given to tackling environmental and climate changes and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes, allowing for regional authorities to focus funding in the area of sustainable urban development; deplores that a similar allocation for rural areas could not be established yet;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Stresses the importance of ensuring consistency between the numerous EU initiatives and programmes tackling digitalisation, as well as synergies between them and cohesion policy instruments, so as to maximise the opportunities in this area;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Notes that an effective mobility system is one of the prerequisites for regional economic development, territorial cohesion and the development of regional potential; points out that it is therefore necessary to provide the requisite funding for the development and maintenance of transport links, which could encourage the older generation to stay in agriculture for longer and attract young people from regional centres to work in rural areas;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Amendment 60 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Underlines the need to support the development of digital solutions not only for climate prevention (e.g. reduction of GHG emissions through digital resource efficiency and smart innovation) but also for climate adaptation, as well as the development of digital warning tools and apps to reduce for citizens the negative effects of natural disasters (e.g. floods, mudslides, heat waves, forest fires etc.);
Amendment 65 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 72 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes with great interest the Commission’s Digital Compass to translate the EU’s digital ambitions for 2030 into concrete targets along three main sectors: digital infrastructures, digital transformation of business, and digitalisation of public services; asks the Commission to regularly report on the progress made in these four areas;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Is convinced that digitalisation represents an opportunity to improve quality of life and promote education opportunities, job creation, innovation and better accessibility to public services in rural and lagging regions, thus contributing to revers depopulation trends and brain drain;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Member States to use the financial resources available through both the ERDF-CF and the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument to the fullest extent possible to give regions that are lagging behind the targeted support that they need to overcome the digital divide; draws attention to the risk of increasing disparities by failing to properly support the most vulnerable areas, which often have a weaker capacity to plan and spend the funds effectively, even though they have the strongest needs;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern that the expanded use of digital solutions and TICTM as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the pre-existing inequalities caused by digital divides across population groups; stresses, however, that digitalisation has the potential to benefit vulnerable groups; draws attention to the fact that the digitally excluded face dual exclusion as the digital exclusion may lead to difficulties of access to education opportunities, the labour market or essential public services;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital solutions, particularly teleworking; urges the Commission to present a directive on minimum standards and conditions for fair teleworking, to protect the health and safety of workers and to ensure decent working conditions, including its voluntary nature, respect for working hours, leave, work-life balance and other digital rights at work such as the right to disconnect, the protection of worker’s privacy, including through remote monitoring or any other tracking, and the prohibition of microchip implants on workers and of the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes, while taking into consideration the European Social Partners Framework Agreement on Digitalisation;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2101(INI)
12 a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to move faster forward on the digitalisation of public services including schools, universities and research institutes, public transport, e- government and efficient administration;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-health solutions; highlights the need to empower patients, especially the elderly and socially disadvantaged citizens, to use digital health services as well as to tackle the e- skills gap among health professionals; warns that some people, such as the elderly or socially disadvantaged, who may be less able to use or afford the necessary technologies, may be left behind;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Acknowledges that fair, socially sustainable work, and real employee participation in shaping working conditions are more important than ever, in digital platforms as in all other sectors, and that workers must have democratic influence over the governance of work; underlines that the benefits of digitalisation must be shared broadly and equitably, and that workers in the digital sector must enjoy the same rights and working conditions as those in other sectors; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on decent working conditions and rights in the digital economy;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2101(INI)
14 a. Regrets the fact that the vast majority of SMEs in the EU have not yet fully embraced digital transformation; calls for the Commission to ensure that Member states in their operational programmes target SMEs located in areas with lower digital development; reminds that that different types of SMEs require different types of support and incentives at EU, national, regional and local levels, depending on their circumstances and level of technology adoption;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Reminds that the Digital Europe Programme Regulation establishes that the synergies between this programme and the ERDF-CF need to contribute to the development and strengthening of regional and local innovation ecosystems, industrial transformation and digital transformation of society and public administrations;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14 c. Highlights the Court of Auditors' view on ERDF-CF that SMEs deliver innovative solutions to challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency and social cohesion, and help to spread this innovation throughout Europe’s regions; which makes them essential to the EU’s transition to a sustainable and digital economy;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2101(INI)
15 a. Notes with concern the rising cybersecurity threat for SMEs and public administration and calls on stronger efforts in providing support against hacking and similar risks;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2101(INI)
16. Stresses the need to fill the digital skills gaps across the EU so that all individuals and businesses can make the most of the digital transformation; calls for the progressive implementation of the Commission’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 for promoting better digitalisation skills, which would guarantee relevant education, training and job opportunities, including for entrepreneurship, for everyone;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes a critical digital skills divide between adults residing in rural areas and those living in cities; notes, furthermore, the disproportionate prevalence of TICTM among city-based, well-educated, service sector employees with strong digital skills; observes the lack of opportunities to acquire digital skills in rural areas; urges the Member States and the Commission to adopt measures to offset this imbalance;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the ESF+, under policy objective 4 (PO 4),includes a specific objective which covers digital skills, inclusiveness and training systems, including through validation of non- formal and informal learning;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Encourages the Commission to reinforce its efforts to tackle the digital skills gaps by reaching out to all stakeholders through the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2101(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Welcomes the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and its focus on training and skills, its possibility to invest in social infrastructure such as training centers for better job opportunities and quality employment for all regions in transition to a climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and underlines that a special focus should be put forward regarding digital skills; calls in this regard to evaluate the needs and possibility for a JTF 2.0 to tackle the current challenges;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps, such as small size, lowchallenges related to population density, small market, double insularity (island and archipelago), difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions, a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the islands’ physical disconnection from the mainland acts as a permanent impediment in many areas, including the labour market, access for island products to neighbouring external markets, education, health care, business, water and energy supply and waste management facilities; whereas this geographical disconnection adds important difficulties to the green transition towards a climate-neutral economy of such territories;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Amendment 23 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas specific and disproportionate pressures on asylum and reception systems in some Member States with ultra-peripheral territories are faced; whereas these require coordinated solutions at European level;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires and storms; whereas this is the case of the island of La Palma (Spain), which since 19 September has suffered the effects of a volcanic eruption burying more than a thousand hectares of land and housing and caused multiple economic, social and environmental damages in the area;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires and storms, storms as well as other risks such as floods, desertification and drought, which can have negative effects on agriculture and food supply;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recognises insularity as a permanent structural handicap;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that Article 349 TFEU includes insularity among the conditions restraining the development of the outermost regions;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport, with additional costs for importing and exporting goods, as well as for passenger transport; highlights that these structural issues leave islands’ citizens and businesses more exposed to rising prices; stresses that, in the case of archipelagos, these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport, with additional costs for importing and exporting goods, as well as for passenger transport; stresses that, in the case of archipelagos, these difficulties are multiplied by a double and sometimes triple insularity;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the deficit in terms of population, raw materials and resources of all kinds, and notes that in many islands access to drinking water is a central issue in people’s lives, the sustainability of the island and its tourism carrying capacity; stresses the importance of spatial planning focusing on effective and efficient land utilisation;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that isolation owing to insularity means a dependence on mainland markets and increases the cost of certain goods and services, such as waste management;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many EU islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; highlights the necessity of deconcentrating tourism from the summer season to other less-demanded months and to diversify the economy of islands by strengthening their secondary sector;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Environment and, energy autonomy, research and innovation
Amendment 83 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Considers that islands can represent a formidable laboratory for sustainability practices in sectors such as clean energy, circular economy, smart mobility, waste management and blue economy;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets, particularly water resources; calls, in this context, on the Commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories ands well as the strategic role of the circular economy and its potential in reducing marine litter;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Underlines the necessity and opportunities arising from the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package; is however of the opinion that the concrete implementation of these legislative measures should go hand in hand with the promotion of the economic, social and territorial cohesion; since islands solely rely on the aviation and maritime transport;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for specific rules and financial support to help islands achieve climate neutrality goals, taking into account the additional costs linvolved andked to sectors such as energy and transport as well as the impact of mobile technologies on their energy systems; calls for these costs to be taken into account in the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission to examine the need to improve the European Solidarity Fund in order to adapt it to new realities and threats such as natural disasters or effects of climate change among others, in order to deal more realistically with the consequences of these phenomena;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for concrete compensatory measures that offset any possible negative consequence on islands’ economic, social and territorial cohesion in the process to transit to a cleaner economy and society, due to their dependence on the aviation and the maritime sector;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls on the Commission to swiftly address the importance of adapting the existing emergency mechanisms to deal with the increasingly severe natural disasters such as the eruption of the volcano on the island of La Palma (Spain), an unprecedented social and economic challenge requiring a proportionate response to the damages caused;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands and the strengthening of their energy autonomy; calls, therefore, for the development of a wide range of renewable energy sources to be supported according to their geographical features; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all European islands; calls for additional research to make offshore renewables more affordable and fit for the geographical features of the different sea basins;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2079(INI)
15 a. Recalls that a successful environmental transition for islands also depends on robust research and innovation policies at the local level; encourages the collaboration among local authorities, research institutions and enterprises such as the initiatives within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs); promotes a wider uptake of research facilities in insular territories;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands as well as brain and skill drain and to improve quality of life, support local businesses and protect jobs and address ageing population; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Is of the opinion that fully unleashing the potential of the green and blue sector will also help to enhance islands' positioning as sustainable destinations; calls for additional support measures to unleash such potential; calls specifically for action on sustainable tourism through EU funds and programmes;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2079(INI)
Access to public services, entrepreneurship and digitalisation
Amendment 156 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered, and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure while ensuring a socially just transition;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the Commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the Connecting Europe Facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands and the development of sustainable transport;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisispandemic, the importance of improving the public health infrastructure on European islands and the access to medicines;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Considers digitalisation a crucial instrument to contribute to overcoming the geographical disadvantage of insularity; welcomes the Commission initiatives on the Digital Decade;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for priority to be afforded to equipping islands with digital technologies,Underlines that digital connectivity for islands is an utmost priority in particular so as to enhance the provision of education and training services as well as e-health and other essential government services for citizens and businesses;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Is of the opinion that the uptake of ICT in European islands can also be beneficial to the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises, with positive effects on their business strategy as well as on their operations;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Believes that, especially in small islands, it is difficult for SMEs to easily access all the information referring to the promotion of entrepreneurship, to skills development and EU-funded opportunities; calls for stronger financial support in this regard as well as the provision of enhanced information sessions, advisory services and tailor- made training;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands, including gender- disaggregated data, is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the Commission to set up a European Institute for Disadvantaged Territories to collect data at all administrative levels;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission to take note of the studies already produced by island regions concerning the additional costs associated with insularity, and to establish interdisciplinary analyses covering the demographic, geographical and economic characteristics of island territories so as to ensure that these regions will not suffer from any competitive disadvantage linked to their geographical condition;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Amendment 191 #
2021/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Supports the partnerships among European islands as an effective way to share best practices, cope with common challenges and implement solutions that are beneficial for citizens and businesses; calls on the European Commission to further facilitate these partnerships;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Considers necessary to introduce mandatory minimum energy performance standards in residential buildings, hotels, accommodation etc;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Stresses the need to provide adequate financial support to SMEs in the construction sector in order to encourage and stimulate the construction and renovation of buildings in accordance with mandatory minimum energy performance standards;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Calls for increasing joint investment in buildings and mobility, increase the goals for charging points in buildings, boosting innovation and the use of digital tools for e-mobility;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the notion that recharging electric vehicles in residential and office buildings needs to complement publicly accessible recharging infrastructure to ensure the recharging capacity of electric vehicles;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Considers necessary to simplify and speed up the process of implementing recharging points for electric vehicles in residential and non-residential buildings;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that all building renovation work must be fully aligned with the energy efficiency first principle and contribute to the Union target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Stresses that new constructions and renovations of residential and non- residential buildings shall take into account environmental aspects, the digital transition and electric mobility;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2077(INI)
4. Underlines the fact that the renovation of buildings plays an essential role for the decarbonisation, integration of renewables and digitalisation in the transport sector; stresses that energy efficiency measures and increased renovation rate for the existing building stock will be important to achieve the Union’s short-term and long-term climate objectives, and facilitate the transport sector’s contribution to these objectives;welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s ambition in the ‘Renovation Wave’ to double annual energy renovation rates;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Emphasises the need of an holistic, coherent and inclusive urban planning, as well as the promotion of safe and sustainable modes of transport and their supporting infrastructure, including the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels where full electrification is not yet possible;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Urges Member States to pay particular attention to the need to renovate car parks and other relevant buildings for recharging electric vehicles in their Long-Term Renovation Strategies (LTRSs); calls on Member States to outline to the highest possible degree of detail how these renovations will be carried out; calls on the Commission to provide guidance on the implementation of LTRSs;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 56 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Urges for more planning at local level to initiate transition processes to improve public health through strengthening active transport modes, improving air quality, preserve cultural heritage and integrate climate mitigation and adaptation measures;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Emphasises that electro-mobility solutions must be readily accessible to all people; highlights, in this regard, the need for the renovation of buildings, including car parks, to improve the accessibility for people with disabilities;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Amendment 59 #
2021/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. Considers that electricity suppliers and authorities shall take the necessary measures to guarantee access to electricity for vulnerable people;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Emphasises the key role that workers in the transport sector have played during the most difficult moments of the pandemic to ensure that essential supplies to urban centres, including those of medical supplies and personnel, have remained open supplies of the most basic items, including medicinal products;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines that transport workers in cities have higher exposure to the risk of infection than the rest of the population of working age, notes that these challenging circumstances and changes in trajectories has put strains on the entire urban supply chain;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses that urban mobility must be aligned with the Union’s climate and environmental objectives and be more fair, inclusive, accessible, affordable and safe, whilst also promoting active and healthy lifestyles;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas longstanding inequalities within cities and towns have been deepened by the pandemic; whereas cities face challenges such as social exclusion and a lack of accessibility as well as environmental issuto essential resources;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for local authorities to reengineer public transport in order to ensure safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable commuting options and to complement public transport with on-demand and shared transport services; highlights that EU, national and regional awareness-raising campaigns on the safe use of public transport would help and encourage citizens to regain trust in collective passenger transport;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that public transport systems have struggled to regain market shares in terms of users once restrictive measures have been softened or removed;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Highlights the importance of awareness-raising measures for passengers to regain trust in public transport after the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the digital divide is horizontal and intersectional, covering gender gap, generational gap and social gap, and has been exacerbated during the Covid 19 pandemic;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas many houses and educational institutions lack access to adequate, up to date digital equipment;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Stresses that public collective transport remains the backbone of sustainable transport, moving large numbers of passengers over long distances;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for a revision of the Commission guidelines on developing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans to include a new objective to improve the resilience of mobility systems in case of rapid fluctuations in mobility demand; calls for those urban mobility plans to foster multimodality and to tackle some side effects resulting from overconcentration of the population in certain urban areas, such as congestion and rising transport costs, throughout, for instance, balanced socio-economic arrangements to ensure there is no discrimination against EU citizens;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas quality of life within towns and cities is a top priority in the fight against air pollution and noise;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas by 2050 two thirds of global population will live in cities, consuming 75% of the world’s natural resources, producing 50%of global waste and over 60% of green emissions, therefore building circular economy in cities and towns is a must to help reduce congestion, recycle waste and ensure sustainability of the economy;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission to better integrate the EU road safety targets and actions into the guidelines on the sustainable urban mobility plans by monitoring and promoting best practices, including establishing an indicator on using EU funding for improving urban road safety effectively;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Notes that new personal mobility devices (e-scooters, electric bikes, among others) raise a number of serious concerns related to the safety of the devices themselves, their safe use, as well as to the lack of safe parking spaces in urban areas; calls on the Commission to issue guidelines for Member States on managing these safety aspects, including traffic rules; reminds the Commission and the Member States of the need to implement EU and national awareness- raising and education campaigns on the safe use of micromobility devices, with a particular focus on vulnerable road users and the redesigning of urban public spaces to include safe parking areas for these devices;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Calls on the Commission, in view of the upcoming revision of the Urban Mobility Package, to promote synergies between safety and sustainability measures in urban areas; calls, in this regard, for the reprioritisation of transport infrastructure in urban areas, including the repurposing of public spaces towards sustainable and safer transport modes such as public transport, walking, cycling and other personal mobility devices (e-scooters, electric bikes, etc), while taking into consideration the special needs of vulnerable road users; encourages greater investments for parking and other mobility connectivity zones in the entry of urban areas, providing for easy access to different modes of public transport, in view of the need to reduce urban congestion and CO2 emissions;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that urban logistics are an essential public service; calls on local authorities to develop dedicated sustainable urban logistics plans that integrate freight into the planning of more dynamic and flexible uses of curb space; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work closely with regions and cities, particularly across borders, to enhance and complete relevant missing last-mile infrastructure and multimodal and cross- border connections throughout the TEN- T, thus enabling more seamless and efficient mobility system for passenger transport and freight logistics, which in turn prevents congestion and reduces emissions;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls for the revision of the Commission's guidelines on developing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans; calls for those plans to foster multimodality and to tackle some side effects resulting from overconcentration of the population in certain urban areas, such as congestion and rising transport costs, throughout, for instance, balanced socio-economic arrangements to ensure there is no discrimination against EU citizens;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the swift finalisation of the Common European Data space for mobility which could have a positive impact in public transportation systems in terms of efficacy and efficiency and could consequently attract more users;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes the increase of active mobility such as walking, bicycling and calls on cities to ensure sufficient infrastructure for active mobility and to make this an integral part of urban mobility and infrastructure design;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Believes that, where appropriate and in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity, the cycling and walking infrastructure put in place in Member States as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic should remain in place and be expanded, in order to further promote safe active mobility;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2075(INI)
5 b. Calls for an EU action plan to implement a single and multimodal ticketing system which allows consumers to book and reserve a journey involving multiple operators, including cross-border connections, and different means of transport;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Recalls that almost 40 percent of all road fatalities in Europe occur in urban areas and that vulnerable road- users account for 70% of these fatalities; stresses that it is imperative to improve road safety in urban areas and that particular attention should be paid to improving the safety of vulnerable road users;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Welcomes that the EU has reaffirmed its long-term strategic goal to get close to zero deaths and zero serious injuries on European roads by 2050, known as Vision Zero, calls for increased efforts to reach the medium-term goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50 % by 2030;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Calls on the Commission to reflect the changing nature of urban mobility in its upcoming EU urban mobility framework;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the role played by cities towards gender equality; underlines that action aimed atwelcomes the fact that in the 2021-2027 cohesion policy (Art. 6a CPR) bridginges the gender gap uander that cohesion policy should employ an intersectionprogrammes promote equal aopproach that also takes age, race and disabilities into consideration; stresses, moreover, that the beneficiaries of cohesion policy should not adopt any discriminatory policies, least of all against minorities, such as the LGBTI communityortunities for all, without discrimination on the basis of gender, racial or ethnic origin, such as Roma, religious or belief, disability, age or sex orientation, least of all against minorities, such as the LGBTI community, throughout their preparation, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines that cohesion policy should contribute to better integrating women in policy planning for regional and urban development to design gender- inclusive cities and communities in the post-COVID era;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 108 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Underlines that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has highlighted and exposed strong disparities between urban and rural areas, such as in the quality and access to basic services i.e. healthcare and transport services; recalls that rural areas, which are home to 30.6% of the EU population, and particularly sparsely populated ones, suffer from a shortage of quality transport infrastructures as well as from low frequency of collective public transport services, which directly affect their connectivity, accessibility and ultimately their socioeconomic development; reiterates that improving and reinforcing rural-urban connectivity can play a decisive role in reversing depopulation trends and addressing post- COVID demographic changes and behaviours, such as the increased spread of teleworking or rural tourism;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the expansion of the home delivery sector and specifically the use of vans and powered two-wheeled vehicles such as mopeds and bicycles, boosting the emergence of new types of platform work and business models; calls on the Commission to ensure that professional van drivers undergo appropriate training and to address the issue of van drivers’fatigue and speeding, particularly as a result of the large increase in the number of home deliveries; calls on the Commission to come up with a recommendation on the safety of delivery personnel, including requirements for employers and companies to ensure the provision and use of safety equipment and safe vehicles, as well as training in the digital tools they might have to use, such as applications and interactive platforms;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls for concrete measures to support the best practices currently employed by national, regional and local authorities, recalls the importance of modern, seamless TEN-T networks and high-speed cross-border services across Europe for unlocking the potential of international collective sustainable transport to make tourism more sustainable throughout every season of the year;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises that a synchronised strategy responding to both COVID-19 and, climate change mustand digital transition should be implemented to usher in an economic recovery that accelerates the sustainable transition;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines that cohesion policy should contribute to better integrating women in policy planning for regional and urban development to design gender- inclusive cities and communities in the post-COVID era;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2075(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Recalls, in this respect, the need to strengthen urban nodes and public transport, which are an important part of tourists’ experiences and citizens’ everyday lives in tourist destinations;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Highlights that lockdown and sanitary measures have had a considerable impact on mobility demand and choice of transport mode, especially in urban areas, leading citizens to use public transport less; calls on EU, national, regional and local authorities to come up with awareness-raising campaigns on the safe use of public transport to regain trust among citizens on collective passenger transport; welcomes the EIB’s intention to support, alongside public authorities, ambitious investment programmes fostering sustainable mobility at local and regional level, such as sustainable urban mobility plans and public transport projects;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines that cheaper energy for all in urban areas is a must; therefore, massive programmes for insulation of buildings and placing of solar panels on the roofs should be encouraged;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Amendment 139 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Highlights that local renewable energy communities should be empowered, in order to reduce energy consumption and decarbonisation of the energy systems and to enjoy the social benefits of a local energy market;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Warns that cities and towns are acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; is highly concerned that heatwaves, which are already more extreme in cities due to the effects of urban heat islands, are increasing in both intensity and frequency, while extreme precipitation events and storm surges are likely to result in increased flooding such as that witnessed in Europe thisin summer; 2021, or extreme snow storms as in winter 2020-2021;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Emphasises that in the fight against heat waves and massive rains, more trees should be planted and green roofs installed, reducing the temperature, absorbing excessive rainwater and increasing the biodiversity;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls for the swift finalisation of the Common European Data space for mobility which could have a positive impact in public transportation systems within urban areas in terms of efficacy and efficiency and could consequently attract more users;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Recalls that digitalisation should go hand in hand not only with providing access to internet, but also availability to the necessary equipment;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Calls for an EU action plan to implement a single and multimodal ticketing system which allows citizens to move in a more user-friendly and safe way between and within urban areas in the EU;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Notes that new personal mobility devices (e-scooters, electric bikes, among others) raise a number of serious concerns related to the safety of the devices themselves, their safe use, as well as to the lack of safe parking spaces in urban areas; calls on the Commission to issue guidelines for Member States on managing these safety aspects, including traffic rules; reminds the Commission and the Member States of the need to implement EU and national awareness- raising and education campaigns on the safe use of micromobility devices, with a particular focus on vulnerable road users and the redesigning of urban public spaces to include safe parking areas for these devices;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the expansion of the home delivery sector and specifically the use of vans and powered two-wheeled vehicles such as mopeds and bicycles, boosting the emergence of new types of platform work and business models in urban areas; calls on the Commission to come up with a recommendation on the safety of delivery personnel, including requirements for employers and companies to ensure the provision and use of safety equipment and safe vehicles, as well as training in the digital tools they might have to use, such as applications and interactive platforms;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Underlines that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has highlighted and exposed strong disparities between urban and rural areas, such as in the quality and access to basic services i.e. healthcare and transport services; recalls that rural areas, which are home to 30.6% of the EU population, and particularly sparsely populated ones, suffer from a shortage of quality transport infrastructures as well as from low frequency of collective public transport services, which directly affect their connectivity, accessibility and ultimately their socioeconomic development; reiterates that improving and reinforcing rural-urban connectivity can play a decisive role in reversing depopulation trends and addressing post- COVID demographic changes and behaviours, such as the increased spread of teleworking or rural tourism;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the White Paper ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area’ identified the main shortcomings of mobility in the Union already in 2011, most of which are still present today; such as accessibility of infrastructures for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility, such as elderly;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 258 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on Member States to set up vehicle scrappage schemes under green conditions in order to incentivise the purchase and use of safer, clean and energy efficient vehicles and the renewal of public and private vehicle fleets; asks the Commission and the Member States together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to study new funding schemes to facilitate investment in safe and sustainable transport services as well as in safe and sustainable vehicle fleets;
Amendment 350 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Flagship 3 – Making interurban, urban and rurbanal mobility more sustainable and healthy
Amendment 359 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Commission’s idea to offer consumers carbon-neutral choices for scheduled collective travel by 2030, but underlines that these choices should be av; stresses that this goal should not be met at the expense of sustailnable for journeys up to 1 000 kmcollective transport alternatives, such as coaches, that provide environmental and social benefits and for which zero-emission technologies are incipient;
Amendment 372 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses the need to invest in collective sustainable public transport services, such as buses and coaches, and the corresponding infrastructure, particularly when rail and waterways are not an option due to the orography or the region’s geography;
Amendment 381 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the need to complete missing links and cross-border links to improve interurbanTEN- T projects to improve cross-country connections;
Amendment 385 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights that mobility goes beyond urban and interurban areas and that rural areas are home to 30.6% of the EU population; points out that rural areas, particularly sparsely populated ones, suffer from a shortage of quality transport infrastructures as well as from low frequency of collective public transport services, which directly affect their connectivity, accessibility and ultimately their socioeconomic development; insists that tackling these shortcomings could increase the use of collective transport over individual and private transport and address demographic challenges such as depopulation; asks the Commission to incorporate rural mobility in its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy in order to make the sustainable and smart transition just for all EU regions;
Amendment 411 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to significantly increase their efforts to increase the share of walking and cycling in urban and rural areas as well as to guarantee the provision of sustainable and accessible transport modes and services for people with disabilities or reduced mobility;
Amendment 426 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Commission to recognise collective public transport, as the backbone of sustainable mobility in the new EU Urban Mobility Framework and to ensure that sufficient support, including funding, is provided;
Amendment 449 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to propose mobility solutions that include the first and the last mile, thereby integrating the use of sustainable and accessible public transport and private mobility solutions;
Amendment 503 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission to redefine the Motorways of the Sea in the upcoming TEN-T revision to increase short-sea shipping;
Amendment 515 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need to complete the internalisation of external costs for all modes of transport; highlights, however, the latter should take into account social dialogue with road freight and passengers' transport sector in order to prevent, among others, that transport workers bear the costs of this measure; further highlights that mobility needs of people living in rural and remote areas as well as the socioeconomic situation of citizens should be taken into consideration too;
Amendment 732 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Commission to come up with a just transition framework for the automotive sector to anticipate and support regions and Member States to cope with the related social and employment challenges of related to automation and decarbonisation of the sector; highlights this framework should include concrete goals and measures, including financial support;
Amendment 743 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for the strengthening of social dialogue in order to eliminate any form of discrimination and unequal treatment in the transport sector; further calls for the promotion of social dialogue with associations representing vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or reduced mobility;
Amendment 763 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage the diversification of the transport workforce, in particular to attract women and, young workers as well as people with disabilities or reduced mobility;
Amendment 775 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Believes that the Union’s industrial strategy, in particular the European Battery and Hydrogen Alliance, will help to create quality, well-paid and secure jobs throughout the Union;
Amendment 793 #
2021/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 13 a (new)
Subheading 13 a (new)
Amendment 2 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the Union's financial interests shall be protected in accordance with the general principles embedded in the Union Treaties, in particular the values in the Article 2 TEU, and with the principle of sound financial management enshrined in the Article 317 of the TFEU;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the rRule of lLaw is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management and for the protection of the Union’s financial interests, which can only be ensured if public authorities act in accordance with the law, if cases of fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest or other breaches of the law are pursued effectively by investigative and prosecution services, if national courts are independent, and if the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union are respected, and if the public scrutiny is maintained by free, independent and pluralistic media;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the importance of the Commission’s first Rule of Law Report as a basis on which to build the new cycle of the rule of law mechanismthe reflection of the European Rule of Law Mechanism, which is designed as a yearly cycle of dialogue and assessment in order to promote this principle and to prevent problems from emerging or deepening in the Member States; welcomes the inclusion among its pillars of the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, and other institutional checks and balances, as these are particularly relevant for monitoring the protection of the EU budget;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks the Commission to provide information in its future reports about the way Member States respect the rRule of lLaw and effectively protect the Union’s financial interests, for both EU budget revenue and expenditure, and to highlights well as to put emphasis on cases where breaches of the principles of the Rule of Law in a particular Member State could affect or seriously risks to the Union budget; in affecting the Union's financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; emphasistes that the reports should provide specific assessments and recommendations to the Member States in order to strengthen their preventive role;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that the Commission shall take into account relevant information from pertinent sources and recognised institutions as relevant, with an emphasis on the European Court of Auditors, the EU Justice Scoreboard, the European Anti-Fraud Office, and the European Public Prosecutor's Office;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2025(INI)
4. Calls on the Commission to assess not only the existence but also the effectiveness of the national anti- corruption strategies, and to use that knowledge to update and enhance the Union’s anti-corruption framework; underlines that anti-corruption frameworks shall cover areas such as, inter alia, ethical rules, awareness-raising measures, rules on asset disclosures, incompatibilities and conflicts of interest, public procurement, internal control mechanisms, rules on lobbying, and revolving doors; highlights likewise that national strategies shall incorporate tools to prevent, detect risk, halt and sanction cases of corruption and fraud, as well as mechanisms to recover the profit from those cases;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that transparency, access to public information, the protection of whistleblowers and an overall culture of integrity in public life are key factors that indispensable corruption to beto identifiedy and to prevented; underlines the importance of harmonising definitions and methodologies to obtain comparative data across the EU corruption;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Warns that the lack of uniform, up to date and consolidated statistics across all Member States hinder the assessment and comparison of data about the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences; calls, therefore, on the Commission to support and to promote the Union-wide harmonisation of definitions of such offences, as well as a better use of the existing data sets and the methodology to develop new ones in order to obtain comparative data across the EU on the treatment of corruption cases;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States and, in particular, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in the fight against corruption; calls on the Commission to propose the provision of adequate budget, resources and or any kind of support necessary for the aforementioned institutions and bodies;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates that Regulation (EU, Euratom)Believes that the situation as regards the respect of the principles of the Rule of Law in some Member States is extremely worrying and seriously risks affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget; reiterates that the general regime of conditionality as defined in the Regulation 2020/2092 has beenis in force since 1 January 2021 and is not subjected to the adoption of any guidelines or judicial interpretation.; calls on the Commission for an immediate action under the aforementioned Regulation, using the existing investigation tools, without any further delay; insists in the role and competences of the Parliament, in particular the right to be duly informed by the Commission, in the procedures of the Rule of Law instruments;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Emphasises that EU political parties and foundations contribute to forming European political awareness and to express the will of citizens of the Union, as enshrined in Article 10(4) TEU and Article 12(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; stresses, furthermore, the importance of EU political parties and foundations in bringing together the European civil society and the Union institutions;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. HRecalls that Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 on the statute and funding of EU political parties and foundations is the legal framework establishing their rights and obligations; highlights that the funding awarded under this Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 is part of the general budget of the European Union and should therefore be implemented in accordance with the Financial Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046), with an emphasis on the general principle of sound financial management; recalls the role of further instances of financial control within their respective mandates, namely the European Court of Auditors, the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the announcement by the Commission of a new European Democracy Action Plan, including a legislative proposal to ensure greater transparency on paid political advertising and the review of the legislation on the financing of European political parties;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Recommends a harmonised timeframe for the reporting and controls carried out respectively by the EU political parties, the APPF and the Parliament in order to avoid having to recalculate the final amounts of the funding, while taking into account the deadlines imposed by relevant rules;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the 2019 Annual Activity Report presented by the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF); takes note of the main activities and challenges encountered during 2019; notes that the APPF performed the first review of the accounts of EU parties and foundations in the context of the European elections, ensuring their compliance with the Financial Regulation; welcomes that the APPF did not have to impose any sanction on an EU political party or foundation in 2019; takes note that, additionally, the APPF intervened in proceedings before the General Court of the European Union, and liaised with Member States to set up a network of National Contact Points and data protection authorities;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that the APPF developed a set of principles to render operational the right of EU political parties to campaign in European elections; highlights that the first review of the accounts identified possible improvements, particularly regarding the level of detail and comparability of the requested informationAcknowledges that the right to campaign in conjunction with the prohibition of funding other political parties, in particular national parties or candidates, may create uncertainty for EU political parties; stresses their major role in European elections to run European campaigns; welcomes the fact that the APPF, together with the Directorate- General for Finance of the European Parliament, developed a set of principles to render operational the right of EU political parties to campaign in European elections, while at the same time setting out its limits; asks the Commission to insert these principles in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014; Highlights that the first review of the accounts identified possible improvements, particularly regarding the level of detail and comparability of the requested information provided by EU parties and foundations; welcomes the introduction of templates to facilitate the process in 2020; takes note that in 2019 most of the resources of the EU political parties and foundations went to personnel, meetings and information costs;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls that, in its Resolution of 26 November 2020 on the stocktaking of European elections, the Parliament proposed to amend Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 “to allow European political parties and foundations to fully participate in the European political space, to campaign, to be able to use campaign funds and stand in European elections, to increase the transparency of their funding, especially as regards the management of funds from the EU budget and when funding comes from member parties, and to prohibit donations from private and public bodies from non-EU countries”;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that Article 38 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 requires Parliament to adopt a report on the application of the Regulation by the end of 2021, and the Commission to present a report on the same matter six months after that, probably accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend the regulationRegulation; takes note that the evaluation will focus on tightening the financial and enforcement rules, reducing the administrative burden, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the genuine electoral representation of European citizens;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the funding of EU political parties and foundations must be transparent, not open to abuse, and exclusively support political programmes and activities in line with the founding principles of the Union expressed in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union; highlights that Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 introduced a procedure for assessing compliance, and unfulfillment can entail financial sanctions or a decision to deregister an EU party; underlines that stronger controls together with clear and proportional sanctions are indispensable to ensure their efficiency in terms of enforceability; points out that the Authority has never triggered the values compliance procedure thus far; calls for a reinforcement of the current administrative set-up of the APPF in order to better monitor the compliance with the relevant rules and the implementation of the sanctions;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Takes note that the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) were initially developed for companies and don’t represent an administrative added value in the framework of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014; suggests reviewing and facilitating the required IFRS procedure for EU political parties and foundations;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Welcomes the efforts made by the APPF to make accessible for the citizens a wide array of information on its website; suggests, however, to make the documents published in its website more user friendly;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Notes that EU political parties are interested in developing relations with larger international organisations and partners from outside the EU through activities such as sending delegations to international events, organising fringe events within larger manifestations, and organising their own events outside of the EU; asks the creation of explicit provisions for activities with larger international organisations and partners from outside the EU;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Recommends the Commission to strengthen the provisions on data protection by including references to the offences defined in Articles 3 to 6 of Directive 2013/40/EU on attacks against information systems; welcomes that the APPF established a network of national data protection authorities to render the new verification procedure fully operational;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Asks the Commission to detail rules related to ceilings, tender procedures and other means related to EU political parties and foundations’ personnel and meetings costs to ensure a sound financial management of EU funds;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges that the co-funding level can be challenging for EU political parties; believes that reducing the required own resources for EU parties to 5 % of the eligible expenditure could help to address this issue, as is the case for foundations already, could help to address this issue; asks the Commission to establish stricter rules on ceiling, thresholds and reporting of donations to improve the transparency and accountability of the EU political parties and foundations;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 requires national parties to display the logo, the political programme and the website link of their EU party of affiliation on their websites “in a clear visible and user-friendly manner” as a condition for accessing funds; calls on the Commission to clearly define the requirements related to the visibility of the European party of affiliation.;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2020 amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as regards minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas every year around 22 700 people still lose their lives on EU roads and around 120 000 are seriously injured; whereas progress in reducing EU fatality rates has stagnated in recent years and, as a result, the target to halve the number of road deaths between 2010 and 2020 was missed; whereas the above figures represent an unacceptable human and social price for EU citizens and costs the EU 2% of its annual GDP;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas investments in road safety are a key element of the EU Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety; whereas the persistent high road fatality numbers suggest that more investment should be provided to guarantee road and user safety;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas 40 % of all road deaths in the EU are work-related; whereas driver fatigue is common on EU roads; whereas often truck cabins are not equipped with parking air conditioners - or equivalent climatisation systems - which can seriously undermine the well-being of drivers who regularly sleep in the cabin, considering the increase of heatwaves due to global warming;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the Sustainable Development Goals include Goal 11 which advocates to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”; whereas Goal 11 targets the need “to provide by 2030 access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons”;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that the EU has reaffirmed in the 2021-2030 EU road safety policy framework its long-term vision to get close to zero deaths by 2050, known as Vision Zero, and its medium- term goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50 % by 2030; calls for a detailed road map for EU action against which performance is measured and delivery made accountable to specific bodies; highlights that these EU goals and targets relating to road safety should be underpinned by a coordinated, well- planned, systematic and well-financed road safety approach at EU, national and local level; asks Member States that have not yet sufficiently aligned their national road safety strategies with the objectives of the EU road safety policy framework 2021- 2030 to address, as soon as possible, this shortcoming; notes that road safety requires integration into other interrelated policy areas and calls for the creation of a cross-DG coordination group reporting both to the relevant commissioners, the Road Safety Co- ordinator and to the European Commission’s High Level Group on Road Safety;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights that EU funding is crucial to invest in sustainable and smart road safety solutions and accelerate the delivery of road safety results across the EU; welcomes that CEF 2021-2027 foresees financing in safe and secure infrastructure and mobility projects, including road safety; calls on the Commission to safeguard and increase investment on road safety at EU level across all relevant EU financing programmes, including in research and innovation;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on all Member States to earmark an adequate part of their national budget, which, coupled with EU funds, should make it possible to implement their national road safety programmes and the new 2021-2030 EU Road Safety Policy Framework; calls on the Commission to support and encourage Member States to invest throughout their national recovery and resilience plans in a safer, more sustainable, resilient and multimodal TEN-T network;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to prioritise the TEN-T network, in their partnerships agreements and operational programmes; calls Member States to reserve specific financing in ESIF Funding for 2021- 2027 for safe, smart and sustainable mobility actions in the TEN-T network, including in road safety;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the Commission to propose a Decisión to dedícate a European Year for Road Safety as part of the 2021-2030 EU Road Safety Policy Framework;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise investments with the greatest benefit in terms of road safety, including investments in maintaining existing infrastructure and in the construction of new infrastructure, as well as in promoting active modes such as walking and cycling; welcomes, in this regard, the launch of the Safer Transport Platform initiative and calls on all interested parties to consider its use;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Considers that improved maintenance of the TEN-T network contributes to its efficiency and seamless continuity, enhances the sustainability, performance, and the resilience, while also improving road safety, with particular emphasis on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped riders and other micromobility users; calls on the Commission to facilitate and incentivise investments in network maintenance and to implement a core network monitoring plan on maintenance at European level; asks the Commission and the Member States, together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to study new funding schemes to facilitate investments in maintenance of the network; further calls on Member States, furthermore, to develop specific national plans for ordinary and extraordinary maintenance funding;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that a proactive assessment of the EU road network will be a useful tool to assess the in-built safety of roads and to target investment; welcomes, in this regard, the risk mapping and safety rating of motorways and primary roads introduced in the recently revised EU infrastructure safety rules4 and calls on the Member States to designate as many primary roads in their territory as possible to increase the road safety potential of the new directive; calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree as soon as possible on a methodology to carry out systematic network-wide road assessments as mandated in the revision of the above- mentioned act, including, when relevant, elements important for safety of active road users; calls on the Commission and the Member States to speed up the work on the specifications at EU level for the performance of road signs and markings in order to prepare the way for a higher level of automation in vehicles; notes that 38% of road deaths occur on urban roads and 54% on rural roads; encourages Member States to apply the instruments of Directive 2019/1936 on all primary roads including all main rural and main urban roads; calls on the Commission within their new Forum of European road safety auditors to elaborate common EU curricula for road infrastructure auditors and inspectors, including specific training on the needs of Vulnerable Road Users: pedestrians, cyclists, PTWs, the elderly and road users with reduced mobility; _________________ 4Directive (EU) 2019/1936 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 amending Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 1.
Amendment 66 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for measures to further strengthen road safety in urban nodes and rural areas and improve operational safety throughout the life cycle of critical infrastructure, such as tunnels and bridges, in the forthcoming revision of the TEN-T Regulation; asks the Commission to introduce new quality requirements in the upcoming revision to ensure life-time high structural infrastructure quality in order to further reduce the risk of accidents, increasing safety, preserving assets while considering the use of new monitoring technologies for vulnerable infrastructures; calls on the Commission to set out therein the bases for future investment decisions relating to road safety;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that new forms of infrastructure, such as advanced stop lines, bike boxes, cycle streets or cycle highways offer new possibilities for safe active mobility; highlights the need to work in a harmonisation of rules concerning sings and signals of the road to avoid confusion and ensure enforcement of local rules by visitors to increase safety and ease of use;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the recent revision of the General Safety Regulation, which will make new advanced safety features in vehicles such as intelligent speed assistance and emergency lane keeping systems mandatory in the EU as from 2022, with the potential to save around 7 300 lives and avoid 38 900 serious injuries by 2030; calls on the Commission to adopt ambitious and timely secondary legislation, to evaluate future developments and to review the regulation where appropriate in order to keep pace with technical developments including requiring a high level of performance of ISA systems to be fitted in all new vehicles; calls on the Commission to consider the practical application of mandating the fitment of overrideable ISA systems on motorcycles and the feasibility and acceptability of non-overridable ISA for cars, vans, trucks and buses;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 98 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Highlights that, as pointed out by the Commission in its EU Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety, public procurement presents an interesting opportunity to positively influence road safety; calls on the Commission to set out explicitly that the most economically advantageous tender in public procurement of road public passenger transport services should be assessed on the basis of the best price- quality ratio, which should also include vehicle safety, innovation, quality, sustainability and social issues; urges Member States and contracting authorities to consider safety aspects as one of the main criteria when awarding public contracts for passenger transport services by road;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that new personal mobility devices also raise a number of serious concerns related not only to the safety of the devices themselves, but also to their safe use in traffic; regrets that only a few Member States have introduced legislation on this issue and that the lack of harmonisation in the EU can create confusion and make it difficult for visitors to abide by local rules; calls on the Commission to consider a typen EU approval frameworkpriate regulatory framework with minimum safety requirements for these new mobility devices and to issue guidelines for Members States on managing safety aspects, including traffic rules for the safe use of such devices; calls on the Commission and Member States on the need to implement a European and national awareness raising and education campaigns on the safe use of micromobility devices, with a particular focus on vulnerable road users, among others children, the elderly or people with reduced mobility; calls on the Commission and Member States to exchange best practices on how to improve the safe use of micromobility devices;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the Commission to update the European Union’s road accidents (CARE) database requirements and to incorporate the identification of collisions of micromobility devices, such as e- scooters and other electrically-assisted cycles; calls on Member States in line with the data gathered in the CARE database, to implement concrete safety preventive measures at national, regional or local level;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that speeding is a key factor in around 30 % of fatal road crashes and an aggravating factor in most crashes; calls on the Commission to come up with a recommendation to apply safe speed limits in line with the safe system approach for all road types, such as default maximum speeds of 30km/h in residential areas and areas where there are high numbers of cyclists and pedestrians, or where there could be potential to increase cycling and walking levels, such as in rural areas, and to assess the feasibility of limiting the maximum top speed of all new vehicles as an effective way of reducing road casualties, as well as congestion, air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions; encourages the Commission and the Member States to support the deployment of intelligent speed assistance systems that enable bring updated speed limit information into the vehicle and consequently, to the driver;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recalls that the Driving Licence Directive established a harmonised EU licence model and introduced minimum requirements for obtaining licences; notes that the directive will need to be kept up- to-date regarding new technological developments in vehicle and infrastructure technology and vehicle automation in the training curriculum, especially for professional divers; calls on the Commission to consider introducing a graduated licencing system that encourages novice drivers to gain more experience while limiting certain high-risk activities such as driving at night and with passengers; notes with concern that cases of irregular issuing of driving licences have been reported in several Member States and calls on the Commission to monitor this issue;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the expansion of the home delivery sector and specifically the use of vans, powered two-wheelers, such as mopeds and bicycles; calls on the Commission to consider introducing a requirement for van drivers to undergo professional driver training and proposing a regulation on working hours and rest periods for van drivers; further calls the Commission to include vans in annual periodic technical inspections and roadside inspections under the roadworthiness package revision, and fit all new vans (N1) with top speed limiters set at 130km/h; highlights the need to make theoretical and practical training as well as a practical test mandatory for obtaining a driving licence for mopeds; calls on the Commission to assess the introduction of a recommendation on the safety of delivery personnel, including requirements for employers and companies to ensure the provision and use of safety equipment and safe vehicles, as well as training in the digital tools, such as applications and interactive platforms they might be exposed to;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Highlights that 40 % of all road deaths in the EU are work-related; calls on Member States to encourage and cooperate with employers to address key risks within this context and include concrete measures on speed, drink and drug driving as well as preventive measures for managing fatigue and distraction; calls on the Commission to ensure that Directive 89/391 on health and safety of workers which requires every employer in Europe to undertake a risk assessment according to the principle of prevention is applied for driving for work;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls on the Commission to assess whether a mandatory installation of parking air conditioners - or equivalent climatisation systems for cabins - in heavy goods vehicles could have a positive impact on driver fatigue and on road safety;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Stresses that working and employment conditions have a direct impact on road safety; notes the increase of ride services, mobility and transportation based platforms; calls on the Commission and Member States in cooperation with social partners to come with a strategy to ensure good working conditions for platform workers and support and encourage platform companies to offer driving and specific trainings (i.e. digital tools), which should ultimately improve road safety;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Expresses deep concern over driver fatigue in commercial freight and passenger transport as a major cause for road accidents; calls on Member States in cooperation with the Commission for full enforcement of Regulation 2020/1054, which will improve the drivers’ working conditions and road safety; calls on the Commission and Member States to cooperate in awareness raising campaigns at EU and national levels; asks the Commission to increase the number of secure parking areas and ensure they are adapted to the needs of the drivers along the TEN-T network and provide information on their availability through an updated user-friendly website;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the importance of fast and effective post-crash care in significantly reducing the consequences of injury; calls on the Member States, in this context, to establish closer collaboration between their road safety authorities and the health sector, to make it mandatory to build emergency lanes and to enforce their correct use to speed up rescue operations; calls on the Commission to consider making first aid training compulsory in the future revision of the Driving Licence Directive; calls on Member States to develop their major trauma networks and adopt guidelines to cooperate among them in order for emergency care services to deliver patients swiftly even across borders if they may bypass a nearer facility within their own territory;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Highlights that Member States, in cooperation with regional authorities need to ensure time access to high quality emergency and long-term health care services for the injured as part of the post- crash response, including mental, social and legal support for victims, survivors and families of road traffic accidents and injuries;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that poor enforcement of road traffic rules undermines efforts to achieve Vision Zero; encourages the Member States to set annual targets for enforcement and compliance in their road safety plans and to ensure their adequate funding, as well as to undertake and publish an annual follow-up analysing the targets accomplished and the results obtained; underlines that only well- explained and well-publicised consistent enforcement activities can have a long- lasting effect on driving behaviour;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Highlights that external factors and emerging societal trends present unprecedented challenges to road safety under the EU strategy to 2030 and beyond; notes that the EU should pave the way for connected and automated vehicles to be rolled out in due time and should assess the possible risks of combining such vehicles with traditional vehicles in mixed traffic and vulnerable road users; highlights that upgrading of infrastructure might be needed to guarantee automated and semi- automated vehicles operate safely while improving safety for conventional vehicles, and thus, benefiting all road users;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Points out that COVID-19 has affected and changed mobility patterns across the UE, with an increase of teleworking practices and active transport modes such as cycling and walking, as well as new alternative trends of tourism such as rural tourism; calls on the Commission and Member States to take into account the opportunities provided by these new mobility in terms of sustainability and digitalisation, in their upcoming mobility and urban design plans, strategies or funding opportunities at EU, national and regional level; asks the Commission in cooperation with Member States to develop recommendations at EU level on how to build safe, comfortable, direct and attractive infrastructure for active modes of transport;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls on Member States to set up vehicle scrappage schemes under green conditions in order to incentivise the purchase and use of safer, cleaner and more energy efficient vehicles and the renewal of public and private vehicle fleets; asks the Commission and the Member States together with the European Investment Bank(EIB) to study new funding schemes to facilitate investment in safe and sustainable transport services as well as of safe and sustainable vehicle fleets;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that data will play a key role in improving road safety; recalls that in-vehicle data are extremely valuable for traffic management, roadworthiness tests and the investigation of crashes; calls on the Commission to set up a framework to access in-vehicle data beyond the repair market in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, solely for the purpose of accident researchinvestigation and roadworthiness tests and to create a European database building on the DaCoTa project;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission, in view of the upcoming revision of the Urban Mobility Package, to promote synergies between safety and sustainability measures in urban areas; calls, in this regard, for the reprioritisation of transport infrastructure, in densecluding reallocation of public space, in urban areas away from individual motorised transport towards public transport and other sustainable, safer and healthier transport modes such as walking and cycling; welcomes the EIB’s intention to support alongside public authorities, ambitious investment programmes fostering sustainable mobility at local and regional level, such as sustainable urban mobility plans and public transport projects;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that rural areas account for approximately 83% of the EU’s territory and are home to 30.6% of the EU population; points out that rural areas, particularly sparsely populated ones, suffer from a shortage of quality transport infrastructure as well as from low frequency of collective public transport services, which directly affect road safety; further notes that 54% of road deaths occur on rural roads; highlights that the improvement on accessibility, connectivity and road safety for rural areas should be incorporated in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy; calls on the Commission to take the latter into account in the upcoming Communication on Long Term Vision for Rural Areas;
Amendment 196 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to work closely with regions and cities to complete relevant missing last-mile infrastructure and inter- modal and cross-border connections throughout the TEN-T, thus enabling more seamless and efficient use of infrastructure and services which improves road safety;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20 c. Calls on the Commission to explore the possible synergies with Eurovelo and its corridors, notably by increasing financial support and having roadsafety as a transversal priority, in order to promote safe cycling in Europe; calls on the Commission to encourage the reconversion of disused railway lines, including by supporting bike-train projects and to actively support bike-train intermodality;
Amendment 198 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20 d. Points out the need to promote an integrated approach to accomplish the goals set in Vision Zero and strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration including engagement with NGOs, civil society, as well as businesses and industry at regional, national and EU level; calls on companies and SMEs to contribute, in line with the Stockholm Declaration, to the attainment of road safety by applying safe system principles to their entire value chain including internal practices throughout their procurement, production and distribution process, and to include reporting on safety performance in their sustainability reports as well as in their official websites; further calls on companies and SMEs, when applicable, to offer specific trainings on road safety to their drivers, and to consider incorporating the role of “mobility manager” to coordinate and optimise the needs of mobility of the enterprise for the transportation of goods and workers alongside the entire logistic chain;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2014(INI)
20 e. Notes that businesses that reduce road risks within their own fleets are able to reduce insurance and other costs; calls on the EC to highlight the role of insurers in supporting risk management programmes; calls on the EC to set up forums for employers to access information on the business case for managing road risk in the work environment;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Welcomes the launch of the Urban Road Safety Award in 2019 by the Commission; calls on the Commission to establish a new “Safe City Label” at EU level that could be linked to developments in urban mobility and infrastructure measures and the protection of vulnerable road users and which involves adequate funding and monitoring;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is of the view that in order to properly implement the next steps in the EU road safety policy under the overarching Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, some new capacities are needed in the field of road safety, in particular with respect to the coordination, monitoring and evaluation functions and technical support for the overall strategy; calls on the Commission in this regard to explore options to further support safe, smart and sustainable road transport operations under an existing agency or another body in order to improve EU capacity on road safety management; highlights that this existing agency or body could, among others, oversee the safe rollout of automated vehicles through market surveillance, real-world testing and in-depth crash investigation;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Notes that globally, each year, nearly 1.3 million people die as a result of a road traffic collision; further notes that 90% of road deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries, which claim less than half the world's registered vehicle fleet; highlights the EU is the biggest humanitarian aid donor worldwide and provides half of all international development aid; stresses, therefore, the responsibility of the EU to show leadership at global level and implement the Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety; urges the Commission and the Member States to participate in the annual UN road safety week in May 2021 on reducing speed; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that EU road safety policy objectives applies to all external programming;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to INI report "a Hydrogen Strategy for Europe" as adopted by EP in plenary session of May 2021,
Amendment 2 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the political agreement of 11 March 2021 on the Regulation of the EP and the Council establishing the ECFCEF and repealing Regulations(EU)1316/2013 and (EU) 283/2014,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
— having regard to the upcoming revision of the Directive 2014/94/EU of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
Amendment 9 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Emphasises that renewable energy and energy efficiency are among the key drivers for reaching a net zero emissions economy and should be implemented in any energy supply and demand planning;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses the need for an overall European legal framework and EU investment plan to make offshore renewable energy technologically mature and competitive guaranteeing certainty to all stakeholders involved in the sector;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Although investors should bear the market risk, in markets where the adoption of offshore renewables is at an early stage, such as the Mediterranean, high risk and low revenues can be compensated through support schemes, such as the RRF and upcoming CEF2, to ensure that investments in offshore renewable energy projects take place in the short/medium term and that these projects are scaled up in the medium/long term;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Specific support will be needed for tidal, wave, floating offshore wind and solar and offshore green hydrogen production so that these technologies move from innovative pilots to commercial solutions; emphasises the importance of coherent and coordinated efforts in national and European investment strategies to ensure cooperation between public and private sector; EU and national public funding will be vital to accelerate progress in the innovation pipeline and first commercialisation stage, to attract the interest of private investors and to improve the competitiveness of European manufacturing, installing, servicing and operating of these technological solutions.
Amendment 29 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the importance of modern seaports for the assembly, manufacturing and servicing of offshore renewable energy equipment, and the considerable investment necessary to upgrade a green, modernized and digitalized port infrastructure and vessels to provide these services; points out the role of seaports as strategic renewable energy hubs as well as circular industry clusters, for electric offshore grid-connection and cross- border interconnectors, as well as for electrolysis and the import, production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen, green ammonia and other clean alternative fuels;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Ports could also become onshore landing points for renewable offshore generated energy and its logistics, playing a key role in the whole life cycle of the offshore assets to be developed. Measures should be taken to facilitate access to financial instruments to ease the adaptation of port infrastructure to these new requirements. The search for synergies between the TEN-T and TEN-E networks will provide specific value in this sense. Access to renewable offshore energy will contribute to the greening of port related operations and of the shipping sector as a whole, e. g. being a renewable source for On shore Power Supply for ships when at berth;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Funding under the RRF, upcoming CEF2 and upcoming revision of alternative fuels infrastructure will be crucial to the upgrading of these port infrastructures. Concerning the upcoming CEF2, increasing the scope and type of projects of common interest in the TEN-E will be necessary for port upgrading projects (related to the servicing needs of the offshore renewable sector) to be able to apply for synergies between CEF energy and CEF transport;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Several ports in areas where the uptake of offshore renewable energies is at a very incipient stage, such as the Mediterranean or Atlantic, will need upgrading for them to be prepared for operations related to offshore energy assembly, manufacturing and servicing. In the medium to long term, conversion of offshore renewable electricity into green hydrogen and its shipping will become relevant and ports will also need to be upgraded to provide handling, storage and transport services for the various hydrogen carriers.
Amendment 40 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the opportunities that offshore renewable energy can offer to coastal tourism regions, both by increasing the energy-related sustainability of tourist stays, and by balancing seasonal economic effects, providing stable and predictable jobs and growth in local renewable offshore industries and small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) all year round;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights the need for a just transition to offshore renewable energies, which should create new job opportunities and foresee adequate training to prepare the workforce for new challenges;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Different technologies suit different sea-basins. Funding will be needed in areas where the deployment of offshore renewable energy is at a very early stage, such as the Mediterranean Sea, for the necessary technological adaptations tobe piloted in the short-term and then scaled up;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2012(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Provisions should be taken to ensure that adequate Maritime Space Planning is carried out in order to facilitate the compatibility of renewable offshore energy deployment with the protection of biodiversity and existing uses of maritime resources like fishing, tourism and maritime transport, in particular assuring free access to navigation channels and anchoring areas around ports, bearing in mind the importance of maritime transport for the European economy (around 75% of Europe’s trade with the rest of the world and more than one third of intra- European trade - is shipped through its ports).
Amendment 227 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The realisation of the trans- European transport network creates the enabling conditions in terms of infrastructure basis allowing to make all transport modes more sustainable, affordable and inclusive in all regions of the EU, to make sustainable alternatives widely available in a multimodal transport system and to put in place the right incentives to drive the transition, notably by ensuring a fair transition, in line with the objectives presented in the Council Recommendation (EU) […] of […] on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 231 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The planning, development and operation of the trans-European transport network should enable sustainable forms of transport, provide for improved multimodal and interoperable transport solutions and for an enhanced intermodal integration of the entire logistic chain, thereby contributing to a smooth functioning of the internal market by creating the arteries that are necessary for smooth passenger and freight transport flows across the Union. In addition, the network should aim at strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion by ensuring accessibility and connectivity for all regions of the Union, including a better connectivity of the outermost regions and other remote, rural, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions as well as sparsely populated areas. The development of the trans-European transport network should also enable seamless, safe and sustainable mobility of goods and persons in all their diversity, and should contribute to further economic growth and competitiveness in a global perspective, by establishing interconnections and interoperability between national transport networks in a resource-efficient and sustainable way, at same time it contributes to address demographic challenges such as depopulation.
Amendment 237 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Growth in traffic has resulted in increased congestion in international transport. In order to ensure the international mobility of passengers and goods, the resilience and capacity of the trans-European transport network and the use of that capacity should be optimised and, where necessary, expanded by removing infrastructure bottlenecks and bridging missing infrastructure links within and between Member States and, as appropriate, neighbouring countries, and taking into account the ongoing negotiations with candidate and potential candidate countries.
Amendment 244 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The trans-European transport network should be developed and sustained through the creation of new smart and sustainable transport infrastructure, through the maintenance and upgrading of existing infrastructure and through measures promoting its resource- efficient use and resilience.
Amendment 254 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to achieve a high-quality and efficient transport infrastructure across all modes, the development of the trans- European transport network should take into account the security and safety of passengers and freight movements, the contribution to climate change and the impact of climate change and of potential natural hazards and human-made disasters on infrastructure and accessibility for all transport users, especially in regions that are particularly affected by the negative impacts of climate change as well geopolitical changes that could cause disruptions in the supply chain.
Amendment 263 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Given the evolution of the Union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals, the Conclusions of the 2020 July European Council, according to which Union expenditure should be consistent with Paris Agreement objectives and the "do no significant harm" principle, within the meaning of Article 17 of the Taxonomy Regulation17 , projects of common interest should be assessed in order to ensure that TEN-T policy is coherent with transport, environmental and climate policy objectives of the Union. Member States and other project promoters should carry out environmental assessments of plans and projects which should include the “do no significant harm” assessment based on the latest available guidance and best practice. In cases that the implementation of a project of common interest entails a significant harm to an environmental or climate objective, reasonable alternatives should be considered, in particular when the project contribute to ensure accessibility and connectivity for the outermost, remote, rural, island, peripheral and mountainous regions. __________________ 17 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
Amendment 287 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The core network with a deadline of 2030 and the extended core network with a deadline of 2040 should constitute the foundation of the sustainable multimodal transport network, representing the strategically most important nodes and links of the trans-European transport network, according to traffic needs. They should stimulate the development of the entire comprehensive network and enable Union action to concentrate on those components of the trans-European transport network with the highest European added value, in particular cross- border sections, missing links, multimodal connecting points and major bottlenecks. Projected new construction lines in cross- border regions should be accelerated taking into account the freight capacity potential of projects with a view to exponentially increase rail freight traffic at EU level in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Amendment 293 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24a) Capacity bottlenecks appear in all modes of transport for both passengers and freight traffic hampering the network connectivity and multimodality. Furthermore, the lack of quality of the last mile connections negatively increases bottlenecks urban nodes. Consequently, the TEN-T Regulation needs to urgently address the existing bottlenecks in the TEN-T, particularly in cross-border links, in order to facilitate seamless and efficient transport to better connect people and business across Europe and contribute to the well-functioning of the EU internal market.
Amendment 294 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Certain existing standards of the core network should be extended to the extended core and comprehensive network in order to reap full network benefits, to increase interoperability between network types and to enable more activity by more sustainable forms of transport, including through higher digitalisation and other technological solutions. The provision of clear and reliable planning for the technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) is of utmost importance for regulatory stability, legal certainty and for unlocking investments in ERTMS.
Amendment 302 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) An isolated network for the purposes of this Regulation should mean a rail network of a Member State, or a part thereof, with a track gauge different from that of the European standard nominal track gauge. Imposing certain standards and requirements of this Regulation to such networks, or parts thereof, is not justified in economic cost- benefit terms by virtue of the specificities of such networks arising from their detachment with other networks of a different track gauge.
Amendment 306 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The land-side infrastructure network, established through the core network, extended core network and comprehensive network, should integrate with the maritime dimension of the trans- European transport network. To this end, a truly sustainable, smart, seamless and resilient European Maritime Space should be created. It should encompass all maritime infrastructure components of the trans-European transport network as well as the services and actions needed to support the mobility of persons and goods with special attention to insular and coastal regions.
Amendment 317 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) In order to establish the trans- European transport network in a coordinated and timely manner, thereby making it possible to maximise network effects, Member States concerned should ensure that appropriate measures are taken to finalise the projects of common interest of the core, the extended core and the comprehensive network by the given deadlines 2030, 2040 and 2050 respectively. To this end, Member States should ensure that there is coherence of the national transport and investment plans with the priorities set out in this Regulation and in the work plans of the European Coordinators. Projects of national plans which are not aligned with the Union transport objectives should not be considered as a priority for receiving Union funds.
Amendment 330 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Projects of common interest for which Union funding is sought should be the subject of a socio-economic cost- benefit analysis based on a recognised methodology, taking into account the relevant social, economic, climate-related and environmental benefits, territorial balance, and costs as well as the life-cycle approach. The analysis of climate-related and environmental costs and benefits should be based on the environmental impact assessment carried out pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council21 . __________________ 21 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1).
Amendment 333 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In order to contribute to the climate reduction targets of the European Green Deal of a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, measures to mitigate the greenhouse gas impacts of projects of common interest in the form of new, extended or upgraded transport infrastructures should be analysedtaken into account.
Amendment 335 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Cooperation with third countries, including neighbouring countries, is necessary in order to ensure connection and interoperability between the infrastructure networks of the Union and those countries. In view of this, where appropriate, the Union should promote projects of common interest with those countries, and also assessing and ensuringe that the objectives and requirements of the trans- European transport network are complied with in order to ensure the interoperability of the Union network and are aligned with the goal of achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 in order to ensure level playing field in transport, in particular by preventing carbon leakage.
Amendment 343 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) To achieve transformation of the transport sector into a truly multimodal system of sustainable and smart mobility services, the Union should build a high quality transport network with rail services meeting minimum operational line speed. Competitive passenger rail has a high potential for the decarbonisation of transport. There is the need to develop a coherent and interoperable European high speed rail network linking its capitals and major cities for which sufficient funding is needed. Complementing existing high speed lines with passenger lines at a minimum operational line speed of 160 km/h should in return lead to network effects, a more coherent network and an increased number of passengers travelling by rail. The completion of a high- performance network will also facilitate the development and introduction of new or different models of capacity allocation, for example interval- service timetables enabled by the Timetable Redesign (TTR) initiative.
Amendment 363 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) ERTMS should be deployed in a continuous and synchronised manner not only on the core network, extended core network and comprehensive network, including in the urban nodes, but also on access routes to multimodal terminals. This will enable operations with ERTMS only and boost the business case of railway undertakings. Under no circumstance should it be possible for a new railway project that is not planning ERTMS deployment to be financed by Union funds.
Amendment 412 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46 a (new)
Recital 46 a (new)
(46a) Maritime ports have a strategic role in the logistics supply chain, the diversification of energy supply and storage and consequently, in EU's strategic autonomy. They are also crucial in geopolitical and cohesion terms, something which should be considered in addition to traffic volumes for their identification in the TEN-T network.
Amendment 416 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) Short sea shipping can make a substantial contribution to the decarbonisation of transport by carrying more freight and passengers. The European Maritime Space should be promoted by creating or upgrading short-sea shipping routes and by developing maritime ports and their hinterland connections as to provide an efficient and sustainable integration with other modes of transport. Moreover, the new concept of the European Maritime Space brings the opportunity to regain and update for the maritime dimension the original policy approach to Motorways of the Sea, first introduced in the trans-European transport network regulation with the Decision 884/2004/EC, as sustainable short sea shipping links within the European Maritime Space intended to concentrate flows of freight on sea-based logistical routes in such a way as to improve existing maritime links or to establish new viable, regular and frequent maritime links so as to reduce road congestion in the EU territory and/or improve access to peripheral and island regions and States.
Amendment 420 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Road transport in the Union accounts for three-quarters of the total inland freight transport (based on tonne- kilometres performed) and for around 90% of the total inland passenger transport (based on the total number of passenger kilometres). Given the importance ofNotwithstanding the expected benefits from the Union’s modal shift to other transportation modes, road transport and the commitment to improve road safety in line with the milestone of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, remain important and there is a need to enhance the road infrastructure from the safety point of view, as well as to adapt it to sustainability and digitalisation standards ensuring the highest safety standards. The improvement of operational safety throughout the life cycle of vulnerable infrastructure (i.e. tunnels, bridges) is of outmost importance to guarantee quality road infrastructure in the TEN-T. To this aim, other regulations such as the Directive 2004/54 on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network, must be adapted to the new safety and digitisation standards of the transport sector. Improving safety must also be a priority in the rail sector, in particular in level-crossings where there are significant accidents resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries1a . Consequently, level crossings which pose a high safety risk should be identified EU- wide with a view to investing in improving the infrastructure, which should eventually be replaced by bridges and underpasses. __________________ 1a "Safety Overview 2021- Main figures based on CSI data up to 2019", European Union Agency for Railways, March 2021.
Amendment 426 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) The trans-European transport network should ensure efficient multimodality in order to allow better and more sustainable modal choices to be made for passengers and freight and in order to enable large volumes to be consolidated for transfers over long distances. Multimodal terminals should play a key role to meet this objective. Insufficient punctuality has been a major obstacle to making multimodality an attractive option for the transport of freight and passengers. Efficient management of traffic flows as well as the increase in capacity of the infrastructure will enable rail to play its full part in improving the functioning of the intermodal transport chain.
Amendment 441 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) Member States should establish a national SUMP support programme aimed at promoting the uptake of SUMPs and improving coordination among regions, cities and towns. It should support regions and urban areas to develop high-quality SUMPs and reinforce monitoring and evaluation of the SUMP implementation through legislative measures, guidance, capacity building, assistance and possibly financial support. The Commission can update the list of urban nodes in Annex II at the request of a Member State, previous agreement with the urban nodes concerned and its relevant authorities, with the aim of improving territorial balance and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable mobility. The Commission should facilitate exchanges of best practices and lessons learnt between urban nodes along the network.
Amendment 454 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) A sufficient number of fast recharging points for light and heavy-duty vehicles accessible to the public should be deployed across the trans-European transport network without delay. This aim should ensure full cross-border connectivity and allow electric vehicles to circulate throughout the Union. Distance- based targets for the trans- European transport network as defined in Regulation (EU) […] [on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure] are to ensure a minimum of sufficient coverage of electric recharging points along the Union’s main road networks.
Amendment 464 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 60
Recital 60
(60) Publicly accessible recharging and refuelling infrastructure along the trans- European transport network as defined in Regulation (EU) […] [on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure] should be complemented with requirements on the deployment of recharging and refuelling infrastructure in multimodal terminals and for multimodal passenger hubs, to provide charging and refuelling opportunities for long haul trucks when they are being loaded or unloaded or when the driver is taking a rest or for busses in multimodal passenger hubs. In order to ensure free circulation, where the terminals or passenger hubs receive Union or public support, the access for purposes of charging and refuelling, should be on fair, affordable, transparent and non- discriminatory basis, so as to avoid market lock in for specific enterprises or possible distortions of competition. Pricing should be made on transparent and non- discriminatory basis for all authorised undertakings or persons, where the charging and refuelling infrastructure is build using Union or public funding.
Amendment 483 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) European Transport Corridors should help to develop the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network in such a way as to address bottlenecks, enhance cross-border connections and improve efficiency and sustainability. They should contribute to cohesion through improved territorial cooperation. They should also address wider transport policy objectives and facilitate interoperability, modal integration and multimodal operations. The corridor approach should be transparent and clear and the management of such corridors should not create additional administrative burdens or costs. The European Transport Coordinators should also encourage the establishment of integrated management structures, including joint ventures, aimed at speeding the implementation of cross- border infrastructure projects.
Amendment 488 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 67 a (new)
Recital 67 a (new)
(67a) EU border regions cover 40% of the EU's territory and account for 30% of the EU's population. By connecting border regions more effectively the EU will become more integrated in a tangible way and offer citizens the possibility of enjoying sustainable cross-border mobility services. European Transport Coordinators should analyse mobility needs in EU cross-border regions and in coordination with the relevant regional and local authorities, and should establish "cross-border mobility plans". These plans should include targeted measures to improve the coordination and frequency of rail and public transport services between these regions, address missing links and bottlenecks, enhance the performance of services and the capacity of the infrastructures and improve the affordability of the cross-border services.
Amendment 495 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 70
Recital 70
(70) The technical basis of the maps specifyinginteractive geographical and technical information system for the trans- European transport network is(TENtec) provided bys the interactive geographical and technical information system for the trans-European transport network (TENtec)technical basis of the maps reflecting the evolution of the European transport network with a view of achieving the corresponding final goals reflected in Annex I and in the lists of Annex II of this Regulation.
Amendment 504 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 72
Recital 72
(72) In order to maximise consistency between the guidelines and the programming of the relevant financial instruments available at Union level, trans- European transport network funding should comply with this Regulation and be based, in particular, on Regulation (EU) No 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council29 . In addition, network funding should also build on funding and financing instruments provided under other Union law, including InvestEU, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Policy, Horizon Europe and other financing instruments established by the European Investment Bank, including the Green Rail Investment Platform. To enable the financing of projects of common interest, references to ‘multimodal logistics platforms’, ‘motorways of the sea’ and ‘telematic applications’ in Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 should be respectively construed as references to ‘multimodal freight terminals’, ‘European Maritime Space’ and ‘ICT systems for transport’ as defined in this Regulation. For the same purpose, references to ‘core network’ in Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 should be construed as including ‘extended core network’ as defined in this Regulation. __________________ 29 Regulation (EU) No 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 (OJ L 249, 14.7.2021, p. 38).
Amendment 505 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 72 a (new)
Recital 72 a (new)
(72a) The current budget of the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027 (CEF II) has proven insufficient given the rising needs of the transport sector and the new geopolitical context as well as the enhanced TEN-T infrastructure requirements. Furthermore, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the importance to adapt parts of the TEN-T infrastructure, in particular critical infrastructure, to a dual use for civil and defence purposes. In consequence, an increase in the portion of the CEF for Transport dedicated to military mobility is needed with the aim of improving, among others, a seamless cross-border mobility of humanitarian transport. Taking into consideration all this context, the Commission and Member States should explore new funding opportunities and plan an ambitious successor programme to CEF II for the MFF post-2027, with reinforced funding.
Amendment 511 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 74 a (new)
Recital 74 a (new)
(74a) The inclusion of transport nodes (ports, airports, terminals and urban nodes) in Annexes I and II entails the application of other EU legal acts. In order to provide legal certainty and to enable long-term strategic planning, it is essential to keep the network as stable as possible and avoid exclusions. Consequently, where the established quantitative thresholds within the "planning methodology for the TEN-T" are no longer met, the Commission, shall initiate a monitoring procedure before any exclusion and shall take into account qualitative indicators such as the strategic location of the nodes and their contribution to the EU strategic autonomy, and any cyclical factors which may explain the decline in infrastructure traffic.
Amendment 553 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) 'urban node' means an functional urban area where elements of the transport infrastructure of the trans-European transport network, such as ports including passenger terminals, airports, railway stations, bus terminals, logistic platforms and facilities and freight terminals, located in and around the urban area, are connected with other elements of that infrastructure and with the infrastructure for regional and local traffic;
Amendment 578 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point p
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point p
(p) ‘active modes’ means the transport of people or goods, through non-motorised means, based on human physical activity or by a combination of an electric motor and human power;
Amendment 611 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a
(aa) ‘short-sea shipping’ means the movement of cargo and passengers by sea between ports situated in geographical waters of one or several Member States or between a port situated in waters of Member States and a port situated in waters of a neighbouring third country having a coastline on the enclosed seas bordering waters of the Unionone or several Member States;
Amendment 616 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a j
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a j
(aj) ‘maintenance’ means activities and works that have to be undertaken routinely, periodically or in emergency situations in order to be able to use the asset over its expected service life cycle with the samewith the intention of maintaining the condition and capability of existing infrastructure during its lifetime in order to ensure high level of services and safety, in line with this Regulation;
Amendment 620 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point an a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point an a (new)
(an a) ‘project authorising decision’ means the decision or a set of decisions, which may be of an administrative nature, taken simultaneously or successively by an authority or by authorities of a Member State, not including administrative and judicial appeal authorities, under a national legal system and administrative law that determine whether or not a project promoter is entitled to implement the project on the geographical area concerned on the trans-European transport network, without prejudice to any decision taken in the context of an administrative or judicial appeal procedure in accordance with Directive (EU) 2021/1187 of the European Parliament and the Council (the "Smart TEN-T Directive").
Amendment 630 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) enabling greater use of more sustainable modes of transport, including particular by further developing a long- distance rail passenger network, including at high speed, and a fullyn interoperable rail freight network, a reliable inland waterway and short-sea shipping network across the Unionfor passenger and freight across the Union and also by promoting active modes of transport;
Amendment 643 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iv
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iv
(iv) reduction of negative external costities including those related to environment, health, congestion and accidents;
Amendment 649 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the Union, includingpaying particular attention to outermost regions and other remote, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions as well as sparsely populated areas;
Amendment 675 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
(i) ensuring the accessibility for and meeting the mobility and transport needs of users, taking into account in particular the needs of people in situations of vulnerability, including persons with disabilities or reduced mobility and people living in remote regions, including the outermost regions and islands, and in rural and sparsely populated areas;
Amendment 681 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point v
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point v
(v) ensuring the resilience of infrastructure, in particular on cross-border sections and critical infrastructure;
Amendment 682 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point v a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d – point v a (new)
(va) ensuring, when relevant, the adaptation of parts of the TEN-T for the dual use of the infrastructure to address both civilian and defence needs, paying particular attention to strategic infrastructure of the Union.
Amendment 697 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the optimisation of infrastructure use, in particular through efficient capacity and traffic management and the shift towards more sustainable mobility patterns, including the development of sustainable, attractive and efficient multimodal transport services;
Amendment 707 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) the adequate consideration of the resilience of the transport network and its infrastructure, particularly strategic infrastructure, with regard to a changing climate as well as natural hazards, geopolitical changes and human-made disasters, as well as intentional disruptions with a view to addressing those challenges;
Amendment 756 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) promote the decarbonisation of transport, in particular through the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in third countries in view of establishing a continuous network linked with the trans-European transport network.
Amendment 758 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) be as specified in the maps in Annex I and in the lists in Annex II, which should exclusively represent the final goals of the network, i.e. nodes and itineraries, with their implementation deadlines (2030, 2040 or 2050). The TENtec system should reflect the evolution of the network in accordance with Article 55;
Amendment 768 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) increasing freight and passenger transport activity of more sustainable modes of transport in view of a reduction of GHG emissionthe share of more sustainable modes of transport for freight and passengers, in particular in view of a reduction of GHG emissions and pollution and of an increase of social and economic benefits from transport;
Amendment 792 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) adapting, where necessary, the infrastructure to a dual use in order to address both civilian and defence needs, paying particular attention to strategic infrastructure of the Union.
Amendment 795 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point i b (new)
(ib) removing barriers for active modes when infrastructure is being built or upgraded.
Amendment 803 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) accelerating the construction of "projected new construction lines" in cross-border sections with the potential of increasing rail freight traffic.
Amendment 815 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the development of a seamless inland waterways, aviation and maritime infrastructure system for passengers and freight;
Amendment 822 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) the deployment of the necessary infrastructure which ensures a seamless circulation of zero-emission vehiclesustainable vehicles, vessels and aircrafts.
Amendment 873 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) at the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, other exemptions may be granted by the Commission by means of implementing acts in respect of the requirements referred to in paragraph 2. Any request for exemption shall be based on a socio-economic cost-benefit analysis and an assessment of the impact on interoperability. An. The request for exemptions shall comply with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council58 , and shall be coordinated and agreed with the neighbouring Member State(s) where applicable. in case of cross-border sections. The Commission shall assess the request in view of the justification provided as well as in terms of its impact on interoperability and continuity of the railway network where relevant. The Commission shall ask for and take duly into account the opinion(s) of the neighbouring Member State(s) concerned. The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article. __________________ 58 Directive (EU) 2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union (OJ L 138, 26.5.2016, p. 44).
Amendment 894 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point c – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point c – paragraph 1
allows for a prevailing minimum operational line speed of 160 km/h for passenger trains on the passenger lines of the extended core network;
Amendment 925 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a (new)
Amendment 999 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that, by 31 December 2030, the quality of services provided by infrastructure managers to, railway undertakings and terminal operators, technical and operational requirements for infrastructure use and procedures related to border controls do not prevent the operational performance of rail freight services along the rail freight lines of the European Transport Corridors from meeting the following target values:
Amendment 1040 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) developing innovative alternative fuels technologies for railways, such as hydrogen and battery electric applications for sections that are exempted from the electrification requirement.
Amendment 1115 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) the promotion of sustainable and resilient short-sea shipping links, in particular those that concentrate flows of freight in order to reduce negative external costs such as emissions, and congestion from road transport within the Union and those that improve access to outermost and other remote, insular and peripheral regions through the establishment or upgrading of sustainable, regular and frequent maritime services.
Amendment 1144 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Without prejudice to the previous conditions, Member States may exceptionally propose or oppose the inclusion of a port in the comprehensive network in order to respect the relevant requirements established in the port legal framework or system of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 1191 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) access routes and last mile connection to multimodal passenger hubs, including infrastructure for active modes;
Amendment 1217 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that the road infrastructure of the core network and extended core network meets the requirements set out in Article 29(2), points (a), (c) and (d), by 31 December 2040.
Amendment 1222 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the road infrastructure of the core network and extended core network meets the requirements set out in Article 29(2), points (b) and (c), by 31 December 2030.
Amendment 1273 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) improving sustainability and mitigating climate, environmental and noise impacts, in particular by introducing new technologies and innovation, alternative fuels, zero- and low emission aircraft and zero and low carbon infrastructure in accordance with Regulation (EU) […] [on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure] and Regulation (EU) […] [on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport].
Amendment 1291 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 35 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall consult shippers, transport and logistics operators which operate on their territory as well as relevant authorities. They shall take into account the results of the consultation in their analysis.
Amendment 1331 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) adoption of a sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP) in line with Annex V that includes notably measures to integrate the different modes of transport, including active modes, to promote efficient zero-emission mobility including sustainable and zero-emission urban logistics and public transport, to promote affordability and accessibility to all users and address mobility poverty, to reduce air and noise pollution and that takes long- distance trans-European transport flows into consideration;
Amendment 1335 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) collection and submission to the Commission of urban mobility data per urban node covering at minimum greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, accidents and injuries, modal share and access to mobility serviceibility and affordability to mobility services, including data on mobility poverty, as well as data on air and noise pollution. Thereafter these data shall be submitted every year;
Amendment 1337 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
(iia) the adoption of concrete measures, such as the deployment of ICT tools and ITS systems and the collection of other relevant data, to allow optimised itineraries for vehicles with a view to improving the management of traffic flows, reducing congestion and air pollution and improving road safety.
Amendment 1341 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) for passenger transport: sustainable, seamless and safe interconnection between rail, road, air, the active modes of transport, including where possible EuroVelo infrastructure, and, as appropriate, inland waterway and maritime infrastructure;
Amendment 1351 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 40 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) by 31 December 2040: the development of at least one multimodal freight terminal allowing for sufficient transhipment capacity within or in the vicinity of the urban node taking into account urban logistics and last mile and access routes connections. One multimodal freight terminal may serve several urban nodes if capacity allows and be located in the urban node itself or in its vicinity.
Amendment 1358 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 40 – paragraph 1 a (new)
From 1 January 2026, EU funding for projects of common interest related to urban nodes should be made conditional to the adoption of SUMPs in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex V.
Amendment 1364 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) promotion of efficient and, low- noise and zero emission transport and mobility, including greening urban fleets and the establishment of low-emission mobility zones;
Amendment 1367 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) increase of accessibility and connectivity between urban and rural areas and unhindered access to smart, sustainable and affordable transport;
Amendment 1374 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall promote projects of common interest which both provide efficient freight transport services that use the infrastructure of the trans- European transport network and contribute to reducing carbon dioxideGHG emissions and other negative environmental and socio- economic impacts, and which aim to:
Amendment 1377 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) improve links to the most vulnerable and isolated parts of the Union, in particular the outermost regions, and other remote, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions as well as sparsely populated areas promoting regular and frequent services.
Amendment 1382 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) support and promote the decarbonisation of transport through transition to zero- and low-emission vehicles, vessels, rolling stock and aircraft and other innovative and sustainable transport and network technologies such as hyperloop;
Amendment 1384 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) encourage research and development of green and innovative mobility alternatives, such as "Mobility as a Service" solutions in territories where exceptions of TEN-T technical requirements have been granted.
Amendment 1398 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 44 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) promote efficient ways to provide accessible and comprehensible information to all users and providers of transport services regarding interconnections, interoperability and multimodality and regarding the environmental impacts of their transport choices;
Amendment 1403 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 44 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States should, when relevant, coordinate the implementation of the innovative technological developments and deployments included in paragraph (1) with neighbouring countries, particularly in cross-border sections.
Amendment 1413 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 1
Article 47 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall notify the Commission of any project of common interest in their territory with the participation of or contribution of any kind by a natural person of a third country or an undertaking of a third country with a view to allow assessment of its impact on security or public order in the Union and ensure fair competition in public procurement. This obligation shall not apply to foreign direct investments notified to the Commission and other Member States pursuant to Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/452.
Amendment 1441 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 48 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 48 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission, in coordination with the European Coordinators, shall establish a core network monitoring plan on maintenance at European level. This monitoring plan should, among others, evaluate the compliance of Member States with the requirements set in paragraph (1), study the state of play of the maintenance of the network and identify gaps in the quality requirements of infrastructure, especially in critical infrastructure. The Commission shall provide Member States with recommendations on targeted measures to improve the maintenance of the network. The Commission shall also present progress reports every two years.
Amendment 1445 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1
Article 49 – paragraph 1
Transport infrastructure, including services connected to it, shall allow seamless mobility and accessibility for all users, in particular people in situations of vulnerability including persons with disabilities or reduced mobility as well as persons living in outermost regions and other remote, rural, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions as well as sparsely populated areas.
Amendment 1449 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1
Article 50 – paragraph 1
1. European Transport Corridors are an instrument to facilitate the coordinated implementation of the parts of the core and extended core of the trans- European transport network and are intended, in particular, to improve cross- border links and to remove bottlenecks within the Union.
Amendment 1452 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) interoperability and continuity of the network;
Amendment 1457 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) a coordinated development of infrastructure, in particular in cross-border sections, notably in view of developing a fully interoperable rail freight system as well as an accessible for all users long- distance rail passenger network at high speed across the Union;
Amendment 1459 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) supporting the coordinated and integrated development and deployment of innovative solutions for the digitalisation and interoperability of transport.
Amendment 1461 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 50 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) promoting the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure.
Amendment 1479 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 5 – point e a (new)
Article 51 – paragraph 5 – point e a (new)
(ea) facilitate the establishment of a "joint authority" which may be established by mutual agreement between two or more Member States to facilitate the permit-granting procedures related to cross-border projects as set in the Smart TEN-T Directive.
Amendment 1490 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 51 – paragraph 7 – point b
(b) monitor administrative, operational and interoperability aspects of passenger traffic on the rail passenger lines of the European Transport Corridors, including monitoring the performance and accessibility of rail passenger services.
Amendment 1492 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 7 – point b a (new)
Article 51 – paragraph 7 – point b a (new)
(ba) analyse the cross-border mobility needs in EU cross-border regions and encourage Member States, in cooperation with the relevant regional and local authorities, to jointly establish "cross- border mobility plans" with targeted measures in order to, among others, increase the network connectivity index, foster the coordination and frequency of rail and public transport services between regions, address missing links and bottlenecks, enhance the performance of passenger rail services and infrastructure and improve the affordability of the cross- border services.
Amendment 1501 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 2
2. The “Corridor Forum” shall be formally established and chaired by the European Coordinator. The Member States concerned shall agree on the membership of the Corridor Forum for their part of the European Transport Corridor and ensure representation of the rail freight governance, as well as, when appropriate the relevant regional and local authorities.
Amendment 1552 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) an identification of the missing links and bottlenecks hampering the development of the corridor with particular attention to cross-border sections;
Amendment 1553 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) an analysis of the state of play of cross-border sections with a view of identifying challenges and proposing concrete measures to comply with the dates set out in this Regulation and the coherence of the financial programming of the Member States concerned to achieve this aim.
Amendment 1560 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) a description of possible solutions to address the investment needs and bottlenecks, in particular for the passenger and freight lines and nodes of the corridor;
Amendment 1561 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) a plan with intermediate targets for the removal of physical, technical, digital, operational and administrative barriers between and within transport modes paying particular attention to the improvement of accessibility for all users, and for the enhancement of efficient multimodal transport with particular attention to cross-border sections and national missing links.
Amendment 1581 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) exclude maritime ports and airports from the comprehensive network, if it is demonstrated that the average of their traffic volume over the last six years is below 85% of the relevant threshold and after initiating a monitoring procedure taking into account qualitative indicators such as their strategic location and contribution of the EU strategic autonomy and any cyclical factors explaining the decline in traffic flow;
Amendment 1587 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) include maritime ports in the core network at the request of a Member State when maritime ports comply with Article 25 paragraphs (1) and (2) and have a geopolitical strategic importance and European added value in terms of emergency supply chains, geopolitical importance, military mobility and energy security.
Amendment 1594 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 56 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) include an opt-in mechanism for urban nodes alongside the TEN-T corridors, to be included in the lists in Annex II, at the request of a Member State with the previous agreement of the urban node concerned and its relevant authorities.
Amendment 1607 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 3
Article 58 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall notify to the Commission the draft national plans and programmes, or any modification of those, with a view to developing the trans- European transport network, at least twelve months before their adoption. The Commission may issue an opinion no later than six months following the notification by the Member State on the coherence of the draft national plans and programmes with the priorities set out in this Regulation and with the priorities set out in the work plans for the corresponding corridor(s) and of the horizontal priorities and in the implementing acts adopted in accordance with Article 54(1). The Member States shall inform the Commission, no later than two months after notification of the opinion, on the measures adopted to address the recommendations set out in the opinion. Projects of national plans that are not aligned with Union transport policy shall not be considered to be a priority for receiving Union funds.
Amendment 1616 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 62 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 62 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall, after considering the reasons provided by the Member State or Member States concerned pursuant to the first subparagraph, adopt a decision addressed to the Member State or Member States concerned, finding that the significant delay in starting or completing the work on the core network, extended core network or on the comprehensive network is attributable to the Member State or Member States without an objective justification. The Commission shall give the Member State or Member States concerned 6 months to eliminate the significant delay.
Amendment 1620 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 63 – paragraph 1
Article 63 – paragraph 1
The provisions relating to railways, and in particular any requirement to connect airports and ports to railways as well as the provisions related to safe and secure parking and multimodal freight terminals shall not apply to Cyprus, Malta, islands and outermost regions for as long as no railway system is established within their territory.
Amendment 1679 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Add the following to the core network: - Ferrol - A Coruña (freight)
Amendment 1681 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Add the following to the core network: - Zaragoza-Tardienta (freight)
Amendment 1683 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Add the following to the core network: - Zaragoza-Lleida-Tarragona (freight/conventional)
Amendment 1684 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Add the following to the core network: - Vigo - Porto (passenger and freight
Amendment 1685 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Add the following to the core network: - Santiago - Vigo - Ourense (freight)
Amendment 1687 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23
Add the following to the core network: - Santiago - Ourense (passenger)
Amendment 1691 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Add the following to the comprehensive network: - Plasencia - Salamanca - Astorga (freight and passenger)
Amendment 1693 #
2021/0420(COD)
Add the following to the comprehensive network: - Granada - Port of Motril (freight and passenger/new construction
Amendment 1695 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Add the following to the extended core network: - Pau - Huesca (freight and passenger)
Amendment 1697 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Add the following to the extended core network: - Santander - Bilbao (freight and passengers/≥ 200 km/h/new construction)
Amendment 1698 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Amendment 1741 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Cádiz Maritime port: Comprehensivre (Bahía de Cádiz)
Amendment 1744 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Castellón Maritime port: Comprehensivre
Amendment 1746 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Ferrol Maritime port: Comprehensivre
Amendment 1748 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Gandía Maritime port: Comprehensive
Amendment 1751 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Santander Maritime port: Comprehensivre
Amendment 1753 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Vigo Maritime port: Comprehensivre
Amendment 1755 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Annex 2 - table - section ES
Node name: Vilagarcía de Arousa Maritime port: Comprehensive
Amendment 1790 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 3 - part 2/14
Annex 3 - part 2/14
Add the following to the corridor Atlantic Corridor: - Santander - Bilbao
Amendment 1809 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 3 - part 10/14 and part 11/14
Annex 3 - part 10/14 and part 11/14
Add the following to the corridor Mediterranean Corridor: - Maintain the route of the Mediterranean Corridor, including across Hungary
Amendment 1828 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 1
Annex V – point 1
1. Goals and objectives: A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) shall have as central goal improving accessibility of the functional urban area to all users with particular attention to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, and providing high- quality, safe and sustainable low-emission mobility to, through and within the functional urban area. It shall notably support zero-emission mobility and the implementation of an urban transport system which contributes to a better overall performance of the trans- European transport network, in particular through the establishment of low-emission mobility zones, the development of infrastructure for the seamless circulation of zero-emission vehicles as well as of multimodal passenger hubs to facilitate first and last mile connections and of multimodal freight terminals serving urban nodes.
Amendment 1831 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 2
Annex V – point 2
2. Long-term vision and short-term implementation plan: A SUMP shall include a – or be linked to an existing – long term strategy, including in financial terms, for the future development of transport infrastructure and multi-modal services. It shall also include a delivery plan for the short-term implementation of the strategy. It shall be embedded into an integrated approach for sustainable development of the urban area and linked to relevant land-use and spatial planning.
Amendment 1835 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 3
Annex V – point 3
3. Integration of the different modes of transport: A SUMP shall promote multimodal accessible transport through the integration of the different modes and measures aimed at facilitating seamless and sustainable mobility. It shall include actions to increase the modal share of the more sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, active mobility, and, as appropriate, inland waterway and maritime transport. It shall also include actions to promote zero-emission mobility, in particular with regard to the greening of the urban fleet, to reduce congestion and to improve road safety in particular of vulnerable road users. establishment of low-emission mobility zones, the greening of the urban fleet, to reduce congestion, to improve accessibility for all users with particular attention to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as to improve road safety in particular of vulnerable road users in accordance with EU road safety standards, including standards for safety of cycling infrastructure.
Amendment 1841 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 5
Annex V – point 5
5. Participatory approach: The development and implementation of a SUMP shall be based on an integrated approach with a high level of cooperation, coordination and consultation between the different levels of government and relevant authorities. Citizens as well as representatives of civil society and economic actors shall also be involved, in particular urban transport authorities. Citizens, accessibility experts, as well as representatives of civil society, including organisations of persons with disabilities and economic actors shall also be involved. It shall also support the creation of a multi-level collaboration platform at national level to identify and address shortcomings in rural-urban connectivity covering the functional urban areas and assess the possibilities offered by regional mobility plans.
Amendment 1848 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 6
Annex V – point 6
6. Monitoring and performance indicators: A SUMP shall include objectives, targets and indicators underpinning the current and future performance of the urban transport system, at minimum, on greenhouse gas emissions, improved management of traffic flows, congestion, accidents and injuries, modal share and access to mobility services and infrastructure to all users, as well as data on air and noise pollution in cities. The implementation of a SUMP shall be monitored using performance indicators. Member States and the relevant authorities shall implement mechanisms to ensure that a SUMP is in line with the provisions of this Annex and of high quality.
Amendment 1851 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 1
Annex V – point 1
1. Goals and objectives: A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) shall have as central goal improving accessibility of the functional urban area to all users with particular attention to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, and providing high- quality, safe and sustainable low-emission mobility to, through and within the functional urban area. It shall notably support zero-emission mobility and the implementation of an urban transport system which contributes to a better overall performance of the trans- European transport network, in particular through the establishment of low-emission mobility zones, the development of infrastructure for the seamless circulation of zero-emission vehicles as well as of multimodal passenger hubs to facilitate first and last mile connections and of multimodal freight terminals serving urban nodes.
Amendment 1854 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 2
Annex V – point 2
2. Long-term vision and short-term implementation plan: A SUMP shall include a – or be linked to an existing – long term strategy, including in financial terms, for the future development of transport infrastructure and multi-modal services. It shall also include a delivery plan for the short-term implementation of the strategy. It shall be embedded into an integrated approach for sustainable development of the urban area and linked to relevant land-use and spatial planning.
Amendment 1858 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 3
Annex V – point 3
3. Integration of the different modes of transport: A SUMP shall promote multimodal accessible transport through the integration of the different modes and measures aimed at facilitating seamless and sustainable mobility. It shall include actions to increase the modal share of the more sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, active mobility, and, as appropriate, inland waterway and maritime transport. It shall also include actions to promote zero-emission mobility, in particular with regard to the greening of the urban fleet, to reduce congestion and to improve road safety in particular of vulnerable road users. establishment of low-emission mobility zones, the greening of the urban fleet, to reduce congestion, to improve accessibility for all users with particular attention to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as to improve road safety in particular of vulnerable road users in accordance with EU road safety standards, including standards for safety of cycling infrastructure.
Amendment 1864 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 5
Annex V – point 5
5. Participatory approach: The development and implementation of a SUMP shall be based on an integrated approach with a high level of cooperation, coordination and consultation between the different levels of government and relevant authorities. Citizens as well as representatives of civil society and economic actors shall also be involved, in particular urban transport authorities. Citizens, accessibility experts, as well as representatives of civil society, including organisations of persons with disabilities and economic actors shall also be involved. It shall also support the creation of a multi-level collaboration platform at national level to identify and address shortcomings in rural-urban connectivity covering the functional urban areas and assess the possibilities offered by regional mobility plans.
Amendment 1871 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – point 6
Annex V – point 6
6. Monitoring and performance indicators: A SUMP shall include objectives, targets and indicators underpinning the current and future performance of the urban transport system, at minimum, on greenhouse gas emissions, improved management of traffic flows, congestion, accidents and injuries, modal share and access to mobility services and infrastructure to all users, as well as data on air and noise pollution in cities. The implementation of a SUMP shall be monitored using performance indicators. Member States and the relevant authorities shall implement mechanisms to ensure that a SUMP is in line with the provisions of this Annex and of high quality.
Amendment 45 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In the context of the implementation of Commission Delegated Regulations39 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU, Member States have established national access points40 (NAPs). The NAPs organise the access to and reuse of transport related data to help support the provision of EU-wide interoperable travel and traffic ITS services to end users. These NAPs are an important component of the common European mobility data space under the European strategy for data41 and should be relied upon in particular as regards the accessibility of metadata and data. __________________ 39 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 885/2013 of 15 May 2013 supplementing ITS Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of information services for safe and secure parking places for trucks and commercial vehicles (OJ L 247, 18.9.2013, p. 1); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 886/2013 of 15 May 2013 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to data and procedures for the provision, where possible, of road safety-related minimum universal traffic information free of charge to users (OJ L 247, 18.9.2013, p. 6); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/962 of 18 December 2014 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide real-time traffic information services (OJ L 157, 23.6.2015, p. 21); and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1926 of 31 May 2017 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide multimodal travel information services (OJ L 272, 21.10.2017, p. 1). 40 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport- themes/intelligent-transport- systems/road/action-plan-and- directive/national-access-points_en 41 COM(2020) 66 final0066.
Amendment 50 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) To ensure a coordinated and, effective and interoperable deployment of ITS within the Union as a whole, specifications including, where appropriate, standards, laying down further detailed provisions and procedures should be introduced, in addition to already adopted specifications. Before adopting any additional or revised specifications, the Commission should assess their compliance with certain defined principles set out in Annex II. Priority should be given in the first instance to the four main areas of ITS development and deployment. During further implementation of ITS the existing ITS infrastructure deployed by a particular Member State should be taken into account in terms of technological progress and financial efforts made. If appropriate, it should be ensured, in particular for C-ITS, that requirements for ITS systems neither impose nor discriminate in favour of the use of a particular type of technology.
Amendment 97 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2010/40/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the specifications adopted by the Commission in accordance with Article 6 are applied to ITS applications and services, where those are deployed, in accordance with the principles in Annex II. This is without prejudice to the right of each Member State to decide on its deployment of such applications and services on its territory. This right is without prejudice to Articles 6a and 6b. Where relevant, Member States shall also cooperate, including with relevant stakeholders, on the enforcement of those specifications. The Commission shall adopt a methodology for the harmonisation of National Access Points’ architecture as part of its working program referred to in Article 17(5).
Amendment 100 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2010/40/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall also cooperate, including with relevant stakeholders, in respect of the priority areas, insofar as no specifications have been adopted with regard to those priority areas.
Amendment 103 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2010/40/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall also cooperate, where necessary, including with relevant stakeholders, on operational aspects of the implementation of and compliance with the specifications adopted by the Commission, such as standards and EU harmonised profiles, common definitions, common metadata, common quality requirements and aspects related to the interoperability of National Access Points’ architectures, common data exchange conditions, as well as common training and outreach activities.’;
Amendment 128 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Directive 2010/40/EC
Article 9
Article 9
(9a) Article 9 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 9 Non-binding measures The Commission mayshall adopt guidelines and other non-binding measures to facilitate Member States’ cooperation relating to the priority areas in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(2). These guidelines shall define and establish a process by which Member States will share the data types listed in Annex III, which have been made available by ITS service providers, between each other through their NAPs in a centralised and cooperative manner.’; Or. en (Directive 2010/40/EC)
Amendment 145 #
2021/0419(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1.3 a (new)
Annex I – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1.3 a (new)
Directive 2010/40/EC
Annex I – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1.3 a (new)
Annex I – point 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1 – paragraph 1 – point 3.1.3 a (new)
3.1.3a. Ensure rapid adaptation of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, to include Next Generation eCall technologies.
Amendment 1 #
2021/0356(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the application relates in total to 1 052 workers made redundant in the Spanish automotive sector; regrets that Spain expects that only 320 out of the total eligible beneficiaries will participate in the measures (targeted beneficiaries); encourages local authorities to more pro- actively motivate displaced people to take part in proposed actions in order to increase the number of targeted beneficiaries;
Amendment 11 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. Whereas the transport and tourism sectors are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis and will be key to the recovery of the internal market and EU economy; whereas transport has proven vital to ensuring the continuous flow of goods and the distribution of vaccines across the EU during the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 14 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that appropriate funding for transport projects will be instrumental in boosting EU recovery and advancing towards the green and digital transition; calls on the Commission and Member States to use the available financial tools - CEF, RRF, Cohesion Fund, InvestEU, ERDF - in an articulate and complementary way to maximise their effect on recovery while ensuring adequate long-term funding of EU transport projects; welcomes the multiannual financial framework (MFF) agreement on a simpler, more efficient and results- oriented own resources system that takes into account EU priorities, in particular its environmental and digital ambitions;
Amendment 29 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. [05 03 03] Welcomes the increase in the Cohesion Fund allocation to the CEF for transport in 2022; notes however, that it is far from compensating the sharp decrease observed in 2021; reiterates the essential role the Union transport policy and investment play in enhancing territorial, social and economic cohesion in the Union;
Amendment 30 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. [09 03] Welcomes the important funding of the Just Transition Fund under the Just Transition Mechanism for 2022 to ensure a fair and inclusive transition to climate neutrality; highlights the role of the Mechanism and its public sector loan facility in investing in safe, sustainable and resilient transport and tourism infrastructure in the regions that are the most affected by transition challenges such as rural and sparsely populated, disadvantaged regions and environmentally vulnerable territories and in promoting affordable and accessible mobility services for all passengers, including those with disabilities and reduced mobility; stresses the need to support the up- and reskilling of workers and jobseekers in the transport sector, as well as productive and sustainable investment in SMEs;
Amendment 35 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. [02 02] Notes with satisfaction the strong increase in the InvestEU budget from 2021 and its important reinforcement from NextGenerationEU in 2022; recalls the Commission that adequate funding of InvestEU beyond the operation period of NGEU and through the MFF 2021-2027 is key to foster sustainable and safe infrastructure, mobility solutions and equipment and for the deployment of innovative technologies and alternative fuels;
Amendment 39 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. [13 04 01] Notes with satisfaction, despite the drastic reduction of its ambitions in the MFF negotiations, the slight increase in the military mobility budget in 2022 which aims to adapt parts of the TEN-T networks for a dual use of the transport infrastructure with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility;
Amendment 41 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes financing under the REACT-EU across economic sectors, such us tourism, as it supported SMEs in job maintenance and job creation, among others, as well as in their green and digital recovery;
Amendment 42 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. [02 10 02] [02 10 03] Requests alignment of the funding of European transport agencies with the level of their responsibility and their role in the transition towards decarbonisation of transport modes; welcomes in that regard the increase in the budget contribution to the European Maritime Security Agency (EMSA) and the European union Agency for Railways (ERA) which should address, among others, unexpected needs such as those related to cybersecurity and the shortage of staff given the raise in applications to implement the Fourth Railway Package; highlights ERA’s role is crucial to achieving a lasting shift from road to rail and to advance in the establishment of the Single European Railway Area; regrets the decrease in the allocation foreseen for EMSA in the Council's position, taking into account EMSA's key role in supporting the sustainability of maritime transport and its future responsibilities in the green transformation of the sector;
Amendment 46 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. [02 10 01] Notes the slight increase of the EU total contribution to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) proposed for 2022; reiterates that adequate financing of EASA is needed in line with its role as “European strategic investment” agency and its new core tasks received in 2018: recalls EASA’s contribution to the green recovery of the EU’s aviation industry;
Amendment 49 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. [01 02 02 51/52/53/54] Salutes the establishment of the Clean Aviation, Europe’s Rail, Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research Joint Undertaking 3 (SESAR 3) and Clean Hydrogen partnerships; calls for adequate funding of these joint undertakings so that they can play their role in boosting innovation and research and in improving the transport sector’s performance, safety and sustainability;
Amendment 51 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. [02 20 04 01] Recalls the importance of communication activities on EU transport policy such as transport security or Passenger rights to raise awareness and respond to citizens’ demands, particularly in the context of the European Year of Rail and the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 52 #
2021/0227(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. [13 01 03 74] Welcomes the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), officially replacing INEA, and highlights its important role in continuing to support sustainable, safe and smart transport services and infrastructure projects;
Amendment 169 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) LNG is likely to play a continued role in maritime transport, where there is currently no economically viable zero- emission powertrain technology available. The Communication on the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy points to zero-emission seagoing ships becoming market ready by 2030. Fleet conversion should take place gradually due to the long lifetime of the ships. Contrary to maritime transport, for inland waterways, with normally smaller vessels and shorter distances, zero-emission powertrain technologies, such as hydrogen and electricity, should enter the markets more quickly. LNG is expected to no longer play a significant role in that sector. Transport fuels such as LNG need increasingly to be decarbonised by blending/substituting with liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) or renewable and low-carbon synthetic gaseous e-fuels (e-gas) for instance. Those decarbonised fuels can be used in the same infrastructure as gaseous fossil fuels thereby allowing for a gradual shift towards decarbonised fuels. The role of this fuel as a transitional alternative fuel would remain vital until 2035.
Amendment 246 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Hydrogen-powered motor vehicles have at present very low market penetration rates. However, a build-up of sufficient hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is essential in order to make large-scale hydrogen-powered motor vehicle deployment possible as envisaged in the Commission’s hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe54 . Currently, hydrogen refuelling points are only deployed in a few Member States and are largely not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, not allowing for a circulation of hydrogen vehicles across the Union. Mandatory deployment targets for publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling points should ensure that a sufficiently dense network of hydrogen refuelling points is deployed across the TEN-T core network to allow for the seamless travel of hydrogen fuelled light-duty and, heavy- duty vehicles and long-distance collective passenger transport throughout the Union. _________________ 54 COM(2020) 301 final.
Amendment 252 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Hydrogen fuelled vehicles should be able to refuel at or close to the destination, which is usually located in an urban area. To ensure that publicly accessible destination refuelling is possible at least in the main urban areas, all urban nodes as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council55 should provide such refuelling stations. Within the urban nodes, public authorities should consider to deploy the stations within multimodal freight centres as those are not only the typical destination for heavy-duty vehicles but could also serve hydrogen to other transport modes, such as rail and inland shipping, inland shipping and long-distance collective passenger transport. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 265 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) A number of LNG refuelling points are established in the Union, already providing a backbone for the circulation of LNG driven heavy-duty vehicles. The TEN-T corDespite this, significant gaps in the LNG network remain across the EU. The TEN-T core and comprehensive networks should remain the basis for the deployment of LNG infrastructure, and progressively for bio- LNG, as it covers the main traffic flows and allows cross border connectivity throughout the Union. It had been recommended in Directive 2014/94/EU that such refuelling points be installed every 400 km on the TEN-T core network, but certain limited gaps in the network remain to reach that objective. Member States should by 2025 reach that objective and fill the remaining gaps, after which the target should cease to apply.
Amendment 276 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Transport infrastructure should allow seamless mobility and accessibility for all users, including persons with disabilities and older persons. In principle, the location of all recharging and refuelling stations as well as the recharging and refuelling stations themselves should be designed in such a way that they can be used by as much of the public as possibleaccessible and user-friendly for all public, in particular by older persons, persons with reduced mobility and persons with disabilities. This should include for example providing sufficient space around the parking lot, ensuring that the recharging station is not installed on a kerbed surface, ensuring that the buttons or screen of the recharging station are at an appropriate height and the weight of the recharging and refuelling cables is such that persons with limited strength can handle them with ease. In addition the user interface of the related recharging stations should be accessible. In that sense, the accessibility requirements in Annexes I and III to Directive 2019/88257 should be applicable to recharging and refuelling infrastructure. _________________ 57 Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, p. 70).
Amendment 307 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Container ships and passenger ships, being the ship categories which are producing the highest amount of emissions per ship at berth, in other words, when the ship is securely moored at a berth while loading and unloading, should as a priority be provided with shore-side electricity supply. In order to take into account power demand characteristics while at berth of different passenger ships, as well as port operational characteristics, it is necessary to distinguish between the passenger ship requirements for ro-ro passenger ships and high speed passenger vessels, and those for other passenger ships.
Amendment 311 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) These targets should take into account the types of vessels served and their respective traffic volumes. Maritime ports with low traffic volumes of certain ship categories, should be exempted from the mandatory requirements for the corresponding ship categories based on a minimum level of traffic volume, so as to avoid underused capacity being installed. Similarly, the mandatory targets should not aim to target maximum demand, but a sufficiently high volume, in order to avoid underused capacity and to take account of port operational characteristics. Maritime transport is an important link for the cohesion and economic development of islands and the outermost regions in the Union. Energy production capacity in these islands and outermost regions may not always be sufficient to account for the power demand required to support the provision of shore- side electricity supply. In such a case islands and the outermost regions should be exempted from this requirement unless and until such an electrical connection with the mainland has been completed or there is a sufficient locally generated capacity from clean energy sources.
Amendment 342 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In accordance with Article 3 of Directive 2014/94/EU, Member States have established national policy frameworks outlining their plans and objectives to ensure that those objectives would be met. Both the assessment of the national policy framework and the evaluation of Directive 2014/94/EU have highlighted the need for higher ambition and a better coordinated approach across Member States in view of the expected acceleration in the uptake of alternative fuel vehicles, in particular of electric vehicles. Furthermore, alternatives to fossil fuel will be needed in all transport modes to meet the ambitions of the European Green Deal. The existing National Policy Frameworks should be revised to clearly describe how the much greater need for publicly accessible recharging and refuelling infrastructure as expressed in the mandatory targets is going to be met by the Member States. The national policy frameworks should be based on territorial analysis, identifying the different needs and taking into account, when relevant, existing local and regional deployment plans of refuelling and recharging infrastructure. Particular attention should be paid to rural areas in order to ensure their closest accessibility to these refuelling and recharging infrastructures based on an ex-ante evaluation of their corresponding needs focused on i.e. users' demand, socioeconomic local activities, mobility basic needs... Furthermore, the revised frameworks should equally address all transport modes including those for which no mandatory deployment targets exists, of particular importance for rural areas too.
Amendment 359 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Member States should make use of a wide range of regulatory and non- regulatory incentives and measures to reach the mandatory targets and implement their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with regional and local authorities, as well as private sector actors, who should play a key role in supporting the development of alternative fuels infrastructure.
Amendment 364 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41 a (new)
Recital 41 a (new)
(41 a) With an overall climate target of 30% of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 37% of the Cohesion Fund, cohesion policy will play a key role in the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure across the EU. Therefore, regional and local authorities will have a fundamental role in the planning and implementing of the targets set in this Regulation. They should also be fully involved in the elaboration and implementation of the national policy frameworks for the deployment of the alternative fuels infrastructure, and should ensure that no territories are left behind in terms of accessibility and availability of the latter.
Amendment 366 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41 b (new)
Recital 41 b (new)
(41 b) Rural areas, which are home to 30.6% of the EU, are more exposed to suffer, particularly those that are sparsely populated, from lack of transport-related infrastructure, including for alternative fuels, and quality and frequent transport services. This has a direct impact on rural regions' connectivity and socioeconomic development. In order to promote the transition to smart and sustainable mobility as well in rural areas, Member States and regional and local authorities, should cooperate to implement a coherent plan of deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in these territories, in line with their national policy frameworks, which should comply with the accessibility and availability needs of these territories. Member States and regional and local authorities should make use of the European, national and regional funds at their disposal for this matter.
Amendment 376 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) Data should play a fundamental role in the adequate functioning of recharging and refuelling infrastructure. The format, the frequency and the quality in which these data should be made available and accessible should determine the overall quality of an alternative fuels infrastructure ecosystem that meets user needs. Moreover, those data should be accessible in a coherent manner in all Member States. Therefore, data should be provided in accordance with the requirements set in Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and the Council59 for national access points (NAPs). The Commission should establish a European access point which connects all NAPs and which is publicly accessible for users to easily access relevant information on the refuelling and recharging points at any time. The development of a public interface at EU level is needed to access this data and give users information on the accessibility and availability, including waiting times and the remaining alternative fuels capacity of the refuelling and recharging points. This could help preventing traffic disruption and benefit road safety. The interface should also provide users with a standardised and secure booking and payment systems. The form of this interface should be standardised, multilingual and user-friendly. _________________ 59 Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport (OJ L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 416 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b – indent 1
– biomass fuels, including biogas, bioliquids and biofuels as defined in Article 2, points (27), (28), (32) and (33) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001,
Amendment 475 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 57
(57) ‘ship at berth’ means a ship which is securely moored at a berth as defined in Article 3, point (n) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757in a port falling under the jurisdiction of a Member State while it is loading and unloading, including the time spent when not engaged in cargo operations; in case of cruise vessels, hoteling is included;
Amendment 494 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
– publicly accessible recharging stations for light-duty vehicles are deployed commensurate to the uptake of light-duty electric vehicles, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles;
Amendment 608 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) by 31 December 2030, in each safe and secure parking area at least one recharging station dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles with a power output of at least 1050 kW is installed;
Amendment 613 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) by 31 December 2025, in each urban nodes where services for heavy-duty vehicles are offered, publicly accessible recharging points dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles providing an aggregated power output of at least 600 kW are deployed, provided by recharging stations with an individual power output of at least 150 kW;
Amendment 620 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) by 31 December 2030, in each urban nodes where services for heavy-duty vehicles are offered, publicly accessible recharging points dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles providing an aggregated power output of at least 1200 kW are deployed, provided by recharging stations with an individual power output of at least 150 kW.
Amendment 635 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States should, in coordination with the relevant stakeholders, carry out a study before 2025 in order to evaluate and plan the necessary reinforcements to the electricity grids that would supply power to the TEN- T network in line with the evolution of the heavy-duty vehicle market.
Amendment 795 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure until 1 January 202530 that an appropriate number of publicly accessible refuelling points for LNG and CNG are put in place, at least along the TEN-T core and comprehensive networks, in order to allow LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles to circulate throughout the Union, where there is demand, unless the costs are disproportionate to the benefits, including environmental benefits.
Amendment 813 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that a minimum shore-side electricity supply for seagoing container and seagoing at berth passenger ships is provided in TEN-T maritime ports. To that end, Member States shall take, in cooperation with the managing body or the competent authority, the necessary measures to ensure that by 1 January 2030:
Amendment 846 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The provision of electricity in ports can be supplied from the electricity grid or by mobile GPUs powered with electricity or with zero-carbon fuels.
Amendment 860 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) port calls that are at berth for less than twofour hours, calculated on the basis of hour of departure and arrival monitored in accordance with Article 14 of the proposal for a Regulation COM(2021)562;
Amendment 868 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) port calls by ships without shore connection or that are not securely moored at a berth while are loading or unloading, including the time spent when not engaged in cargo operations;
Amendment 872 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)
(c b) port calls that are at berth, that require the use of on-board energy generation, under emergency situations representing immediate risk to life, the ship, the environment or for other reasons of force majeure;
Amendment 874 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Where the maritime port of the TEN-T core network and the TEN-T comprehensive network is located on an island or in an outermost region as referred to in Article 349 TFEU, which is not connected directly to the electricity grid, paragraph 1 shall not apply, until such a connection has been completed or there is a sufficient locally generated capacity from clean energy sources.
Amendment 917 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall support the development or repurposing of needed infrastructure to facilitate the penetration of renewable and low-carbon gases, such as hydrogen and ammonia.
Amendment 944 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a Targets for supply of alternative fuels infrastructure along the rail network Member States shall ensure that an appropriate number of charging stations for battery-powered trains and hydrogen refuelling stations for rail are put in place for sections of the TEN-T rail network for which a derogation from the electrification requirements has been granted in line with Article 12(3) or Article 39(3) of Regulation 1315/2013/EU.
Amendment 945 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 b (new)
Article 12 b (new)
Article 12 b Flexibility due to national circumstances 1. In addition to the provisions set out in this Regulation, the Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts authorising any Member State to introduce timeframe extensions for specific national circumstances. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21 (2). 2. A Member State wishing to extend those timeframes shall inform the Commission accordingly and in due time and shall provide the Commission with all relevant and necessary justified information. 3. The Commission shall examine the request, taking into account, inter alia, socioeconomic cohesion, the proper functioning of the internal market, the need to ensure fair competition and Union environment, energy and transport policies.
Amendment 973 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point i a (new)
(i a) measures to guarantee accessibility of all territories to refuelling and recharging infrastructure, paying particular attention to rural areas to ensure their closest accessibility. Targeted policies and measures should be considered and implemented for these territories by Member States.
Amendment 991 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point m
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point m
(m) a deployment plan for non- transitional alternative fuels infrastructure in maritime ports, in particular for electricity and hydrogen, for port services as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/352 of the European Parliament and of the Council66 ; _________________ 66 Regulation (EU) 2017/352 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2017 establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports (OJ L 57, 3.3.2017, p. 1).
Amendment 996 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point n
(n) a deployment plan for non- transitional alternative fuels infrastructure in maritime ports other than for LNG and shore-side electricity supply for use by sea going vessels, in particular for hydrogen, ammonia and electricity;
Amendment 1010 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point p a (new)
(p a) measures to promote an appropriate number of charging stations for battery-powered trains and hydrogen refuelling stations along the TEN-T network where electrification is not possible;
Amendment 1099 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18, paragraph 2, new point I
2. Operators of publicly accessible recharging and refuelling points or, in accordance with the arrangement between them, the owners of those points, shall ensure the availability of static and dynamic data concerning alternative fuels infrastructure operated by them and allow accessibility of that data through the National Access Points at no cost. The following data types shall be made available: I. Publicly accessible electric recharging points
Amendment 1100 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
(a) static data for publicly accessible recharging and refuelling points operated by them:
Amendment 1102 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) geographic location of the recharging or refuelling point,
Amendment 1103 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iii a) opening hours, identification and payment methods,
Amendment 1104 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iv
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iv
(iv) contact information of the owner and operator of the recharging and refuelling station.
Amendment 1108 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b – introductory part
(b) further static data for publicly accessible recharging points operated by them:
Amendment 1110 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – introductory part
(c) dynamic data for all recharging and refuelling points operated by them:
Amendment 1112 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – point i
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – point i
(i) operational statusavailability (operational/out of order),
Amendment 1114 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – point ii
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c – point ii
(ii) availabilityoccupation status (in use/ not in use),
Amendment 1124 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new) Artclee 18 – paragraph 2 – new point II
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new) Artclee 18 – paragraph 2 – new point II
2 a. II.Publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling points and other publicly accessible refuelling points: (a) static data: (i) geographic location, (ii) number of parking spaces for people with disabilities, (iii) opening hours, identification and payment methods, (iv) contact information of the owner and operator of the recharging station. (b) dynamic data: (i) availability (operational/out of order).
Amendment 1129 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. By 31 December 2026, the Commission shall establish a common European access point for data on alternative fuels infrastructure that connects all National Access Points and that offers access to all data referred to in paragraph 2. The Commission shall ensure that the data contained in the common European access point on the availability and accessibility, including waiting times and the remaining alternative fuels capacity, of the refuelling and recharging points, is available through a public, up-to-date, user-friendly, accessible and multilingual interface at EU level. The Commission shall ensure its compatibility and interoperability across the EU and specify the functionalities and EU standards of this interface by an implementing act.
Amendment 1132 #
2021/0223(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. The Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a standardised and secure booking system is provided throughout this interface.
Amendment 49 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The European Green Deal5 establishes the objective of the Union becoming climate neutral in 2050 at the latest in a manner that contributes to the European economy, growth and job creationsustainability of the European economy, environmental protection, social development, growth and job creation while tackling climate change. That objective, and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 Climate Target Plan6 that was endorsed both by the European Parliament7 and by the European Council8 Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 ('European Climate Law'), requires an energy transition and significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system. _________________ 5 Communication from the Commission COM(2019) 640 final of 11.12.2019, The European Green Deal. 6 Communication from the Commission COM(2020) 562 final of 17.9.2020, Stepping up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition Investing in a climate-neutral future for the benefit of our people 7 European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP)) 8 European Council conclusions of 11 December 2020, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/47 296/1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
Amendment 51 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the European Green Deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, given that the energy sector contributes over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the Union. By reducing those greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss; contributing to the overall improvement of environmental conditions and avoiding extreme weather- related phenomena such as draughts and floods.
Amendment 54 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) Promoting domestic renewable energy reduces de Union's energy dependence and its need to import fossil fuels, increasing energy security.
Amendment 56 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2 b) Around 35 million Europeans are affected by energy poverty1a and renewable energy policies have an important role to play in any strategy tackling energy poverty and consumer vulnerability. _________________ 1a Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/1563 of 14 October 2020 on energy poverty
Amendment 57 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 c (new)
Recital 2 c (new)
(2 c) Member States should therefore ensure that incentives and proactive policies are put in place to facilitate the uptake of efficient renewable energy generation and heating and cooling, not only in middle-and high-income households, but also and specifically in those households with low-income at risk of energy poverty, paying special attention to those located in sparsely populated areas.
Amendment 59 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 d (new)
Recital 2 d (new)
(2 d) The various sources of sustainable renewable energy available should be integrated. Their use should also be fostered through the establishment of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities geared towards social and environmental sustainability from the viewpoint of both the participants and the distribution system grid operators.
Amendment 64 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 sets a binding Union target to reach a share of at least 32 % of energy from renewable sources in the Union's gross final consumption of energy by 2030. Under the Climate Target Plan, the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption would need to increase to 405% by 2030 in order to achieve the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target10 . Therefore, the target set out in Article 3 of that Directive needs to be increased. _________________ 9 Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82–209 10 Point 3 of the Communication from the Commission COM(2020) 562 final of 17.9.2020, Stepping up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition Investing in a climate- neutral future for the benefit of our people
Amendment 75 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) There is a growing recognition of the need for alignment of bioenergy policies with the cascading principle of biomass use11 , with a view to ensuring fair access to the biomass raw material market for the development of innovative, high value-added bio-based solutions and a sustainable circular bioeconomy. When developing support schemes for bioenergy, Member States should therefore take into consideration the available sustainable supply of biomass for energy and non- energy uses and the maintenance of the national forest carbon sinks and ecosystems as well as ensuring protection of biodiversity and the enhancement of the principles of the circular economy and the biomass cascading use, and the waste hierarchy established in Directive 2008/98/ECof the European Parliament and of the Council12 . For this, they should grant no support to the production of energy from saw logs, veener logs, stumps and roots and avoid promoting the use of quality roundwood for energy except in well-defined circumstances, for example, to ensure wildfire prevention. In line with the cascading principle, woody biomass should be used according to its highest economic and environmental added value in the following order of priorities: 1) wood-based products, 2) extending their service life, 3) re-use, 4) recycling, 5) bio- energy and 6) disposal. Where no other use for woody biomass is economically viable or environmentally appropriate, energy recovery helps to reduce energy generation from non- renewable sources. Member States’ support schemes for bioenergy should therefore be directed to such feedstocks for which little market competition exists with the material sectors, and whose sourcing is considered positive for both climate and biodiversity, in order to avoid negative incentives for unsustainable bioenergy pathways, as identified in the JRC report ‘The use of woody biomass for energy production in the EU’13 . On the other hand, in defining the further implications of the cascading principle, it is necessary to recognise the national specificities which guide Member States in the design of their support schemesWaste prevention, reuse and recycling of waste should be the priority option. Member States should avoid creating support schemes which would be counter to targets on treatment of waste and which would lead to the inefficient use of recyclable waste. Moreover, in order to ensure a more efficient use of bioenergy, from 2026 on Member States should not give support anymore to electricity-only plants , unless the installations are in regions with a specific use status as regards their transition away from fossil fuels or if the installations use carbon capture and storage. _________________ 11 The cascading principle aims to achieve resource efficiency of biomass use through prioritising biomass material use to energy use wherever possible, increasing thus the amount of biomass available within the system. In line with the cascading principle, woody biomass should be used according to its highest economic and environmental added value in the following order of priorities: 1) wood-based products, 2) extending their service life, 3) re-use, 4) recycling, 5) bio-energy and 6) disposal. 12 Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3). 13 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reposit ory/handle/JRC122719
Amendment 80 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The rapid growth and increasing cost-competitiveness of renewable electricity production can be used to satisfy a growing share of energy demand, for instance using heat pumps for space heating or low-temperature industrial processes, electric vehicles for transport, or electric furnaces in certain industries. Renewable electricity can also be used to produce synthetic fuels for consumption in hard-to-decarbonise transport sectors such as aviation and maritime transport. A framework for electrification needs to enable robust and efficient coordination and expand market mechanisms to match both supply and demand in space and time, stimulate investments in flexibility, energy storage and demand response, and help integrate large shares of variable renewable generation. Member States should therefore, while taking into account the energy first principle, ensure that the deployment of renewable electricity continues to increase at an adequate pace to meet growing demand. For this, Member States should establish a framework that includes market-compatible mechanisms to tackle remaining barriers to have secure and adequate electricity systems fit for a high level of renewable energy, as well as storage facilities, fully integrated into the electricity system. In particular, this framework shall tackle remaining barriers, including non-financial ones such as insufficient digital and human resources of authorities to process a growing number of permitting applications. The Commission should help Member States to bring down administrative barriers, in particular with a view to simplify and accelerate permitting procedures for renewable energy projects.
Amendment 82 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) When calculating the share of renewables in a Member State, renewable fuels of non-biological origin should be counted in the sector where they are consumed (electricity, heating and cooling, or transport). To avoid double-counting, the renewable electricity used to produce these fuels should not be counted. This would result in a harmonisation of the accounting rules for these fuels throughout the Directive, regardless of whether they are counted for the overall renewable energy target or for any sub-target. It would also allow to count the real energy consumed, taking account of energy losses in the process to produce those fuels. Moreover, it would allow for the accounting of renewable fuels of non- biological origin imported into and consumed in the Union. When renewable fuels of non-biological origin are consumed in a Member State other than the Member State where they were produced, in order to compensate the costs incurred by the producing Member State and to avoid discouraging investments, rules should be established to account for at least a minimum amount of the renewable fuels of non-biological origin consumed in a Member State towards the share of gross final consumption of energy from renewable sources in the Member State where they were produced.
Amendment 84 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) All fields of EU policies must orient its actions towards the newly established climate targets and achieve climate neutrality. This is the case for Cohesion Policy, which has, for over twenty years, contributed to decarbonising the economy, while providing examples and best practices that can be mirrored in other policy dimensions, such as the amending of this Directive. Cohesion policy not only offers investment opportunities to respond to local and regional needs through the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, but also provides an integrated policy framework to reduce developmental disparities between the European regions and helps them address the multiple challenges to their development, including through environmental protection, high- quality employment and fair, inclusive and sustainable development.
Amendment 87 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7 b) Islands, small islands, outermost and peripheral regions have an enormous potential in the production of renewable energy and are strategic laboratories for implementing innovative policy solutions and technical measures to deliver the energy transition and reduce CO2 emissions, walking the path towards energy independence, allowing them to play a crucial role for the purposes of research into climate change and biodiversity, and becoming a mirror for the rest of the Union. They should be able to access sufficient economic resources and adequate training in order to deliver integrated, sector-coupled and innovative interventions for sustainable infrastructure and local economic development.
Amendment 88 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 c (new)
Recital 7 c (new)
(7 c) Accurate data and information are needed at national, regional and local levels in order to contribute to the transition to an energy system based on renewable technologies. This data can be obtained from a number of EU-based sources such as the Earth observation system Copernicus and the soon to be created Rural Observatory.
Amendment 89 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 d (new)
Recital 7 d (new)
(7 d) Cohesion policy ensures greater coherence and coordination between the cohesion policy and other EU legislative fields, improving the policy integration of climate aspects, designing more effective source-based policies, providing targeted EU funding and, consequently, improving the implementation of climate policies on the ground.
Amendment 90 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 e (new)
Recital 7 e (new)
(7 e) It is paramount to fully uphold multi-level governance and partnership principles in the transition to a climate- neutral economy, as local and regional authorities have direct competencies on the environment and climate change, implementing 90% of climate adaptation and 70% of climate mitigation actions. Furthermore, these authorities also develop actions that aim to promote climate-friendly behaviour among citizens, including those linked to waste management, smart mobility, sustainable housing and energy consumption.
Amendment 91 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 f (new)
Recital 7 f (new)
(7 f) The transition towards climate neutrality must be just and inclusive, with a particular focus on people living in rural and remote areas, and more specifically on those territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, avoiding any increase in regional disparities and empowering workers and local and regional communities.
Amendment 92 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 g (new)
Recital 7 g (new)
(7 g) Specificities of all regions as defined in Article 174 TFEU need to be fully reflected in the transition process, in particular by focusing on rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps in order to ensure the overall harmonious development of all areas. In this regard, the national plans should integrate the specificities of their regions with a view to combating the climate crisis and making local communities more resilient.
Amendment 94 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy introduces an ambitious objective of 300 GW of offshore wind and 40 GW of ocean energy across all the Union’s sea basins by 2050. To ensure this step change, Member States and its relevant regional and local authorities will need to work together across borders at sea-basin level. Member States and their relevant regional and local actors should therefore jointly define the amount of offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin by 2050, with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040. These objectives should be reflected in the updated national energy and climate plans that will be submitted in 2023 and 2024 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. In defining the amount, Member States should take into account the offshore renewable energy potential of each sea basin, environmental protection and biodiversity, climate adaptation and other uses of the sea, as well as the Union’s decarbonisation targets. In addition, Member Stateespecially the activities that were already taking place in the affected areas, the possible harm to the environment, the article 2 of the Paris Agreement, as well as the Union’s decarbonisation targets should be taken into account. In addition, Member States and their relevant sub-administrations should increasingly consider the possibility of combining offshore renewable energy generation with transmission lines interconnecting several Member States, in the form of hybrid projects or, at a later stage, a more meshed grid. This would allow electricity to flow in different directions, thus maximising socio- economic welfare, optimising infrastructure expenditure and enabling a more sustainable usage of the sea. Member States bordering a sea basin could use the maritime spatial planning process to ensure a strong public participation approach so that the views of all stakeholders and coastal communities are taken into account, as well as the activities already taking place in the affected areas.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The market for renewable power purchase agreements is rapidly growing and provides a complementary route to the market of renewable power generation in addition to support schemes by Member States or to selling directly on the wholesale electricity market. At the same time, these agreements provide the producer with the security of a certain income whilst the user can benefit from a stable electricity price. The market for renewable power purchase agreements is still limited to a small number of Member States and large companies, with significant administrative, technical and financial barriers remaining in large parts of the Union’s market. The existing measures in Article 15 to encourage the uptake of renewable power purchase agreements should therefore be strengthened further, by exploring the use of credit guarantees to reduce these agreements’ financial risks, taking into account that these guarantees, where public, should not crowd out private financing.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Insufficient numbers of skilled workers, in particular installers and designers of renewable heating and cooling systems, slow down the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems by renewable energy based systems, including solar thermal photovoltaic systems, shallow geothermal systems and heat pumps and energy storage systems, and is a major barrier to integrating renewables in buildings, industry and agriculture. Member States should cooperate with social partners and renewable energy communities to anticipate the skills that will be needed. A sufficient number of high-quality training programmes and certification possibilities ensuring proper installation and reliable operation of a wide range of renewable heating and cooling systems should be made available and designed in a way to attract participation in such training programmes and certification systems. Training courses and qualifications already acquired by the operators on the basis of the previous legislation must be preserved. Member States should consider what actions should be taken to attract groups currently under- represented in the occupational areas in question. The list of trained and certified installers should be made public to ensure consumer trust and easy access to tailored designer and installer skills guaranteeing proper installation and operation of renewable heating and cooling.
Amendment 113 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Distributed and decentralised generation, demand response and storage assets, such as domestic batteries and batteries of electric vehicles, smart heating and cooling systems, and other smart devices have the potential to offer considerable flexibility and balancing services to the grid through aggregation. In order to facilitate the development of such services, the regulatory provisions concerning connection and operation of the decentralised generation and storage assets, such as tariffs, commitment times and connection specifications, should be designed in a way that does not hamper the potential of all storage assets, including small and mobile ones, to offer flexibility and balancing services to the system and to contribute to the further penetration of renewable electricity, in comparison with larger, stationary storage assets.
Amendment 114 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Increasing ambition in the heating and cooling sector is key to delivering the overall renewable energy target given that heating and cooling constitutes around half of the Union's energy consumption, covering a wide range of end uses and technologies in buildings, industry and district heating and cooling. To accelerate the increase of renewables in heating and cooling, an annual 1.1 percentage point increase at Member State level should be made binding as a minimum for all Member States. For those Member States, which already have renewable shares above 50% in the heating and cooling sector, it should remain possible to only apply half of the binding annual increase rate and Member States with 60% or above may count any such share as fulfilling the average annual increase rate in accordance with points b) and c) of paragraph 2 of Article 23. In addition, Member State- specific top-ups should be set, redistributing the additional efforts to the desired level of renewables in 2030 among Member States based on GDP and cost- effectiveness. A longer list of different measures should also be included in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 to facilitate increasing the share of renewables in heating and cooling. Member States may implement one or more measures from the list of measures. When adopting and implementing those measures, Member states should ensure their accessibility to all consumers, in particular those in low- income or vulnerable households, and should require a significant share of measures to be implemented as a priority in low-income households at risk of energy poverty and in social housing.
Amendment 116 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) The use of renewable fuels and renewable electricity in transport can contribute to the decarbonisation of the Union transport sector in a cost-effective manner, and improve, amongst other, energy diversification in that sector while promoting innovation, growth and jobs in the Union economy and reducing reliance on energy imports. With a view to achieving the increased target for greenhouse gas emission savings defined by the Union, the level of renewable energy supplied to all transport modes in the Union should be increased. Expressing the transport target as a greenhouse gas intensity reduction target would stimulate an increasing use of the most cost-effective and performing fuels, in terms of greenhouse gas savings, in transport. In addition, a greenhouse gas intensity reduction target would stimulate innovation and set out a clear benchmark to compare across fuel types and renewable electricity depending on their greenhouse gas intensity. However, in order to ensure the achievement of the greenhouse gas emission savings target, Member States should have the possibility to do so by means of measures targeting volumes, energy content or greenhouse gas emissions, provided that it is demonstrated that the greenhouse gas intensity reduction and minimum shares are achieved. Complementary to this, increasing the level of the energy-based target on advanced biofuels and biogas and introducing a target for renewable fuels of non-biological origin would ensure an increased use of the renewable fuels with smallest environmental impact in transport modes that are difficult to electrify. The achievement of those targets should be ensured by obligations on fuel suppliers as well as by other measures included in [Regulation (EU) 2021/XXX on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport - FuelEU Maritime and Regulation (EU) 2021/XXX on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport]. Dedicated obligations on aviation fuel suppliers should be set only pursuant to [Regulation (EU) 2021/XXX on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport].
Amendment 118 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Electromobility will play an essential role in decarbonising the transport sector. To foster the further development of electromobility, Member States should establish a credit mechanism enabling operators of charging points accessible to the public. as well as private charging points to contribute, by supplying renewable electricity, towards the fulfilment of the obligation set up by Member States on fuel suppliers. While supporting electricity in transport through such a mechanism, it is important that Member States continue setting a high level of ambition for the decarbonisation of their liquid fuel mix in transportmainly in hard-to- decarbonise transport sectors, such as the maritime and aviation sectors.
Amendment 140 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 22 c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 22 c (new)
(c a) 'energy efficiency first' means 'energy efficient first' as defined in point (18) of Article 2 of Regulation(EU) 2018/1999
Amendment 143 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall collectively ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in the Union’s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 405%.;
Amendment 165 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
No later than one year after [the entry into force of this amending Directive], the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 35 on how to apply the cascading principle for biomass, in particular on how to minimise the use of quality roundwood for energy production, with a focus on support schemes and with due regard to national specificitiesand while taking into account available volumes of feedstock and share of pre- existing competing industrial uses other than energy purposes, with a focus on support schemes and with due regard to national specificities. This delegated act shall consider the necessary forest management activities, aimed notably at ensuring wildfire prevention.
Amendment 172 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 3 – paragraph 4a
Article 3 – paragraph 4a
4a. Member States shall establish a framework, which may include support schemes and facilitating the uptake of renewable power purchase agreements, enabling the deployment of renewable electricity to a level that is consistent with the Member State’s national contribution referred to in paragraph 2 and at a pace that is consistent with the indicative trajectories referred to in Article 4(a)(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. In particular, that framework shall tackle remaining barriers, including those related to permitting procedures, to a high level of renewable electricity supply. When designing that framework, Member States shall take into account the additional renewable electricity required to meet demand in the transport, industry, building and heating and cooling sectors and for the production of renewable fuels of non-biological origin. Member States and their relevant sub-national administrations shall endeavour to promote the most sustainable renewable energy generation technologies, for example by assessing the embodied carbon footprint of the projects and applying sustainability best practices in the project development.;
Amendment 174 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 7 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2
With regard to the first subparagraph, point (a), (b), or (c), gas and electricity from renewable sources shall be considered only once for the purposes of calculating the share of gross final consumption of energy from renewable sources. Energy produced from renewable fuels of non-biological origin shall be accounted in the sector - electricity, heating and cooling or transport - where it is consumed. When renewable fuels of non-biological origin are consumed by a Member State different than the producing Member State, a minimum level of energy shall be accounted in the Member State where it is produced.
Amendment 176 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 25 – paragraph 1a
Article 25 – paragraph 1a
1a. By 31 December 2025, each Member State shall agree to establish at least one joint project with one or more other Member States for the production of renewable energy. Such cooperation may involve local and regional authorities and private operators. The Commission shall be notified of such an agreement, including the date on which the project is expected to become operational. Projects financed by national contributions under the Union renewable energy financing mechanism established by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/129425 shall be deemed to satisfy this obligation for the Member States involved.; Local and regional authorities involved in cross-border projects, including joint structures such as Euro regions and EGTCs, should also be eligible for financial support and technical assistance. _________________ 25 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1294 of 15 September 2020 on the Union renewable energy financing mechanism (OJ L 303, 17.9.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 182 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 9 – pargraph 7a
Article 9 – pargraph 7a
7a. Member States bordering a sea basin shall cooperate to jointly define the amount of offshore renewable energy they plan to produce in that sea basin by 2050, with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040. They shall take into account the specificities and development in each region, especially the activities that already take place in the affected area, the socioeconomical reality, and the possible harm to the environment, the offshore renewable potential of the sea basin and the importance of ensuring the associated integrated grid planning. Member States shall notify that amount in the updated integrated national energy and climate plans submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.;
Amendment 185 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 7 – paragraph 7c (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 7c (new)
(4 a) The following paragraph is added: When defining the amount of offshore renewable energy, Member States bordering a sea basin should use the maritime spatial planning process ensuring a strong public participation approach so that the views of all stakeholders and affected coastal communities, as well as the impacts on the activities already taking place in the affected areas, are taken into account to ensure sustainable management of the maritime space;
Amendment 186 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point c
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 15 – pargraph 8 – subparagraph 2a (new)
Article 15 – pargraph 8 – subparagraph 2a (new)
8 a. Following the assessment of Member States under the first subparagraph, the Commission shall analyse the barriers to long-term power purchase agreements and in particular to the deployment of cross-border renewable power purchase agreements and issue guidance on the removal of these barriers;
Amendment 188 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point d
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 15 – pargraph 9
Article 15 – pargraph 9
9. By six months after the entry into force of this amending Directive, the Commission shall revise the guidelines on permit granting to shorten and simplify the process for new and repowered projects, including renewable hybrid plants and co-located facilities, including recommendations to remove administrative barriers to renewable energy projects and the electricity transmission assets necessary for their connection and integration into the electricity system, present best practices on permitting and grid interconnection and key performance indicators on how to apply the rules on administrative procedures set out in this Directive. To this end, the Commission shall carry out appropriate consultations that include all relevant stakeholders, including local and regional authorities. The Commission shall assess Member States' current permitting practices and propose corrective measures to align them with the Commission's guidelines. The Commission's assessment shall be made public. In the absence of progress, the Commission may take additional measures to support Member States in their implementation by assisting them in reforming and streamlining their permitting procedures. By one year after the entry into force of this amending Directive, the Commission shall review, and where appropriate, propose modifications to, the rules on administrative procedures set out in Articles 15, 16 and 17 and their application, and may take additional measures to support Member States in their implementation.;
Amendment 196 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 15a – paragraph 1
Article 15a – paragraph 1
1. In order to promote the production and use of renewable energy in the building sector, Member States shall set an indicative target for the share of renewables in final energy consumption in their buildings sector in 2030 that is consistent with an indicative target of at least a 49 % share of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector in the Union’s final consumption of energy in 2030. The national target shall be expressed in terms of share of national final energy consumption and calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Article 7 including in the calculation of the share of final consumption of the electricity from renewable sources comprising self-consumption, energy communities and the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix. Member States shall include their target in the updated integrated national energy and climate plans submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 as well as information on how they plan to achieve it.
Amendment 198 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 15a – paragraph 4
Article 15a – paragraph 4
Amendment 199 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 15b (new)
Article 15b (new)
(6 a) The following Article is inserted: Article 15 b 'Integrated renewable energy resources assessment and planning' Member States shall perform integrated mapping and planning for the deployment of renewable energy resources on their territory at NUTS 3 level in coordination with all relevant national, regional and local authorities.In doing so, Member States must ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, especially where pre-existing economic activities are affected. The integrated mapping and planning referred to in paragraph 1 shall also consider the flexibility needs and the energy storage facilities required to ensure a stable and resilient penetration of renewables, taking into account elements such as the differing energy shifting timescales, seasonal variations and energy scarcity periods. In identifying the most suitable areas for the deployment of renewables, Member States shall determine different levels of priority taking into account both the availability of the energy resource and the environmental and biodiversity protection and impacts on local communities and pre-existing activities. Member States may facilitate the deployment of projects in the areas identified as having the highest level of priority through the permit- granting process set out in Article 16(6), without prejudice to Article 16(7)'.
Amendment 200 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 201 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall ensure that trained and qualified installers of renewable heating and cooling systems, solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, shallow geothermal systems, heat pumps and storage systems and active demand respond systems are available in sufficient numbers for the relevant technologies to service the growth of renewable heating and cooling required to contribute to the annual increase in the share of renewable energy in the heating and cooling sector as set out in Article 23, in buildings as set out in Article 15a and for renewable energy in transport as set out in Article 25, as well as the overall renewable energy target as set out in Article 3.
Amendment 202 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
To achieve such sufficient numbers of installers and designers, Member States or their competent authorities at regional and local level, may promote shall ensure that sufficient training programmes leading to qualification or certification covering renewable heating and cooling technologies, storage technologies, and their latest innovative solutions, including infrastructure are made available. Member States shall put in place measures to promote participation in such programmes, in particular by small and medium-sized enterprises and the self- employed. Member States may put in place voluntary agreements with the relevant technology providers and vendors to train sufficient numbers of installers, which may be based on estimates of sales, in the latest innovative solutions and technologies available on the market.
Amendment 204 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
4 a. By 31 December 2025 the Commission shall assess the availability of trained and qualified installers of renewable energy technologies needed to cover the demand for jobs at Member State level. Where necessary, the Commission shall make recommendations to Member States to reduce any gap in the availability of trained workers, which shall be made publicly available.
Amendment 205 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a – point i
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
To that end, Member States shall ensure that a guarantee of origin is issued in response to a request from a producer of energy from renewable sources. Member States may arrange for guarantees of origin to be issued for energy from non- renewable sources. Issuance of guarantees of origin may be made subject to a minimum capacity limit. A guarantee of origin shall be of the standard size of 1 MWh. No more than one guarantee of origin shall be issued in respect of each unit of energy produced.;
Amendment 212 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 22 – point a
Article 22 – point a
1. Member States, in coordination with regions and local authorities, shall endeavour to increase the share of renewable sources in the amount of energy sources used for final energy and non- energy purposes in the industry sector by an indicative average minimum annual increase of 1.1 percentage points by 2030.
Amendment 215 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 22 – point b
Article 22 – point b
Member States, in coordination with regions and cities, shall include the measures planned and taken to achieve such indicative increase in their integrated national energy and climate plans and progress reports submitted pursuant to Articles 3, 14 and 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.
Amendment 218 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 22 – point c
Article 22 – point c
Member States, in coordination with regions and cities, shall ensure that the contribution of renewable fuels of non- biological origin used for final energy and non-energy purposes shall be 50 % of the hydrogen used for final energy and non- energy purposes in industry by 2030. For the calculation of that percentage, the following rules shall apply:
Amendment 220 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
2. Member States, in coordination with regions and cities, shall ensure that industrial products that are labelled or claimed to be produced with renewable energy and renewable fuels of non- biological origin shall indicate the percentage of renewable energy used or renewable fuels of non-biological origin used in the raw material acquisition and pre-processing, manufacturing and distribution stage, calculated on the basis of the methodologies laid down in Recommendation 2013/179/EU27 or, alternatively, ISO 14067:2018.; _________________ 27 2013/179/EU: Commission Recommendation of 9 April 2013 on the use of common methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations, OJ L 124, 4.5.2013, p. 1–210
Amendment 222 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point b
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 23 – paragraph 1a
Article 23 – paragraph 1a
1a. Member States shall carry out an assessment of their potential of energy from renewable sources and of the use of waste heat and cold in the heating and cooling sector including, where appropriate, an analysis of areas suitable for their deployment at low ecological risk and of the potential for small-scale household projects with the participation of local and regional authorities. The assessment shall set out milestones and measures to ian increase of renewables in heating and cooling and, where appropriate, the use of waste heat and cold through district heating and cooling and small-scale household and SMEs with a view of establishing a long- term national strategy to decarbonise heating and cooling. The assessment shall be in accordance with the energy efficiency first principle and part of the integrated national energy and climate plans referred to in Articles 3 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, and shall accompany the comprehensive heating and cooling assessment required by Article 14(1) of Directive 2012/27/EU.;
Amendment 223 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point c a (new)
(c a) the following subparagraph is inserted: Member States shall in particular provide information to the owners or tenants of buildings and SMEs on cost-effective measures, and financial instruments, to improve the use of renewable energy in the heating and cooling systems. Member States shall provide the information through accessible and transparent advisory tools based in one-stop shops;
Amendment 225 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) other policy measures, with an equivalent effect, including fiscal measures, support schemes or other financial incentives contributing to the installation of renewable heating and cooling equipment and the development of energy networks supplying renewable energy for heating and cooling in buildings and industry.
Amendment 226 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 23– paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 23– paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
When adopting and implementing those measures, Member States shall ensure their accessibility to all consumers including those who are tenants, in particular those in low-income or vulnerable households and shall require a significant share of masures to be implemented as a priority in households living in a condition of energy poverty as defined in the [Energy Efficiency Directive Recast] and in social housing, who would not otherwise possess sufficient up-front capital to benefit.;
Amendment 231 #
2021/0218(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14
Directive (EU) 2018/2001
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall establish a mechanism allowing fuel suppliers in their territory to exchange credits for supplying renewable energy to the transport sector. Economic operators that supply renewable electricity to electric vehicles through public and private recharging stations shall receive credits, irrespectively of whether the economic operators are subject to the obligation set by the Member State on fuel suppliers, and may sell those credits to fuel suppliers, which shall be allowed to use the credits to fulfil the obligation set out in paragraph 1, first subparagraph.;
Amendment 232 #
2021/0218(COD)
(14 a) When setting the obligation referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph to ensure the achievement of the targets set out therein, Member States may do so by means of measures targeting volumes, energy content or greenhouse gas emissions, provided that it is demonstrated that the green house gas intensity reduction and minimum shares referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph are achieved. Member States implementing the greenhouse gas intensity reduction target in Article 25 (1) by means of measures targeting volumes or energy content shall consider the share of renewable electricity to be four times its energy content;
Amendment 52 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) International maritime transport activity, consisting of voyages between ports under the jurisdiction of two different Member States or between a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and a port outside the jurisdiction of any Member State, has been the only means of transportation not included in the Union's past commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from fuel sold in the Union for journeys that depart in one Member State and arrive in a different Member State or a third country have grown by around 36 % since 1990. Those emissions represent close to 90 % of all Union navigation emissions as emissions from fuel sold in the Union for journeys departing and arriving in the same Member State have been reduced by 26 % since 1990. In a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from international maritime transport activities are projected to grow by around 14 % between 2015 and 2030 and 34 % between 2015 and 2050. If the climate change impact of maritime transport activities grows as projected, it would significantly undermine reductions made by other sectors to combat climate change.
Amendment 70 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) The European Commission stated in its "Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy" the importance of all transport modes to become more sustainable, with green alternatives widely available and to put in place the right incentives to drive the transition. Furthermore, the Commission's Strategy recognised that maritime transport has greater decarbonisation challenges since there is currently no economically viable zero- emission power train technology available and the fuel mix in the maritime sector relies entirely on fossil fuels. The June 2020 Council Conclusions on “EU Waterborne Transport Sector – Future outlook: Towards a carbon-neutral, zero accidents, automated and competitive EU Waterborne Transport Sector” stressed the need to support the development of alternative fuels for use in all segments of waterborne transport. It presented a vision for green and carbon-neutral ports and coastal areas that included the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel. In addition, the European Parliament's Resolution on "Maritime efficient and cleaner maritime transport" of April 2021, recognised the importance of transitional technologies, such as LNG and LNG infrastructure, for a gradual transition towards zero- emissions alternatives in the maritime sector;
Amendment 75 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 b (new)
Recital 17 b (new)
(17 b) Given the key role of alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase, such as LNG, in the decarbonisation of the maritime transport, and taking into account the long lifetime of ships, ships operating with these alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase, should be liable to surrender allowances from 2026 in order to ensure a smooth and just inclusion in the EU ETS.
Amendment 76 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 c (new)
Recital 17 c (new)
(17 c) Ships operating under a public service contract or subject to public service obligations, and ships operating to and/or from the outermost regions of the EU should be exempted from any obligations under this Directive, given their high EU value in improving EU regions' accessibility and socioeconomic cohesion.
Amendment 83 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The Commission should review the functioning of Directive 2003/87/EC in relation to maritime transport activities in the light of experience of its application, including in relation to possible evasive practices and socioeconomic and competitiveness impact in the EU maritime sector, and should then propose measures to tackle the latter and ensure its effectiveness towards the decarbonisation of the sector.
Amendment 103 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The scope of the Innovation Fund referred to in Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC should be extended to support innovation in low-carbon technologies and processes that concern the consumption of fuels in the sectors of buildings and road transport. In addition, the Innovation Fund should serve to support investments to decarbonise the maritime transport sector, including investments in sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia that are produced from renewables, and their corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructures in ports as well as zero- emission propulsion technologies like wind technologies. Considering that revenues generated from penalties raised in Regulation xxxx/xxxx [FuelEU Maritime]52 are allocated to the Innovation Fund as external assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(5) of the Financial Regulation, the Commission should ensure that due consideration is given to support for innovative projects aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of renewable and low carbon fuels in the maritime sector, as specified in Article 21(1) of Regulation xxxx/xxxx [FuelEU Maritime]. To ensure sufficient funding is available for innovation within this extended scope, the Innovation Fund should be supplemented with 50 million allowances, stemming partly from the allowances that could otherwise be auctioned, and partly from the allowances that could otherwise be allocated for free, in accordance with the current proportion of funding provided from each source to the Innovation Fund. __________________ 52[add ref to the FuelEU Maritime Regulation].
Amendment 111 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
Amendment 115 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
Amendment 119 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
Amendment 120 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
Amendment 128 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
Amendment 130 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
Amendment 134 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
Amendment 135 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
Amendment 138 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
Amendment 139 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
Amendment 146 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
Amendment 147 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
Amendment 149 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
Recital 49
Amendment 154 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
Recital 49
Amendment 156 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
Recital 50
Amendment 159 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
Recital 50
Amendment 163 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
Recital 51
Amendment 164 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
Recital 51
Amendment 169 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 52
Recital 52
Amendment 172 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) The introduction of the carbon price in road transport and buildings should be accompanied by effective social compensation, especially in view of the already existing levels of energy poverty. About 34 million Europeans reported an inability to keep their homes adequately warm in 2018, and 6,9 % of the Union population have said that they cannot afford to heat their home sufficiently in a 2019 EU-wide survey60 . To achieve an effective social and distributional compensation, Member States should be required to spend the auction revenues on the climate and energy-related purposes already specified for the existing emissions trading, but also for measures added specifically to address related concerns for the new sectors of road transport and buildings, including related policy measures under Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council61 . Auction revenues should be used to address social aspects of the emission trading for the new sectors with a specific emphasis incosts of the transition, and the increased volatility of energy and commodity prices owing to transition- related adjustments and resource depletion, make it necessary to protect the most vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users. In this spirit, a new Social Climate Fund will provide dedicated funding to Member States to support the European citizens most affected or at risk of energy or mobility poverty. This Fund will promote fairness and solidarity between and within Member States while mitigating the risk of energy and mobility poverty during the transition. It will build on and complement existing solidarity mechanisms. The resources of the new Fund will in principle correspond to 25 % of the expected revenues from new emission trading in the period 2026-2032, and will be implemented on the basis of the Social Climate Plans that Member States should put forward under Regulation (EU) 20…/nn of the European Parliament and the Council62 . In addition, each Member State should use their auction revenues inter alia to finance a part of the costs of their Social Climate PlansSMEs while maintaining a high level of investment to ensure the ecological transition is a success. Therefore, a Social Climate Fund should be established in order to ensure an inclusive and just transition that leaves no one behind. __________________ 60 Data from 2018. Eurostat, SILC [ilc_mdes01]. 61Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1–56). 62[Add ref to the Regulation establishing the Social Climate Fund].
Amendment 174 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
Amendment 176 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
Amendment 178 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
Recital 54
Amendment 182 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
Recital 54
Amendment 186 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
Recital 55
Amendment 189 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
Recital 55
Amendment 191 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
Amendment 194 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
Amendment 198 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
Amendment 203 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
Amendment 207 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 209 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) The Commission stated in its "Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy" the importance of all transport modes to become more sustainable, with green alternatives widely available and to put in place the right incentives to drive the transition. Furthermore, the Commission's Strategy recognised that maritime transport has greater decarbonisation challenges since there is currently no economically viable zero- emission power train technology available and the fuel mix in the maritime sector relies entirely on fossil fuels. The June 2020 Council Conclusions on “EU Waterborne Transport Sector – Future outlook: Towards a carbon-neutral, zero accidents, automated and competitive EU Waterborne Transport Sector” stressed the need to support the development of alternative fuels for use in all segments of waterborne transport. It presented a vision for green and carbon-neutral ports and coastal areas that included the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel. In addition, the European Parliament's resolution of 27 April 2021 on technical and operational measures for more efficient and cleaner maritime transport, recognised the importance of transitional technologies, such as LNG and LNG infrastructure, for a gradual transition towards zero- emissions alternatives in the maritime sector.
Amendment 209 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 210 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
Amendment 211 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
Amendment 215 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 b (new)
Recital 17 b (new)
(17b) Given the key role of alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase, such as LNG, in the decarbonisation of the maritime transport, and taking into account the long lifetime of ships, ships operating with these alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase, should be liable to surrender allowances from 2026 in order to ensure a smooth and just inclusion in the EU ETS.
Amendment 217 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
Amendment 218 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 c (new)
Recital 17 c (new)
(17c) Ships operating under a public service contract or subject to public service obligations, and ships operating to and/or from the outermost regions of the EU should be exempted from any obligations under this Directive, given their high EU value in improving EU regions' accessibility and socioeconomic cohesion.
Amendment 218 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
Amendment 228 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 66
Recital 66
Amendment 239 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Directive shall apply to the activities listed in Annexes I and III, and to the of greenhouse gases listed in Annex II. Where an installation that is included in the scope of the EU ETS due to the operation of combustion units with a total rated thermal input exceeding 20 MW changes its production processes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and no longer meets that threshold, it shall remain in the scope of the EU ETS until the end of the relevant five year period referred to in Article 11(1), second subparagraph, following the change to its production process.
Amendment 243 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point b
Article 3 – point b
(b) ‘emissions’ means the release of greenhouse gases from sources in an installation or the release from an aircraft performing an aviation activity listed in Annex I or from ships performing a maritime transport activity listed in Annex I of the gases specified in respect of that activity, or the release of greenhouse gases corresponding to the activity referred to in Annex III;;
Amendment 244 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 2003/87
Article 3 – point d
Article 3 – point d
(d) ‘greenhouse gas emissions permit’ means the permit issued in accordance with Articles 5, 6 and 30b;6;
Amendment 249 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point v
Article 3 – point v
(v) ‘shipping company’ means the shipowner or any other organisation or person, such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, that has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and that, on assuming such responsibility, has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council(*);; When the ultimate responsibility for the purchase of the fuel or the operation of the ship is assumed, pursuant to a contractual agreement, by a different entity, this entity shall be responsible under this contractual agreement to cover the costs arising from the implementation of this Directive. Operation of the ship for the purposes of this Article shall mean determining the cargo carried, the route or the speed of the ship.
Amendment 251 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point w a (new)
Article 3 – point w a (new)
Amendment 256 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point w b (new)
Article 3 – point w b (new)
Amendment 258 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point w c (new)
Article 3 – point w c (new)
(w c) "transhipment operation” means an operation in which any cargo, container or good is unloaded from a ship to the port for the sole purpose of loading it on another ship;
Amendment 260 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point w d (new)
Article 3 – point w d (new)
(w d) "non-EU neighbouring country" means a non-EU country which is connected by the same sea basin to an EU Member State, or adjacent to an EU Member State;
Amendment 262 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point x
Article 3 – point x
Amendment 266 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point y
Article 3 – point y
Amendment 267 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point z
Article 3 – point z
Amendment 298 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga – paragraph 1a (new)
Article 3ga – paragraph 1a (new)
In the case of ships operating with "alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase" (i.e. LNG) as defined in Article 2 in Regulation (EU) […][on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure] liability to surrender allowances shall follow the following schedule: (a) 20 % of verified emissions reported for 2026; (b) 45 % of verified emissions reported for 2027; (c) 70 % of verified emissions reported for 2028; (d) 100 % of verified emissions reported for 2029 and each year thereafter.
Amendment 303 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga – paragraph 2
Article 3ga – paragraph 2
To the extent that fewer allowances are surrendered compared to the verified emissions from maritime transport for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, once the difference between verified emissions and allowances surrendered has been established in respect of each year, a corresponding quantity of allowances shall be cancelled rather than auctioned pursuant to Article 10. The latter will apply correspondingly to the years 2026, 2027 and 2028 for ships operating with "alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase".
Amendment 305 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3ga – paragraph 2 a (new)
Each shipping company shall be entitled to use international credits up to a maximum of 6 % of its verified emissions during the period from 2023 to 2030 when officially proving these credits are obtained participating in decarbonisation projects within the EU regions where they operate their ships
Amendment 309 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga b (new)
Article 3ga b (new)
Article 3ga b Maritime Transition Fund The European Commission shall propose the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Transition Fund in order to support and accelerate projects, investments and innovations in the EU maritime sector. The dedicated Fund shall support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, supporting the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and its corresponding recharging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as the development of the most innovative European technologies in the fleet, as well as the promotion of fleet renewal across the EU ship building industry.
Amendment 315 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3gd b (new)
Article 3gd b (new)
Amendment 331 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ge – paragraph 2
Article 3ge – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall monitor the implementation of this Chapter and possible trends and results as regards companies seeking to avoid being bound by the requirements of this Directive, as well as results on the socioeconomic impact and competitiveness in the EU maritime sector. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose measures to prevent such avoidancethe latter.;
Amendment 362 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point g
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point g
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3
The Innovation Fund shall cover the sectors listed in Annex I and Annex III, including environmentally safe carbon capture and utilisation (“CCU”) that contributes substantially to mitigating climate change, as well as products substituting carbon intensive ones produced in sectors listed in Annex I, and to help stimulate the construction and operation of projects aimed at the environmentally safe capture and geological storage (“CCS”) of CO2, as well as of innovative renewable energy and energy storage technologies; in geographically balanced locations. The Innovation Fund may also support break- through innovative technologies and infrastructure, including for refuelling and recharging infrastructure in ports according to Regulation (UE) […][on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure] to decarbonise the maritime sector and for the production of low- and zero-carbon fuels in aviation, rail and road transport. Special attention shall be given to projects in sectors covered by the [CBAM regulation] to support innovation in low carbon technologies, CCU, CCS, renewable energy and energy storage, in a way that contributes to mitigating climate change.
Amendment 376 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Directive 2003/87/CE
Article 12 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 b (new)
(-a) the following paragraph 1b is added: " Access to the EU ETS market shall be limited to operators with compliance obligations under the EU ETS. This includes stationary installations operators, aviation operators and maritime operators. Access shall also be granted to financial intermediaries purchasing allowances on behalf of operators mentioned above."
Amendment 385 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c a (new)
(c a) An obligation to surrender allowances shall not arise, until 2030, in respect of emissions from ships operating in deep-sea routes with Carbon Leakage risks and under an efficiency benchmark. The list of routes and the efficiency benchmark shall be determined by the Commission. The Commission shall monitor and report every year on the situation of carbon leakage to Member States from the implementation of this Regulation. The Commission shall assess the need to extend this provision and/or the need for new preventive measures - such as incentives to shipping companies performing such routes- from 2030 to avoid carbon leakage risks in transhipment ports of the EU close to non-EU transhipment ports as well as in deep-sea routes.
Amendment 386 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c b (new)
(c b) An obligation to surrender allowances shall not arise in respect of: - 100% of emissions of ships operating under a public service contract concluded in accordance to article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 of 7 December 1992. - 50% of emissions of greenhouse gases for ships subject to public service obligations in accordance to article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 of 7 December 1992. - 100% of the voyages performed by a ship with total annual emissions lower than 10.000 tonnes per year. - emissions from voyages operating inside the outermost regions of the EU and emissions from voyages between a port located in an outermost region of a Member State and a port located in the same Member Sated outside that outermost regions.
Amendment 391 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point c c (new)
Directive 2003/87/CE
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – a a (new)
(cc) the following paragraph 3-aa is inserted: "3–aa. For the purpose of this Directive, the CO2 emissions from shipping shall not be taken into account in the following circumstances: (i) humanitarian voyages; (ii) search and rescue voyages or parts of normal voyages by ships where search and rescue activities had to be carried out;"
Amendment 397 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 29a – paragraph 1
Article 29a – paragraph 1
Amendment 402 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Chapter IVa
Chapter IVa
Amendment 403 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Chapter IVa
Chapter IVa
Amendment 408 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30a
Article 30a
Amendment 410 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30b
Article 30b
Amendment 413 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30c
Article 30c
Amendment 415 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30d
Article 30d
Amendment 418 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
Amendment 428 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Amendment 430 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30f
Article 30f
Amendment 435 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Amendment 436 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30h
Article 30h
Amendment 437 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
Amendment 444 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30i
Article 30i
Amendment 448 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annexes
Annexes
Amendment 449 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annexes
Annexes
(22) Annexes I, IIb, IV and V to Directive 2003/87/EC are amended in accordance with Annex I to this Directive, and Annexes III, IIIa and IIIb are inserted in Directive 2003/87/EC as set out in Annex I to this Directive.
Amendment 452 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c
Decision (EU) 2015/1814
Article 1 – paragraph 5aa (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5aa (new)
(ca) the following paragraph is inserted after paragraph 5a: "5aa. The number of allowances to be placed in the reserve during the 12 months beginning on 1 September of every year shall not exceed 25 % of the number of allowances to be auctioned during the next 12 months."
Amendment 453 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision (EU) 2015/1814
Article 1a
Article 1a
Amendment 456 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
Amendment 461 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
Amendment 466 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
Amendment 474 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex I – table – ultimate row – column 1
Annex I – table – ultimate row – column 1
Maritime transport Maritime transport activities of ships covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council performing voyages with the purpose of transporting passengers or cargo for commercial purposes This activity shall not include: - voyages performed in the framework of a public service contract or subject to public service obligations in accordance to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92. - voyages performed by a ship with total annual emissions lower than 10.000 tonnes per year. - voyages operating inside the outermost regions of the EU and voyages between a port located in an outermost region of a Member State and a port located in the same Member Sated outside that outermost regions. In addition, the following emissions shall not be accounted for: (i) Humanitarian voyages (ii) Search and rescue voyages or parts of normal voyages by ships where search and rescue activities had to be carried out
Amendment 476 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annexes III, III a, III b
Annexes III, III a, III b
Amendment 477 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex III
Annex III
Amendment 478 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
Amendment 482 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex IIIa
Annex IIIa
Amendment 484 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 3 – point c
Annex I – point 3 – point c
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex IV – part C
Annex IV – part C
Amendment 486 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 4
Annex I – point 4
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex V – part C
Annex V – part C
Amendment 490 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
Recital 49
Amendment 501 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
Recital 50
Amendment 510 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
Recital 51
Amendment 522 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 52
Recital 52
Amendment 538 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
Amendment 547 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
Recital 54
Amendment 556 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
Recital 55
Amendment 560 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
Amendment 573 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
Amendment 582 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 593 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
Amendment 601 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
Amendment 669 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) “port of call” means the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, for the purpose of this Directive stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, stops in a transhipment port of a non-EU neighbouring country and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;
Amendment 670 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x b (new)
(xb) “transhipment port” means the port where the movement of one type of cargo to be transhipped exceeds 60 % of the total traffic of that port. It needs to be considered that cargo, container or goods are transhipped when they are unloaded from ship to the port for the sole purpose of loading them on another ship.
Amendment 671 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
(xc) “deep sea routes” means those shipping routes connecting two or more continents and performed by regular services covering more than 3 000 km long where ships would carry out transhipment operations at any port in its route. Such routes shall be incorporated in a list and reconsidered on an annual basis by the Commission;
Amendment 736 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga – paragraph 1 a(new)
Article 3ga – paragraph 1 a(new)
Amendment 742 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3ga – paragraph 2
Article 3ga – paragraph 2
To the extent that fewer allowances are surrendered compared to the verified emissions from maritime transport for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, once the difference between verified emissions and allowances surrendered has been established in respect of each year, a corresponding quantity of allowances shall be cancelled rather than auctioned pursuant to Article 10. The latter will apply correspondingly to the years 2026, 2027 and 2028 for ships operating with "alternative fossil fuels for a transitional phase".
Amendment 746 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Each shipping company shall be entitled to use international credits up to a maximum of 6 % of its verified emissions during the period from 2023 to 2030 when officially proving these credits are obtained participating in decarbonisation projects within the EU regions where they operate their ships
Amendment 1304 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Directive 2003/87/CE
Article 12 – paragraph 1a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1a a (new)
Amendment 1326 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a a (new)
(da) the following paragraph is inserted: " 3aa. An obligation to surrender allowances shall not arise, until 2030, in respect of emissions from ships operating in deep-sea routes with Carbon Leakage risks and under an efficiency benchmark. The list of routes and the efficiency benchmark shall be determined by the Commission. "
Amendment 1327 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d b (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a b (new)
Amendment 1392 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 29 a – paragraph 1
Article 29 a – paragraph 1
(19a) in Article 29a, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. If, for more than six consecutiveone and half months, the average allowance price is more than threeone and a half times the average price of allowances during the two preceding years on the European carbon market, the Commission shall immediately convene a meeting of the Committee esadopt a decision to release 100 million allowances covered by this Chapter from the Market Stabilished byty Reserve in accordance with Article 91(7) of Decision No 280/2004/EC. (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02003L0087-20200101)(EU) 2015/1814." Or. en
Amendment 1566 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Decision 2015/1814
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a a (new)
(ca) the following paragraph is inserted: "5aa. The number of allowances to be placed in the reserve during the 12 months beginning on 1 September of every year shall not exceed 25 % of the number of allowances to be auctioned during the next 12 months." ;
Amendment 1661 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Directive 2003/87/EU
Annex I – table – last row – column 1
Annex I – table – last row – column 1
“Maritime transport Maritime transport activities of ships covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council performing voyages with the purpose of transporting passengers or cargo for commercial purposes. This activity shall not include voyages performed by a shipping company performing voyages with total annual emissions lower than 10 000 tonnes per year.
Amendment 102 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) LNG is likely to play a continued transitional role in maritime transport, where there is currently no economically viable zero-emission powertrain technology available. The Communication on the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy points to zero-emission seagoing ships becoming market ready by 2030. Fleet conversion should take place gradually due to the long lifetime of the ships. Transport fuels such as LNG need increasingly to be decarbonised by blending/substituting with liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) or renewable and low-carbon synthetic gaseous e-fuels (e-gas) for instance.
Amendment 106 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In the context of fuel transition to renewable and low carbon fuels and substitute sources of energy, it is essential to ensure the proper functioning of and fair competition in the EU maritime transport market regarding marine fuels, which account for a substantial share of ship operators’ costs. Differences in fuel requirements across Member States of the Union can significantly affect ship operators’ economic performance and negatively impact competition in the market. Due to the international nature of shipping, ship operators may easily bunker in third countries and carry large amounts of fuel. This may lead to carbon leakage and detrimental effects on the competitiveness of the sector if the availability of renewable and low carbon fuels in maritime ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State is not accompanied by requirements for their use that apply to all ship operators arriving at and departing from ports under the jurisdiction of Member States. This Regulation should lay down measures to ensure that the penetration of renewable low-carbon fuels in the marine fuels market takes place under the conditions of fair competition on the EU maritime transport market. In this line, this Regulation shall not apply to the energy used for those voyages in the EEE where the socioeconomic impacts of these measures risk to render the voyage services impracticable or where it can be demonstrated there is a carbon leakage due to cargo shifting to other transport means.
Amendment 115 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In order to produce an effect on all the activities of the maritime transport sector, it is appropriate that this Regulation covers a share of the voyages between a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and port under the jurisdiction of a third country. This Regulation should thus apply to half of the energy used by a ship performing voyages arriving atthe entirety of the energy used on voyages from a non-EU neighbouring country transhipment port to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State, and a share of the voyages between a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State from aand port outsiunder the jurisdiction of a Member State, half of the of the energy used by a ship performing voyages departing from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State and arriving at a port outside the jurisdiction of a Member State,third country except those from a non-EU neighbouring country transhipment port. This Regulation should also apply to the entirety of the energy used on by a ship performing voyages arriving at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State, and the energy used at berth, in other words, when the ship is securely moored at a berth while loading and unloading, in a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State. Such coverage of a share of the energy used by a ship in both incoming and outgoing voyages between the Union and third countries ensures the effectiveness of this Regulation, including by increasing the positive impact on the environment of such framework. Simultaneously, such frameworktargeted measures should be implemented to further limits the risk of evasive port calls and the risk of delocalisation of transhipment activities outside the Union. IThis Regulation should ensure uniform rules in order to ensure smooth operation of maritime traffic, as well as a level playing field among maritime transport operators and among ports, and avoid distortions in the EU internal market, all journeys arriving or departing from ports under jurisdiction of Member States, as well as the stay of ships in those ports should be covered by uniform rules contained in this Regulation.
Amendment 122 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Voyages operating under a public service contract or subject to public service obligations, and voyages operating within the EEE to the outermost regions of the Union within the same Member States and also those voyages within the same Member State in these regions should be exempted from any obligations under this Regulation, given their high EU value in improving these regions' accessibility and socioeconomic cohesion.
Amendment 125 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
(4b) Every year over a period of five years as from the entry into force of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, the EU Commission should evaluate the impact of FuelEU Maritime on EU ports exposed to competition from non-EU ports. A list of those ports shall be established, their emissions monitored and the evolution of the volumes tracked in order to determine whether variations are due to market conditions or can be attributed to carbon leakage. Should the cargo diversion be caused by the introduction of FuelEU Maritime, the EU Commission will have to thoroughly evaluate the loss of competitiveness and allocate additional funding for clean port infrastructure and for the greening of superstructure such as new clean mobile service equipment.
Amendment 138 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The development and deployment of new fuels and energy solutions requires a coordinated approach to match supply, demand and the provision of appropriate distribution infrastructure. While the current European regulatory framework already partly addresses fuel production with Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council22 and distribution with Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council23 , there is also a need for a tool that establishes increasing levels of demand of renewable and low-carbon maritime fuels. Development of innovative technologies should ensure consistency with the co-programmed Partnership on Zero Emissions Waterborne Transport in the framework of Horizon Europe, coordinated by the Waterborne Technology Platform. Close cooperation and coordination between all relevant port stakeholders is crucial to ensure the effective deployment and use of alternative fuels and the optimal alignment between the provision of SSE and other alternative equivalent technologies that perform equivalent in terms of GHG emissions and air pollution, in line with the requirements of the present Regulation and Regulation XXXX-XXX (AFIR), thus avoiding stranded assets and continuity of investment in sustainable and zero- emission assets. Ship operators should in due time inform the ports they call at about their technical aspects and demands to use SSE or other equivalent technologies. Moreover, they should give the port of call the adequate information as concerns power needs during the given call, in particular when those exceed the estimated needs for this ship category. Such a dialogue between a port and its users should lead to an effective uptake of sustainable transitional fuels and technologies in view of achieving the green transition of the maritime sector. A consultation mechanism between the port and the shipping operators should therefore be developed at the level of the individual port to ensure a well- coordinated approach between the port and the shipping operators concerning the use of SSE, the power needs, and other alternative technologies in application of the requirements foreseen in this Regulation. In addition, best practices and lessons learned on effective consultation mechanisms should be shared between ports. __________________ 22 Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2001, p. 82). 23 Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (OJ L 307, 28.10.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 173 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The development and production of sustainable maritime fuels should be exponentially increased in the coming years. The EU and the Member States should invest in the research and production of sustainable maritime fuel projects as they present both an environmental and an industrial opportunity. The production of sustainable maritime fuels should be concentrated inside the Union, creating industrial, labour and research opportunities in all the Member States. As there is an urgent need to support research and innovation for maritime fuels, an EU research centre for alternative marine fuels and technologies could be created. This centre will coordinate the sector stakeholders involved in the development of sustainable renewable fuels and possibly co-finance investment and research, development and deployment through the ETS maritime revenues.
Amendment 228 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) The revenues generated from the payment of penalties should be used exclusively to promote the distribution and use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime sector and; help maritime operators to meet their climate and environmental goals; finance/co-finance green infrastructure and if necessary superstructure investments in the EU ports as well as to support redeployment, re-skilling and up-skilling of workers, in quality social dialogue with social partners, safeguard vulnerable marine eco-systems in port areas. For this purpose these revenues should be allocated to the theOcean Fund and Innovation Fund referred to in Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. Part of the Revenues generated from penalties for non- compliance under FuelEU Maritime should be reinvested in the European shipping sector, incl. the European Maritime Technology Sector. These revenues should also be used to help ports to fund the necessary investments inshore-side electricity (SSE), and, where relevant, the production of electricity in ports.
Amendment 231 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) Investments in new skills are critical to ensure that workers are prepared and protected in the process of introducing new fuels and their handling procedures. Therefore part of the revenues should be invested in safety, training and protecting measures for workers using new maritime fuels.
Amendment 232 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 b (new)
Recital 37 b (new)
(37 b) The upskilling and reskilling of workers in the shipbuilding and maritime technology sector remains vital, in particular in relation to green and digital skills. The EU Pact for Skills for the sector should ensure that stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, universities and vocational training providers, can prepare the workforce for the technological changes of the future and ensure that no worker or region is left behind.
Amendment 233 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 c (new)
Recital 37 c (new)
(37c) Quality social dialogue at all levels and adherence to the EU Directive on European Worker’s Councils is essential for achieving a just transition towards an innovative shipping industry with quality jobs.
Amendment 234 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 d (new)
Recital 37 d (new)
(37d) Member States shall carry out detailed Employment Impact Assessments (EIA) evaluating the impact that the obligations outlined in this directive have on jobs and working conditions both at national and regional levels.
Amendment 235 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 e (new)
Recital 37 e (new)
(37e) Delivering on the Green Deal should ensure quality job creation and social progress for all. To be socially acceptable, the climate ambition proposed in this regulation should be matched by an equivalent social ambition, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. The European Green Deal agenda should be an opportunity to maintain and create quality jobs, promote decent work, raise labour standards, strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining, tackle discriminations at work, promote gender equality, and workplace democracy. In order to achieve these objectives Just Transition mechanisms must complement all proposed actions in the framework of the Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” package.
Amendment 247 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42 a (new)
Recital 42 a (new)
(42a) To ensure an international level playing field and maximise environmental integrity of legislation on sustainable renewable fuels, the European Commission and Members States should promote within the IMO and other international organisations robust tracking and verification systems for biofuels and renewable fuels of non- biological origin. Furthermore, the European Commission should advocate rigorously on the international level for the acceptance of an ambitious and climate effective international measure.
Amendment 248 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42 b (new)
Recital 42 b (new)
(42b) As new sustainable alternative fuels and technologies are being further developed this regulation should be thoroughly evaluated in 2027. The Commission should carry out a new in- depth impact assessment covering all Fit for 55 legislations that apply to the maritime sector (cumulative). This overarching assessment should cover the economic impact, environmental impact and social impact. It needs to be undertaken early on during implementation of the different legislations and expanded with a periodical monitoring scheme. In particular, potential compliance or enforcement loopholes should be analysed and monitored. However, it may not delay the implementation of the different files.
Amendment 255 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 43 a (new)
Recital 43 a (new)
(43a) Recognizing the importance to address the specific needs of islands and remote areas of the Union and with a view to ensure connectivity, flexibility should be provided to the passenger maritime cabotage sector, as prescribed in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92, in order to adapt to the scheme without compromising the current level of transport services.
Amendment 274 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) the entirety of the energy used on voyages from a non-EU neighbouring country transhipment port to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State, and
Amendment 278 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a half of the energy used on voyages departing from or arriving to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State, where the last or the next port of call is under the jurisdiction of a third country. except those from a non EU neighbouring country transhipment port
Amendment 281 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a halfthe entirety of the energy used on voyages departing from or arriving to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State, where the last or the next port of call is under the jurisdiction of a third country.
Amendment 284 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) above shall not apply to: (i) the energy used for force majeure purposes, (ii) for the energy used for those voyages in the EEE where the social and economic impact of the measure would risk to render the service impracticable or where it can be demonstrated that there is a carbon leakage due to cargo shifting to other transport means, (iii) the energy used for those within the EEE to the outermost regions of the Union within the same Member States and also those departing and arriving within the same Member State in these regions, provided that the relevant Member States ensure that, in those regions the air quality standards are respected . (iv) the energy used for those voyages operating under a public service contract or subject to public service obligations.
Amendment 297 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) ‘marine fuel supplier’ means a fuel supplier as defined in Article 2, second paragraph, point 38 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, supplying marine fuel at Union port;
Amendment 303 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ‘"port of call’" means a port of call as defined in Article 3, point (b) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, for the purpose of this regulation stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, stops in a transhipment port of a non-EU neighbouring country and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;
Amendment 306 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) "transhipment port" means the port where the movement of one type of cargo to be transhipped exceeds 60 % of the total traffic of that port. It needs to be considered that cargo, container or goods are transhipped when they are unloaded from ship to the port for the sole purpose of loading them on another ship.
Amendment 311 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) ‘maritime fuel supplier’ means a fuel supplier as defined in Article 2, second paragraph, point 38 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, supplying marine fuel at a Union port;
Amendment 316 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point m
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point m
(m) ‘ship at berth’ means a ship at berth as defined in Article 3, point (n) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757which is securely moored in a port falling under the jurisdiction of a Member State while it is loading, unloading or hotelling, including the time spent when not engaged in cargo operations;
Amendment 383 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission will carry out a review of the implementation of this regulation at the level of the MS and with regards to fuel certification schemes worldwide every five years from 2028 in order to assess the need to maintain or modify the percentages indicated in section 2 of this article. Furthermore, the Commission will carry out with a first review in 2025 to specifically address carbon leakage.
Amendment 386 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a Maritime fuel suppliers 1. Maritime fuel suppliers shall ensure that the supply of fuels in the Union ports is sufficient, in order for ships to meet the requirements set out in Article 4 paragraph 2 and Article 4b (new) paragraph 2b 2. Marine fuel suppliers shall provide to the master of the ship a ‘FuelEU Maritime Bunker Note’, which should be annexed to the Bunker Delivery Note. The fuel supplier shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information. 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 26 to calculate and publish, at least two years in advance, the total quantities of fuels referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 389 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 b (new)
Article 4 b (new)
Article 4 b Supply plans and reporting obligations for maritime fuel suppliers 1. By 31 March of each year maritime fuel suppliers shall develop and submit to the compliance database, referred to in Article 16, a comprehensive plan for the projected supply of the fuels referred to in Article 4 a (new) paragraph 1 and 2. The supply plan shall include the following information for each of the fuels projected to be supplied at Union ports: (a) The list of the Union ports and their geographical location; (b) The type of fuels supplied and volumes; (c) The well-to-wake emission factors, origin of feedstock and conversion process. 2. By 31 March of each reporting year, maritime fuel suppliers shall report in the compliance database referred to in Article 16, the following information: (a) The volume of each type of fuels supplied at each Union port; (b) The well-to-wake emission factors, origin of feedstock and conversion process for each type of renewable marine fuels supplied at Union ports. 3. Commission shall publish information submitted to the compliance database referred to in paragraph 1 and 2.
Amendment 396 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. From 1 January 2030, a ship at berth, in other words, moored at the quayside, in a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State shall connect to on- shore power supply and use it for all energy needs while at berth.
Amendment 402 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Ship operators shall inform and consult the port managing body and/or, where relevant, the terminal operator and/or competent authority, in due time about the current and future demand for shore-side electricity supply and/or any of equivalent technologies.
Amendment 415 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) that are at berthmoored at the quayside for less than twofour hours, calculated on the basis of hour of departure and arrival monitored in accordance with Article 14;
Amendment 432 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(d a) that operate in a port which is located on an island in accordance with Article 9(3) of AFIR Regulation;
Amendment 461 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. In accordance with Articles 7 to 9, companies shall, for each of their ships, monitor and report on the relevant data during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for anyll voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State.
Amendment 516 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) the amount of electricity taken at berth at navigational purposes;
Amendment 517 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the well-to-wake emission factors for each type of fuel, including electricity taken from onshore power supply, consumed at berth and at sea, broken down by well-to-tank, tank- to-wake and fugitive emissions, covering all relevant greenhouse gases;
Amendment 522 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. When the supply of fuels referred to in Article 4a (new) paragraph 2 and 4, is not sufficient at the Union ports of call in accordance with the supply plan of the maritime fuel suppliers, the ship shall submit a fuel non-availability report (FNAR). The report shall cover the Union port of call where bunker is to be taken, the bunkers that gave rise to the FNAR. FNARs, shall be valid for one compliance period only, and shall be submitted to the competent authorities and the Commission.
Amendment 530 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 26 to create a template for the fuel non-availability report referred to in paragraph 1 a (new).
Amendment 566 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The company, considering the bunker supplied leading to a FNAR shall get a proportional discount in the penalty referred to in paragraph 1. If more than one fuel supplier is included in the FNARs, the discounts shall be cumulative.
Amendment 577 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. The penalties referred to in Article 20(1) and 20(2) shall be allocated to support common projects aimed at the rapid deployment of renewable and low carbon fuels in the maritime sector including safety, training and protecting measures for workers using new maritime fuels. Projects financed by the funds collected from the penalties shall stimulate the production of greater quantities of renewable and low carbon fuels for the maritime sector, facilitate the construction of appropriate bunkering facilities or electric connection ports in ports, or adaptation of superstructure if required, and support the development, testing and deployment of the most innovative European technologies in the fleet to achieve significant emission reductions. Part of the Revenues should be reinvested in the European shipping sector, including the European Maritime Technology Sector.
Amendment 587 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. The revenues generated from penalties referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the the Innovation Fund referred to in Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. These revenues shall constitute external assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(5) of the Financial Regulation, and shall be implemented in accordance with the rules applicable to the Innovation Funda maritime dedicated fund set with the objective of supporting projects and investments as follows: (a) improvement of the energy efficiency of ships and ports; (b) innovative technologies and infrastructure for decarbonising the maritime transport sector, including as regards short sea shipping and ports; (c) deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia; (d) zero-emission propulsion technologies, including wind technologies; (e) research and development and first industrial application of innovative technologies and fuels; (f) projects preserving and benefiting biodiversity and promoting innovation in technologies, for decarbonisation, reduction of risk of noise and air and maritime pollution; (g) contribution to a just transition in the maritime sector through training, upskilling and reskilling of existing workforce; All investment supported by the Fund shall be made public and shall be consistent with the aims of this Regulation.
Amendment 614 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council, by 1 January 2030, the results of an evaluation on the functioning of this Regulation and the evolution of the technologies and market for renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport and its impact on the maritime sector in the Union and globally. The Commission shall consider possible amendments to:
Amendment 622 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) (e) the scope of application listed in Article 2;
Amendment 626 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(c b) the definitions listed in Article 3
Amendment 629 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. By 1 January 2023 the Commission shall produce a report on the social impacts as well as the employment and training needs up to 2030 and 2050 in relation to this Regulation.
Amendment 660 #
Amendment 662 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 8 – indent 5 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 8 – indent 5 a (new)
- Standard used for setting the WtT GHG emission factors
Amendment 664 #
2021/0210(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – table
Annex II – table
LNG Otto 2,755 (dual fuel MEPC245 (66) 3,1 LNG 3,0,0491 17,7 medium medium 0 0,00011 speed Regulation (EU) speed) 2,755 2015/757 LNG Otto MEPC245 (66) LNG 0,0491 18,5 (dual fuel LNG Otto 0 0,00011 1,7 Regulation (EU)(dual fuel slow speed) 2015/757 LNG Diesel (dual fuel 0.2 0.2 slow speed) LBSI N/A
Amendment 45 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) The "UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021", known as COP26, committed to the transition to climate neutrality to be just and sustainable, so that no region or community is left behind and highlighted the importance of ensuring a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs. The COP26 emphasised the need to support communities and regions that are particularly vulnerable to the economic, employment and social effects of the transition.
Amendment 48 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Those amendments have differing economic and social impacts on the different sectors of the economy, on the citizens, and the Member States. In particular, the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and the Council31 should provide an additional economic incentive to invest intoEU regions and Member States. The aspect of social compensation is critical to address the greduction of fossil fuel consumption and thereby accelerate the reduction of gen transition and to protect and prevenhouse gas emissions. Combined with other measures, this should, in the medium to long term, reduce the costs for buildings and road transport, and provide new opportunities for job creation and investment. _________________ 31Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32)t the possible negative impacts on the most vulnerable households and enterprises while maintaining a high level of investment to ensure the success of the ecological transition.
Amendment 53 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) However, sufficient, stable and equitable resources are needed to finance those investments. In addition, before they have taken place, the cost supported by households and transport users for heating, cooling and cooking, as well as for road transport, is likely to increase as fuel suppliers subject to the obligations under the emission trading for buildings and road transport pass on costs on carbon to the consumers.
Amendment 59 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The increase in the price for fossil fuels maywill disproportionally affect vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises including SMEs and vulnerable transport users who spend a larger part of their incomes on energy and transport, who, in certain regionthus exacerbating inequalities, and who, in certain regions, especially in rural, peripheral, remote, outermost, insular, mountainous and sparsely populated ones, as well as those in less developed regions or territories and those suffering from other demographic and accessibility challenges, do not have access to alternative, affordable mobility and transport solutions and who may lack the financial capacity to invest into the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.
Amendment 66 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Therefore, a part of the revenues generated by the inclusion of building and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC should be used to address the social impacts arising from that inclusion, for the transition to be just and inclusive,Social Climate Fund should be established at EU level, alongside Member States' Social Climate Plans, in order to ensure a green inclusive and just transition that leavinges no one behind.
Amendment 72 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) This is even more relevant in view of the existing levels of energy poverty. Energy is essential and access to affordable energy services is a basic social right and essential for social inclusion. Energy poverty is a situation in which households are unable to access essential energy services such as cooling, as temperatures rise, and heating. About 34 million Europeans reported an inability to keep their homes adequately warm in 2018, and 6.9% of the Union population have said that they cannot afford to heat their home sufficiently in a 2019 EU-wide survey32 . Overall, the Energy Poverty Observatory estimates that more than 50 million households in the European Union experience energy poverty. Energy poverty is therefore a major challenge for the Union. While social tariffs or direct income support can provide immediate relief to households facing energy poverty, only targeted structural measures, in particular energy renovations, can provide lasting solutions. _________________ 32 Data from 2018. Eurostat, SILC [ilc_mdes01]).
Amendment 76 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) The increasing importance of energy and transport poverty have been acknowledged at EU-level through various initiatives. However, there are no standard Union level definitions and as a result, no transparent and comparable data on energy and transport poverty are available. Therefore, a broad Union level definition of both concepts should be established to target support and monitoring practices, in particular for the most vulnerable households, vulnerable enterprises and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 77 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12 b) Rural areas, which are home to 30.6% of the EU, are more exposed to suffer, particularly those that are sparsely populated, from transport poverty, due to, among others, lack of infrastructure and quality transport services, as well as from a deterioration in existing services and a low frequency or lack of public transport services, resulting in people relying on their own private vehicles and directly impacting in these regions' connectivity and socioeconomic development. To address all the latter, cooperation at EU, national and regional level is needed to incorporate rural mobility in the transition, throughout boosting investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and public transport services, as well as providing support to purchase low and zero-emission vehicles and promoting alternative mobility solutions such as sustainable mobility on demand and shared mobility services in these territories.
Amendment 78 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) A Social Climate Fund (‘the Fund’) should therefore be established to provide funds to the Member States to support their policies to address the social impacts of the emissions trading for buildings and road transport on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users. Thise Fund should promote fairness and solidarity between and within Member States while mitigating the risk of energy and mobility poverty during the transition and should build on and complement existing solidarity and climate mechanisms. This should be achieved notably through temporary income support and measures and investments intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through, on one hand, increased energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improvedon the other hand, by granting access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport, including attractive and safe active mobility, to the benefit of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport usersenterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users, as well as by promoting the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increasing the quality and frequency of its services particularly in rural areas, and incentivising clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure .
Amendment 87 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) The implementation of the Fund should take into account an ex ante impact assessment provided by the Commission, illustrating the socioeconomic impact of the transition on vulnerable households, vulnerable enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users in Member States. This assessment should go hand in hand with an EU socioeconomic and governance policy addressing inequalities, in particular energy and transport poverty and social exclusion.
Amendment 90 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) For that purpose, each Member State should submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’). Those Plans should pursue twohe following objectives. Firstly, they should provide vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users the necessarysufficient resources to finance and carry out investments in energy efficiency, decarbonisation of heating and cooling, in of buildings and to access zero- and low- emission vehicles and mobility. Secon, including attractive and safe active mobility. Secondly, the Plans should provide the sufficient resources to promote the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increase the quality and frequency of its services particularly in rural areas, as well as to incentivise clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure. Thirdly, they should mitigate the impact of the increase in the cost of fossil fuels on the most vulnerable and thereby prevent energy and transport poverty during the transition period until such investments have been implemented. The Plans should have an investment component promoting the long-term solution of reduce fossil fuels reliance and could envisage other measures, including temporary direct income support to mitigate adverse income effects in the shorter term.
Amendment 96 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14 a) The Plans should also include resources to provide information and awareness-raising support, capacity building and training necessary to implement the investments and measures intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to grant access to zero- and low- emission mobility and transport modes, promote the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increase the quality and frequency of its services particularly in rural areas, incentivise clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure, as well as to increase energy efficiency of buildings, and decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings including the integration of energy from renewable sources.
Amendment 98 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Member States, in consultation with regional, local level authorities, social partners and civil society organizations, are best placed to design and to implement Plans that are adapted and targeted to their local, regional and national circumstances as their existing policies in the relevant areas and planned use of other relevant EU funds. In that manner, the broad diversity of situations, the specific knowledge of local and regional governments, research and innovation and industrial relations and social dialogue structures, as well as national traditions, can best be respected and contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall support to the vulnerable.
Amendment 102 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Ensuring that the measures and investments are particularly targeted towards energy poor oraddressing energy and transport poverty, particularly in the case of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users is key for a just and inclusive transition towards climate neutrality. Support measures to promote reductions in greenhouse gas emissions should help Member States to address the social impacts arising from the emissions trading for the sectors of buildings and road transport.
Amendment 107 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Pending the impact of those investments on reducing costs and emissions, well targeted direct income support for the most vulnerable would help the just transition. Such support should be understood to be a temporary measure accompanying the decarbonisation of the housing and transport sectors. It would not be permanent as it does not address the root causes of energy and transport poverty. Such support should only concern direct impacts of the inclusion of building and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, not electricity or heating costs related to the inclusion of power and heat production in the scope of that Directiveconcern direct impacts of the transition and should address and reduce energy and transport poverty. Eligibility for such direct income support should be limited in time.
Amendment 115 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Taking into account the importance of tackling climate change in line with Paris Agreement commitments, and the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the actions under this Regulation should contribute to the achievement of the target that 30% of all expenditure under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial frameworkat least 30% of the total amount of the Union budget and the European Union Recovery instrument expenditure should be spent on mainstreamto supporting climate objectives and should contribute to the ambition of providing 7.5% of annual spending under the MFF to biodiversity objectives in 2024 and 10% of annual spending to biodiversity objectives in 2026 and 2027, while considering the existing overlaps between climate and biodiversity goals. For this purpose, the methodology set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council33 should be used to tag the expenditures of the Fund. The Fund should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 . Only such measures and investments should be included in the Plans. Direct income support measures should as a rule be considered as having an insignificant foreseeable impact on environmental objectives, and as such be considered compliant with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’. The Commission intends to issue technical guidance to the Member States well ahead of the preparation of the Plans. The guidance will explain how the measures and investments must comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852. The Commission intends to present in 2021 a proposal for a Council Recommendation on how to address the social aspects of the green transition. _________________ 33Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 34 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
Amendment 118 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Women are particularly affected by carbon pricing asdisproportionally affected by the consequences of climate change1a, by energy poverty and are particularly affected by carbon pricing due to the employment, income, pay and pension gaps. Moreover, they represent 85% of single parent families. Single parent families, which have a particularly high risk of child poverty. Gender equality and are under-represented as tenants. Women are also under-represented as car owners and feel more unsafe in public transport, despite using it more1b. All the latter, limits women's involvement in the green and digital mobility transition. Gender equality as well as rights and equal opportunities for all, and the mainstreaming of those objectives, as well as questions of accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility should be taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation and, implementation and monitoring of Plans to ensure no one is left behind. _________________ 1aEIGE, Area K - Women and the environment: climate change is gendered, 05 March 2020, available at: https://eige.europa.eu/publications/beijing -25-policy-brief-area-k-women-and- environment 1bIPOL study on "Women and transport", available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank /nl/document/IPOL_STU(2021)701004
Amendment 122 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19 a) Women have different and more complex mobility patterns than those of men. They require more varied means of transport as they are the main responsible persons for care within households. They use more public transport, are more interested in the frequency and quality of service and more affected by transport and mobility affordability1a.Moreover, as transport is a factor that can directly impact and increase poverty and social exclusion, gender mainstreaming should be promoted and implemented into all EU and national transport-related legislation, policies, programmes and actions, including those of the Social Climate Fund and the Member States’ Social Climate Plans. _________________ 1aIPOL study on "Women and transport", available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank /nl/document/IPOL_STU(2021)701004
Amendment 130 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The financial envelope of the Fund should, in principle, be commensurate to amounts corresponding to 25% of the expected revenues from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC in be negotiated within the EU budget and the resource allocation should be negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council as any other EU programme. The budget of the Fund should be at least EUR 23 700 000 000 in current prices for the period 20263-2032. Pursuant to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/205341 , Member States should make those revenues available to the Union budget as own resources27 and EUR 48 500 000 000 in current prices for the period 2028-2032. This amount could be revised upwards in line with the evolution of the costs of the transition. Member States are to finance 5025 % of the total costs of their Plan themselves. For this purpose, as well as for investment and measures to accelerate and alleviate the required transition for citizens negatively affected, Member States should inter alia use their expected revenues from emissions trading for buildings and road transport under Directive 2003/87/EC for that purpose. _________________ 41Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom (OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 1)This share could be revaluated in accordance with the resources allocated to the Fund.
Amendment 132 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23 a) In the event of higher carbon price, additional financing should be made available for the Fund to ensure the adequate and fair mitigation of the impact on the most vulnerable households, vulnerable enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 141 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
The measures and investments supported by the Fund shall benefit households, micro-enterprises including SMEs and transport users, which are vulnerable and particularly affected by the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty and citizens without public transport alternative to individual cars (in remote and rural areas)costs of the transition and who suffer from or at risk of energy and transport poverty.
Amendment 147 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
The general objective of the Fund is to contribute to the transition towards climate neutrality by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/ECpreventing and addressing the possible socioeconomic impacts of the measures taken at Union and national level to advance in the green transition to achieve the climate neutrality objective set out in Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Regulation EU 2021/1119 ("European Climate Law"). The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users through temporary direct income support and through measures and investments intended to, on one hand, increase energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improvedon the other hand, granting access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport. , promoting the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increasing the quality and frequency of its services particularly in rural areas, and incentivising clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure.
Amendment 156 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘building renovation’ means all kinds of energy-related building renovationmeasures to increase energy efficiency in buildings, including the insulation of the building envelope, that is to say walls, roof, floor, the replacement of windows, the decarbonisation of replacement of heating, and cooling and cooking applianc, the replacement of cooking appliances and lighting for more efficient ones, and the installation of on-site production of energy from renewable sources, as well as measures aiming at adapting buildings for people with disabilities and/or reduced mobility;
Amendment 161 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘energy poverty’ means energy poverty as defined in point [(49)] of Article 2 of Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council50 ; _________________ 50[Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ C […], […], p. […]).] [Proposal for recast of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency]a household’s inability to meet its basic energy supply needs and lack of access to essential energy services as to guarantee basic levels of comfort and health and a decent standard of living.
Amendment 165 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
(2 a) 'transport poverty' means a household inability to carry out its basic daily mobility to meet its essential socioeconomic needs (such as accessing the workplace, health facilities, education...) resulting of, among others: low income, lack of financial means, inability to replace their combustion engine cars and purchase low or zero- emission vehicles, high fuel costs, lack of affordable or availability of quality and high-frequency public transport services, lack or shortage of alternative mobility solutions;
Amendment 168 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Amendment 172 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘transport users’ means households or micro-enterprises, including SMEs, that use various transport and mobility options;
Amendment 177 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
(11) ‘vulnerable households’ means households inwhich suffer from or at risk of energy poverty or households, including lower and middle- income ones, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of the inclusion of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy;measures taken at Union and national level to advance in the green transition to achieve climate neutrality.
Amendment 183 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘vulnerable micro-enterprises’ means micro-enterprises, including SMEs, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of the inclusion of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy;measures taken at Union and national level to advance in the green transition to achieve climate neutrality.
Amendment 186 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
(12 a) ‘small or medium-sized enterprise’ or ‘SME’ means a small or medium-sized enterprise as defined in Article 2 of the Annex to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC;
Amendment 191 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘vulnerable transport users’ means transport users, including from lower and middle-income households, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of the inclusion of road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC and lack the means to purchase zero- and low- emission vehicles or to switch to alternative sustainable modes of transport, including public transport, particularly in rural and remote areasuffer from or at risk of transport poverty; particular attention should be taken to vulnerable transport users in rural peripheral, remote, outermost, insular, mountainous and sparsely populated regions, as well as those in less developed regions or territories and those suffering from other demographic and accessibility challenges.
Amendment 194 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’) together with the update to the integrated national energy and climate plan referred to in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in accordance with the procedure and timeline laid down in that Article. The Plan shall contain a coherent set of measures and investments to address the impact of carbon pricingcost of the transition to climate neutrality on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs and vulnerable transport users in order to ensure affordable heating, cooling and mobility while accompanying and accelerating necessary measures to meet the climate targets ofgrant access to sustainable and smart mobility and transport services to citizens and regions alongside the Union.
Amendment 197 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Plan may include national m: a) Measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and households that are vulnerable transport users to address and reduce the impaccost of the increase in the price of fossil fuels resulting from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC. transition to climate neutrality. Member States that have ongoing national or regional programmes in the areas of energy renovation of buildings and zero and low emissions mobility and transport may allocate up to 100% of the fund's allocation to direct income support. b) Finance measures and investments to increase energy efficiency of buildings, to implement energy efficiency improvement measures, to carry out building renovation, and to decarbonise heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy production from renewable energy sources, to carry out electrical, fire and seismic safety inspection and renovation; c) Finance measures and investments to increase the uptake of zero- and low- emission mobility and transport, to promote the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increase the quality and frequency of its services, particularly in rural areas, and to incentivise clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure.
Amendment 202 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Amendment 215 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, including those representing young people, and other relevant stakeholders shall be consulted on the draft plan in accordance with the national legal framework, before it is submitted to the Commission.
Amendment 226 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an estimate of the likely effects of that increase in prices on households, and in particular on incidence of energy poverty, on micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and on transport users, comprising in particular an estimate and the identification of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users; these impacts are to be analysed with a sufficient level of regional disaggregation and sex- disaggregated data, taking into account elements such as access to, affordability and availability of frequent and quality public transport and basic services and identifying the areas mostly affected, particularly territories which are remote and rural;in rural, sparsely populated and remote areas, among others.
Amendment 233 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where the Plan provides for measures referred to in Article 3(2), the criteria for the identification of eligible final recipients, the indication of the envisaged time limit for the measures in question and their justification on the basis of a quantitative estimate and a qualitative explanation of how the measures in the Plan are expected to address the transition to climate neutrality, and reduce energy and transport poverty and the vulnerability of households, micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and transport users to an increase of road transport and heating fuel prices;
Amendment 238 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) envisaged milestones, targets to reduce the number of vulnerable households, vulnerable enterprises, including SMEs, and an indicative timetable for the implementation of the measures and investments to be completed by 31 July 2032;
Amendment 246 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) for the preparation and, where available, for the implementation of the Plan, a summary of the consultation process provided in Article 3, paragraph 3a (new), conducted in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the national legal framework, of local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders, and how the input of the stakeholders is reflected in the Plan;
Amendment 261 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) reductions in the number of vulnerable households, especially households in energy poverty, of vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs and of vulnerable transport users, including in rural particular, rural, sparsely populated and remote areas, among others.
Amendment 277 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may include the costs of measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and vulnerable households that are transport users to absorb the increase in road transport and heating fuel prices. Such support shall decrease over time and be limited to the direct impact of the emission trading for buildings and road transportof fuel prices and other costs of the transition to smart and sustainable mobility. Such support shall decrease over time. Eligibility for such direct income support shall cease within the time limits identified under Article 4(1) point (d).
Amendment 279 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States may include the costs of the following measures and investments in the estimated total costs of the Plans, provided they principally benefit vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, including SMEs, or vulnerable transport users and intend to:
Amendment 283 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) support building renovations, prioritising social housing and deprived areas, especially for those occupying worst- performing buildings, including in the form of financial support or fiscal incentives such as deductibility of renovation costs from the rent, independently of the ownership of the buildings concerned;
Amendment 286 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) contribute to the decarbonisation, including the electrification, of heating and cooling ofin buildings, and of cooking in, buildings andappliances, as well as the integration of energy from renewable sources that contribute to the achievements of energy savings;
Amendment 296 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) provide accessfinancial support or incentives to access, including for their purchase, to zero- and low- emission vehicles and bikes, including financial support or fiscal incentives for their purchasecycles, as well as for appropriate public and private infrastructure, including for recharging and refuelling; for support concerning low-zero - emission vehicles, a timetable for gradually reducing the supportincentivising its uptake shall be provided;
Amendment 298 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) promote the use of affordable and accessible public transport and increase the quality and frequency of its services particularly in rural areas, granting free access to public transport or adapted tariffs for access to public transport, as well as fostering sustainable mobility on demand and shared mobility services paying particular attention to those areas suffering from demographic and accessibility challenges such as depopulated areas, and incentivising clean urban transport fleet renewal and the deployment of the corresponding refuelling and recharging infrastructure;
Amendment 300 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) support public and private entities in developing and providing affordable zero- and low-emission mobility and transport services and the uptake of attractive and safe active mobility options, for rural, insular, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri-urban areatermost, peripheral, remote, mountainous, and sparsely populated regions as well less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri-urban areas, and regions and territories suffering from other demographic and accessibility challenges.
Amendment 307 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(f a) support training, upskilling and reskilling of the labour force for jobs in sectors related to the transition towards smart and sustainable mobility and to energy-efficient building renovation.
Amendment 308 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
(f b) provide targeted information and awareness-raising support, capacity building and training necessary to implement the measures and investments listed in Article 6 paragraph 2 of this Regulation.
Amendment 313 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 317 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Where it is proven by the Member State concerned in its Plan that the public interventions referred to in paragraph 1 do not fully off-set the price increase resulting from the inclusion of the sectors of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/ECcosts of the transition to climate neutrality, direct income support may be included in the estimated total costs in the limits of the price increase not fully off-set.
Amendment 321 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States may include into the estimated total costs financial support provided to public or private entities other than vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport uses, if those entities carry out measures and investments ultimately benefitting vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 327 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period 20253-2027 shall be at least EUR 23 700 000 000 in current prices.
Amendment 335 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period 2028-2032 shall be at least EUR 48 500 000 000 in current prices, subject to the availability of the amounts under the annual ceilings of the applicable multiannual financial framework referred to in Article 312 TFEU.
Amendment 346 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Amendment 348 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a Technical assistance of Member States 1) At the initiative of the Member State, the Fund may support actions necessary for the effective administration and use of the Fund, as well as to provide financing to carry out, among others, functions such as preparation, training, management, monitoring, evaluation, visibility and communication. 2) The Member State may propose to undertake additional technical assistance actions to reinforce the capacity and efficiency of public authorities and bodies, beneficiaries and relevant partners necessary for the effective administration and use of the Fund. 3) The amount of technical assistance will be established at 10% of the total amount of the Fund.
Amendment 361 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall contribute at least to 250 percent of the total estimated costs of their Plans.
Amendment 362 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Amendment 365 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) whether the Plan represents a response to the social impact on and challenges of the costs of the transition faced by vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises, including SMEs, and vulnerable transport users in the Member State concerned from establishing the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty, duly taking into account the challenges identified in the assessments of the Commission of the update of the concerned Member State’s integrated national energy and climate plan and of its progress pursuant to Article 9(3), and Articles 13 and 29 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, as well as in the Commission recommendations to Member States issued pursuant to Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in view of the long-term objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 2050. This shall take into account the specific challenges and the financial allocation of the Member State concerned;
Amendment 378 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) whether the Plan is expected to have a lasting impact on the challenges addressed by that Plan and in particular on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, including SMEs and vulnerable transport users, especially households in energy poverty, in the Member State concerned;
Amendment 379 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iii a) whether the consultation for the preparation of the Plan was conducted in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 3a (new).
Amendment 383 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Where a Social Climate Plan, including relevant milestones and targets, is no longer achievable, either in whole or in part, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, in particular because of the actual direct effeccosts of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/ECtransition to climate neutrality, the Member State concerned may submit to the Commission an amendment of its Plan to include the necessary and duly justified changes. Member States may request technical support for the preparation of such request.
Amendment 387 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. By 15 March 2027 each Member State concerned shall assess the appropriateness of its Plans in view of the actual direct effeccosts of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/087/ECtransition. Those assessments shall be submitted to the Commission as part of the biennial progress reporting pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.
Amendment 390 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. After the Commission has adopted a decision as referred to in Article 16, it shall in due time conclude an agreement with the Member State concerned constituting an individual legal commitment within the meaning of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 covering the period 20253-2027. That agreement may be concluded at the earliest one year before the year of the start of the auctions under Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC.
Amendment 403 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) in 2027, an assessment of the Plan referred to in Article 17(5) in view of the actual direct effects of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/087/ECcosts of the transition;
Amendment 405 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 July 20284, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with an early evaluation report on the implementation and functioning of the Fund.
Amendment 407 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. By 1 July 2026 the Commission shall provide the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with an evaluation report on the implementation and functioning of the Fund.
Amendment 412 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
3. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent the objectives of the Fund laid down in Article 1 have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the Union added value. It shall consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions set out in Article 6 in light of the impact on greenhouse gas emissions from the emission trading system for buildings and road transport pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC and from thef the measures taken at Union and national level to advance in the green transition to achieve the climate neutrality objective, as well as the impact of national measures taken to meet the binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council63 . It shall also consider the continued relevance of the financial envelope of the Fund in relation to possible developments concerning the auctioning of allowances under the emission trading system for buildings and road transport pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/ECcosts of the transition and other relevant considerations. _________________ 63Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26-42).
Amendment 415 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Amendment 40 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Over the past decades, air transport has played a crucial role in the Union's economy and in the everyday lives of Union citizens, as one of the best performing and most dynamic sectors of the Union economy. It has been a strong driver for economic growth, jobs, trade and tourism, as well as for connectivity and mobility for businesses and citizens alike, particularly within the Union aviation internal market. Growth in air transport services has significantly contributed to improving connectivity within the Union and, fostering cohesion and reducing regional disparities within the Union, in particular for peripheral, outermost and insular regions, as well as with third countries, and has been a significant enabler of the Union economy.
Amendment 42 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Over the past decades, air transport has played a crucial role in the Union's economy and in the everyday lives of Union citizens, as one of the best performing and most dynamic sectors of the Union economy. It has been a strong driver for economic growth, jobs, trade and tourism, as well as for connectivity and mobility for businesses and citizens alike, particularly within the Union aviation internal market. Growth in air transport services has significantly contributed to improving connectivity and cohesion within the Union, including its regions, and with third countries, and has been a significant enabler of the Union economy.
Amendment 44 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) In line with the Union’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, the European Union has established legal obligations through the Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and to achieve a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % compared to 1990 by 2030. Accordingly, various policy instruments are needed to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in all economic sectors, including the transport sector. Taking into consideration that currently aviation relies exclusively on fossil jet fuel to operate, targeted financing and policy measures at EU and national level are needed to reverse this trend and to ramp up the uptake and supply of sustainable fuels, in order to advance in the decarbonisation of the sector.
Amendment 48 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) From 2020, air transport has been one of the hardest hit sector by the COVID-19 crisis. With the perspective of an end to the pandemic in sight, it is expected that air traffic will gradually resume in the coming years and recover to its pre-crisis levels. At the same time, emissions from the sector have been increasing since 1990 and the trend of increasing emissions could return as we overcome the pandemic. Therefore, it is necessaryimperative to prepare for the future and make the necessary adjustments ensuring a well-functioning air transport market that contributes to achieving the Union’s climate goals, with high levels of connectivity, safety and security.
Amendment 52 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The functioning of the Union air transport sector is determined by its cross- border nature across the Union, and by its global dimension. The aviation internal market is one of the most integrated sectors in the Union, governed by uniform rules on market access and operating conditions. The air transport external policy is governed by rules established at global level at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), as well as by comprehensive multilateral or bilateral agreements between the Union or its Member States, and third countries. In consequence, it is important that the Union pushes forward changes at ICAO level regarding fiscal and regulatory frameworks in aviation, including in the uptake of SAF, with the same level of ambition as at EU level in order to ensure a fair international level playing field in the sector.
Amendment 57 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The air transport market is subject to strong competition between economic actors across the Union, for which a level playing field is indispensable. The stability and prosperity of the air transport market and its economic actors relies on a clear and harmonised policy framework where aircraft operators, airports and other aviation actors can operate on the basis of equal opportunities. It is essential to ensure air connectivity within the Union by stakeholders from the Union. This to avoid dependence on third country stakeholders and safeguard air transport business and jobs, but also to retain an air transport and infrastructure security in line with the Union security. Where market distortions occur, they risk putting aircraft operators or airports at a disadvantage with internal or external competitors. In turn, this can result in a loss of competitiveness of the air transport industry, job opportunities for workers, and a loss of air connectivity for citizens and businesses.
Amendment 63 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In particular, it is essential to ensure a level playing field across the Union air transport market regarding aviation fuel, which account for a substantial share of aircraft operators’ costs. Variations in fuel prices can affect significantly aircraft operators’ economic performance and negatively impact competition on the market. Where differences in aviation fuel prices exist between Union airports or between Union and non-Union airports, this can lead aircraft operators to adapt their refuelling strategies for economic reasons. Fuel tankering increases aircraft’s fuel consumption and results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel tankering for economic reasons by aircraft operators accordinglycould undermines of the Union’s efforts towards environmental protection. Some aircraft operators are able to use favourable aviation fuel prices at their hoNevertheless, fuel tankering may at times base as a competitive advantage towards other airlines operating similar routes. This can have detrimental effects on the competitiveness of the sector and be harmful to air connectivitye justified for safety and operational reasons. This Regulation should set up measures to prevent suchunjustifiable practices in order to avoid unnecessary environmental damage as well as to restore and preserve the conditions for fair competition on the air transport market.
Amendment 69 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The Communication on a Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy10 adopted by the Commission in December 2020 sets a course of action for the EU transport system to achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resilient. The decarbonisation of the air transport sector is a necessary and challenging process, especially in the short term. Technological advancements, pursued in European and national research and innovation aviation programmes have contributed to important emission reductions in the past decades. However, the global growth of air traffic has outpaced the sector’s emissions reductions. Whereas new technologies, including new zero-emission electric- or hydrogen- powered aircrafts, are expected to help reducing short-haul aviation’s reliance on fossil energy in the next decades, sustainable aviation fuels offer the only solution for significant decarbonisation of all flight ranges, already in the short term. However, this potential is currently largely untapped. _________________ 10 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future (COM/2020/789 final), 9.12.2020.
Amendment 70 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The Communication on a Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy10 adopted by the Commission in December 2020 sets a course of action for the EU transport system to achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resilient. The decarbonisation of the air transport sector is a necessary and challenging process, especially in the short term. Technological advancements, pursued in European and national research and innovation aviation programmes have contributed to important emission reductions in the past decades. However, the global growth of air traffic has outpaced the sector’s emissions reductions. Whereas new technologies, such as electric- or hydrogen powered aircrafts, are expected to help reducing short-haul aviation’s reliance on fossil energy in the next decades, sustainable aviation fuels offer the only solution for significant decarbonisation of all flight ranges, already in the short term. However, this potential is currently largely untapped. _________________ 10 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future (COM/2020/789 final), 9.12.2020.
Amendment 74 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) SThis Regulation aims at establishing a common definition of sustainable aviation fuels as fuels from renewable sources. Currently, the most common sustainable aviation fuels are liquid, drop-in fuels, fully fungible with conventional aviation fuel and compatible with existing aircraft engines. Several production pathways of sustainable aviation fuels have been certified at global level for use in civil or military aviation. Sustainable aviation fuels are technologically ready to play an important role in reducing emissions from air transport already in the very short term. TheyOther alternatives to power aircraft, such as electricity or liquid hydrogen from renewable sources are expected to progressively contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport, beginning with short-haul flights. This Regulation should also take into account these energy carriers, promoting their acceleration and incentivising technological innovation. Sustainable aviation fuels are expected to account for a major part of the aviation fuel mix in the medium and long term and they should replace the conventional fossil aviation fuels in the long term. Further, with the support of appropriate international fuel standards, sustainable aviation fuels might contribute to lowering the aromatic content of the final fuel used by an operator, thus helping to reduce other non-CO2 emissions. Other alternatives to power aircraft, such as electricity or liquid hydrogen are expected to progressively contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport, beginning with short-haul flights.
Amendment 79 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Sustainable aviation fuels are liquid, drop-in fuels, fully fungible with conventional aviation fuel and compatible with existing aircraft engines. Several production pathways of sustainable aviation fuels have been certified at global level for use in civil or military aviation. Sustainable aviation fuels are technologically ready to play an important role in reducing emissions from air transport already in the very short term. They are expected to account for a major part of the aviation fuel mix in the medium and long term. Further, with the support of appropriate international fuel standards, sustainable aviation fuels might contribute to lowering the aromatic content of the final fuel used by an operator, thus helping to reduce other non-CO2 emissions. Other alternatives to power aircraft, such as electricity or liquid hydrogen are promising technologies that are expected to progressively contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport, beginning with short-haul flights.
Amendment 80 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The gradual introduction of sustainable aviation fuels on the air transport market will represent an additional fuel cost for airlines, as such fuel technologies are currently more expensive to produce than conventional aviation fuel. This is expected to exacerbate the pre-existing issues of level playing field on the air transport market as regards aviation fuel, and to cause further distortions among aircraft operators and airports. This regulation should take measures to prevent that the introduction of sustainable aviation fuels affects negatively the competitiveness of the EU aviation sector and its associated industries (e.g. manufacturing) by defining harmonised requirements across the Union.
Amendment 83 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) To create a global market of sustainable aviation fuels, the EU should engage in establishing and implementing a global policy framework at ICAO level. This should prevent distortions of competition in the international aviation market and the loss of traffic flows connecting through the EU airports and should prevent carbon leakage.
Amendment 84 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) At global level, sustainable aviation fuels are regulated at ICAO. In particular, ICAO establishes detailed requirements on the sustainability, traceability and accounting of sustainable aviation fuels for use on flights covered by the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). While incentives are set in CORSIA and sustainable aviation fuels are considered an integral pillar of the work on the feasibility of a Long-Term Aspiration Goal for international aviation, there is currently no mandatory scheme on the use of sustainable aviation fuels for international flights. Comprehensive multilateral or bilateral air transport agreements between the EU or its Member States, and third countries generally include provisions on environmental protection. However, for the time being, such provisions do not impose on contracting parties any binding requirements on the use of sustainable aviation fuels. In order to ensure the long- term competitiveness of traffic flows connecting through EU airports, the Union should do its utmost to ensure the adoption of a global scheme on the use of sustainable aviation fuels, while safeguarding the Union's competence regarding this matter.
Amendment 90 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Therefore, uniform rules need to be laid down for the aviation internal market to complement Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and to deliver on its overall objectives by addressing the specific needs and requirements arising from the EU aviation internal market and promoting sustainable renewable fuels in aviation. In particular, the present Regulation aims to avoid a fragmentation of the aviation market, prevent possible competitive distortions between economic actors, or unfair practices of cost avoidance as regards the refuelling of aircraft operators. Targeted support and financing is required from EU and national levels, as well as incentivising public and private partnerships to accelerate the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels.
Amendment 103 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The present Regulation should apply to aircraft engaged in civil aviation, carrying out commercial air transport flights. It should not apply to aircraft such as military aircraft and aircraft engaged in operations for humanitarian, search, rescue, disaster relief or medical purposes, as well as customs, police and fire-fighting operations. Indeed, flights operated in such circumstances are of exceptional nature and as such cannot always be planned in the same way as regular flights. Due to the nature of their operations, they may not always be in a position to fulfil obligations under this Regulation, as it may represent unnecessary burden. In order to cater for a level playing field across the EU aviation single market, this regulation should cover the largest possible share of commercial air traffic operated from airports located on EU territory. At the same time, in order to safeguard air connectivity for the benefits of EU citizens, businesses and regions, it is important to avoid imposing undue burden on air transport operations at small airports. However, air transport operations at airports not covered by this Regulation could be encouraged to comply with the obligations of this Regulation on a voluntary basis. A threshold of yearly passenger air traffic and freight traffic should be defined, below which airports would not be covered by this Regulation; however, the scope of the Regulation should cover at least 95% of total traffic departing from airports in the Union. For the same reasons, a threshold should be defined to exempt aircraft operators accountable for a very low number of departures from airports located on EU territory.
Amendment 107 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15 a) It is crucial that less-connected European regions such as insular and outermost regions, for which accessibility and connectivity are essential for socioeconomic and territorial cohesion and which rely on maritime and aviation as the sole means of connection, are not affected by the obligations resulting from this Regulation and that access of these regions to essential goods and services is ensured.
Amendment 108 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels with a high potential for sustainability, commercial maturity and a high potential for innovation and growth to meet future needs should be promoted. This should support creating innovative and competitive fuels markets and ensure sufficient supply of sustainable aviation fuels for aviation in short and long term to contribute to Union transport decarbonisation ambitions, while strengthening Union’s efforts towards a high level of environmental protection. For this purpose, sustainable aviation fuels produced from feedstock listed in Parts A and B of Annex IX of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, as well as synthetic aviation fuels should be eligible. In particular, sustainable aviation fuels produced from feedstock listed in Part B of Annex IX of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 are essential, as currently the most commercially mature technology to decarbonise air transport already in the short term, but their potential is limited due to constraints on the availability of feedstock, and their supply chain and collection are not always well tracked. Directive (EU) 2018/2001 limits these feedstocks. Biofuels produced from the feedstocks listed in Annex IX part B to Directive (EU) 2018/2001 that are counted towards the present sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) obligation are subject to the cap established under that Directive for counting such biofuels towards the renewable energy target in transport. This Regulation should reflect the cap set out in Directive (EU)2018/2001.
Amendment 133 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The present Regulation should aim to ensure that aircraft operators can compete on the basis of equal opportunities as regards the access to sustainable aviation fuels. To avoid any distortions on the air services market, all Union airports covered by this Regulation should be supplied with uniform minimum shares of sustainable aviation fuels. Whereas the market is free to supply and use larger quantities of sustainable fuel, this Regulation should ensure that the mandatory minimum shares of sustainable aviation fuels are the same across all the covered airports. It supersedes any requirements established directly or indirectly at national or regional level requiring aircraft operators or aviation fuel suppliers to uptake or supply sustainable aviation fuels with different targets than the ones prescribed under this Regulation. In order to create a clear and predictable legal framework and in doing so encourage the market development and deployment of the most sustainable and innovative with growth potential to meet future needs fuel technologies, this Regulation should set out gradually increasing minimum shares of synthetic aviation fuels over time. Setting out a dedicated sub-obligation on synthetic aviation fuels is necessary in view of the significant decarbonisation potential of such fuels, and in view of their current estimated production costs. When produced from renewable electricity and carbon captured directly from the air, synthetic aviation fuels can achieve as high as 100% emissions savings compared to conventional aviation fuel. They also have notable advantages compared to other types of sustainable aviation fuels with regards to resource efficiency (in particular for water needs) of the production process. However, synthetic aviation fuels’ production costs are currently estimated at 3 to 6 times higher than the market price of conventional aviation fuel. Therefore, this Regulation should establish a dedicated sub-obligation for this technology. Other types of synthetic fuels, such as low carbon synthetic fuels achieving high greenhouse gas reductions, and also those derived from Direct Air Capture (DAC) could be considered for inclusion in the scope of this Regulation in the course of future revisions, where such fuels become defined under the Renewable Energy Directive.
Amendment 139 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) It is essential to ensure that the minimum shares of sustainable aviation fuels can be successfully supplied to the aviation market without supply shortages. For this purpose, sufficient lead-time should be planned to allow the renewable fuels industry to develop production capacity accordingly. The supply of sustainable aviation fuels should become mandatory starting in 2025. Similarly, in order to provide legal certainty and predictability to the market and drive investments durably towards sustainable aviation fuels production capacity, the terms of this Regulation should be stable over a long period of time. The interim targets of this Regulation could be revised in the future where appropriate on the basis of the evolution of the aviation fuels markets, the EU's climate commitments as well as on the impact on the competitiveness on the EU aviation internal market.
Amendment 149 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) With the introduction and ramp-up of sustainable aviation fuels at Union airports, practices of fuel tankering for economic reasons may be exacerbated as a consequence of aviation fuel costs increases. These tankering practices are unstainable and should be avoided as they could undermine the Union’s efforts to reduce environmental impacts from transport. Those would be contrary to the aviation decarbonisation objectives as increased aircraft weight would increase fuel consumption and related emissions on a given flight. Tankering practices alsoankering practices for economic reasons put at risk the level playing field in the Union between aircraft operators, and also between airports. Nevertheless, fuel tankering may at times be justified for safety and operational reasons. This Regulation should therefore require aircraft operators to refuel prior to departure from a given Union airport. The amount of fuel uplifted prior to departures from a given Union airport should be commensurate with the amount of fuel necessary to operate the flights departing from that airport, taking into account the necessary compliance with fuel safety rules and operational reasons. Theis requirement prevents unjustifiable practices and ensures that equal conditions for operations in the Union applying equally to Union and foreign operators, while ensuring high level of environmental protection. As the Regulation does not define a maximum share of sustainable aviation fuels in all aviation fuels, airlines and fuel suppliers may pursue more ambitious environmental policies with higher sustainable aviation fuels uptake and supply in their overall network of operations, while avoiding fuel tankering.
Amendment 157 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Airports covered by this Regulation should ensure that all the necessary infrastructure is provided for delivery, storage and refuelling of sustainable aviation fuel, so as not to constitute an obstacle with respect to the uptake of such sustainable aviation fuel. If necessary, the AgencyAirports should also take the necessary measures for the future deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure for hydrogen and electric recharging for aircrafts. If necessary, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (‘the Agency’), should be able to require a Union airport to provide information on the infrastructure available allowing for seamless distribution and refuelling of aircraft operators with sustainable aviation fuels. The role of the Agency should allow airports and airlines to have a common focal point, in the event where technical clarification is necessary on the availability of fuel infrastructure.
Amendment 160 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Airports covered by this Regulation should ensure that all the necessary infrastructure is provided stakeholders, such as airport managing bodies and/or other parties involved in fuel supply, covered by this Regulation should facilitate for delivery, storage and refuelling of sustainable aviation fuel, so as not to constitute an obstacle with respect to the uptake of such sustainable aviation fuel. If necessary, the Agency should be able to require a Union airport to provide information on the infrastructure available allowing for seamless distribution and refuelling of aircraft operators with sustainable aviation fuels. The role of the Agency should allow airports and airlines to have a common focal point, in the event where technical clarification is necessary on the availability of fuel infrastructure.
Amendment 166 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Aircraft operators should also be required to report yearly on their actual aviation fuel uplift per Union airport, so as to prove that no fuel tankering for economic reasons was performed. Reports should be verified by independent verifiers and transmitted to the Agency for monitoring and assessment of compliance. Verifiers should determine the accuracy of the yearly aviation fuel required reported by the operators using a tool approved by the Commission.
Amendment 168 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) This Regulation should promote greater transparency on the environmental footprint of aviation. Information should be provided to users of aviation services on life-cycle emissions of flights including on the use of sustainable alternative fuels, so that they can make informed decisions on their transport needs and the related environmental impacts. To this end, a comprehensive Union labelling system for the environmental performance of aviation should be established that can provide users of aviation services clear and easily understandable information about the environmental performance of aviation. The creation of such a labelling system could draw on existing and ongoing work at Union level.
Amendment 174 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28 a (new)
Recital 28 a (new)
Amendment 186 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32 a) To advance the decarbonisation efforts of the Union, the Commission and Member States should ensure that both existing and future comprehensive air transport agreements as well as air services agreements integrate comprehensive and binding provisions on a sustainable aviation fuels' blending mandate. Member States should equally strive to achieve this in their existing and future bilateral air service agreements.
Amendment 190 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation lays down harmonised rules on the uptake and supply of sustainable aviation fuels. , including through establishing obligations for aviation fuel suppliers to provide a share of sustainable aviation fuel, a refuelling obligation for aircraft operators, and obligations for Union airports to provide the necessary infrastructure.
Amendment 221 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 5
— ‘sustainable aviation fuels’ (‘SAF’) means drop-in aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, advanced biofuels as defined in Article 2, second paragraph, point 34 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, or biofuels produced from the feedstock listed in Part B of Annex IX to that Directive, which comply with the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions criteria laid down in Article 29(2) to (7) of that Directive and are certified in accordance with Article 30 of this Directive;
Amendment 229 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 8
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – indent 8
— ‘synthetic aviation fuels’ means liquid or gaseous fuels that are renewable fuels of non- biological origin, as defined in Article 2, second paragraph, point 36 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, or electricity from renewable sources used in aviation;
Amendment 259 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Aviation fuel suppliers shall ensure that all aviation fuel made available to aircraft operators at each Union airport contains a minimum share of sustainable aviation fuel, including a minimum share of synthetic aviation fuel in accordance with the values and dates of application set out in Annex I. To meet these minimum shares, the biofuels produced from the feedstock listed in Part B of Annex IX of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 shall not count more than 1,7% of the total aviation fuel supplied.
Amendment 264 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Without prejudice to the first paragraph, Member States may introduce higher colume shares than the minimum values set out in Annex I, provided that the volume shares are transparent, non- discriminatory and proportionate to the objective. 6 months before a Member State introduces such measures, it shall inform the aircraft operators, aviation fuel suppliers, the Agency and the Commission.
Amendment 265 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 281 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
The yearly quantity of aviation fuel uplifted by a given aircraft operator at a given Union airport shall be at least 90% of the yearly aviation fuel required taking into account the necessary compliance with fuel safety rules, and the specific conditions which could create serious and recurrent operational difficulties in refuelling aircrafts.
Amendment 299 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – title
Article 6 – title
6 Obligations of Union airports to provide the infrastructure at Union airports
Amendment 305 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Union airports shall take necessary measures to facilitate the access of aircraft operators to aviation fuels containing shares of sustainable aviation fuels in accordance with Annex I and, shall provide the infrastructure necessary for the delivery, storage and uplifting of such fuels, as well as for hydrogen and electric recharging and refuelling infrastructure for aircrafts, in accordance with [Article 13 of Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure].
Amendment 308 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Union airports stakeholders, such as airport managing bodies and/or other parties involved in fuel supply, shall take necessary measures to facilitate the access of aircraft operators to aviation fuels containing shares of sustainable aviation fuels in accordance with Annex I and, shall provide the infrastructure necessaryfacilitate for the delivery, storage and uplifting of such fuels.
Amendment 316 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Where aircraft operators report difficulties to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (‘the Agency’) in accessing aviation fuels containing sustainable aviation fuels at a given Union airport for lack of adequate airport infrastructure, the Agency may request the Union airport stakeholders to provide the information necessary to prove compliance with paragraph 1. The Union airport stakeholders concerned shall provide the information without undue delay.
Amendment 317 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Where aircraft operators report difficulties to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (‘the Agency’) in accessing aviation fuels containing sustainable aviation fuels at a given Union airport for lack of adequate airport infrastructure, the Agency mshall without undue delay request the Union airport to provide the information necessary to prove compliance with paragraph 1. The Union airport concerned shall provide the information without undue delay.
Amendment 325 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
The Agency shall assess the information received and inform the Commission if such information allows to conclude that the Union airport stakeholders does not fulfil its obligations. Union airport stakeholders shall take the necessary measures to identify and address the lack of adequate airport infrastructure in 5 years after the entry into force of the Regulation or after the year when they exceed one of the thresholds in Article 3(a).
Amendment 344 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) The total amount of sustainable aviation fuel purchased from aviation fuel suppliers, for the purpose of operating their commercial air transport flights departing from Union airports, expressed in tonnes.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a Union labelling system for the environmental performance of aviation 1. In order to incentivise emission reductions and increase the transparency of information, the Commission shall set up a comprehensive Union labelling system for the environmental performance of aviation which shall apply to commercial air transport flights. 2. By 1 January 2024, the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 13b to supplement this Regulation by setting out the detailed provisions for the functioning of the Union labelling system for the environmental performance of flights as well as the technical standards which constitute its basis.
Amendment 382 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(2 a) Member States shall ensure that any Union airport failing to comply with the obligations laid down in Article 6 is liable to an administrative fine. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 13b to determine guidance for the calculation of the amount of the fine.
Amendment 394 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Article 11 – paragraph 7
(7) Member States shall have the necessary legal and administrative framework in place at national level to ensure the fulfilment of the obligations and the collection of the administrative fines. Member States shall transfer the amount collected through those administrative fines as contribution to the InvestEU Green Transition Investment Facility, as a top-up to the EU guarantee.
Amendment 398 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a Allocation of penalties to support sustainable aviation fuels 1. The amount collected through the administrative fines referred to in Article 11 shall be allocated to support common projects aimed at the rapid deployment of sustainable aviation fuels, including the development, testing and deployment of innovative aircraft technologies that have the potential to achieve significant emission reductions, and to support redeployment, re-skilling and up-skilling of workers, in quality social dialogue with social partners. 2. The revenues generated from penalties referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the Innovation Fund referred to in Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. These revenues shall constitute external assigned revenue and shall be implemented in accordance with the rules applicable to the Innovation Fund.
Amendment 400 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) The amount of sustainable aviation fuel purchased by aircraft operators at Union level in aggregate, for use on commercial air transport flights departing from a Union airport, and by Union airport;
Amendment 402 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) The amount of sustainable aviation fuel and of synthetic aviation fuel supplied at Union level in aggregate, by Member State and by Union airport;
Amendment 405 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) The state of the market, including price information, and trends in sustainable aviation fuel production and use in the Union, and in each Member State;
Amendment 407 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) The status of compliance of airport stakeholders regarding obligations set out in Article 6;
Amendment 410 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) The origin and the characteristics of all sustainable aviation fuels purchased by aircraft operators for use on commercial air transport flights departing from Union airports.
Amendment 420 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a Opt-in for airports and aircraft operators An airport situated on Union territory, or an aircraft operator operating from Union airports, which do not fall within the scope of the definitions set out in Article 3 may request to be treated as an Union airport or aircraft operator, respectively, under this Regulation if that airport or that aircraft operator informs accordingly the Commission, the Agency and the competent authorities.
Amendment 421 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 b (new)
Article 13 b (new)
Article 13 b Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 9a and 11 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the entry into force of this Regulation]. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 9a and 11 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. 5. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 9 a and 11 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by one month at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 426 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 20285 and every five years thereafter, the Commission services shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council, on the application of this Regulation, the evolution of the aviation fuels market and itsthe impact on the competitiveness and the functioning of the aviation internal market of the Union, including regarding the possible extension of the scope of this Regulation to other energy sources, and other types of synthetic fuels defined under the Renewable Energy Directivethe socioeconomic impacts as well as the related employment and training needs, the possible revision of the minimum shares in Article 4 and Annex I, and the level of administrative fines. The report shall include information, where available, on development of a potential policy framework for uptake of sustainable aviation fuels at ICAO level. The report shall also inform on technological advancements in the area of research and innovation in the aviation industry which are relevant to sustainable aviation fuels, including with regards to the reduction of non-CO2 emissions. The report may consider if this Regulation should be amended and, options for amendments, wh and the development of technologies such as electric- or hydrogen-powered appropriate, in lircraft, includineg with a potential policy framework on sustainable aviation fuels uptake at ICAO levelregards to the reduction of non-CO2 emissions.
Amendment 430 #
2021/0205(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall accompany the reports laid down in this Article, where appropriate, with legislative proposals amending this Regulation in particular in relation to: (a) the minimum shares referred to in Article 4 and Annex I. (b) the alignment of this Regulation with a potential policy framework on sustainable aviation fuels uptake at ICAO level in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of the Union climate action and targets.
Amendment 39 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The "UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021", known as COP26, adopted a commitment to accelerate the global transition to zero emissions vehicles. It also committed to the transition to be just and sustainable, so that no region or community is left behind and highlighted the importance of ensuring a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs. The COP26 emphasised the need to support communities and regions that are particularly vulnerable to the economic, employment and social effects of the transition.
Amendment 40 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6b) The automotive industry represents over 7 % of EU GDP and provides direct and indirect jobs to 13.8 million Europeans, representing 6.1% of total EU employment1a. Given this context, the Commission has recognised mobility and automotive sector as one of the 14 industrial ecosystems in its New European Industrial Strategy. The Commission's Transition Pathway for the mobility and automotive sector should identify actions needed to achieve the green and digital transition and give a better understanding of the scale, needs, benefits and conditions required. This Transition Pathway should foresee targeted investment at EU and national level for the transformation of the sector, including the training and reskilling of workers. _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/autom otive-industry_en
Amendment 46 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order toThe European Green Deal has set the goal of achieveing a reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990. Regarding the transport sector, the European Green Deal has set the target of a 90% reduction in transport emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the reduction requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council25 for both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. A clear pathway also needs to be set for further reductions beyond 2030 to contribute to achieving the climate neutrality objective by 2050. Without ambitious action on greenhouse gas emission reducThis pathway should include targeted measures, including financing, to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the transitions, in road transport, higher emission reductions would be needed in otherorder to support employment and job creation in the automotive sectors, including sectors where decarbonisation is more challenging.as well as to ensure the accessibility and affordability to sustainable mobility; _________________ 25Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 443/2009 and (EU) No 510/2011 (OJ L 111, 25.4.2019, p. 13).
Amendment 69 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The targets in the revised CO2 performance standards should be accompanied by a European strategy to address the challenges posed by the scale- up of the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and associated technologies, as well as the need for up- and re-skilling of workers in the sector and the economic diversification and reconversion of activities. Where appropriate, fFinancial support should be considered at the level of the EU and Member States to crowd in private investment, including via the European Social Fund Plus, the Just Transition Fund, the Innovation Fund, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Social Climate Fund, the Support Fund for the Automotive Sector and other instruments of the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Next Generation EU, in line with State aid rules. The revised environmental and energy state aid rules will enable Member States to support business to decarbonize their production processes and adopt greener technologies in the context of the New Industrial Strategy.
Amendment 81 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Those EU fleet-wide targets are toshould be complemented by the necessary roll-out of recharging and refuelling infrastructure as set out inas part of the revision of Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council27 , which should provide mandatory targets for the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure throughout the 27 Member States. The Commission should ensure Member States receive financing support for a balanced and equal deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure within their territories to ensure equal access, as well as a seamless and up-to-date European transport network. _________________ 27 Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (OJ L 307 28.10.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 116 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The progress made under Regulation (EU) 2019/631 towards achieving the reduction objectives set for 2030 and beyond should be reviewed in 20265. For this review, all aspects considered in the two yearly reporting should be considered.
Amendment 124 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The possibility to assign the revenue fromamounts of the excess emissions premiums to a specific fund or relevant programme has been evaluated as required pursuant to Article 15(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/631, with the conclusion that this would significantly increase the administrative burden, while not directly benefit should be considered as revenue assigned to a Support Fund for the Automotive Sector, with the objective to ensure a just transition towards a climate-neutral economy, in particular to mitigate any negative employment impact of the transition in the automotive sector (in its transition. Revenue from the excess emission premiumscluding car manufacturers and component suppliers) in all affected Member States, in particular isn the refore to continue to be considered as revenue for the general budget of the Union in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/631gions and the communities most affected by the transition.
Amendment 190 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Regulation (EU) 2019/631
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
(5a) Article 8(4) is replaced by the following: 4. The amounts of the excess emissions premium shall be considered as revenue for the general budget of the Union allocated to a Support Fund dedicated to the Automotive Sector, including, among others, car manufacturers and their component suppliers. The objective of the fund shall be to train and reskill workers of companies and SMEs of the automotive sector, with a view to ensuring a just transition towards a competitive carbon- neutral economy in all affected Member States, in particular in the regions and the communities most affected by the transition. . Or. en(Regulation (EU) 2019/631)
Amendment 220 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Regulation (EU) 2019/631
Article 14a – paragraph 1
Article 14a – paragraph 1
By 31 December 2025, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall report on the progress towards zero emission road mobility. The report shall in particular monitor and assess the need for possible additional measures to facilitate the transition and its employment impact, including through financial means, in particular to the regions and the communities most affected by the transition.
Amendment 229 #
2021/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a
Regulation (EU) 2019/631
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. The Commission shall, in 20287, review the effectiveness and impact of this Regulation, building on the two yearly reporting, and submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council with the result of the review, including results on the impact of socioeconomic and employment impact, i.e. job creation, reskilling and training of workforce, deployment and demand of zero-emissions vehicles at national and EU level. The results of the report should be presented to the Committee of Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament.
Amendment 8 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the blue economy sector must contribute to the clean energy transition, in particular by the exploration of renewable energies growing potential offshore and by a more sustainable management of the maritime space;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas several sectors of the blue economy are likely to be affected by the current crisis, in particular coastal and maritime tourism; Whereas the blue economy must be used strategically to help repair the economic and social damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2276(INI)
C. whereas the action plan adopted by the Commission to update its Atlantic maritime strategy includes the same principles set out in the European Green Deal and in its digital strategy; Taking into account the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to complete priority projects included in the Trans-European Transport Network for the Atlantic Arc and that projects should pay particular attention to special needs regarding connectivity and accessibility for peripheral, islands and outermost regions of the Atlantic; underlines the fact that the various macro- regional strategies have been effective at facilitating cooperation, recovery and the efficient use of EU programmes; calls, therefore, on the Commission to draft an Atlantic macro- regional strategy based on the current sea basin strategy for the Atlantic in cooperation with national, regional and local authorities, as well as other relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights that Brexit has changed the geopolitical scenario and has created new EU exterior borders for the regions of the Atlantic and the Channel seaboard which exacerbates their peripheral condition in regards to the rest of the EU; calls on the Commission to take this into consideration in the upcoming Action Plan of the Atlantic maritime strategy, as well as in other relevant proposals such as the revision of the TEN-T guidelines, in order to facilitate and strengthen the socioeconomic and territorial cohesion of these regions by, for instance, improving the interconnection between the core and comprehensive networks as well as multimodality, to ensure seamless links between ports, logistics platforms, airports, rail and road networks;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Points the need to involve the main stakeholders in the definition of this strategy, including national, regional and local authorities, economic and social agents, civil society, academic community and non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to focus on further ways to boost the decarbonisation of maritime transport as a way to promote investments towards sustainability in, among others, the increase of the deployment of alternative fuels, such as renewable ones, refuelling equipment and infrastructure, as well as in multimodal access, greening ground movements at port services, optimisation of port calls and in fleet renewals in waterborne transport; further calls on the Commission to work closely with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to support Member States in mitigating shipping-related environmental risks and in improving the overall sustainability and safety of the maritime sector;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Points the need to set out specific goals on the implementation of marine renewable energies in the Atlantic regions, taking into account its environmental impacts in the transport and tourism sectors;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights the geostrategic position of the outermost regions and the importance that they have in the implementation of this strategy, therefore the financing and access to funds by these regions must be based on their specific characteristics as provided by Article 349 TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union);
Amendment 59 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Highlights that ports have been recognised as key for international connectivity, for the European economy and for their regions in the Commission’s Communication on “Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy”; further highlights that ports and maritime transport will key to the transition towards sustainable and smart mobility in line with the goals of the European Green Deal; recalls the Commission and Member States that further investment is needed for ports to become multimodal mobility and transport hubs, as well as energy hubs for integrated electricity systems, hydrogen and other alternative fuels and testbeds for waste reuse and the circular economy;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Highlights the need to invest in sustainable, intelligent and ecological port infrastructures. Atlantic ports are points to enter Europe and can be used to boost the blue economy. Reinforce the role of port operators as catalysts for the economic activities of the blue economy, in order to mobilize financing for intelligent infrastructures and enable the way to complement and monitor the growth of trade;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Stresses the need to enhance ecological maritime transport and innovative port activities, in order to reduce the carbon and environmental footprint in the EU;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Urges the Commission to invest in the innovation of ports, in order to contribute to decarbonisation, creating infrastructures for loading and supplying alternative fuels in ports and cargo terminals. It reinforces the need to develop waste management plans for the ports of the Atlantic;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to invest in the development of TEN-T Motorways of the Sea in the Atlantic;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Asks the Commission to come up with a specific proposal to improve the working and employment conditions for workers at sea to increase the attractiveness of the sector; further asks the Commission to explore the option of establishing a European Maritime Space for Socially Sustainable Shipping;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights that the new strategy should be a leveraging factor for job creation in coastal communities in the Atlantic region, mainly in the areas of transport and tourism;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls for the need to develop actions combining maritime strategy with the tourism sector; highlighting the importance of this sector for the Atlantic regions; Highlights the need to promote sustainable practices in the field of coastal and maritime tourism;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the need to protect and promote the attractiveness of the Atlantic coastal areas and outermost regions, landscapes and cultural heritage using a holistic approach.
Amendment 85 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights that the circular economy, zero pollution, energy efficiency and the preservation of biodiversity must be guiding principles of this strategy, and must create more sustainable practices that are beneficial for development and employment;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Urges the need to ensure that the strategy is implemented as quickly as possible in order to help the economic and social recovery, namely the transport of sectors and tourism;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the European Court of Auditors’ review No 06/2020 entitled ‘Risks, challenges and opportunities in the EU’s economic policy response to the COVID-19 crisis’,
Amendment 3 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas financial and economic crime includesrefers to illegal acts committed by an individual or a group of individuals to obtain economic or professional gain and includes, inter alia, corruption, fraud, coercion, collusion, obstruction, money laundering and financing of terrorism;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the subsequent economic emergency and social turmoil, has pushed the EU and the Member States’ governments to provide forpublic authorities in Member States to provide for or to be involved in the management of extra funding and substantially and swiftly increase spending;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas because of the pressing nature of the crisis, procurement procedures and means of control have been relaxedmade more flexible in many places in order to expedite implementation;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas response plans do not give enough consideration to governance and problems of corruptionillegal acts, like corruption and fraud, and measures to avoid non- fraudulent irregularities;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas crisis creates opportunities for numerous violations of integrity and could intensify fraud and corruption, as well as non-fraudulent irregularities, particularly in public procurement, economic stimulus packages and public organisations;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas corruption is a major threat in the private and public spheres as it causes a reduction of the resources, which damages the social protection and an equitable access to public services, and has a disproportionate impact on the poor and most vulnerable, increasing costs and reducing access to servic groups, ultimately increasing social inequalities;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas a rising number of serious and organised crime groups are active in the EU, often with cross-border reach and almost in all cases taking advantage of new technologies which makes it possible to act from anywhere in the world and at any time;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas curbing corruption requires government ownership of reforms, public support, political commitment, international cooperation, and a joint effort with civil society and the private sector;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas in a situation of high expectation, severe pressure and unprecedented spending volumes, public officials could be unfit to keep up with the increased professional standards needed, or not at ease with doing sothe responsibility for meeting this challenge rests with public officials who need appropriate support to deal with both the increased professional standards and new difficulties to fulfil their mission; whereas, furthermore, officials may not necessarily become promptly aware of conflict-of- interest situations;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas the Lisbon Treaty took the direction of reinforcing the role of the European Parliament, to bring about more coherence, parliamentary scrutiny and democratic accountability;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is of the opinion that such crises provide an opportunity and a need to strengthen anti-corruption and integrity policies, as well as the bodies than enforce them, and therefore improve overall governance; believes, in this respect, that the COVID-19 crisis will sharpen our focus on governance in the years ahead as a result of the increased efforts to tackle the pandemic’s devastating effects and costs for people and economies;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Believes that the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principle of sound financial management of emergency funds as part of the EU budget; recalls that the rule of law applies at all times, including at times of crisis, and that emergency measures must ensure compliance with the rule of law and the principles of proportionality and necessity as well as being time-limited and regularly scrutinised for their impact;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Highlights that emergency situations, especially health and safety crisis, also impact the functioning of public authorities and create opportunities for integrity violations, which can cause misuse of funds and corruption at a time when public resources are already under pressure; encourages the Commission to address the resilience of the EU institutions in such situations in order to protect emergency funds;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its concern, however, that transparency, control and anti- corruption reforms have met a certain resistance in some Member States, which has been explained by the fact that they affect the personal interests of the; believes that any actual or potential conflict of interest affecting law- makers and government officials in charge of enforcing themmust be prevented;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that governments needpublic authorities need solid ex ante controls, efficient and transparent reporting, independent ex post audits and accountability procedures, and open channels of communication with civil society and the private sector to ensure that the funds and measures are helping the people who need it most;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is of the opinion that more effort needs to be put into ex ante controls to know beforehand exactly how the emergency funds are going to be used and to guarantee their traceability; believes that ex post controls and evaluations should be strengthened whereverspecially when ex ante controls and evaluations are not feasiblehave been carried out under exceptional measures;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that it is important to keep citizens both informed and engaged in the fight against corruption ands well as fully protected from negative personal or professional consequences in case of whistleblowing; calls on the Commission to provide the right platforms for engagementthat purpose;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that in the midst of an economic, security or health-related crisis, governments have a tendency to relaxmake contracting procedures more flexible in order to promptly respond to the crisis; stresses the fact that the EU Public Procurement Directive already allows for much quicker and less administratively burdensome procedures and that Member States’ governments should not manage these procedures outside of the legal requirements;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Insists, however, that in order to curb the potential negative effects of these policies in terms of graft, top-down accountability tools such as specific guidance and audits should by default accompany any relaxation of contracting rules, as flexibility and reactivity should not come at the expense of public accountability and performanceflexibility measure on contracting rules in order not to harm public accountability and performance; welcomes in that regard the Commission’s timely ‘Guidance on using the public procurement framework in the emergency situation related to the COVID-19 crisis’ published on 1 April 2020;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Believes that emergency measures, in addition to flexibility, should deliver simplified procedures to the extent possible so as to prevent costly errors and non-fraudulent irregularities due to the complexity of the rules, interpretation inconsistencies or shortcomings in implementation caused by final beneficiaries;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Takes notes of the Court of Auditors’ analysis that identifies new risks that NextGenerationEU entails, especially in terms of monitoring and accountability; reiterates that Parliament has an essential role in scrutinising the stimulus package and must be kept informed regularly by the Commission on its implementation;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)20 , the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU, makes it possible to offer Member States grants (of up to EUR 312 billion) and loans (of up to EUR 360 billion)21 for public investments and reforms aimed at addressing structural weaknesses and making Member States’ economies more resilient while focusing on sustainable transition, digital transformation, economic, social and territorial cohesion, institutional resilience and the Pillar of Social Rights ; _________________ 20https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021 R0241 21 Both in 2018 prices.
Amendment 52 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Encourages EU and national authorities to take on local-regional authorities’ input while elaborating and implementing emergency and recovery measures;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that sound financial management should be pursued and that absorption, while remaining an important objective, should not be prioritised over performance and value for money considerations;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is of the opinion that more transparency, coupled with technology and data science, could also help to identifyare instrumental in order to prevent and reduce corruption; in this sense, calls strongly on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the available tools, such as the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES), Arachne and the Irregularities Management System (IMS) to effectively and efficiently identify the problematic economic operators and the private individuals (or natural persons) linked to them in both direct and indirect management; encourages Member States to exchange information both among themselves and, with the Commission and with the EU relevant bodies (ECA, OLAF, EPPO and Europol) to cooperate more closely with a view to improving data collection and, enhancing the effectiveness of controls; and securing the recovery of the misused funds;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Calls, in this regard, for a single digital database that allows the aforementioned EU institutions and bodies to identify patterns and 'at risk' beneficiaries; stresses the importance of data quality and interoperability in order to facilitate the automated exchange of relevant information while contributing to the once-only principle; reiterates the necessity of collecting data on the final recipients of emergency funds;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Regrets the fact that OLAF does not have full access to the Arachne Risk Scoring Tool; is of the opinion that integrating Arachne in national management and control systems should be mandatory for all the managing authorities;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to evaluate the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the preventive anti-corruption measures, to look at how corruption affected the outcome and whether integrity was upheld or undermined, and to report back to Parliament on the main findings;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Finds it lamentable that the Commission makes extensive use of the redaction tool to cover parts of the APA contracts; insists, notwithstanding the sensitivity of the information, that such details are important in improving accountability and the global response to the virus as increased transparency boosts public trust, empowers the public debate and promotes EU standards; notes that the Commission applies Article 38(3)(d) of the Financial Regulation, referring to the case where disclosure of data risks harming the commercial interests of the recipients, and calls for proportionality of effective scrutiny and full accountability of the use of the resources with the public interest; believes, in that regard, that the second generation contracts should be published in full transparency since all vaccines have received some form of public support;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges the Commission to put in place a solid and transparent EU public procurement framework, when funds from the EU budget are fully or partially involved, that would allow for full and unlimited scrutiny by Parliament, especially concerning major economic, security or health crisis-related spending areas; calls on the Commission to assess the successful Joint Procurement Agreement and the rescEU stockpile of medical equipment in order to establish good practises for future crisis;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to work together towards the adoption of robust National Anti-Fraud Strategies (NAS), that offer the benefit of coordinating the actions of several entities and guaranteeing optimisation of resources and coverage of all the areas of interest (expenditures under indirect and shared management, national funds, etc.); reiterates that the Commission shall use its annual rule of law report to assess not only the existence but also the effectiveness of the NAS (including relevant legislation and policies), outline best practices, identify areas particularly sensitive to corruption and come up with country-specific recommendations for improvement, and to use that knowledge as well to update and enhance the Union’s anti-corruption framework;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists on the need for collaborative work among the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and other EU bodies such as Eurojust, Europol and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to carry out criminal investigations and prosecutions within the respective mandate/remit; emphasises the crucial role of the aforementioned institutions and bodies during emergency situations and crisis to fight those who unscrupulously take advantage of EU funds while ensuring their own business continuity; reiterates that fighting corruption and fraud requires a strong mandate coupled with an adequate budget, resources and any kind of support necessary to implement it from both the EU and the Member States; calls on the Commission to thoroughly secure the necessary support in the frame of the budgetary process;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for increased effective international cooperation on taking of evidence, mutual recognition, service of documents, and confiscation and freezing of assets, with a view to giving the competent authorities the means to trace, freeze, manage and confiscate the proceeds of crime; calls, therefore, on the Commission to support and to promote the Union-wide harmonisation of definitions of corruption offenses, as well as a better use of the existing data sets and the methodology to develop new ones in order to obtain comparative data across the EU on the treatment of corruption cases;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Welcomes the package of legislative proposals presented by the Commission to strengthen the EU’s anti- money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism rules; calls for an efficient and consistent implementation of the future framework that foresees emergency situations where the stability and security in Europe may be compromised;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Observes with concern Europol’s conclusion that criminals are digital natives, which means that virtually all criminal activities now feature some online component and many crimes have fully migrated online; is concerned that new technologies also allows traditional crimes to continue to be committed in a non-traditional way, from anywhere in the world at any time; calls on the Commission and Member States to make a decisive investment and a strong political commitment to meet these new challenges;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Takes the view that a centralised procurement administration tosystem in which contractors and contracting authorities are obliged to systematically report highly detailedduly report fundamental project data and, progress milestones and the beneficial owners (in a standardised format) should be created, in order to facilitate interoperability, data collection and treatment on an EU level;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Believes in the benefits of professionalisation and adequate wages in public procurement, namely that having specialised, well trained and well paid public procurement staff who share their expertise, knowledge and (market) intelligence, also across Member States’ borders, is a positive practice to be implemented together among other corruption prevention techniques;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Emphasises that the agencies have significant influence on policy- and decision-making, and programme preparation and implementation in areas of vital importance to Union citizens’ daily lives, such as health, safety, security, freedom and justice; reiterates the importance of agencies in addressing specific policy needs and to reinforce European cooperation; notes that the agencies can also act as frontrunners to solve crisis situations or long-term societal challenges;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Notes further that in terms of geneder balance in management boards in 2019, there was no agency with an even gender balance, a good balance existed in seven agencies, and there was no gender balance in 14 management boards; asks the Member States and the relevant organisations that participate in management boards to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to an Agency’s management board;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Notes further that, as regards overall staff, eight agencies have an even gender balance, 19 agencies have a good gender balance and three agencies have no gender balance; calls on the agencies to continue to strive for a good gender balance in the future;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11 d. Notes with concern that in 2019 only 34 % of members of the highest decision-making bodies of all Union agencies were women and recalls that gender balance must be ensured within the Union agencies in accordance with the basic regulations establishing them; asks, therefore, that the Union agencies collect and present data on gender balance for all categories of management staff (from the lowest to the highest level) to gather the basic data on which the Union agencies are encouraged to address the gender imbalance in management and pursue gender mainstreaming in all fields;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes that the agencies reported a total number of six former Members of European Parliament (MEPs), former Commissioners or former high-level officials that performed paid duties for an agency and that it concerned four former MEPs, one former Commissioner and one former high-level official; notes that these persons received indemnities and reimbursements for costs made;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes with concern that it remains the case that not all agencies have published on their websites the CVs and the declarations of interest for members of the management boards, executive leadership and seconded experts; regrets the fact that some agencies still publish declarations of absence of conflicts of interests; highlights that it is not up to the board members or executives to declare themselves to have an absence of conflicts of interests; reiterates its calls for a unified model of declarations of interest to be implemented by all agencies; stresses the importance of establreinforcing the exishting an independent ethics body to assessrules, improving their implementation and encouraging the homogenisation to assess or deal with conflict of interest and revolving door situations throughout the institutions, agencies and other bodies of the Union; urges the Member States to ensure that all seconded experts publish their respective declarations of interest and CVs on the respective agency websites;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Notes with concern that not all agencies report the meetings that the agencies’ staff has with external stakeholders, in particular the management level’s meetings with organisations and self-employed individuals; calls on the agencies to report and to make available the meetings on the agencies’ website in order to enhance the transparency of their activities;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Emphasises the importance of sustainability reporting in all Union agencies; notes with concern that only one Union agency, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, publishes a sustainability report; reiterates its call on the agencies to integrate sustainability in their reporting systems;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2188(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that during 2019 the Undertaking has progressed towards achieving its targets, delivering the Shift2Rail Programme implementation ensuring an effective and efficient sound financial management; Notes that it is estimated that the total project cost of the activities performed in 2019 amounts to EUR 117.5 million (of which EUR 98.9 million by the Other members) ;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2188(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that, in 2019, the Undertaking awarded 17 grants as a result of the 2019 call launched in January 2019 to be co-funded by the Undertaking up to EUR 74,8 million (for a total value of EUR 148,6 million); notes with regret that only 90 SMEs participated to the 2019 call (76 in 2018, 120 in 2017) and 40 SMEs (= in 2018) were retained for funding (19, 7 of all retained participants for funding, 21,6% in 2018);
Amendment 2 #
2020/2184(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that the Undertaking’s revised financial rules were adopted in January 2020;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2184(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that the Internal Audit Officer (IAO) confirmed to the GB her organisational independence according to the IIA standards although she highlighted a potential lack of objectivity for assurance audits;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2184(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Regrets that the Management Board has still not managed in 2019 to decide on a language arrangement for the Agency;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the appointment of a new executive director on 16 June 2019; welcomes the detailed follow-up report by the Office on the observations of Parliament for the financial year 2019, in particular the steps made in the area of procurement with the successful conclusion of the framework contract for temporary agency workers in Italy that was awarded in 2019 and its full compliance with Union procurement rules; notes the corrective measures introduced in order to improve the governance structure and to restore transparency and the reputation of the Office;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that additional indicators were adopted by the Management Board on 7 June 2019, subsequently amended on 18 February 2020, which call for quarterly reporting to the Management Board in the following areas: implementation of the EASO Work Programme, budget and finance, human resources, staff engagement, internal controls, and procurement;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2180(DEC)
6 a. Notes with concern that in 2019 senior management comprised eight men and three women; notes with satisfaction that a good gender balance was achieved with regard to the management board (16 men and 16 women); asks the Office to ensure gender balance at the senior management and staff level in the future;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Notes that the Agency has adopted the policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing harassment in 2019;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Notes the Office’s reply that 81 % of posts were filled in 2019 (representing an increase of 7 % as compared with 2018) and that turnover has decreased from 10 % in 2018 to 7 % in 2019;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the Office’s reply to the discharge authority on the declaration of interests, which stated that all staff sign a declaration of interests upon entry into service; notes that the declaration of interests ofand CVs of all members of the management board and the executive director hasve been published on the Office’s website; calls on the Office to publish the declarations of interests and CVs of the other senior management members on its website and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Welcomes the adoption of Guidelines on Whistleblowing on 20 September 2019;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2180(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the adoption of a new organigram by the Office’s management board on 26 November 2019; acknowledges the reinforcement of the Office’s governance structures, including the responsibilities of the executive office; stresses the importance to further strengthen the procurement function, in the light of the Court’s ongoing findings regarding irregular procedures and associated payments; notes the Office’s reply to the Court’s finding and the measures taken by the Office to prevent a recurrence of these failures;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2178(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes with concern that on 31 December 2019 gender balance at staff level has decreased by 8 % compared to 2018 (2018: 52 % women and 48 % men; 2019: 44 % women and 56 % men) and in middle management positions by 17 % (2018: 50 % women and 50 % men; 2019: 33 % women and 67 % men); asks the BEREC Office to ensure gender balance at the staff and middle management levels in the future; notes that a good geographical balance was achieved, with the BEREC Office employing 32 staff members from 13 Member States; is concerned that gender balance was not achieved among the members of the management board, with only 7 women among 28 members; asks in that regard the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the BEREC Office’s management board;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2178(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the BEREC Office’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency and prevention and management of conflicts of interest; acknowledges that CVs of most of the board members are published on its website; however, points out with concern that the BEREC Office still does not publish the CVs and the declarations of interest of all board members on its website; calls on the BEREC Office to publish the CVs and declarations of interest of all the members of the management board and to report to the European Parliament on the measures taken in that regard;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2178(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes with satisfaction that the BEREC Office has established new rules on preventing and managing conflicts of interest concerning the members of the management board (Decision No MB/2019/16), based on the new rules the board members must submit their CVs together with the declarations of interest, which are published on the BEREC Office’s website; however, notes that not all members of the board follow the new rules; calls on the BEREC Office to take appropriate measures to ensure that internal rules are followed at all levels in the organisation;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the Agency succeeded in the adoption of significant decisions, opinions and recommendations in the Union electricity and gas markets resulting from the adoption of the Regulation (EU) no 1227/20112 on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency (REMIT); notes with concern that some tasks were deprioritised or not executed due to a lack of resources; _________________ 2Regulation (EU) no 1227/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency (OJ L 326 8.12.2011, p. 1)
Amendment 6 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Reiterates its concern that the gender balance at the Agency’s senior management level (5 men and 1 woman) and on the Administrative Board (11 men and 7 women) was not fully respected; asks the Union institutions to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s Administrative Board;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the fact that the Agency received additional resources in the context of the “Clean Energy for All Europeans” package;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Notes that the Agency has adopted a decision on the policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing harassment, that several trainings were organised for information and awareness raising of staff and that the training is compulsory for all newcomers; notes that one alleged harassment case was reported, but none was investigated nor taken to court;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes the Agency’s reply to the Court’s finding and the measures taken by the Agency to prevent a recurrence of irregular procurement procedures;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes with satisfaction that the CVs and the declarations of interest of the Administrative Board and senior management are published on the Agency’s website;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2177(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Welcomes the Agency’s efforts to provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly workplace;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes with satisfaction that the Authority reported that it employs staff of 28 nationalities, of whom the Authority reports that 4950 % are female and 510 % are male; notes with concern that 83 % of senior management is male and 17 % is female; asks the Authority to ensure gender balance at the senior management level in the future;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. WNotes with satisfaction that the declarations of interest and the CVs of the senior management and of all members of the management board are published on the Authority’s website; welcomes the extension of the scope of conflicts of interest to non-staff beyond the board of supervisors and management board, to include the anti- money laundering standing committee, the resolution committee and independent panels, including panels investigating breaches of Union law;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2174(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Welcomes the efforts made to increase the Authority’s cyber security and data protection, especially as regards the training campaign for the entire statutory staff;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2172(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Notes with concern that the staff turnover rate of the Agency was 11,7 % in 2019; notes the Agency’s reply that the turnover rate was the result of the high number of resignations and number of contracts ending in 2019 and that the Agency has closely monitored the situation; calls on the Agency to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2172(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 10 #
2020/2172(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Notes that the Agency has adopted a policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing harassment; notes that two cases of alleged psychological harassment and related inappropriate behaviour were reported and subsequently investigated by means of a formal administrative inquiry in 2019 and a decisionon the outcome was to be taken in 2020; calls on the Agency to report to the discharge authority on the findings of the inquiry;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2172(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency, prevention and management of conflicts of interest, and whistleblower protection and the fight against harassment; notes that two cases of alleged psychological harassment and related inappropriate behaviour were reported and subsequently investigated by means of a formal administrative inquiry in 2019 and a decision on the outcome was to be taken in 2020; notes that; notes that the CVs and declarations of interest of some of the members of the Agency’s management board have not been published on the Agency’s website; calls on the Agency to publish the CVs and declarations of interest of some ofall the members of the Agency’s management board have not been published on the Agency’s websiteand to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2170(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the Agency’s efforts to provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly workplace and to reduce and offset its CO2 emissions; notes with satisfaction that the Executive Director of the Agency has pledged the Agency to be carbon neutral by 2030;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2170(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes gender imbalance in 2019 with regard to the senior management positions (71 % male and 29 % female) and with regard to the management board (69 % male and 31 % female); asks the Agency to ensure gender balance at the senior management level in the future; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2170(DEC)
8. Notes that the Agency has an anti- harassment policy and related guidelines in place; acknowledges that it organised training sessions and made confidential counselling available, furthermore, notes that a pilot project with mediation in teams that have experienced conflicts was started in 2019; notes that the Agency had one informal harassment procedure in 2019;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2170(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that the Agency publishes on its website the CVs of all members of the Management Board and its Committees, including those of its chairs who are the Agency’s members of staff, the Executive Director and all members of the Board of Appeal; welcomes that the Agency publishes the declarations of interest of all members of the Management Board, the senior management and the Committee Chairs on its website;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2170(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. NotWelcomes the further steps taken in order to enhance transparency and whistleblower protection, such as mandatory online training courses on whistleblowing for all staff, and a continued focus on awareness of ethics, procurement and contract management and information security; according to the Agency, all meetings of its senior management with stakeholders are registered and published on its website to ensure that there is full transparency;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2169(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes with concern the unbalanced representation of men (43 members) and women (13 members) on the administrative board; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s administrative board;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2169(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Encourages the Agency to develop a long term human resources policy framework which addresses the work-life balance of its staff, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, non-discrimination, geographical balance and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; notes that the Agency is preparing a wide- range Human Resources strategy to be completed by the end of 2020;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2169(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency, prevention and management of conflicts of interest, and whistle-blower protection; notes that some of the Agency’s administrative board members’ CVs and declarations of interest are not published on the Agency’s website; calls on the Agency to publish the CVs and the declarations of interest of all the members of the administrative board and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2169(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes the continuation of steps taken in order to enhance the transparency of the Agency’s activities by reporting the meetings that the Agency’s staff has with external stakeholders, in particular the director’s meetings with organisations and self-employed individuals, and their availability on the Agency’s website;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Welcomes the Agency’s efforts and new measures introduced to attract, recruit and retain highly competent staff;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2020/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that not all CVs of administrative board members have been published on the Agency's website; reiterates its calls on the Agency to publish the CVs of all the members of the administrative board and to report to the discharge authority on the actions taken in that regard; notes that the administrative board secretariat as well as the internal control coordinator reminds and urges administrative board members to submit missing documents and that declarations of interest of administrative board are stored on the Agency’s document management system;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2166(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes with satisfaction that the Agency has successfully delivered its mandate, and in some cases exceeded the objectives set in its annual work programme for 2019;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2166(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes that gender balance was almost achieved in 2019 with respect to senior management positions (2 men and 1 woman), but is concerned that at management board level there is an imbalance in the participation of men (20 members) and women (8 members); asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2166(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency and prevention and management of conflicts of interest, and to ensure the protection of whistleblowers; expresses satisfaction that the Agency has set up and implemented a Code of Administrative Behaviour and guidelines on whistleblowing in 2019 and that declarations of interest and the CV’s of management board members and senior management are published on the website;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2166(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes with concern that the Agency does not have a policy regarding cyber security and protection of digital records in its possession which in current times is very important; acknowledges that in 2020 the Agency initiated the process to implement the advanced records management system (ARES) as a document management system together with the partner agency EIT; calls on the Agency to report to the discharge authority regarding the progress of implementation;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2166(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Notes that the Agency managed in 2019 to connect with a wider demographic of people by reinforcing its presence in social media;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2165(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes with concern the uneven gender balance reported for 2019 for senior managers (89 % male and 11 % female) and the management board (70 % male and 30 % female); asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2165(DEC)
5 b. Notes that the Agency has adopted the policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing harassment, confidential counsellors are promoted and staff are encouraged to address their issues to them; notes that one alleged harassment case was reported, but none was investigated nor taken to court;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2165(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the Agency has published the declarations of interests of the management board and senior management, and the CVs of its management board members and of its executive director on their website; calls the Agency to publish the CVs of its senior management and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in that regard;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2165(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 11 #
2020/2165(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Points out the role of the Agency in ensuring the safety and interoperability of the European railway system and in improving the competitiveness of railway with respect to other modes of transport, reducing administrative and technical obstacles, promoting market access and guaranteeing non-discrimination, making more efficient use of public funds in public rail transport services and improving infrastructure governance; supports the Commission's vision of a European rail system that is a world leader in terms of safety performance; calls for an increase of the budget of the Agency in order to provide it with the necessary means to enable it to act as an efficient authority and to fulfil its tasks, particularly those with regard to increasing competitiveness, improving safety and cross-border interoperability;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2165(DEC)
12 b. Welcomes the fact that, by 16 June 2019, the Agency had successfully started to perform its role as the EU authority responsible for issuing authorisation for placing railway vehicles on the market, single safety certificates for railway undertakings and ERTMS trackside approvals, in the legal framework of the 4thRailway Package; notes that those two missions were conducted in relation to the eight Member States that transposed the technical pillar of the 4th Railway Package in 2019; welcomes the continued development of the ‘one-stop shop’; insists on the need for the Agency to be given the necessary financial, material and human resources alongside greater responsibilities are attributed to the Agency in order to carry out these new and additional functions in an efficient and effective way;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2164(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NotWelcomes that the Agency has signed a service level agreement with the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, in order to obtain more efficiency through services sharing, knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices, especially in the following fields: IT tools, human resources management, procurement and business continuity;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2164(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes with concern the lack of gender balance within the senior management and the management board; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2164(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes the Agency’s reply to the Court’s findings and the measures taken by the Agency to prevent a recurrence of these failures;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2164(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency, prevention and management of conflicts of interest and notes that the CVs of the members of the management board and their declaration of conflicts are being published on its website; notes that the Agency does not publish the senior management’s declaration of conflicts of interest oorand CVs on its website, with the exception of those of the executive director; calls the Agency to publish the declarations of conflicts of interest and the CVs of its senior management and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in that regard;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2164(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes regarding the audit of the Commission’s internal audit service (IAS) on ‘Stakeholders’ involvement in the production of deliverables in ENISA’ that one important recommendation is still pending as relevant procedures needed to be revised and approved internally;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Agency’s annual budget for 20189 was EUR 196.4 million, of which EUR 37.6 million came from EU subsidy, EUR 109.6 million from fees and charges EUR 2.26 million from third countries contributions; is pleased that budget implementation rate remained very high at 97 %, significantly above the 95 % threshold set by the Commission; notes that the rate of cancellations of carry-over remains increased to 3.7% (1,8 % in 2018) but remains below the 5 % limit set by the Commission; welcomes the fact that achievement of budget implementation and cancellation of amounts carried over targets means that no penalties will be applied to the 2021 EU subsidy;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes with concern that an uneven gender balance is reported for 2019 with regard to the senior managers (18 men and 7 women) and the management board members (61 men and 20 women); asks the Agency to ensure gender balance at the management and staff levels in the future; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the continuous efforts of the Agency to increase its efficiency, which resulted into net tangible reductions of effort estimated at eight full time equivalents compared to 2018, leading to staffing cost savings of around 960 000 euros; notes that a further 13 FTE, also gained through efficiency initiatives, were reinvested in core activities;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes steps taken by the Agency to achieve gender balance, such as encouragement of female applications during selection procedures, offering favourable working conditions and flexible arrangements linked to maternity; welcomes the formation of a gender balance advocacy group to raise awareness of gender balance issues; reiterates its call on the Member States and the Commission to take into account gender balance when nominating members of the Board;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to ensure transparency; prevention and management of conflicts of interest, and whistleblower protection; notes that in 2019 the Agency identified several cases of potential conflicts of interest but in most cases the conflicts of interest risk were addressed through the application of specific mitigating measures, with the remaining cases not requiring any mitigating measure to be taken; acknowledges that CVs and declarations of interest of most board members are published on its website, however, points out that the Agency failed to publish the CVs and declarations of interest of all board members on its website; calls on the Agency to publish the CVs and the declarations of interests of all the members of the management board and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Salutes the efforts of the Agency to step its efforts to improve the environmental impact of aviation, including through the development of new CO2 standards, the monitoring of Environmental Fraud prevention, the concept of an EcoLabel as well as of LifeCycle Assessments;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that 72 % of the Agency’s income consists of fees; takes note of the Agency’s view that the fact that applicants pay fees does not necessarily imply a conflict of interest; calls on the Agency to develop preventive measures and regularly assess the staff involved in opinion-making to ensure there is independence;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Welcomes the preparation of the EASA to all eventualities with regard to Brexit, in particular the establishment of a contingency plan in coordination with the European Commission;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Takes note that the ECA found instances of non-compliance in the management of the procurement procedures. Requests that the Agency make sure all procurement procedure are managed according to existing rules;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Acknowledges the Agency’s measures taken to mitigate all risks associated to the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union, including the establishment of a contingency plan in coordination with the Commission; notes that the Agency cooperated closely with the European Commission during the negotiations with the United Kingdom and that the risk of disruption of aviation activities disappeared with the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement on 31 January 2019; notes that the Agency has evaluated the effect of the UK's withdrawal from the Union on human resources, concluding that only a relatively small number of staff members might be affected (less than 10);
Amendment 17 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Acknowledges the Agency’s measures taken to mitigate all risks associated to the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union; notes that the Agency cooperated closely with the European Commission during the negotiations with the United Kingdom and that the risk of disruption of aviation activities disappeared with the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement, which entered into force on 31 JanFebruary 201920; notes that the Agency has evaluated the effect of the UK's withdrawal from the Union on human resources, concluding that only a relatively small number of staff members might be affected (less than 10);
Amendment 18 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. NReiterates that the Agency, classified as a “European Strategic Investment” agency, received in 2018 significant new core tasks with regard to cybersecurity in aviation, drones and urban air mobility, environmental protection, research and development, international cooperation; notes that the Agency has taken many actions in 2019 in order to increase their cyber security and protection of the digital records in its possession; calls, therefore, for an adequate budget of the Agency in order to equip it with the necessary resources for its tasks;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes with satisfaction that the Agency has taken many actions in 2019 in order to increase their cyber security and protection of the digital records in its possession;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Underlines the role of the Agency in the Green Deal through its work to improve the environmental impact of aviation, among others through the development of new CO2 standards, and, in particular, with the EcoLabel programme, sustainable fuels as well as the green renewal of airlines' fleets;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2161(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Underlines the significant workload induced by the Boeing 737 Max investigations; commends the efforts deployed by the Agency to lead this mission head-on with the production of a corrective action plan and its more traditional missions; stresses the need to increase the financial and human resources of the Agency to enable it to carry out its important safety and security tasks; recalls, similarly, the role the Agency plays - along with the Clean Sky 2 and SESAR joint undertakings - in reducing CO2 emissions per passenger;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that the Agency closely cooperates with other Union agencies such as with the European Fisheries Control Agency, the European Border and Cost Guard Agency and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes with concern no gender balance within the administrative board of the Agency for 2019 (43 men and 14 women) and close gender balance within the senior management (8 men and 5 women); asks the Agency to ensure gender balance at the staff and senior management levels in the future; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s administrative board;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 9 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes with concern the finding of the Court that weaknesses were identified in recruitment procedures concerning the application of the principle of equal treatment and/or transparency and lack of audit trail in the Agency;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Underlines that, with additional resources, the Agency could play an even more important role in supporting Member States in mitigating shipping- related environmental risks and in improving the overall sustainability of the maritime sector; recalls, in this context, that, in 2019,the first overview of CO2 emissions, representing almost 11 000 ships, was made public, thanks to the THETIS-MRV system, managed by the Agency;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Welcomes the development by the Agency of new tools to monitor maritime traffic and the fact that Traffic Density Maps, displaying vessel movement patterns contributing to a better understanding of maritime traffic, including risk assessments and traffic planning, were made available to authorised users from September 2019;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2160(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Stresses that the Agency’s expertise and operational capabilities offer the opportunity for it to expand its action and service provision on a more global scale, which may increase the reach of the Union’s regulatory frameworks and safety and environmental standards;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2156(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes that the Centre agreed in the framework of its two-year Transformation Plan on a cooperation programme with the European Union Intellectual Property Office consisting of 5 IT projects which are not only of strategic importance for both organisations, but will also be of benefit to other EU Agencies;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2156(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Highlights that the Centre has extended its client portfolio by signing cooperation agreements with the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, the European Labour Authority and the Directorate-general for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2156(DEC)
6 a. Notes with satisfaction that a good gender balance was achieved in 2019 with respect to the management positions (60 % male and 40 % female) and within the management board (53 % male and 47 % female); notes with concern that there is an underrepresentation of men in the Centre’s overall staff (36 % male and 67 %female); asks the Centre to ensure gender balance at the staff level in the future;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2156(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Notes that the Centre has adopted the policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing harassment; notes with appreciation that in 2019, the Centre adopted new Guidelines for Managerial Development, which included a training on harassment prevention in the career path of all the senior and middle managers, Heads of section and potential managers;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2156(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern that the Centre opted to publish only declarations of interests and not the CVs of its management board due to its size (approximately 130 members and alternate members); draws attention to the fact that other agencies publish the CVs of the members of the management board even if the size is bigger than that of the Centre; calls, therefore, on the Centre to publish the CVs of all the members of the management board and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard; notes that the director’s CV and declaration of interests have been published on the Centre’s website;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2156(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Welcomes the Centre’s efforts to provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly workplace and to preferably reduce and offset its CO2 emissions in the areas of premises and travel;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the budget monitoring efforts during the financial year 2019 resulted in a budget implementation rate of 97,84 %, representing a decrease of 1,74 % compared to 2018; regretstakes note that the payment appropriations execution rate was at 76,33 %, representing an increase of 8,52 % compared to the previous year;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that the Agency has regular coordination and cooperation with the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and the European Training Foundation; encourages the Agency to continue this collaboration which allows for creating synergies, sharing knowledge, expertise and best practises across the agencies, as well as avoiding overlaps by providing a common space where agencies can consult each other on the fulfilment of their mandate;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Takes note that the cross-cutting evaluation of the Union agencies under the remit of DG EMPL suggested a number of recommendations for each of the agencies, but none of them would have required changes to the legislative proposal of the Commission, neither suggested merging or co-locating agencies;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that further efforts are needed to achieve a gender balance among senior managers (3 men and 1 woman) and on the management board (48 men and 40 women); asks the Agency to ensure gender balance at the senior management level in the future; asks the Commission and the Member States to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the Agency’s management board;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Acknowledges the Agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and the prevention and management of conflicts of interest; notes with concern that the CVs of the management board members are not published on the Agency’s website; notes further that not all management board members’ declarations of interest, indicating the acceptance date, are published on the Agency’s website; calls on the Agency to publish the CVs and the declarations of interest of all the members of the management board and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Takes note that the cross-cutting evaluation of the Union agencies under the remit of the Directorate-General for Employment suggested a number of recommendations for each of the agencies, but none of them would have required changes to the legislative proposal of the Commission, neither suggested merging or co-locating agencies;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Centre has continued theregular coordination and cooperation with the European Training Foundation, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work; encourages the Centre to continue this collaboration which allows for creating synergies, sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices across the agencies, as well as avoiding overlaps by providing a common space where agencies can consult each other on the fulfilment of their mandate; welcomes the new Service Agreement with European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, in particular in the field of digitalisation, procurement, data protection and HR, and encourages the Centre to continue to pursue synergies;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes the gender representation within the Centre’s senior management members (4 men and 2 women); notes with satisfaction that a good gender balance was achieved within the management board (53 % male and 47 % female); welcomes the staff’s geographical representation within the Centre;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 17 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the Centre’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency, prevention and management of conflicts of interest and whistle-blower protection; points out however, that the publication of 22 declarations of conflicts of interest and CVs from 163 Members and alternates are still pending;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the absence of some declarations of interest and CVs of the management board and reiterates that all members and alternates who attend management board meetings, or exercise the right to vote, must submit a declaration of interest; calls on the Centre to publish the declarations of interest and the CVs of all the members of the management board and to report to the discharge authority on the measures taken in this regard;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that the Centre’s executive director, as authorising officer, has delegated the powers of budget implementation to the deputy director and heads of departments; notes that the deputy director’s delegation has no capped amount for transactions, while the delegation to the head of department for resources and support is capped at EUR 1 500 000 per transaction concerning Title 1 (Staff expenditure), with other delegations limited to the appropriations available under the specific budget lines and up to the ceiling of EUR 1 000 000 per transaction; recommends towelcomes that the Centre sets financial caps for delegations in such a way that the need for flexibility is balanced with the need for oversight and hierarchical control over transactions;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with satisfaction that, according to the observations of the Court of Auditor’s (‘the Court’s’) annual report related to Chapter 9 'Administration - MFF heading 5', no specific issues were identified in the sample of transactions concerning the EEAS for the third consecutive year and no material level of error was identified in the EEAS’s annual activity report;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Observes that at the end of 2019, the proportionof Member State diplomats in the total administrator population amounted to 33,37 %, representing a slight decrease compared to 33,76 % in 2018 with; notes the following slight fluctuations between 2014-2017: 32,83 % end 2017, 31,7 % end 2016, 32,9 % in 2015 and 33,8 % in 2014; invicongratulates the EEAS tofor staying in line with the staffing formula as set out in Decision 2010/427/EU6 , namely a ratio of one third of staff from Member States and two thirds from Union’s institutions; _________________ 6 Council Decision 2010/427/EU of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS) (OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30).
Amendment 8 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes the geographical imbalances in the composition of the EEAS staff; stresses that the EEAS, like all European institutions, must ensure that all Member States are proportionally represented whenever possible, while at the same time respecting the competences and merits of the candidates; calls on the EEAS to enhance the geographical balance in order to have a proper representation of nationals from all Member States, reflecting the diversity of Member States; welcomes the EEAS’ efforts informing the Human Resources Network of EU Member States about the staff composition, publishing the vacancies and promoting national efforts to increase the number of candidates;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Observes that the number of seconded national experts from Member States started to slightly increase after two years of stabilisation, from 449 in 2017- 2018 to 461 in 2019, while noting an evolution towards more specialised profiles for civilians SNEs; notes with satisfaction the new internal policy on SNEs adopted in 2019 and several measures to rebalance the share of the SNEs' population, in addition to limiting the creation of new SNEs posts to specialists in specific areas;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with satisfaction the upward trend with regard to the proportion of women reaching management positions with 30,3 % (or 81 positions) compared to 27,1 % in 2018 and 24,5 % in 2017; takes also note of the increasing trend of the share of women posted as Heads of Delegation from 19,5 % in 2015 to 27,7 % in 2019 (or 38 postings out of 137); reiterates its support for the EEAS in continuing its efforts with Member States to introduce more women candidates; notes that overall women represented 47,7 % of EEAS staff; recalls that gender balance should also be considered with regard to the EU special representatives, two out of eight EU special representatives being women;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2149(DEC)
10. Notes that the total budget of the EEAS for 2019 amounted to EUR 694,8 million (i.e. an increase of 2,4 % compared to 2018) with the following split, namely EUR 249,7 million for EEAS headquarters and EUR 445,21 million for the Delegations;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Observes that the headquarters’ budget amounted to approximately EUR 250 million out of which EUR 161,8 million (i.e. 64,8 %) concerned the payment of salaries and other entitlements of statutory and external staff, EUR 32 million (i.e. 13 %) were for buildings and associated costs, and EUR 35,3 million (i.e. 14 %) were related to IT computer systems including classified information systems, equipment and furniture;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Encourages the EEAS therefore to continue discussing with the European Commission ways to streamline the budget nomenclature and lines when possible in order to facilitate the overall EEAS budget management; is of the opinion that the upcoming MFF and the related evolution in their design and structure should speed up this process of budgetary simplification and rationalisation; considers that such an evolution is likely to improve budgetary costs control and minimize the risk of error; acknowledges the proposal made by the EEAS in early 2020 for a far-reaching simplification; acknowledges that this proposal has been postponed to 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but that the EEAS has submitted another simplifying proposal to the Commission in September 2020;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes the rate of anomalies detected in ex ante verifications of commitments and payments (respectively, 308 errors out of 1193 and 394 out of 2119); is concerned that in both cases errors are of an administrative nature i.e. incorrect amounts for commitments or missing supporting documents for payments presented for ex-ante financial verification; acknowledges the implementation, from January 2020, of a revised list of anomaly codes aiming at better defining the error typology;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. RegretNotes the fact that there is an increase in cases reported to the mediation service, reaching 183 in 2019 (compared to 135 cases in 2018) concerning either unsolved disagreements around rights and obligations or different kinds of conflict at work, reaching 183 in 2019 (compared to 135 cases in 2018); understands that the increase of the cases brought to the mediation service is a sign of a proper functioning; acknowledges the adoption of a new Decision on the EEAS Mediation Service in 2020 in order to strengthen the mechanisms in place;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with satisfaction that in its annual report for 2019, the Court observed no serious weaknesses in respect of the audited topics related to the Supervisor’s human resources and procurement activities;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Appreciates the diligent and proactive action of the Supervisor in supervising the Union institutions’ respect to data protection; notes in particular the Supervisor’s investigation into the use of NationBuilder, a US-based political campaigning company, to process personal data as part of the Parliament’s activities relating to the 2019 European election, as well as the orientations issued on the use of body temperature checks by EU institutions in the context of the COVID-19;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes a substantial increase of contract agents from 2013 to 2019 (from 12 to 31) compared to officials in the same period (from 45 to 58); acknowledges the interest of using contract agents in terms of cost-efficiency and flexibility but asks the Supervisor to reflect on offering professional prospects to its staff and retaining specialised knowledge in the institution;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Notes that the Supervisor acknowledges the stronger burden on senior and middle management and, subsequently, on case officers due to the absence of an Assistant Supervisor while the new Regulation (EC) 2018/1725 was entering into force; calls on the institution to re-examine its organisational chart and reports back on the budgetary authority;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that the Supervisor staff consists of 19 Union nationalities and has a gender representation of 39 % male staff and 61 % female staff in 2019; notes that the most important actions supporting gender equality were the nominations at middle management level (one male and three female heads of unit); notes further the introduction of greater flexibility as concerns remote working; calls attention to the fact that women use the flexible working arrangement much more often than men; appreciates an equal opportunity clause, included both in the recruitment materials and vacancy notice, stating that the Supervisor is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from those with disabilities;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Commends the Supervisor for having put all guidelines and procedures related to the ethical framework on the Intranet immediately after their adoption; calls on the Supervisor to organise raise- awareness activities for the staff, also other than newcomers, regarding the applicable ethical framework and to adopt a proactive system to avoid conflicts in the workplace; notes the revised decision on external activities which was adopted on 13 September 2019, and the fact that the related presentations with real life examples had to be postponed due to the pandemic;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that due to the original plans the Supervisor would occupy the whole MTS building as of September 2019; notes, however, that due to external factors, mainly to the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union, the move of the Ombudsman was delayed the move of the Ombudsman was delayed and consequently the expansion didn’t happen, which affected the execution under Title 2 of the Supervisor’s budget;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Encourages the Supervisor to explore the possibility of joining the transparency registry on the basis of a SLA; acknowledges the inter-institutional cooperation through SLA between the Supervisor and other Union institutions and bodies; is interested to see if anycalls on the Supervisor to carry out comprehensive and realistic cost benefit analysis takes place before entering in any agreement;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is aware that the Commission’s internal auditor (IA) is the internal auditor of the Supervisor; noteregrets that during 2019, the IA did not perform any audit, but rather issued its annual internal audit report for 2019 with only two statements and there are no open recommendations;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Amendment 32 #
2020/2148(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Appreciates that the Supervisor is closely following the EMAS initiatives and has started to convert human resources processes (selections, appraisal) and financial and administrative processes (payments, MiPS) into paperless procedures; acknowledges the initiatives carried out by the Supervisor to reduce the use of plastic bottles by its staff; agrees to the Supervisor’s strategy in providing more flexible ways of working for its staff (occasional and structural teleworking) which; notes that those flexible working arrangements helps to reduce energy for the Supervisor as well as toits use office space in a more optimal way;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Takes note that 2019 was a transition year for the Ombudsman given that it coincided with the end of her first mandate and her re-election for the 2019- 2024 parliamentary term; fully supports the objectives identified by the Ombudsman for her strategy ‘Towards 2024’ that covers her second mandate;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages the Ombudsman to maintain and expand contacts with bodies at Union and national level, which serve the purpose of exchanging information and best practices and adopting common approaches, where possible, on general administrative, financial, personnel and IT matters as well as on ethics, transparency and public integrity; welcomes the intense exchange with national ombudsmen offices, and the organising of meetings between national ombudsmen offices in order to identify topics for possible parallel inquiries;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Repeats the need for gender balance at all hierarchical levels and; acknowledges that the Ombudsman takes a proactive approach to maintaining a balance between male and female recruitments (62 % female staff compared to 65 % female staff in 2018); acknowledges, however, that the Ombudsman has a highly qualified multilingual staffand that the Ombudsman has a highly qualified staff with a good geographical distribution despite the limitations due to the small size of the office, and with gender balance in management positions;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is aware of the difficulty posed for a small institution in striving for geographical balance but nevertheless regrets that in 2019 the Ombudsman’s staff represented 20 out of the 27 nationalities of the Member states; notes that the number of managers was seven, and that they were composed of of five different nationalities (German, Irish, Italian, Polish and Swedish) compared to six different nationalities in management in 2018; acknowledges plans for a reorganisation in 2020 to increase the Ombudsman’s efficiency resulting in a reduction in the number of managers, by striving for geographical balance, to the extent possible;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Notes the flexible working arrangement offered to the staff (flexitime, telework and part-time work) as well as the training on team cohesion; encourages the Ombudsman to go beyond regarding staff well-being and to carry out satisfaction surveys to identify possible improvement proposals;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the internal auditor's annual report for 2018 concluded that, subject to closure of the remaining action on business continuity management, the Ombudsman's risk management, control and governance systems are effective and efficient and provide the reasonable assurance thjat it will attain its control objectives on a consistent basis; asks the Ombudsman to inform it on any follow-up in relation to the actions carried over in respect of business continuity management;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes that the Ombudsman supports the importance of data protection, and commits to enhance further the awareness of users of the importance of online data protection; congratulates the Ombudsman on her Action Plan for the EU DPR produced in 2018 aiming to adapt the institution to the new legislation, as well as the progress achieved implementing the 24 actions identified in the plan throughout 2019;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Underlines the importance of a good functioning collaboration among the ENO as Union law and policies are increasingly important for the everyday life of citizens of the member states; welcomes the intense exchange with national ombudsmen offices, and the organising of meetings between national ombudsmen offices in order to identify topics for possible parallel inquiries;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the second edition of the award for good administration launched by the Ombudsman, which dealt with 54 inspiring projects nominated from the main Union institutions, as well as many agencies and other bodies, which shows the high interest in it; notes that the overall award for good administration went to the teams from the Commission that worked on the Union initiative to reduce plastic pollution and raise awareness about the problem;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2147(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the Ombudsman’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint via concrete actions such as the extensive use of videoconference facilities for internal and inter-institutional meetings, and which have made it possible to reduce missions; notes the teleworking policy, which is used by many members of staff (and by all staff during the COVID-19 crisis), which limits individual transportation.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with satisfaction that the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’), in its annual report for 2019, observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Committee of the Regions (the ‘Committee’);
Amendment 2 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. States with satisfactionWelcomes that based on its audit work, the Court concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended 31 December 2019, the administrative and other expenditure of the Committee were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems were effective;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that the commitment execution rate for Title 1 ‘Expenditure relating to persons working with the institution’ was 99,6 % and for Title 2 ‘Buildings, furniture, equipment and miscellaneous operating expenditure’ 99,7 %; notes with satisfaction that approximately EUR 400 000 (0,4 %) were uncommitted at the end of the year and thus returned to the Union budget, which was a reductions compared to 2018 where approximately EUR 700 000 (0,7 %) were left uncommitted;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2146(DEC)
7. Acknowledges the Committee’s continued efforts to reinforce its political role and to face the increased need for permanent expertise in political and administrative domains; notes the talent pool created to motivate and retain experienced staff in the Committee; notes that the first general internal competition in the history of the Committee was finalised in the first half of 2019 with a total of 40 laureates out of 113 candidate staff members; asks the Committee to explain the concrete professional prospects offered to the laureates;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. AcknowledgeRegrets that the situation in terms of gender balance in middle and senior management positions has not improved but has remained relatively stable since 2018 with 35 % of these positions being filled by women; acknowledges that a new equal opportunity strategy containing concrete objectives to be reached by 2025 is being adopted and should enter in force in 2020;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages the Committee to continue its efforts to achieve gender balance at all hierarchal levels and welcomes actions such as the mandatory presence of both genders on selection panels, the active encouragement of female applicants for all managerial positions, specific training sessions for female staff who wish to prepare for a managerial career and more flexible working arrangements, including the possibility for part time work and telework; notes the range of incentives put in place by the Committee such as the formal recognition of management responsibilities below head of unit level and the creation of an informal Network for gender balance in management launched with the support of the administration;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Acknowledges that the new equal opportunity strategy focuses also on disability and diversity; notes the trainings regarding unconscious bias for managers and HR staff involved in selection procedures; asks the Committee to report to the budgetary authority on the specific objectives, actions and indicators within the strategy;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Appreciates the Committee’s focus on developing and upholding high-quality health and well-being services based on prevention and early intervention through close cooperation between the HR services concerned, and awareness-raising programmes among staff and managers; welcomes the training sessions held with managers at both junior, middle and senior level on the topic of absence management and successful integration of colleagues after long-term absence; notes that ten cases of burnout were registered in 2019; notes that the Committee’s Social Service provides assistance during the illness period and upon return to work; asks the Committee to include burnout detection in its health and well-being services;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the Committee uses contract staff mainly to provide appropriate support in the form of replacements for mid to long term absences and for specific projects in different directorates with the objective of providing additional support to members of the Committee; reminds, however, that the use of contract staff also entails considerable loss of knowledge and expertise for the Committee at the end of their contracts and thus encourages the Committee to keep on negotiating the enlargement of its establishment plan;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the guiding principles of the Committee's building strategy which include the geographical concentration of buildings, the preference for ownership rather than lease, a sustainable building management and multi-annual planning; notes that the working group set up jointly with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) established guidelines for the attribution of office space, taking into account the situation in other Union bodies; appreciates that these parameters were presented to and discussed with staff representatives; acknowledges the Committee’s transparent and cooperative approach vis-à-vis staff representatives; notes that a total of 241 work stations are not in use and asks the Committee to explain its plans for those work stations within the current building strategy;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recognises that the Committee together with the EESC has given instructions to remove asbestos in autumn 2020 in full respect of the necessary protection measures during the works as requested in the 2018 discharge resolution; welcomes the fact that most of the buildings of both the Committee and the EESC are either asbestos free or, as in the case of the VMA building, asbestos-saf; expresses its concerns over the health of the workers and the presence of asbestos in the VMA building, although acknowledges that the Committee has received an asbestos-safe certificate;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines that the Committee formulates clear key performance indicators for its different administrative areas by formulating objectives, results and the related number of human resources; asks the Committee to provide in addition to this very detailed setting a consolidated version of the major objectives and the results achieved in the next annual activity report, in which it asks the Committee to explore more reader-friendly data visualisation options for the key performance indicator tables;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that monitoring of the internal audit function is provided by the audit committee composed of one member per political group of the Committee’s commission of financial and administrative affairs and one high-level external advisor; observes that in 2019 the audit committee held two meetings where the 2018 annual internal report and the 2020 work programme wasere presented and members were informed about the progress achieved with regard to the state of play of ongoing audits and the open recommendations as well as the related risks; notes that 57 % of very important recommendations were closed after 6 months (target for 2019- 2020: 75%) and 100% of very important recommendations were closed after 12 months (target for 2019-2020: 100%); suggests the Committee to include a summary of the audit recommendations in its annual activity report;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Observes that the internal financial rules for the implementation of the Committee’s budget were updated on 1 January 2019 by its decision No 0014/2018 and have been implemented throughout 2019 by including; notes with satisfaction the inclusion of the operational agents as formal actors in the financial approval workflow and furthermore bythe appointingment of managers responsible for operational management as authorising officers by sub- delegation;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Committee to strengthen its efforts in analysing the situation to attain a fully paperless tendering environment for all procurement procedures; notes that this would make it necessary to acquire the public procurement management tool developed by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre), alongside the development or acquisition of an improved back-office document management system; notes that the existing 'Paperless workflow from invoice to payment' procedure was extended to a number of additional units/directorates in the course of 2019 and that the Committee’s objective for the coming years is to broaden the scope of the paperless workflows also to other types of transactions taking into account available IT resources;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the cooperation agreement of 5 February 2012 which remains in place between the Committee and Parliament and which covers political cooperation between Parliament and the Committee and administrative cooperation between Parliament, the Committee and the EESC; asks the Committee that it be informed on the outcome of the revision of this agreement; notes the agreement with the Commission from 2005 with an addendum from 2007; notes that the negotiations for a new agreement for administrative cooperation with the EESC (the existing agreement has been entered into for the period 2016-2020) were postponed due to the COVID-19-crisis which added to the complexity of the changes of mandate of the Committee in early 2020 and the EESC in autumn 2020; notes that the Committee and the EESC therefore agreed to extend the current agreement until 30 June 2021;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Asks the Committee to report back on any control mechanism to ensure an efficient management of the joint services; appreciates the importance of the administrative cooperation between the Committee and the EESC via the joint services, where some 470 staff (of which around 170 staff belong to the Committee) and more than EUR 50 million yearly (of which some EUR 22 million come from the Committee), excluding salary related expenditure, are pooled by the Committee and the EESC,; notes that together with the concerned salary related expenditure, the yearly monetary value of the joint services arrangement exceeds EUR 100 million; notes that the negotiations for a new agreement for administrative cooperation with the EESC (the existing agreement has been entered into for the period 2016- 2020) were postponed due to the COVID- 19-crisis which added to the complexity of the changes of mandate of the Committee in early 2020 and the EESC in autumn 2020; notes that the Committee and the EESC therefore agreed to extend the current agreement until 30 June 2021;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Supports the Committee and the EESC in the view that in the event of an extension of the current agreement or of a new agreement with Parliament all outstanding issues such as the unbalanced situation for the Committee and the EESC, which transferred a total of 60 translators to Parliament (24 from the Committee) and in exchange obtained only the use of the services of the European Parliamentary Research Service must be settled; notes with concern that as a consequence the Committee and the EESC had to hire contract staff and outsourced their translation services which resulted in an effective budget reduction; is aware of the requests expressed by both the Committee and the EESC in the frame of the discharge procedure for the ongoing cooperation agreement to be respected so that the Committee and the EESC are compensated for the posts transferred to the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS); asks the three involved parties to jointly report to Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control concerning the ongoing revision of the agreement;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Notes, however, that the cooperation with Parliament at the administrative level is successful; agrees with the need to further enhance political cooperation with respect to the annual and multi-annual programming, the joint declaration of Parliament, the Council and the Commission on legislative priorities and the monitoring of the annual work programme; supports the Committee’s concrete recommendations to develop a more systematic approach to the political cooperation given the importance of the Committee as the representative of regions and cities in the Union;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Underlines that on 5 December 2019 the Committee adopted a code of conduct for its members laying down a detailed procedure in the event of alleged harassment of a member of staff by a Committee member, which is largely based on Parliament's Bureau’s Decision of 2 July 2018 on harassment complaints; notwelcomes that the code of conduct includes a number of sanctions in order to ensure its observance and that the Committee has set up an advisory board on harassment;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Recalls that the third invalidity committee unanimously confirmed that the invalidity of the former internal auditor, Mr McCoy, arose from a was invalided out on occupational disease,grounds and that, consequently, on 26 June 2019 the Committee formally endorsed this conclusion; notes that pursuant to article 78(5) of the staff regulations Mr McCoy was reimbursed in July 2019 in respect of all his contributions to the pension scheme between the date he started receiving the invalidity allowance (1 July 2007) and the day before he started receiving retirement pension (31 July 2010);
Amendment 62 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Reminds that based on the 2017 discharge resolution the appointment of a Member of Parliament Sophie in't Veld as mediator took place and that all parties entered into a mediation process lead by Sophie in't Veld to bring this dispute to an end with the objective of reaching an amicable settlement; acknowledges that the Committee pursued the scheduled mediation meetings with Mr McCoy which finally resulted in a Committee’s proposal of 20 December 2020;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. aAppreciates the exchange held in the context of the 2019 discharge procedure on 10 November 2020 with the mediator, the former internal auditor and a representative of the Committee; underlines the importance of deescalating the situation and bringing the positions of the former internal auditor and of the Committee together; welcomes the mediator’s suggestion of a meeting between the President of the Committee and Mr McCoy as a starting point for reconciliation before any negotiations will take place;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2146(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the letter of 10 November 2020 sent to the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control by the chairperson of the Committee’s committee on financial and administrative affairs confirming the readiness of the Committee’s President to meet the former internal auditor; notes that the Committee’s president had a bilateral meeting with the former internal auditor on 19 November 2020 in order to pwelcomes the follow-up meetings between the mediator, the 2019 discharge rapporteur, the former internal auditor and the Committee’s repare for the next steps; welcomes the follow-up meetings between the mediator, the 2019 discharge rapporteur, the former internal auditor andsentatives; warmly welcomes the letter of 4 December 2019 announcing that the first phase of the procedure for an agreement was concluded with a joint statement signed by the Committee’'s representative in s and the fordmer to launch the negotiations for concluding definitively the affaireinternal auditor; encourage the parties to find an agreement to settle the financial part and reminds its disposal to support the negotiation; appreciates the efforts made by all parties, acknowledges that an important first step was taken and believes an agreement should be reached soon;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes the Court’s recommendations for the Committee to implement a policy for dealing with sensitive functions; acknowledges the Committee’s replies explaining the steps envisaged and the fact that the preparatory activities started in the first semester of 2020;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. ANotes that the Committee launched a call for tender in October 2018 in order to analyse and propose improvements to the current system concerning cost reimbursements for Committee members, delegates and experts; asks the Committee to provide information on the results of a detailed report on possible improvements to the current travelling and reimbursements system including various possible scenarios; notes of the delays in the implementation due to the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets that the bureau of the Committee in 2020 adopted a decision allowing for the reimbursement of expenses for remote participation in cases where a member was prevented from travelling to Brussels as a result of COVID-19 related issues.; calls on the Committee to provide specific and detailed information on this matter in its 2020 annual report;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Welcomes the fact that a series of measures have been implemented by the Committee to ensure adequate building security standards such as the installation of new equipment for access control; notes that the related security standards have reached the same level as the standards of Parliament and the Commission;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. WelcomNotes the fact that the VMA building is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements on asbestos applications and that an asbestos safe certificate was delivered in September 2019; notes that this certificate specifies thatexpresses its concerns over the health of the workers and the presence of asbestos in the VMA building contains asbestos bu, although the asbestos-safe certificate says that it does not represent any risks for the users of the building; welcomes the fact that all relevant information about asbestos in the Committees' buildings, such as asbestos policy, asbestos safe certificates and asbestos inventories, has been published on the intranet; notes that work to renovate the VMA building are planned to start in 2021;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls that the cooperation agreement between Parliament and the Committee of 5 February 2014 provides for compensation for the loss of translation capacity by providing additional amounts for both the Committee and the CoR; notes that an amount of EUR 2 million has been provided for the externalisation of translation with the possibility that a potential surplus can be used for further political work and an additional amount of EUR 1,1 million for increased political work; notes that the transfers took place in 2015 and 2016 with a reduction already being made during the conciliation process in 2017; notes that yearly savings resulting from the transfer of 36 posts can be estimated at EUR 3,42 million; is aware of the requests of both the Committee and the CoR in the frame of the discharge procedure for the ongoing cooperation agreement to be respected so that these committees are compensated for the posts transferred to the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS); asks the three parties to jointly report to the Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control on the ongoing revision of the agreement;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2145(DEC)
25. Encourages the Committee to explore the possibility of joining the transparency registry on the basis of a service level agreement; acknowledges the inter-institutional cooperation through service level agreements between the Committee and other Union institutions and bodies such as with the Commission to further optimise processes in HR, finance, IT and other administrative areas; is interested in being informed if cost benefit analysis takes place before entering into any agreement;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Agrees with the need to further enhance political cooperation with respect to the annual and multi-annual programming, the joint declaration of Parliament, the Council and the Commission on legislative priorities and the monitoring of the annual work programme; encourages the Committee to work on concrete recommendations, such as better communication at the level of the Committee and Parliament rapporteurs, to develop a more systematic approach to political cooperation;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that in 2019 an exercise to assess compliance with the internal control standards took place which showed improvements as compared to 2018; notes, however, that not all standards were fully implemented and that follow-up actions were defined such as; notes that two follow-up actions were postponed to 2020, namely a formal assessment of sensitive functions and the implementation of a multiannual internal communication strategy in order to further improve compliance with the control standards;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. CNotes that the Committee implemented a third follow-up action to the aforementioned exercise consisting of the harmonisation of processes and procedures across directorates and units; calls on the Committee to set up a centralised registry of processes and procedures to ensure harmonised written documentation; reiterates that this approach helps to enhance the respect for existing processes and procedures, and supports the covering of all main activities by a procedure;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. RemindNotes that in 2019 two audits were finalised by the internal audit service (IAS), one on compliance with institutional deadlines and one on interpretation; notes that, regarding the first audit suggests that, the Committee is in the process of implementing administrative measures set out in the action plan, such as making institutional deadlines should appear prominently in the documents used by the Committee in order to better organise its work and that statistics be compiled on the Committee's compliance with deadlines in a consistent manner; notes the importance of the audit on interpretationwelcomes all the continued efforts made by the Committee to better contribute to the Union legislative process; notes the importance of the audit on interpretation as it is an instrumental component of Union decision-making, due both to significant budget cuts and to the higher costs of interpretation, as today the Committee can afford only around 75 % of the interpretation it could afford in 2014; notes that the purpose of this operational audit iwas to examine procedures, in particular whether any cost savings can be made without compromising the quantity and the quality of interpretation provided; observes that an analysis of selected cases showed that the procedures for provision of interpretation were well established, and that interpretation was provided as requested; notes that the overall satisfaction among end-users is high; notes that an agreed action plan is currently being implemented and includes ongoing identification of areas with potential for cost-saving;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Observes that an audit on ethics and well-being at work was envisaged in the 2019 work programme but was postponed to the 2020 work programme; notes that the audit started in 2019, but the approach was altered following the Court’s special report on ethics published on 19 July 2019; notes it is the intention of the IAS to follow the approach chosen by the Court when assessing the ethical framework established within the Committee; advises the Committee’s IAS to also include in the audit the implementation of the currently reformed ethical frameworks;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Is aware that the Committee continues to implement its action plan 2017-2020 for equal opportunities and diversity; notes that gender balance among the Committee's managerial staff already reached parity in 2018 and remains relatively stable; welcomes the ‘united in diversity’ conference on communication in a multicultural environment with the aim of fostering respectful relations at work while taking diversity into accountregrets that the new political leadership of the Committee does not reflect this trend with only one out of seven section presidents and none of the three group presidents being women, especially when the Committee’s 2020- 2025 term of office has the highest number of new and female members since 2010; welcomes the awareness raising events organised in favour of diversity, such as the ‘united in diversity’ conference on communication in a multicultural environment with the aim of fostering respectful relations at work while taking diversity into account; welcomes in particular the specific activities and measures linked to disability; encourages the Committee to also put in place concrete measures such as mandatory gender equality or training to avoid unconscious bias in selection panels; observes the slight improvement in the geographical balance compared to 2018 with 19 % of the Committee’s managers currently being from Member States who joined the Union after 2004 (compared to 16 % in 2017 and 18,5 % in 2018);
Amendment 40 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Recognises the measures put in place related to well-being such as the relaunch of a mentoring scheme for newcomers, which is part of a preventative approach to manage psychosocial risks; notes the exchanges of best practice to continuously improve the scheme; notes the extensive updating of the rules on teleworking that offer more flexibility for teleworkers; encourages the Committee to complete the flexible working arrangements with a protection of the staff members’ right to disconnect;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 c (new)
Paragraph 41 c (new)
41 c. Notes that in 2019 the Committee hosted 54 long-term trainees who received a monthly maintenance grant, 15 short- term trainees who did not receive a grant from the Committee, and one trainee who received a grant awarded by an outside public body; underlines the fact that the possibility of hosting unpaid trainees should only be maintained in the case where such trainees receive payments from other sources;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Notes with satisfaction the actions related to long-term sick leave, in particular those aimed to facilitate a return to work;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41 b. Expresses serious concerns about the public allegations caused by certain recruitment procedures used by the Committee; calls on the Committee to elaborate clear internal guidelines regarding the publication of vacancies and a clear definition of the interest of the service for temporary moves of staff members; stresses the importance of strictly ensuring the accomplishment in fully transparency of each and all phases, without exception, as established in the Committee’s rules of procedure and in the Staff Regulations throughout the whole procedure (publication, selection, appointment and establishment) in order to avoid any reputational risks not only for the Committee but for all the Union institutions;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Expresses its concern with respect to the investigations carried out by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in 2019; notes that two cases were closed concerning members and misappropriation of Union funds; acknowledgesnotes with satisfaction that the amounts have been recovered by the Committee; notes that two cases were opened (one in relation to a member and one in relation to a staff member) and that, of which the first case is ongoing and the second case was closed in 2020 with no infraction found; notes that in 2020 atwo case s were open, of which one (from 2018 - confirming fraudulent action by a member) was closed, within the same year and one is ongoing; notes that another case against a member has been opened and is ongoing; notes that to the best of the Committee’s knowledge there are currently two open OLAF investigations, both concerning members and not related to harassment;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Asks the Committee to continue to inform the discharge authority onabout the procedures and processes the Committee has rolled out or intends to roll out as to howin order to avoid cases of harassment or similar issues concerning staff will be avoided in the future in order to ensure that comparable regrettable developments which have caused negative publicitysuffering to the victims and damaged the reputation of the Committee and the Union at large will not be repeated;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Recalls that several members of staff have suffered acts of psychological harassment by the then president of Group I for an long period of time; regrets that the anti-harassment measures in place in the Committee failed to tackle and remedy this case sooner because of the senior position of the member concerned; regrets that the measures taken to protect the victims until the end of the investigation by OLAF seem to have been improvised and insufficient, especially in light of the judgement of the Civil Service Tribunal of 12 May 2016 in in Case F-50/157 , FS v European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), which should have served as a lesson for the Committee; notes with concern that shortcomings in the internal proceedings, including an unclear division of reporting responsibilities at the senior management level, resulted in the inaction by the Committee's administration which translated into a breach of the duty of care and of the obligation to report to OLAF; regrets the length of time that the Committee took to take the necessary measures to adapt the Committee's rules of procedure and code of conduct in order to avoid such situation in the future; _________________ 7Judgment of the Civil Service Tribunal (Third Chamber) of 12 May 2016, FS v European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), F-50/15, ECLI:EU:F:2016:119.
Amendment 55 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47 a. Reminds that OLAF identified the victims of harassment in its 2018 investigation; regrets that the victims were forced to compensate by their own means the lack of action by the Committee's administration to initiate the process; notes that the follow-up of the formal requests initiated by the victims under Article 24 of the Staff Regulations started in January 2020; notes with concern that the formal recognition of the status of victim only occurred on 2 October 2020, although the Committee alleges having implicitly recognised their status months before; notes the detailed explanations provided by the Committee President regarding the communication and the assistance offered to the victims (legal, medical and psychological support); notes that the discussions with the victims are ongoing and asks the Committee to promptly inform the Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control on the resolution of all the cases; reminds the Committee of its obligations to protect whistle-blowers;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47 b. Considers it appropriate to recall that Parliament refused to grant the Committee's secretary-general discharge in respect of the financial year 2018, among other causes on the ground of a flagrant breach of the duty of care and the lack of action by the administration, along with the financial consequences; deeply regrets the lack of decisive action, in particular prevention and reparation measures, by the former director of HR and finance and now secretary-general until the refuse of 2018 discharge; notes that during the 2018 and part of the 2019 discharge procedures the secretary- general was unable to provide sufficient, transparent and reliable information to Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control as evidenced by the number of times that the information provided was refuted by whistleblowers, the Committee's trade unions, the defence of the victims or the perpetrator himself; reminds the Committee's leadership that no ethical framework can exist without enabling effective accountability;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Acknowledges that the Committee is well aware of the political impact of the refusal of the 2018 discharge and is striving to further strengthen its capacity to tackle harassment situationsunethical behaviour; notes that a detailed action plan willas to be endorsed at the latest by the end of 2020; agrees that the Committee continues to raise staff and management awareness through better targeted internal communication on the existing structures available to help cope with any kind of difficult situation in the workplace; asks the Committee to make the training sessions on ethics and integrity mandatory for its members;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Underlines that on the basis of the observations made by Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control, the reportcommendations issued by OLAF and the reflections of the Committee’s advisory committee on the conduct of members, the Committee set up a joint internal working group on the ethical framework with a mandate to review all potential gaps in the current framework with a view to recommending improvements; notes that the advisory committee also has the opportunity to liaise with the joint internal working group in order to ensure coherence of the overall ethical framework within the Committee and to explore possible synergies;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Calls on the Committee to report on the current situation of the victims identified as well as on implementation of the Committee’s revised code of conduct and rules of procedure following the 2018 OLAF investigation; notes that the bureau has decided on a partial and light revision of the rules of procedure and a more comprehensive revision of the code of conduct, with a particular view to strengthening sanctions; notes that the revision of the code of conduct should be ready by December 2020;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Amendment 71 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. notes that the proposal for revision of the code of conduct should include elements such as stronger sanctions, support mechanisms for victims, automatically informing the Council and the Commission of the names of Committee members who have been found to be responsible for breaching the code of conduct and an annual review of the functioning of the code of conduct; nNotes that the decision on harassment and the decision on administrative investigations are currently being revised in order to further improve the mechanisms allowing staff to make formal harassment complaints; notes in relation to the informal procedure and the possibility for staff members to share their concerns on any perceived situation of harassment that the number of confidential counsellors has been increased and that the entire network of confidential counsellors receives continuous support through regular supervision and training; notes that the confidential counsellors are part of an inter-institutional network, which allows for the exchange of best practices;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Values the Committee’s commitment to tacklinge harassment in the working environment and to fostering a culture of zero tolerance with regard to harassment by working on the revision of the ethics and integrity framework and the revision of the Committee’s decisions on harassment, whistleblowing and administrative enquiries; expects a robust and reliable set of measures regarding the protection, prohibition of retaliation, and support of the victims; welcomes that a related, detailed action plan is supposed to be endorsed by the end of 2020 and covers a number of measures such as the revision of the code of conduct for members, the possible creation of an independent internal ombudsman function, a brochure focusing on respect and dignity at work, the establishment of a dedicated compulsory learning path before entrusting staff management responsibilities, whether on Committee’s managers or on members, and regular awareness-raising activities,; appreciates that an internal audit on ethics and integrity will take the form of a mapping exercise followed by an analysis aimed at establishing a comprehensive overview of rules, standards and measures in relation to ethics and integrity; notes that the audit will also tackle issues such as gifts and entertainment, outside activities and assignments, conflicts of interest and post-Union employment;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Emphasises in relation to the OLAF findings of harassment against a member of the Committee and pursuant to the decision of 9 June 2020 of the Committee’s bureau that the member in question iwas fully discharged from all tasks related to the management and administration of the Group I secretariat's staff until the end of his mandate; notes that as ofon 7 September 2020, the member is no longer awithdrew his candidatecy for the Committee’s presidencyposition of the president of the Committee; is concerned that the has been Council appointed as memberhim again as a member of the Committee for a new mandate;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2145(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55 a (new)
Paragraph 55 a (new)
55 a. Reiterates its concern over the fact that the Committee's website still features a statement by the member concerned in his capacity as president of Group I that is in reality a personal self-defence testimony with the aggravating factor that the cases mentioned are either pending or expected before the Union judicial authorities and the Belgian authorities;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the annual accounts of the Court of Auditors (‘the Court’) are audited by an independent external auditor in order to apply the same principles of transparency and accountability that the Court applies to its auditees; notes with satisfaction the auditor’s opinion that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the Court’s financial position;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that at the end of 2019, there were 853 permanent and temporary posts compared to 891 posts in 2013, constituting a decrease of 4,26 %; notes in particular that permanent posts decreased 6,91 percentage points while temporary posts increased 10,07 percentage points; asks the Court to assess whether the increasing tendency of using temporary posts responds to the Court’s specific needs or rather is a response to budgetary constraints; notes that the level of staff is kept under continuous review and that the Court’s authorised establishment plan remains the same as in 2017 and in 2018 with 853 posts; notes that following the UK withdrawal from the Union, and in accordance with the result of the negotiations, the establishment plan was adapted during 2019;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Appreciates the fact that the Court’s followed-up on the 2018 Staff Satisfaction Survey and implemented activities related to staff well- being such as the Court’s network of confidential contact persons across the organisation to provide professional, and, if requested, anonymous support to members of staff; notes that the Court also provides free access to psychologistsive free sessions with psychologists and organises presentations on how to deal with burnout and, for managers, on how to detect and deal with harassment;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the decrease in the number of female directors from 30 % in 2018 to 20 % in 2019 and in the number of female heads of unit from 39 % in 2018 to 35 % in 2019; notes, however, the slight increase in female Court members from 21 % in 2018 to 26 % in 2019; underlines the commitment of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control to support a revision of the nomination process for Court members in order to increase the share of womenreach gender balance (seven women and 20 men were members in 2019);
Amendment 16 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes that flexible working arrangements are available for all members of staff except for certain categories where this is not possible for practical reasons; notes, however, that a large majority of members of staff benefiting from those working arrangements in 2019 were women (87 % of staff working part-time and 68 % of staff who took parental leave); calls on the Court to reflect on this situation in the frame of its career opportunities and diversity policies;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Echoes the Court’s remarks regarding the high cost of living in Luxembourg as one of the main factors that leads to difficulties in hiring and retaining staff; reiterates its concerns about the growing problem of the purchase power disparity suffered by Union civil servants posted to Luxembourg;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Takes note of the measures taken with respect to the safety of the staff, namely a contingency plan to deal with large-scale incidents, an internal procedure in case of a possible nuclear accident and a service level agreement with the EEAS to benefit from its advice regarding missions to high and critical threat level countries;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Notes with satisfaction that the Court set up an action plan in 2016 to be prepared for the General Data Protection Regulation and be compliant with that Regulation as soon as it became applicable to Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies; notes that data protection and information security responsibilities were restructured in 2019 in order to split and reinforce the resources allocated;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Recognises that the Court applies a set of key performance indicators to monitor progress made, such as for example measuring the implementation rate of the Court’s recommendations; notes that the Court’s analysis showed that 96 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 annual report and 94 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 special reports have been implemented in full, mostly or in some respects; notes that the Court issued six annual reports, 36 special reports, three opinions, 18 audit previews and four other publications, being part of the altogether 67 publications it issued in 2019; notes that in 2019 approximately 52 % of the Court's audit resources were used for its Statement of Assurance work and the financial audits of the Union agencies and other bodies; asks the Court to report on the impact and satisfaction of its special reports and other products, as well as on the selected audit topics;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Calls on the Court to explore other ways of providing more information on the administrative expenditure of other Union institutions in the context of the discharge; reiterates that the Court’s overall audit approach deserves further auditing work and better targeted assessment; repeats its call for a more dedicated review of the administrative expenditure and support activities of other Union institutions, specifically on topics that are becoming of higher relevance or even critical;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Agrees with the Court’s current strategy to improve the added value of the statement of assurance, focus more on the performance aspects of Union action and make sure to deliver clear messages to the audiences; reiteranotes that in 2019 a group of four supreme audit institutions (the supreme audit institutions of Estonia, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United States) carried out a peer review of the Court’s strategy; notes that the report was published in March 2020 and provides valuable input for the next strategy;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Notes that members are authorised to use official vehicles in the performance of official duties; notes that the use of official cars for other journeys is additional to the performance of such duties and that since 1 January 2017, the costs and kilometres related to the use of official cars have decreased significantly; notes that new rules entered into force on 1 January 2020 and introduced a monthly EUR 100 contribution for the non-official use of the vehicles as well as a liability on the part of the members and the secretary-general for certain costs and charges; asks the Court to duly inform the Parliament of the monitoring of costs and savings related to the management of the car fleet; is furthermore of the opinion that the use of official vehicles for private use should not take place under any circumstances; considers that this practice may harm the reputation of the Court and, in general, of the Union institutions; asks the Court, therefore, to reconsider this subject and to keep Parliament informed;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that 2 256 persons were employed by the CJEU in 2019 (compared to 2 217 in 2018 and 2 180 in 2017); notes that the distribution of posts by sector of activity remains similar to that of previous years, with almost 85 % of posts dedicated to jurisdictional and linguistic activities; notes with regard to the occupation rate of posts that it remains at a very high level of around 97 % in 2019, similar to in 2018; notes, however, certain difficulties in recruitment, due to more limited career development opportunities, and the low level of the basic salaries for starting grades as compared to high living costs in Luxembourg; reiterates its concerns about the growing problem of the purchase power disparity suffered by Union civil servants posted to Luxembourg;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the importance of addressing the lack of gender balance within the college of judges; underlines the commitment of the Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control to support a revision of the nomination process for Court members in order to reach gender balance; welcomes, however, the fact that efforts in the field of equal opportunities are becoming increasingly visible at the administrative level with a share of women in middle management amounting to 41 % and in senior management amounting to 40 %; notes that the staff in general has a distribution of 39 % men and 61 % women and for AD staff a distribution of 46 % men and 54 % women;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern the high number of cases of burnout reported in recent years within the CJEU; welcomes the fact that in 2019 the CJEU undertook several actions to prevent and address burnout cases such as the hiring of a psychologist, training for staff and an obligatory training programme for managers including a significant well- being component; considers that any decisions regarding budgetary cuts and staff reduction measures should be consistent with the principle of maintaining high quality deliverables, respect the staff well-being and satisfaction, and take into consideration the constantly increasing workload of the CJEU over the past number of years;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that there was one case of whistleblowing in 2019 which was also the first to trigger the application of the CJEU’s rules on whistleblowing adopted in 2017; welcomes the fact that this case showed that the rules are ‘fit for purpose’; notes that it was not considered necessary to inform OLAF as the information at the CJEU’s disposal allowed it to take the appropriate decisions; nevertheless asks the CJEU to report on this case to the discharge authority;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the training entitled ‘Rules of good conduct’ conducted in 2019 with the participation of 63 staff members; notes that such training have been set up in order to inform newcomers and other staff members on their obligations under the staff regulations and on the conditions of employment of other servants; notes with satisfaction that the courses cover topics such as harassment, whistleblowing, prevention of conflicts of interest and other ethical issues; welcomes that whistleblowing and conflicts of interest have also been included in the content of financial training; encourages the CJEU to continue conducting this training systematically for newcomers and periodically for the rest of the staff;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Notes that the CJEU has continued its efforts with respect to the project ‘Optimisation of the input of external translation’ which started in 2015; expresses its satisfactionnotes that the overall rate of externalisation of legal translations rose from 31,2 % in 2015 to 40,6 % in 2019; underlines however, that there are limitations to externalisation for reasons of confidentiality and insufficient supply; is aware that all CJEU translations are technical, legal and of a high level of difficulty which means that freelance translators must, insofar as possible, be lawyers or otherwise possess experience in legal translation.
Amendment 2 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the role of Parliament and of other institutions in the discharge procedure, as provided for by TFEU, in particular Article 319 thereof, and ofby the Financial Regulation, in particular Articles 260 to 263 thereof; underlines that Parliament's role is reinforced by a well- established and respected practice;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. NotWelcomes that the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’), in its annual report for 2019, observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the European Council and Council (the ‘Council’);
Amendment 5 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets that the Council continues to be silent in relation to the remarks made by Parliament in its discharge resolution of 28 April 20211 in relation to the trend from previous yearsongoing since 2009; _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)/0166.
Amendment 6 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that the budget of the European Council and the Council has not been divided into two separate budgets, as recommended by Parliament in recent discharge resolutions, for reasons of transparency and to improve both expenditure efficiency and accountability for each institution;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2142(DEC)
8. Regrets that, in spite ofNotes the Council’s improved financial management and performance system, t; regrets, however, that no report currently exists which provides a comprehensive summary of the major key performance indicators and results, thus preventing any measurement of achievements reached against objectives set;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Regrets the lack of information on the implementation of the Council’s gender action plan and of the measures taken to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities at the Council (as a workplace); calls on the Council to provide Parliament with detailed information on the proportion of persons working with disabilities, and on geographical and gender distribution, andparticularly at senior management level; calls on the Council to report on the measures taken in order to ensure equal opportunities, geographical balance, and gender equality at the Council;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets the lack of information from the Council on effective actions taken to tackle gender and geographical imbalances, including at management level, and in this regard recalls Parliament's resolution of 17 December 2020 on the need for a dedicated Council configuration on gender equality3 , requesting ministers and secretaries of state in charge of gender equality to have a dedicated institutional forum to ensure stronger integration of gender equality in Union strategies and policy processes, the coordination of all related policies, as well as the harmonisation of the protection of women’s rights and gender equality in the Union via an intersectional approach; underlines that this specific configuration would represent a key element in unblocking the negotiations on the main files related to gender equality; _________________ 3 Text adopted, P9_TA(2020)0379.
Amendment 12 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Reminds the Council that conducting impact assessments is one of the key factors set out in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making, together with the promise of the Council to carry out impact assessments in relation to its substantial amendments to the Commission’s proposals; regrets that the Council has so far not carried out any impact assessment on one of its amendments;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the lack of information concerning Council’s actions aimed at enhancing ethical culture and points out that no initiative in this direction has been reported, to Parliament; underlines the importance of implementing good practices such as specific training, code of conduct provisions or internal guidance on integrity and ethical values, a dedicated website or frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on ethical matters or procedures for the protection of whistleblowers; recalls the statement by the Court of Auditors in its Special Report No 13/2019 entitled ‘The ethical frameworks of the audited EU institutions: scope for improvement’ that ethical conduct “contributes to sounder financial management and increased public trust, which is indispensable if public policies are to succeed” and in particular, that “any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of the European Union (EU) institutions and bodies attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU”;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets the lack of attention paid to the need for an ethical framework, transparency and the prevention, identification and avoidance of conflicts of interest; reiterates its deep concern over the conflicts of interests of a number of Member State representatives involved in policy and budget decision-making processes; reiterates that any actual or perceived conflict of interests jeopardises the reputation of the Council and the Union as a whole; repeats Parliament’s strong call on the Council to ensure that Member State representatives who benefit directly from Union subsidies through the businesses they own (directly or indirectly) do not participate in related policy or budgetary discussions and votes; requests the Council to provide Parliament with information on the necessary measures put in place to avoid any conflict of interests;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets theat some Member States resort to corporate sponsorship to cover some of the expenses incurred by Member States to finance their Council presidencies; is highlyfinance part of the activities of their Council presidencies not covered by the Council’s budget; reiterates its deep concerned bys about the possible reputational damage that this practice might cause to the Council and the Union; urges the adoption of clear guidelines aimed at preventing situations of conflict of interest and the definition of transparent and binding rules on sponsorship; takes note of the final text of 30 June 2021 to be inserted into the Council’s Presidency Handbook as guidance to Council presidencies regarding the use of sponsorship; welcomes this positive step but regrets the lack of a common set of clear, transparent and concrete rules; calls on the Council to further elaborate this guidance and to make it mandatory for the Member States;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets the lack of action and initiatives on the part of the Council to ensure a smooth and fasteround, transparent and efficient process for the appointment of the European Prosecutors and in relation to the proposal for European Delegated Prosecutors made by Member States;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Regrets that the Council continues to fail to provide answers to Parliament's questions as well as to attend the hearings of the Secretary-Generals of the institutions;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Is aware of the key role of the Council in nominations and appointments procedures for the Union institutions and bodies, in particular the European Council, the Commission, the Court and the consultative Committees (the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committees); strongly recommends a review of these prerogatives in the view of ethical principles adopted by the Union, such as integrity and dignity; recalls the Court's statement that ethical conduct 'contributes to sounder financial management and increased public trust, which is indispensable if public policies are to succeed' and, in particular, that 'any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of the EU institutions attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU'; considers it thus necessary to avoid the appointment as Members of Union institutions and bodies candidates who represent a reputational risk for the entire Union, such as candidates with unethical behaviour confirmed by OLAF or with legal proceedings underway against them;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that the lack of cooperation of the European Council and the Council with the discharge authority sends a negative signal to the citizens of the Unioncontravenes the principle of loyal cooperation among the institutions and sends a negative signal to the citizens of the Union with regards to the transparency and democratic accountability of the Union budget;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Reiterates its concerns about the alarming information reported by the media regarding the construction of the new Europa building; calls on the Council to thoroughly research the main contractor and the whole chain of subcontractors (up to 12 according to the media), as well as the working conditions of the workers employed, and to provide Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control with all its findings;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates the need to improve cooperation between the institutions in the framework of the discharge procedure through a Memorandum of Understanding between Parliament, the Council and the Commission in relation to the cooperation between Parliament and the Council during the annual discharge procedure; calls on the Council, to that end, to initiate interinstitutional negotiations without any further delay;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Encourages the Council to advise the presidencies properly in establishing clear and transparent rules on sponsorship; urges the Council to make progress with respect to the guidelines without delay andNotes that the Member States are expected to finance their own presidencies and regrets that they resort to corporate sponsorship to cover some of their expenses; is highly concerned about the possible reputational damage that this practice might cause to the Council and the Union; urges Council presidencies to avoid resorting to corporate sponsorship to cover expenses; asks the Council, in that regard, to envisage the budgetisation of the presidencies; calls on the Council to reflect on the currently non-binding character of the guidance;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Recalls the statements by Vice- President Věra Jourová and Commissioner Johannes Hahn in their hearings before Parliament in 2019 that they are willing to engage in this matter so as to help achieve more transparency on the implementation of the Council’s budget; considers that the negotiations could be extended to include the Commission so as to ensure that Parliament is provided with the necessary information on how the Council is implementing its budget, either directly or via the Commission.
Amendment 11 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes the fact that no action has been taken in response to some of the recommendations in Parliament's resolution on discharge for 2018, and that the discharge follow-up document does not provide any justification for this; asks the Secretary-General to forward this resolution to the Bureau and highlights all requests for action or decisions by the Bureau; calls on the Secretary-General to establish a plan of action and a timetable enabling the Bureau to follow up and/or to respond to the recommendations contained in Parliament’s discharge resolutions and to include the results in the annual monitoring document; stresses the importance of having more frequent discussions with the Secretary-General and the Vice-President responsible for Budget on issues concerning Parliament's budget and its implementation in Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control; reiterates the need for the Bureau to substantially improve, in a proactive manner, the transparency and accessibility of each milestone of the decision-making procedure, with particular focus on the Bureau's website;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2141(DEC)
16. NoteRejects the fact that no action has been taken in response to some of the recommendations in Parliament's resolution on the discharge for 2018, and that the discharge follow-up document does not provide any justification for this; stresses the importance of havingdemands more frequent discussions with the Secretary-General on issues concerning Parliament's budget and its implementation in Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control; calls on the Bureau to follow up on these recommendations;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises the positive developments regarding gender balance and welcomes the new and more ambitious targets to be achieved by 2024; acknowledggrets the lack of gender balance of Bureau staff; Recognises the positive developments in this regard and acknowledges the new targets; recognizes the need for continuous monitoring on the topic;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the successful completion, in 2019, of new working environments for Members in Brussels and Strasbourg; commends the fact that the refurbishment of all Members' offices in Brussels (1 personal office per Member + 2 staff offices) and in Strasbourg (1 personal office + 1 staff office) was carried out in record time and ahead of schedule, as well as coming in under the works budget amount allocated to it, and that new furniture equipment, including integrated IT solutions has been installed at a lower cost than originally foreseen; notes with satisfaction that the revised office allocation plan for Members and political groups was based on the most efficient use of available office space; fully regrets, however, that the administration finally carried out this refurbishment, on the grounds of the furniture obsolescence and during the 2019 elections period, despite the fact that Parliament explicitly stated on several occasions in plenary that such change was not necessary;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Reminds that the 2014 administrative cooperation agreement between the Parliament and the Europan Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of Regions (the 'consultative Committees') was highly unbalanced for the latter because they transferred a total of 60 translators to the Parliament and in exchange obtained only the use of the services of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS); notes with concern that as a consequence the consultative Committees had to hire contract staff and outsourced their translation services; is aware of the requests expressed by the consultative Committees in the frame of the discharge procedure for the ongoing agreement to be respected by the Parliament so they are duly compensated; supports the consultative Committees in the view that an extension or revision of the current agreement must settle all outstanding issues and specifically the imbalance; asks the three institutions to jointly report to Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control on the ongoing revision of the agreement;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Expresses its support for the way Parliament increased the visibility of the European elections by building, animating and engaging with a wide network of media, partners and volunteers who acted as opinion multipliers within their own networks; notes with concern, however, that the turnout of the 2019 European elections remained too low in certain countries; considers that a visibility campaign of the European elections and the role of Parliament in the legislative process should be permanent, with a particular focus on those countries;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes that more than 50% of Union citizens eligible to vote took part in the elections, and notes with satisfaction that it was the first time since the first direct elections in 1979 that turnout has increased; regrets, however, that the Spitzenkandidaten system for the appointment of the Commission President was not followed, unlike after the 2014 elections; observes that the system adds to the transparency and accountability of the Commission to Parliament; notes that the President of the European Commission acknowledges the need for improvement in this area in the Political Guidelines; stresses that, as stated in the Guidelines, a review of the way the leaders of the institutions are appointed and elected is needed;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Amendment 40 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Is deeply concerned about the website “EP Today” and its misleading use of Parliament’s name and the Union symbology; notes with alarm that EUvsDesinfo found out that 99% of the articles that appeared on “EP Today” were actually syndicated from other websites such as “Voice of America” or “Russia Today”; is alarmed that the follow-up investigation by EU DisinfoLab has discovered a massive 15-year influence operation successfully targeted the Union with more than 750 fake local media and more than 10 "zombie- NGOs"; is concern that this operation successfully reached and involved Members before it was identified and investigated; call on Parliament’s DG COMM to coordinate with the European External Action Service and the Commission to take action on this matter;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes that ahead of and during the elections, all relevant Parliament’s stakeholders were kept up-to-date on disinformation and threats against Parliament from entities and actors seeking to undermine unity and European democracyCommends Parliament’s efforts to counter disinformation ahead of and during the elections; urges Parliament to take robust action to counter disinformation via regular information and warnings and that appropriate training and awareness-raising activities are organised for Members, staff and visitors; calls on Parliament to further strengthen the external communication of its activities;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Expresses its concerns regarding the European Data Protection Supervisor's (EDPS) investigation into Parliament’s use of a political campaigning company based in the United States of America to process personal data as part of its activities relating to the 2019 European election; notes that the investigation into Parliament’s use of NationBuilder resulted in the first ever EDPS reprimand issued to an Union institution due to a breach of Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, involving the selection and approval of sub-processors used by NationBuilder; notes, furthermore, that a second reprimand was subsequently issued by the EDPS, after Parliament failed to publish a compliant Privacy Policy for the "thistimeimvoting" website within the deadline set by the EDPS; notes with satisfaction that in both instances, Parliament acted in line with EDPS recommendations; echoes the EDPS's statements about the threat posed by online manipulation and how strong data protection rules are essential for democracy, especially in the digital age;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Notes that, at its meeting of 11 February 2019, the Bureau confirmed the continuation of Parliament’s office in London; notes that on 5 October 2020, the Bureau acknowledged the closure of the Edinburgh antenna office at the end of 2020; acknowledges that the liaison office in as well as the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom will continue to play a crucial role for Parliament in providing services to Members on delegations to the United Kingdom and in order to further engage with citizens, civil society, government, the parliamentary environment and media in that country; regrets therefore the refusal of the United Kingdom government to recognise the full diplomatic status of the European Union ambassador to the United Kingdom;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Notes that the revised rules governing the payment of financial contributions for sponsored visitors’ groups entered into force on 1 January 2017; recalls that, in accordance with the principle of non-profit enshrined in these rules, heads of groups have an obligation to return any unused financial contribution after verification by Parliament’s services of a financial declaration; seeks greater assurance that the management of sponsored visitors’ groups is strictly in accordance with the applicable rules; reiterates its call to remove the possibility of appointing APAs as head of group and thus giving the financial responsibility of sponsored visits exclusively to a member of the group or to professionals, i.e. paying agents or travel agencies;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Is aware of the importance of the building policy, in particular the completion of final installation works at the Montoyer 63 building in Brussels, which was put in use in 2019, and the Adenauer project in Luxembourg, which is scheduled to be completed by end of June 2023; understands that, in 2019, the Committee on Budgets authorised a mopping-up transfer, amounting to EUR 31 million, for the pre-financing of the project, which excludes project management costs, financial costs, certified bodies, etc.; regrets the increased costs due to the constructions delays and notes that transactions with the construction companies (linked to the delay with the project) have been necessary to avoid further delays and costs (between 5% and 15% of the contract amount);
Amendment 61 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Recalls that in 2020, Parliament launched an international architectural competition with two options, a comprehensive environmental renovation or reconstruction of the Spaak building; to take into account cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency as leading criteria; expects a detailed and public evaluation of the cost and energy efficiency of the selected proposal on the basis of the summary pre-project, which is to be developed by the winning architect in the course of 2021; demands that the renovation/reconstruction take into account Parliament’s current needs as described in the updated building strategy beyond 2019;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53 a. Notes that a first call for tender was launched in 2019 in order to conclude contracts for new banking facilities and ended with only one bank choosing to submit an offer for the same space the bank previously occupied; notes that a second call for tender was organised in 2020 aiming to occupy the other two baking areas and no offers were received; regrets that the ING agency remained open only for the two first months of the current parliamentary term, time to open accounts for many of the new elected Members and contracted APAs, and then closed; notes that the supermarket has also decided not to extend its concession but welcomes the fact that there will be a future food market concession located on the ground floor of the Spinelli building; asks the administration to review and make more attractive the conditions of the exploitation of commercial concessions in order to attract quality services providers;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Takes note of the immediate actions, approved by the Bureau at its meeting of 22 July 2020, which included an awareness campaign, protection of valuable IT equipment, prior notification of maintenance works, and provisions of separate master keys for each floor and strict limitation of their distribution; expresses its dismay over the general tone and specific messages of the awareness campaign that seems to hold Members and staff responsible of the protection of the equipment beyond common sense rather than focus on security measures; expects Parliament to adopt long-term measures to prevent thefts including among those envisaged the introduction of different levels of access rights within Parliament’s premises, increased CCTV coverage, and further actions relating to keys’ management policy, including the possibility of installing electronic door locks taking due account of the necessary proportionality between the investments needed and the actual value of stolen items;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. ObservesNotes with satisfaction the launch of market procedures for the introduction of an automatic vehicle recognition system at all car park entrances and exits and the move to Adenauer II building;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Paragraph 72 a (new)
72 a. Draws attention to four important investigations conducted by the EDPS involving Parliament, namely using NationBuilder to process personal data as part of its activities relating to the 2019 European election, failing to publish a compliant privacy policy for the "thistimeimvoting" website within the deadline set by the EDPS, and the body temperature checks as well as the test- booking website in the context of the COVID-19 crisis; notes that in the two first cases Parliament acted in line with EDPS' recommendations; reminds the aforementioned preliminary review of Parliament's data protection framework; calls on the relevant services of the Administration of Parliament to drawn lessons from the mentioned investigations for the future;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74
Paragraph 74
74. Is convinced that the attractiveness of Parliament as an employer is a key component of its success; is deeply concerned by the difficulties encountered in recruiting some nationalities and bringing certain job profiles in-house; regrets Parliament’s over-dependence on external expertise; notes that DG PERS is currently running the project ‘Attracting and retaining top talent’ that aims at improving Parliament’s policies to attract and retain talent and at contributing to the development of Parliament’s long-term strategic vision on the jobs of the future; calls on the Secretary-General to do his utmost in order to reach aimprove the diversity and geographical balance ofor Parliament’s staff, both on the total number by country and on the number of management positions and to explore all available options in order to increase the competiattractiveness of Parliament as an employer;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75
Paragraph 75
75. Is concerned by the difficulty of recruiting IT and financial specialists and staff at lower grades in Luxembourg, especially in the AST-SC category; stresses that the introduction of a correction coefficient that takes account of the higher living costs in this place of work together with recruitment at higher grades is necessary to solve this structural problem and reiterates, in this regard, its request to the Commission in the frame of the 2018 discharge procedure; stresses that a preliminary factual analysis that the Court addressed to the Secretary-General in this context shows that the selection process organised by the European Personnel Selection Office is not adapted to small-scale, targeted competitions, which are those most suited to the current recruitment needs of Union institutions; notes with satisfaction Parliament’s active involvement in an inter-institutional effort in reviewing the way competitions are currently run by European Personnel Selection Office; calls for a new selection framework to be developed for specialist competitions and the introduction of a mechanism for regularly reviewing its selection process; calls on the Secretary- General to organise specialist competitions in-house when appropriate;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 a (new)
Paragraph 78 a (new)
78 a. Reiterates that it is essential that staff representatives are heard when the Bureau discusses general matters affecting its staff policy, and asks again the Secretary-General to take the appropriate measures to implement this key approach; reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to take further steps to ensure transparency and fairness during senior management appointment procedures; asks for the full implementation of the measures recommended in Parliament’s resolution of 18 April 2018, notably that officials from staff representative bodies sit on Parliament’s senior management selection panels; calls, furthermore, for ensuring consistency when it comes to external publications of senior management posts and diligence in the publication of these posts as and when they fall vacant;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 a (new)
Paragraph 78 a (new)
78 a. Notes that teleworking arrangements and remote voting are now part of Parliament’s working arrangements for Members; calls on Parliament’s secretariat to continue facilitating these arrangements for Members on maternity, parental, carers, sick or special leave and explore using the arrangements in the future also, so as to allow Members to both hold meetings in their constituencies as well as with their colleagues in Brussels in what could be ‘hybrid’ weeks;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79
Paragraph 79
79. Draws attention to the 6% staff reduction target, that in 2019 required Parliament to eliminate 59 posts from its administration establishment plan; acknowledges the simultaneous increase in the number of contractual agents; is concernedCourt’ Special Report on the 2014 staff reform package12a; notes with concern the observations of the Court applicable to the Parliament; deplores the very negative impact of the 2014 reform package on a number of crucial aspects of human resources within the Union institutions; draws also attention to the 6% staff reduction target, that in 2019 required Parliament to eliminate 59 posts from its administration establishment plan; acknowledges the simultaneous increase in the number of contractual agents; warns of the serious consequences that any budgetary cut in administration or staff reduction may have in the future of the European civil service and the implementation of the Union's policies; is concerned, in particular, by the negative effects of this significant reduction on Parliament’s performance, both in the short and long term; calls for an urgent but complethe reassessment of the staffing situation; _________________ 12aCourt of Auditors’ Special Report No 15/2019: Implementation of the 2014 staff reform package at the Commission - Big savings but not without consequences for staff.
Amendment 123 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79 a (new)
Paragraph 79 a (new)
79 a. Notes that the Court found that the European institutions have reduced the number of posts for officials (i.e. permanent and temporary staff), while gradually increasing the number of contract staff, resulting in a substantial increase of the proportion of contract staff in the total workforce; reiterates that profoundly regrets the lack of career prospects for contract staff in the case of Parliament's administration; invites the Secretary-General to assess the risks relating to employing growing numbers of contract staff, including the danger of creating a two-tier staffing structure within Parliament; insists that core permanent positions and tasks should be performed by permanent staff;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79 a (new)
Paragraph 79 a (new)
79 a. Highlights the fact that current rules on the termination of contract for APAs do not foresee the possibility of a termination by “mutual consent”, which would be a way to recognise the special political relation between Members and assistants, where both parties can acknowledge the mutual trust is no longer persisting, and benefit from a common solution; notes that this issue has been highlighted in several Parliament discharge reports and expects action to be taken as soon as possible;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80
Paragraph 80
80. Is worried about the number of members of staff on long-term sick leave; is concerned that some of those cases may relate to exhaustion and disturbed work-life balance; calls on the administration to be proactive towards the concerned staff, to carefully evaluate the staff workload and to ensure a balanced distribution of tasks; stresses, in that regard, the importance of a reasonable working schedule and avoiding meetings outside office hours which prevent Members and staff from keeping the work-life balance; welcomes the ‘Mind Matters’ campaign launch in 2018 by DG PERS to raise awareness and combat stigma related to mental health; urges Parliament to conduct a psychological risk assessment to detect psychological risks in the work environment and to develop targeted action plans to either eliminate them, or mitigate their negative impact; calls for reassessment of the applicable rules to enable quicker hiring of substitutes in cases of long-term sick leave;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80 a (new)
Paragraph 80 a (new)
80 a. Stresses the pressing necessity for a revision of the Bureau decision establishing the categories of committees on the ground of their legislative workload in order to also consider their budget related work; notes that the current situation has a negative particular impact on the Committee on Budgetary Control, which deals with a huge workload due to the discharge procedure but has a low legislative workload; encourages Parliament's administration to additionally reflect on innovative solutions to improve the situation;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2141(DEC)
82. Supports the continuation of the implementation of the activities of the Action Plan on Equality and Diversity 2014-2019; insists on the importance of better gender balance at all levels, including Directors-General level; support and of the measures of the report on ‘Diversities other than gender in the Parliament’s Secretariat - state of play and roadmap’ adopted by the Bureau on 3 April 2019; celebrates in particular the creation in 2020 of two contact points within Parliament, one on LGBTI+ issues and one on racial discrimination issues, both managed by the DG PERS’ Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Unit;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83
Paragraph 83
83. Supports the launch of an awareness raising campaign in 2019 to promote a zero-tolerance policy on harassment in the workplace; recognises Parliament’s zero tolerance policy towards harassment at any and all levels including Members, staff and APAs; notes that following the 2019 elections, all Members were required to sign a declaration confirming their commitment to complying with the code of appropriate behaviour incorporated in Parliament's Rules of Procedure in January 2019; however, regretsregrets, however, that the prevention training for all staff and Members is still not compulsory; is concerned that 10 new harassment cases were opened in 2019 out of which 4 cases concerned sexual harassment;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Is aware ofRegrets the 38 cases involving Parliament pending with European Anti- Fraud Office in 2019 ranging from the proper use of parliamentary allowances and staff conduct to the financing of European political structures; points out the fact that 14 cases were closed in 2019;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85 b (new)
Paragraph 85 b (new)
85 b. Is of the opinion that the protection of whistleblowers is an integral element of democracy and it is crucial in preventing and deterring unlawful activities and wrongdoings; recalls that, among others, APAs are in a vulnerable position due to their contract of employment; notes with concern the Secretary-General’s acknowledgement that “whistleblowing rules are applicable to accredited parliamentary assistants but that the Parliament cannot provide employment protection” as they are dependent on their individual Member; calls on the Secretary-General to take that factor into account when APAs act as whistleblowers, and to look to extend the contract protection options granted by Parliament for APAs who are victims of harassment to APAs who act as whistleblowers;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85 a (new)
Paragraph 85 a (new)
85 a. Reiterates its call on Parliament's administration to provide, as early as possible in the next parliamentary term, new APAs with mandatory training courses or publications including, in particular, financial and administrative matters (mission orders, medical examinations, accreditation, parking stickers, groups of visitors, exhibitions, etc.) in order to avoid systemic errors hindering the smooth running of administrative procedures that affect them; highlights, in this regard, the necessity of technical training on the work of the parliamentary committees as well as the possibility of attending language courses outside of office hours;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 b (new)
Paragraph 86 b (new)
Amendment 155 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86 a. Expresses strong concern for the working conditions of two of the external concessions contracted by Parliament, namely the cleaning and the restauration staff of Parliament, and strongly recommends that DG INLO organises an independent survey about the satisfaction with the working conditions of the staff concerned subcontracted by Parliament, in order to ensure respect and dignity at work; notes that such a survey was recommended in the previous Parliament discharge report, but that it was not followed up on; repeats this recommendation and urges the Bureau to act on this; calls for an evaluation of Parliament’s public procurement policy in light of improving transparent and predictable working conditions for all subcontracted services; calls on Parliament to report to the discharge authority on the results of such evaluation;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 c (new)
Paragraph 86 c (new)
86 c. Recalls with disappointment the dismissal of 60 employees working in Parliament’s catering services as of January 2021; notes that the dismissed staff was informed shortly before Christmas 2020 and in the middle of a pandemic; stresses that some of the dismissed staff had worked on Parliament’s premises for decades; recalls Parliament’s repeated calls on companies across the Union to retain their staff during the pandemic; urges the Secretary- General to respond without delay to a letter sent about the dismissal signed by 355 Members; asks to consider if Parliament could guarantee these workers job security by the internalisation of the catering service and directly hiring the catering personnel, following the good example of Parliament's car drivers;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86 a. Is concerned about the increasing use of temporary and interim staff by the external catering company and the impact this is having on the quality of the services provided and on the amenities and quality of life and working conditions for permanent staff; condemns the recent mass redundancies occurred in the external catering company and asks Parliament's administration to find solutions within the frame of the social dialogue;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 b (new)
Paragraph 86 b (new)
86 b. Reiterates its demand for the APAs to receive the same subsistence allowance as the statutory personnel for their missions to attend the part-sessions in Strasbourg; takes note of the follow-up answer provided by the Secretary-General about the different rules concerning the reimbursement of duty travel between Parliament's three places of work that apply to the Parliament's secretariat and APAs; insists on its demand and a subsequent change of the relevant rules mentioned by the Secretary-General;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 c (new)
Paragraph 86 c (new)
86 c. Reiterates its concern about the alleged practice of Members obliging APAs to undertake missions, particularly to Strasbourg, without mission orders, mission costs or even travel costs; is of opinion that such a practice leaves room for abuse: where APAs travel without a mission order they not only have to pay for the costs by their own means, they are also not covered by workplace insurance; calls on the Secretary-General to investigate this alleged practice and to report on this by the end of the year;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 d (new)
Paragraph 86 d (new)
86 d. Reiterates its call on the Conference of Presidents and the Bureau to reconsider the possibility for APAs, under certain conditions to be determined, to accompany Members on official Parliament delegations and missions, as already requested by several Members; takes note of the estimated financial impact explained by the Secretary- General on his follow-up to the 2018 discharge but insists on the limited extension of this possibility; suggests a new discussion at the level of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents;
Amendment 202 #
2020/2141(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 98 a (new)
Paragraph 98 a (new)
98 a. Stresses that Parliament has to honour its commitments regarding the fight against climate change, and must consequently take appropriate steps in all its buildings to make sufficient bicycle internal and external parks, where bicycles are protected against theft, vandalism and the elements, available to all staff, and at the very least offer the same arrangements currently available in staff car parks; a system whereby vignettes are used as a means of identification could also be very worthwhile in this regard;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of European Commission’s assessment that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) presents a low risk of error; requests however that the Commission, together with the Court and OLAF, closely monitor the EU transport projects in order to prevent fraud, as public investment in infrastructure is particularly sensitivvulnerable to fraud;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019 / Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that by the end of 2019 out of the total ESIF allocations for the current MFF (465 billion euros) only 40 % had been paid out to the Member States, compared with 46 % by the end of 2012, the corresponding year of the previous MFF. During 2019, 12 % of total allocations were paid, similar to the proportion of the allocations paid in 2012, the corresponding year of the previous MFF (13 %).
Amendment 6 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that by the sixth year of the current programming period 2014-2020 only around 31% of the funds initially awarded had resulted in payments by January 2020, putting into question the full implementation of CEF; calls on the Commission to warn Member States to significantly speed up investments and also calls on the Commission to step up its monitoring in view of the urgent need for infrastructure investment for the speedy recovery from the Covid-19 related economic downturn and to ensure interconnectivity at the European level;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates the Parliament’s request for the creation of a new budgetary line for an important sector in the EU economy, such as Tourism, to support this sector severely hit by the Covid-19 crisis; welcomes that the Court has launched an audit to assess tourism projects co-funded with EUR 6.4 billion in 2007-2013 and EUR 4 billion so far in 2014-2020 ERDF and Cohesion Fund money, which will help improving EU Tourism policies;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. the Union budget is a significant instrument for achieving common policy objectives, and on average represents 2,1 % of the Member States’ general government expenditure and total public spending in the Union1.0% of EU gross national income;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes that the Court continued to find a high number of errors in relation to public procurement, state aid rules and grant award procedures, mainly in ‘Cohesion’ and ‘Natural resources’. These errors contributed 20 % to Court's estimated level of error for high-risk expenditure (2018: 16 %), for this reason, the Commission should identify ways to reduce errors;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Welcomes that the Commission has elaborated a Public Procurement Action Plan, updated several times since 2014;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. The overall audit evidence the Court obtained and have presented, indicates that the level of error in spending on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ was material. For this MFF sub-heading, Court's testing of transactions produced an estimated overall level of error of 4,4 %;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7 d. Recommends the Commission to enhance its information campaign regarding H2020 funding rules, with particular focus on SMEs.
Amendment 20 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights, with regard to the implementation of the Union budget, the importance of complying with the principle of sound financial management as enshrined in Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU);,), as well as the importance of achieving programmes priorities and objectives which contribute to strengthening the European integration and creating an ever closer Union .
Amendment 41 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Encourage the Commission to continue attaching the highest importance to the sound financial management of the EU budget, in particular through putting in place multiannual control strategies designed to prevent, detect and correct errors, as well as to continue carefully monitoring the implementation of the EU budget and to take immediate steps to correct the errors and to recover the funds incorrectly spent by Member States, intermediaries or final beneficiaries;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Considers, in line with the Commission's endeavour, that it is of utmost importance to strike the right balance between low level of errors, fast payments, reasonable costs of controls and added value of the EU Budget;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses the crucial role of the EU policies and instruments for their realisation in the areas of cohesion, agriculture and rural development, research and innovations, home affairs and external relations for reducing disparities between Member States and regions, for promoting economic growth and employment, for combating poverty and social exclusion, for upholding and promoting EU values, security and justice for its citizens within the Union and in the wider world;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Welcomes that the Commission, as manager of the EU budget, appropriately tailors its common methodology to the specificities of the risk, control and management environments of the different spending areas, in order to effectively fulfil its reporting obligations and protect the EU Budget;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the major increase of the EPPO’s budget and staff with regard to the initial proposal; reminds the Commission the key role of the EPPO in protecting the EU recovery plan in the years to come; calls on the Commission and the budgetary authorities to secure sufficient resources for the EPPO as requested by the European Chief Prosecutor;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Acknowledges that the financial management of the EU budget has improved over time and that the error levels have decreased to ranges getting closer to the 2% materiality threshold in the recent years, except in some specific policy areas;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deeply regrets, however,Is concerned that for the first time in four years the Court had tos issued an adverse opinion on the legality and regularity of the expenditure underlying the accounts;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 93 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – introductory part
Paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Notes that the reasons for the adverse opinion are: on EU expenditure is the conclusion of the Court that the level of errors mainly in reimbursement-based payments is pervasive, and that due to the way the EU budget is composed and evolves over time, high risk expenditures in 2019 represents more than half of the audited spending (53,1%),in which the material error continues to be present at an estimated rate of 4,9% (compared to 4,5 % in 2018 and 3,7 % in 2017);
Amendment 94 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point a
Paragraph 8 – point a
Amendment 95 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point b
Paragraph 8 – point b
Amendment 101 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deeply regretsTakes note of the Court’s observation that the Commission’s particular role, as reflected in its methodology, and weaknesses in ex- post checks, which are a critical part of the control system, affects the Commission’s estimates of errors; notes that Commission’s risk at payment for 2019, set at 2,1% as reported in its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR), is within the range of the ECA’s estimated level of error for the three most significant spending areas - competitiveness, cohesion and natural resources;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the Court provided in 2019 specific error rates for four MFF headings: ‘Competitiveness’ (4.0%), ‘Cohesion’, (4,4%),‘Natural resources’(1,9 %) and ‘Administration’; points out that, in 2019, the Court found the highest estimated level of error in spending under ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion‘ (4,4 % (an estimated level of error below the materiality threshold);
Amendment 112 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Draws attention that the general estimate of the level of error in the EU budget, as presented in the Court’s Statement of Assurance, is neither a measure of fraud nor of inefficiency or waste, but it is an estimate of the money that should not have been paid out because it was not used in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations; notes that in 2019 the Court reported to OLAF 9 instances of suspected fraud found during its audits (also 9 in 2018),from which OLAF has opened 5 investigations and decided not to open an investigation in 4 cases;.
Amendment 116 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. RegretNotes the adoption of three amending budgets in 2019, adding EUR 0,4 billion to commitment appropriations and EUR 0,3 billion to payment appropriationswhich refer to the following;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point i (new)
Paragraph 15 – point i (new)
(i) Amending Budget (AB) No1/2019 entered the surplus of EUR 1 802 988 329, resulting from the implementation of the budget year 2018, as revenue in the 2019 budget; this amount has reduced the annual GNI contributions for Member States;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point ii (new)
Paragraph 15 – point ii (new)
(ii) Amending Budget (AB) No 2/2019 provided an additional EUR 100 million of commitment appropriations to Horizon2020 and Erasmus+ as decided by the European Parliament and the Council in their agreement on the budget 2019
Amendment 119 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point iii (new)
Paragraph 15 – point iii (new)
(iii) Amending Budget (AB) No 3/2019 entered the necessary commitment and payment appropriations for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) amounting to EUR 293 551 794 which aimed to provide assistance to Romania, Italy and Austria following natural disasters that took place in these Member States in the course of 2018:
Amendment 123 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Acknowledges that given the multi-annual nature of its expenditure and of its control strategies, the Commission may apply corrections until the closure of the funding programme; notes furthermore that while errors may be detected in a given year, they are corrected in the current or in subsequent years after the payment was made – up until the moment of closure; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to continue exercising their corrective capacity, and the Commission to use the supervisory tools at its disposal, in line with its obligations under the different sectorial legal bases, in order to bring the real risk at closure ultimately well below 2% and closer to 0%;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Notes that in 2019 the corrective measures confirmed by the Commission amounted to EUR 1.5 billion (25% higher than in 2018), relating mainly to errors affecting payments made in previous years.
Amendment 125 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. RegretsNotes with concern the fact that outstanding commitments have continued to grow, reaching EUR 298,0 billion at the end of 2019 (compared to EUR 281,2 billion in 2018); notes that the Court has identified the reasons for the continuing rise, such as the overall increase in the size of the EU budget over time; notes that the level of payment appropriations in the annual budgets has been noticeably lower than the MFF ceiling in recent years, which might lead to higher payment needs in the future; notes the commitment of the Commission to conduct a thorough analysis of the payment appropriations needed until the end of the year during the global transfer exercise in order to make a proposal to the budgetary authority if reinforcements are needed;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that according to the Court, the overall absorption rate of ESIF (European Structural Investment Funds) was lower than in the corresponding year of the previous MFF, as by the end of 2019, out of the total ESIF allocations for the current MFF (EUR 465 billion), only 40 % had been paid out to Member States (compared with 46 % by the end of 2012); notes that only nine Member States had higher absorption rates under the current MFF than under the previous one, andhighlights the Commission’s explanation that the slower absorption rate is related to the late adoption of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR), the time needed for authorities to set up an effective delivery programme and compliance systems, and the changes introduced in the regulations in the 2014- 2020 programming period, such as the high level of annual prefinancing and the new rule for automatic decommitments (n+3); notes that overall the speed of absorption in 2019 stayed almost exactly the same as in 2018;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Recalls that the absorption rate expresses the extent to which EU funds allocated to Member States have been spent on eligible projects, which is one of the preconditions and indications of effective future absorption; stresses, in this regards, that since the end of 2018 the project selection rate remains ahead of the same reference period in 2007-2013; emphasises, furthermore, that by end June 2020, nearly all (99,2%) the EUR 350 billion in total cost were allocated to nearly 515 000 projects;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes furthermore that by the start of 2019, after the current MFF had been in place for five years, only approximately 17 % of the total ESI funding committed through Financial Instruments under Shared Management (FISMs) had reached its final recipient; notes, however, that by mid-September 2020 the 42% of amounts allocated to financial instruments were effectively paid and, therefore, available for investments into final recipients; welcomes, furthermore, that 59% of the available capital for FISMs had reached final recipients or was used for eligible costs;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that, as in previous years, substantial amounts of unused annual ESIF pre-financing, due mainly to delays in implementation, was returned to the Union budget (EUR 7,7 billion in 2019), due mainly to delayas assigned revenue; points out that EUR 5,0 billion of that amount was used to make payments ion implementationclaims from Member States over and above the approved budget for the year under the relevant ESIF budget lines, which has prevented them from being cancelled;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Acknowledges that shared management is instrumental for the implementation of the ESIF which in turn relays upon an efficient administrative collaboration between the Commission and the Member States; underlines the Court’s observation that the risk of error is high for expenditure subject to complex rules; welcomes the substantial improvements in this regard over the last ten years due inter alias to the Commission’s efforts and the recommendations of both the Court and the Parliament; encourages the Commission to move towards simplification and performance orientation;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 163 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes the Court's observation that the Commission has started making systemic performance assessments and analysis leading to conclusions on the achieving of the programmes’ objectives; notes with satisfaction that the Court considers this as a significant positive step towards clearer, more transparent and comprehensive annual reporting on programme performance;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines that according to the Financial Regulation, sound financial management implies effectiveness, efficiency and economy, and that the Commission and the Member States should ensure a focus on all three elements;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Observes that, for 2019, the Commission’'s estimate for the overall risk at closure was at 0,7 % (compared to 0,8 % in 2018) of the relevant expenditure; notes that due to the higher risk at payment in relation to cohesion spending, the overall risk at payment estimated by the Commission was higher than in previous years, at 2,1 % for 2019 (compared to 1,7 % in 2018), but as the estimated future corrections were also higher (1,4 %, compared to 0,9 % in 2018), the Commission arrived at a stable risk at closure, and with an estimate of risk at closure of less than 2 %, the Commission considered that its multiannual control systems ensured effective protection of the Union budget; points out furthermore that in the Commission’s own estimate, the expenditure with risk at payment above the materiality threshold was very high at EUR 67 billion;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Notes that the Commission subdivides its portfolio for 2019 into lower-risk and higher-risk strata, using criteria recognised also by the Court and related to the nature of the funding, notably the difference between rather complex reimbursement-based schemes (higher risk expenditure with risk at payment above 2%) and fairly straightforward entitlement-based payments (lower risk expenditure with risk at payment below 2%); points out furthermore that the Commission estimates that the higher risk expenditure stands at EUR 67 billion(46%), thus affecting smaller part of the budget than the lower risk expenditure, which stands at EUR 80 billion (54%);
Amendment 193 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Notes the Court’s conclusion that the Commission's performance reporting is becoming more balanced and that both the AMPR and the programme statements complement their reporting on programme achievements including information on lagging behind areas and persisting challenges for programmes;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44 a. Notes with satisfaction that the Commission is improving its risk assessment for the planning of the inspections and continues to strive to close long outstanding open points rapidly, depending also on Member States’ cooperation;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. UnderlinNotes that two main systemic weaknesses concern thehe Commission’s TOR inspections and the Court’s work highlighted two main weaknesses in Member State’s controls to reduce the custom gap: - lack of Union- wide standards forharmonisation of the performance of customs controls for mitigating the risk of undervalued imports throughout the Customs Union,; as well the fact thatnd - inability of Member States are not able to identify the riskiest economic operators at Union level for post-release audits;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47 a. Acknowledges, however, that the Commission has made important steps to help identifying the riskiest economic operators at EU level for post-release audits, with the flagging of transactions considered to pose financial risk under the Financial Risk Criteria and the update of the Customs Audit Guide;
Amendment 211 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47 b. Welcomes that the Commission works closely with Member States to find solutions to identify importers operating in Member States other than where they are headquartered; calls on it for achieving further progress once an EU- wide database covering all imports is fully available.
Amendment 215 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. RegretNotes that, for the fourth year in a row, the Directorate-General for Budgets (DG BUDG) issued a reservation on the value of TOR collected by the United Kingdom, due to that country’s failure to make available to the Union budget evaded customs duties on textiles and footwear imports, while the scope of undervaluation fraud had extended further to Union Member States, which results in further potential TOR losses;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52 a. Points out the measures regarding the case of TOR collected by the United Kingdom which the Commission took in 2018 (a formal infringement procedure) and 2019 (referral of the Case to the Court of Justice of the EU); notes from the written answers of the Commission for the hearing in CONT on 11 January 2021 that the oral hearing took place on 8 December 2020 and while the date of the final judgment is fully under the discretion of the Court, the Commission does not expect a ruling before summer 2021; notes with satisfaction that BREXIT has no adverse effect on recovery of the claimed amounts as they relate to imports before the end of the transition period;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Finds it worryingNotes that of the 130 transactions examined, 51 (39 %) contained errors;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Is deeply concerned that based on the 28 errors the Court has quantified, ithe estimated the level of error is 4,0 %for 2019 at 4,0 %, which is an increase compared to 2018 (2%); recalls that this figure is close to the rates the Court found in 2015, 2016 and 2017;
Amendment 231 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Finds it very regrettableNotes that ‘unlawful/discriminatory selection/award criteria’ accounted for 16% of errors and that ‘ineligible other direct costs (VAT, travel, equipment)’ accounted for 15% of errors;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
Amendment 240 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 a (new)
Paragraph 67 a (new)
67 a. Notes that research expenditure reimbursements based on claims submitted for costs incurred by the beneficiaries; notes that these claims are often subject to complex rules and can lead to errors as may be observed in the cases referred to by the ECA;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 b (new)
Paragraph 67 b (new)
67 b. Considers therefore that reducing the error rate depends on a continuous simplification effort; welcomes the ECA’s acknowledgement of the Commission’s efforts to simplify the administrative and financial requirements of Horizon 2020;
Amendment 242 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 c (new)
Paragraph 67 c (new)
Amendment 243 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 d (new)
Paragraph 67 d (new)
67 d. Notes the Commission’s introduction of a sound system of ex-ante controls, which includes detailed automated checklists, written guidance and continuous training with the objective of reducing administrative burden allowing beneficiaries to focus on achieving their goals;
Amendment 251 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 68 – indent 4 a (new)
- To focus on the rules of the calculation and declaration of personal costs in the communication campaign related to Horizon 2020
Amendment 257 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71 a (new)
Paragraph 71 a (new)
71 a. Reiterates its concern about the very imbalanced allocation of funds to researchers across Member States via Horizon 2020;
Amendment 267 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80 a (new)
Paragraph 80 a (new)
80 a. Recalls the need EIB to provide clear and accessible information on the economic, social and environmental impact and added value achieved by EFSI funded projects; stresses that the additionally assessment of all EFSI- supported projects should be duly documented;
Amendment 271 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83 a (new)
Paragraph 83 a (new)
83 a. Notes that preventive measures undertaken by DG REGIO in 2019 brought positive results and there was no necessity of suspending ERDF and CF payments in 2019 since the programme authorities applied the required remedial action plans on time and interruptions for 16 payments amounting EUR 1.1 billion (out of 20amounting to EUR 1.2 billion) were waived; notes furthermore that DG REGIO was able to close 12 out of 19 warning letters for corrective measures for cases of system deficiencies due to the implementation of the necessary exit points;
Amendment 272 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83 b (new)
Paragraph 83 b (new)
83 b. Welcomes the positive follow up undertaken by the Commission to implement the Court’s recommendation from 2018 Annual Report and the started drafting of Closure Guidelines aiming to ensure that proper closure arrangements for the 2014-2020 period will be available in due time and in any case well before the closure in 2025;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Finds it worrying that on basisNotes the decrease in the estimated level of error for the Economic, social and territorial cohesion identified by the Court for 2019 (4.4%) compared to those for 2018 (5.0%) while the expenditure audited by the Court was higher in 2019 (EUR28.4 billion) than in 2018 (EUR 23.6 billion); Notes that of the 236 transactions examined, 29 errors had not been detected by audit authorities and 64 errors had previously been found by audit authorities and corrections applied by programme authorities (amounting to a total of EUR 334 million for both programming periods taken together), the Court estimates the level of error to be 4,4 %;; notes further that these errors concerned ineligible costs (39), public procurement (24) and missing supporting documentation (one error)
Amendment 278 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85
Paragraph 85
Amendment 281 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86
Paragraph 86
86. Regrets the fact that 55 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible projects’; notes that there were five ERDF projects, from the 2014-2020 programming period, for which aid was granted to beneficiaries or operations that did not meet the eligibility conditions set out in the applicable regulation and OPs;Notes with concern that the majority of the errors are related to three main categories:
Amendment 282 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 1 (new)
- 55 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible projects’: there were five ERDF projects, from the 2014-2020 programming period, for which aid was granted to beneficiaries or operations that did not meet the eligibility conditions set out in the applicable regulation and OPs;
Amendment 283 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 2 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 2 (new)
- 24 % of errors were made up by ‘Infringements of internal market rules’ (such as infringements of state aid rules - 9% and serious on-compliance with public procurement rules - 15%);
Amendment 284 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 3 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 3 (new)
- 12% of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible expenditure’;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86 a. stresses that complex rules contribute to a higher risk of error; acknowledges the Commission’s efforts to continuously working on simplifying rules and increasing the use of simpler delivery mechanisms such as simplified cost options;
Amendment 286 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 87
Paragraph 87
Amendment 287 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 88
Paragraph 88
Amendment 289 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89
Paragraph 89
89. Is very concerned about the weaknesses found in the work of several18out of 116 audit authorities in the Member States covered by the Court’s sample, which currently limit the reliance that can be placed on that work (the recalculated rate was above the 2 % materiality threshold in nine out of 20 assurance packages for the 2014- 2020 period, the Commission adjusted the residual error rates for eight assurance packag; notes the Court observation that the Commission arrived at similar results for eight of these packages and adjusted the residual error rates to a figure above 2 %);
Amendment 291 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 a (new)
Paragraph 89 a (new)
89 a. Notes that the Commission reports, in the Annual Management and Performance Report and in the Annual Activity Reports of the concerned Directorates-General, an error range for cohesion policy, which is within the error range calculated by the ECA;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 93 a (new)
Paragraph 93 a (new)
93 a. Shares the Court’s welcoming of the Commission’s and audit authorities’ joint initiative and coordinated efforts to improve the documentation of audit authorities work and the elaboration of a ‘Reflection paper on audit documentation’ in December 2019, which, although not mandatory, represents a first step in improving the way audit authorities perform and document their work;
Amendment 324 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 a (new)
- continue consistently and extensively cooperating with the audit authorities to ensure robust control framework, improve the quality of the assurance work when needed and ensure the necessary detection and corrective capacities;
Amendment 325 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 b (new)
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 b (new)
Amendment 346 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 a (new)
Paragraph 94 a (new)
94 a. Invites the Commission to continue providing guidance and support, as well as to identify and disseminate good practices to Member States;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 96 a (new)
Paragraph 96 a (new)
96 a. Is pleased to see that in its first Annual Report on performance by the end of 2019 the Court gives ERDF programme performance overview as a positive example of clearly formulated conclusions on general objective; encourages DG REGIO to continue to present clear conclusions in the performance sections both for general and specific objectives, and invites other DGs to follow this good example and to improve their conclusions by making them more informative and clearer;
Amendment 353 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 97
Paragraph 97
Amendment 355 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 98
Paragraph 98
Amendment 358 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99
Paragraph 99
99. Underlines that in cohesion policy, characterised by large-scale infrastructure projects, there can be a time lag between the start of the programme, its implementation and the realisation of outputs and results; finds it worrisome that progress is also likely to be affected by the relatively low levels of implementation in respect of cohesion policy, compared to the rest of Union budget; notes that these factors, together with the fact that the latest data available (in an implementation period lasting until the end of 2023) relates to the end of 2018, are outlined by the Court as making it harder at this stage for it to conclude on the achievement of the objectives;
Amendment 362 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100
Paragraph 100
100. StressesTakes note of other factors relevant to the Court analysis of performance, which explain that Cohesion policy objectives, such as those relating to employment rates, economic development, and climate and energy, are heavily influenced by a wide range of national and external factors, in Europe and the world; underline, as well as that in many Member States, cohesion policy funding typically represents a small proportion of the funds dedicated to these issues, and so can have only a very limited impact on these Member States' progress towards meeting these objectives;
Amendment 364 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 101
Paragraph 101
101. Notes furthermore the Court’s observation regarding additional factors such as that the Union has at its disposal a range of policy tools for meeting its high- level cohesion policy objectives, of which the ERDF and CF constitute one part, that other funds and legislative initiatives are also designed to address the objectives, therefore, that it iswhich make it often not possible to distinguish the effects of different policy tools on the progress towards meeting targets;
Amendment 365 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 102
Paragraph 102
102. Regrets that the Court’s analysis based on scarce available data as of the end of 2018 shows that of 72 indicators in total, only just above one third of the indicators are on track to meet their targets and that about half of the indicators are not on track and that for the remaining indicators it was not possible for the Court to conclude; regrets that of 9 indicators linked to the general objectives, only two are on track, meanwhile; notes, however, that about one third of the indicators haveing a mid- term milestone target set for 2018 the Court concludes that 70% have either been achieved or are likely to be achieved soon;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 107
Paragraph 107
107. Finds itself in agreement withIs concerned by the Court’s opinion that there are strong indications that the Union will not meet the 2030 climate and energy targets; notes that according to the Commission, there was only limited progress in the reduction of the negative environmental impacts stemming from the use of natural resources; highlights its agreement with the Courtthe Court observation that half of the Union Member States were at risk of not generating enough electricity from renewable energy to meet their 2020 targets; notes that in the Court’s landscape review of Union action on energy and climate change, the Court reported that the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions projected by Member States falls short of the 40 % target for 2030;
Amendment 378 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 108
Paragraph 108
Amendment 383 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 110
Paragraph 110
110. Highlights that in this policy area all indicators are output ones: they mainly provide data about the programme’s implementation in terms of infrastructure built but there are no common indicators to measure results (Court’s report on Union co-funded roads4 indicates that the Commission does not report information such as time savings or higher average speed, even though this information is sometimes available); _________________ 4ECA, special report no 9/2020, The EU- core road network: shorter travel times but network not yet fully functional. as regards impacts of projects achieved (increase of traffic, economic impact for different actors, impact on congestions, emissions...); notes project promoters should collect and publish information and data on results and impacts of the investment; asks the Commission to collaborate with project promoters and work on common indicators to measure results of the projects;
Amendment 385 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 111
Paragraph 111
111. Underlines that in the recent Court audit on TFI5 stated that it is unlikely that the Union core transport network will reach itsthe Commission acknowledged that there is a high risk for some of the TFIs not to operate at full capacity byin 2030, furthermore, in the landscape review the ECA indicated that since the scale of Union funding is limited compared to the overall needs, it is necessary to focus on priorities with the highest Union added value; _________________ 5 ECA, special report no 10/2020 EU transport flagship infrastructures: no timely completion of the transport network.
Amendment 386 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112
Paragraph 112
112. Is of the opinion that, as stated in the Court’s audit on TFIs, the traffic forecasts were usually overoptimistic, not well coordinated, not based onneeds improvement and a better coordination; points out the traffic forecasts should take into account sound economic assessments, and sometimes very simplistic, and in particulars well as cost- benefit analyses had not been properly used as a tool for policy-makingand be periodically revised to take into account possible delays;
Amendment 389 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 113
Paragraph 113
Amendment 393 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 115
Paragraph 115
Amendment 400 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 18 a (new)
Subheading 18 a (new)
Performance: European Social Fund (ESF) and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)
Amendment 401 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 a (new)
Paragraph 116 a (new)
116 a. Notes that the Court has not selected ESF and FEAD to be covered by its first annual report on performance of the EU budget at the end of 2019;
Amendment 402 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 b (new)
Paragraph 116 b (new)
116 b. Welcomes the findings within the Commission Evaluation(February 2021) on of the 2014-2018 ESF support to employment and labour mobility, social inclusion and education and training; notes with satisfaction that for the period 2014-2018, approximately 23 million persons participated in ESF actions and that 52% of participants were women; notes furthermore that of those participating, nearly 3.2 million persons have already found employment and 3.9 million successfully gained a qualification;
Amendment 403 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 c (new)
Paragraph 116 c (new)
116 c. Notes that by 2018 EUR 10,4 billion have been spent - from both the ESF and the YEI, that 3.8 million people under age of 30 participated in youth- employment support projects and that 1.4 million people entered employment immediately after participation;
Amendment 404 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 d (new)
Paragraph 116 d (new)
116 d. Notes furthermore that by the end of 2018, EUR 33.8 billion from the ESF have been invested for social inclusion and nearly 6.2 million persons had participated in social-inclusion actions, and that out of them nearly 700,000 individuals have found employment, with nearly 400,000 achieving a qualification;
Amendment 407 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 a (new)
Paragraph 118 a (new)
118 a. Notes the positive evolution for the policy area “natural resources”, which continues its downtrend with a further decrease of the overall level of error established by the Court to an estimated level of error of 1.9%, below the materiality threshold; welcomes the fact that the error rate established by the Court tallies very closely with the overall error rate for the CAP given in DG AGRIʼs 2019annual activity report;
Amendment 408 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 b (new)
Paragraph 118 b (new)
118 b. Welcomes the Court's finding that EAGF direct payments, representing 70% of spending under natural resources, continues to be free of material error and the estimated level of error for all the chapter is below the materiality threshold, which demonstrates that the effectiveness of the remedial action plans that Member States have implemented in previous years;
Amendment 409 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 c (new)
Paragraph 118 c (new)
118 c. Notes that for both CAP funds, the continuous decrease in error-rates is due to the efficient management and control systems applied, in particular the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS);
Amendment 412 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 119
Paragraph 119
119. Finds it worryingNotes that of the 251 transactions examined7 by the Court, 44 (18 %) contained errors while 207 (82 %) were error-free; is concerned that based on the 36 errors ECA has quantified and other evidence produced by the control system ECA finds the level of error for ‘Natural resources’ to be close to the materiality threshold; _________________ 7The sample consisted of 136 payments under rural development programmes, 95 direct payments, 14 market measures and 6 payments for fisheries, the environment and climate action.notes furthermore that 70 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible beneficiary/activity/project/expenditure’;
Amendment 416 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 120
Paragraph 120
Amendment 425 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 126
Paragraph 126
126. Is concerned byNotes the Court’s opinion that the2015 expansion of certification bodies’ role to provide an opinion on the regularity of expenditure was a positive development, as well as the Court’s recognition that it identified some areas in which there is scope for further improvement, similar in type to those identified by the Commission; calls on the Commission to take the necessary measures in order to overcome the limitations in the reliability of the results of the certification bodies’ work, due to weaknesses the Courtwhich DG AGRI identified in some certification bodies’ checks and sampling methodologies;
Amendment 429 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Amendment 460 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – introductory part
128. Finds it worryingTakes note of the Court’s explanation in its Annual Report on Performance of the EU budget at the end of 2019 regarding some limitations of its assessment of the CAP indicators and that it considers this as only a first step in analysing CAP performance; notes that the Court has identified weaknesses in the set of CAP performance indicators:
Amendment 462 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – introductory part
- The 2019 AMPR provides little quantified information about the results and impact of the CAP, and presents an overly positive narrative about policy achievements by focusing on outputs rather than resultsMore indicators relate to inputs or outputs and thus they show the level of absorption rather than the results or impacts of the policy:
Amendment 463 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – point a
Amendment 465 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – introductory part
- The impact indicators in the programme statements mainly provide information about outputs, which are more easily measurable and less affected by external factors than results and impacts:are based on general macroeconomic variables, on which the effects of CAP can be both unclear and difficult to measure;
Amendment 467 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point a
Amendment 469 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point b
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point b
Amendment 470 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point c
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point c
Amendment 472 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – introductory part
- In relation to the general objective on viable food production, direct payments have reduced farmers’ income volatility. At the same time, the absence of benchmarks for a fair standard of living and of further targeting of the spending has reduced the efficiency of direct support14 indicators do not have a specific, quantified target and therefore, they only indicate trends:
Amendment 473 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point a
Amendment 477 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point b
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point b
Amendment 478 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Amendment 480 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point d
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point d
d. in 2016 about two thirds9 of farms in the Union were smaller than 5 ha. As direct payments are linked to farm area, around 80 % of the support goes to around 20 % of beneficiaries. In fact, more than 30 % of the payments goes to 2 % of the beneficiaries, who each receive more than EUR 50 000 in direct payments. Various redistributive mechanisms have had only a marginal effect; _________________ 9 according to Eurostateleted
Amendment 483 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point e
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point e
Amendment 487 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point f
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point f
Amendment 488 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 a (new)
- seven indicators do not relate to the performance of the CAP, but to assurance on regularity of spending, public awareness of the CAP and policy information support within DG AGRI;
Amendment 489 #
Amendment 502 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 5
Paragraph 128 – indent 5
Amendment 519 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 a (new)
Paragraph 128 a (new)
128 a. Notes that in 2019 the Commission clarified the legal framework applicable for direct monitoring by imaging technologies128a; welcomes the Court’s observations128b that imagining technologies represent extraordinary advantages such as the reduction of field visits and consequently their administrative costs, an interactive monitoring approach that prevents non- compliance and the generation of useful data for smart farming; highlights in particular that imaging technologies would allow monitoring the whole population of aid recipients, which could be a game changer in terms of budgetary control; calls on the Commission to review the environmental and climate performance indicators in order to make them compatibles with checks by monitoring; urge the Commission to remove the obstacles to a wider use of the imaging technologies and to provide incentives and support to national paying agencies to use checks by monitoring; _________________ 128a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1804 of 28 October 2019 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 809/2014 as regards amendments of aid applications or payment claims, checks in the integrated administration and control system and the control system in relation to cross compliance. 128bEuropean Court of Auditor’s Special Report 04/2020 Using new imaging technologies to monitor the Common Agricultural Policy: steady progress overall, but slower for climate and environment monitoring.
Amendment 520 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 a (new)
Paragraph 128 a (new)
128 a. Notes the Court’s observation that the information in the AMPR is aligned with the underlying data in the programme statements, but the APMR gives an over optimistic view of achievements and it does not discuss the efficiency of spending; calls on the Commission to report to the discharge authority on the measures undertaken to overcome the significant challenges noted by it in achieving policy objectives for the period 2014-2020;
Amendment 521 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 b (new)
Paragraph 128 b (new)
128 b. Takes note of the Court’s observation that the direct payments reduce income volatility (by around 30% as suggested by an evaluation study using data for 2010-2015), but they are largely untargeted; asks the Commission to ensure that better consistency between the targets addressed by the indicators and the policy objectives of increasing the individual earnings of people engaged in agriculture while limiting the need for direct support;
Amendment 522 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 c (new)
Paragraph 128 c (new)
128 c. Notes with concern the Commission’s data for the distribution of direct payments by payments class in2019 demonstrating that the biggest share of the direct payment envelope (58%)goes to 15 % of all beneficiaries, while most beneficiaries (75%) account for even smaller share of the direct payments (15 %) than the only 0,5% of all beneficiaries obtaining 16,3% of the total direct payments; Reiterates its call on the Commission for a fairer distribution of the direct payments;
Amendment 523 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 d (new)
Paragraph 128 d (new)
128 d. Welcomes the revision of the indicators and objectives in the Commission’s post-2020 CAP proposals which is based on the identified weaknesses by its Internal Audit Service and by the Court regarding CMEF indicators, as well as on the recognition of the need to develop further the indicators;
Amendment 524 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 e (new)
Paragraph 128 e (new)
128 e. Notes the Court’s observation that the CAP has potential to contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources, but there is not enough data to assess effectiveness; notes further its findings that greening had had little measurable effect on farming practices and the environment and that it remained essentially an income-support scheme;
Amendment 525 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 f (new)
Paragraph 128 f (new)
128 f. Takes note of the constrain, identified by the Court for successful contribution of agri-environment-climate measures to biodiversity and invites the Commission to suggest measures for increasing schemes coverage of a substantial portion of the farmed landscape and on specific risks;
Amendment 526 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 g (new)
Paragraph 128 g (new)
128 g. Takes note of the modest achievement by foresty measures under EAFRD, the achievement of 60% in2018 of the target for more efficient irrigation systems established for 2023and the need for further reduction of greenhouse emissions from agriculture and calls on the Commission to report on measures undertaken to improve the results of CAP implementation in these areas;
Amendment 527 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 h (new)
Paragraph 128 h (new)
128 h. Notes the Courts observation that the AMPR contains information on jobs and broadband access, but does not provide any relevant performance information for the balanced territorial development objective;
Amendment 528 #
2020/2140(DEC)
128 i. Welcomes the increase in the rural employment rate from 63,4% in 2012 to 68,1 % in 2018;
Amendment 529 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 j (new)
Paragraph 128 j (new)
128 j. Notes the figures which the Court comments for LEADER as at the end of 2018 (13 337 jobs recorder representing 30% of the 2023 target) as well as that the Commission does not have reliable data on jobs created under LEADER; asks the commission to work together with Member States for improving the availability of reliable data for LEADER implementation;
Amendment 545 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 24
Subheading 24
Court findings: Member States’ AMIF/ISF annual accounts
Amendment 547 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 131
Paragraph 131
131. Notes that, regarding the regularity of transactions, seven (37 %) of the 19 transactions examined by ECA were affected by errors (i.e. overstatement of salary costs)the Court have not estimated the error rate for this MFF heading but examined a sample of regarding 19 transactions designed to contribute to its overall statement of assurance rather than be representative of spending under this MFF heading; notes that the sample covered 8 transactions under shared management, 8 transactions under direct management and 1 under indirect management, and that the Court identified seven transactions (37%) were affected by errors;
Amendment 550 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 132
Paragraph 132
132. Regrets thatNotes that the Court has not provided information about the financial impact which the three quantifiable errors had a financial impactidentified by it had on the amounts charged to the Union budget;
Amendment 552 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 133 a (new)
Paragraph 133 a (new)
133 a. Notes that the Court audited the work done by eight authorities responsible for auditing their respective Member States’ AMIF/ISF annual accounts8 and providing the Commission with an annual control report;
Amendment 553 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 134
Paragraph 134
134. NoteWelcomes the Court’s findings that the audit authorities in the Member States17[1] selected by the ECA for a check had developed and implemented detailed procedures of sufficient quality to report as required by the rules; _________________ 17Germany, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Poland, as well as they had detailed audit programmes and tche United Kingdom for AMIF; Slovenia for the ISFcklists to support their conclusions.
Amendment 555 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – introductory part
Paragraph 135 – introductory part
135. Takes into account certain shortcomings in annual control reports issued by the Member Stataudit authorities, whose impact on the accounts were not material enough to detract from the audit authorities’ conclusions but creating potential risk of unreliability of reported data and of limited assurance, such as:
Amendment 556 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 1
Paragraph 135 – indent 1
Amendment 557 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Amendment 558 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 3
Paragraph 135 – indent 3
Amendment 559 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 4
Paragraph 135 – indent 4
Amendment 560 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 5
Paragraph 135 – indent 5
Amendment 561 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 136
Paragraph 136
Amendment 562 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 137
Paragraph 137
Amendment 565 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 138 a (new)
Paragraph 138 a (new)
138 a. Asks the Commission and Member States’ audit authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the Court and to report to the discharge authority;
Amendment 569 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139
Paragraph 139
Amendment 573 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139 a (new)
Paragraph 139 a (new)
139 a. Welcomes the Court’s observation that the Commission’s interim evaluation indicates that AMIF is relevant and that it funded interventions that corresponded to the needs of Member States;
Amendment 574 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140
Paragraph 140
140. Notes, however some limitations in AMIF performance indicators, identified by the Court such as that two thirds of the indicators are output indicators and that 5 of the 24 indicator milestones for 2020 have already been achieved in previous years, but targets have not been adjusted upwards in line with good financial management practice to reflect the potential for more efficiency gains;
Amendment 576 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140 a (new)
Paragraph 140 a (new)
140 a. Notes that some AMIF indicators are not on track to meet their targets, that the Commission has not developed a performance monitoring framework for EMAS funded projects and that AMPR and programme statements provide little information on the progress achieved under important indicators;
Amendment 577 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140 b (new)
Paragraph 140 b (new)
140 b. Asks the Commission to take measures to address the shortcoming identified by the Court and to improve the information included in AMPR and programme statements, which will allow for better monitoring of the progress achieved by the Fund;
Amendment 579 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 141
Paragraph 141
Amendment 584 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 142
Paragraph 142
Amendment 586 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 143
Paragraph 143
Amendment 592 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 144
Paragraph 144
Amendment 594 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 145
Paragraph 145
Amendment 598 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146
Paragraph 146
Amendment 603 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 147
Paragraph 147
Amendment 615 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 148
Paragraph 148
148. Is concerned in relation toNotes the existence of two parallel Union funded schemes supporting the same type of return activities (AMIF NPs and Frontex return support), and insufficient coordination between both for forced return operations well as that the coordination is mainly responsibility of the Member States; calls therefore on them to ensure better coordination between both schemes;
Amendment 620 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 149 – indent 4
Paragraph 149 – indent 4
Amendment 643 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 156 a (new)
Paragraph 156 a (new)
156 a. Welcomes that transactions related to budget support and projects implemented by international organisations under the ‘notional approach’ were less prone to error and that in 2019 the Court did not detect any errors in these areas.
Amendment 649 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 157
Paragraph 157
Amendment 668 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – introductory part
Paragraph 164 – introductory part
164. Notes with deep concern, as to the DG DEVCO residual error rate studythat DG DEVCO implements most of the external aid instruments financed from both the EU general budget and the EDFs; takes note that the Court presented within its Annual Report on the activities funded by the 8th, 9that:, 10th and11th EDFs for the 2019 financial year its observations on systems, there liability of the AAR and the Director-General’s declaration for 2019 which refer to DG DEVCO’s entire area of responsibility;
Amendment 669 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 1
Paragraph 164 – indent 1
Amendment 670 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 2
Paragraph 164 – indent 2
Amendment 671 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 3
Paragraph 164 – indent 3
Amendment 672 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 4
Paragraph 164 – indent 4
Amendment 673 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 5
Paragraph 164 – indent 5
- Notes the Court’s observation that the Commission and its implementing partners made more errors in transactions relating to programme estimates, grants, contribution agreements with IOs and delegation agreements with EU Member States’ cooperation agencies than they did with other forms of support (such as those covering works, supply and service contracts). Of the 65 transactions of this type 25 (38 %) contained quantifiable errors, which accounted for 71,7 % of the estimated level of error;
Amendment 674 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 6
Paragraph 164 – indent 6
- Takes note of the Court’s opinion that the DG DEVCO’s residual error rate study does not constitute an assurance engagement or an audit; it is based on the residual error rate methodology and manual provided by DG DEVCO;
Amendment 675 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 7
Paragraph 164 – indent 7
Amendment 676 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 8
Paragraph 164 – indent 8
- Takes note of the Court’s observation that the director-general’s declaration of assurance in the 2019 AAR does not include any reservations, as the two reservations remaining in 2018 have been lifted and no new ones have been issued; before lifting these reservations in 2019, DG DEVCO had significantly reduced their scope (i.e. the share of expenditure covered by them) in 2017 and 2018, which consequently does not give a true and fair view of the risks in DG DEVCO’s overall area of responsibility;
Amendment 677 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 a (new)
Paragraph 164 a (new)
164 a. Takes note from the written answers of the Commission for the hearing in CONT on 1December 2020 that uned the DG DEVCO 2019 Action Plan a task was implemented responding to the Court’s recommendation from 2018 and that the RER manual and methodology was adapted mainly as concerns the guidance on reliance on prior control work and on the procedures relating to procurement and a new way to deal with estimations; welcomes that the changes are fully applied to the 2020 RER study;
Amendment 678 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 b (new)
Paragraph 164 b (new)
164 b. Notes, furthermore, that the Commission is currently working on implementation of additional Court’s recommendation for another adaptation of RER manual and methodology made in its 2019 Annual EDF Report and encourages the Commission to finalise the implementation of this recommendation by the end of 2021;
Amendment 693 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 170 – indent 4
Paragraph 170 – indent 4
Amendment 701 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 170 a (new)
Paragraph 170 a (new)
170 a. reiterates its request to the Commission to execute fully and without any further delay the judgement of the Court of Justice (31/1/2019) regarding International Management Group (IMG); urges the Commission to consider again IMG as a suitable contractor for projects in crisis situation countries, where this organisation has proven its efficiency in managing reconstruction and assistance programs financed by European entities and Member States over more than 20 years.
Amendment 704 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 171
Paragraph 171
Amendment 713 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 171 a (new)
Paragraph 171 a (new)
171 a. Notes that payments for ‘Administration’ amounted to EUR 10,4 billion in 2019 (6,5% of the MFF), of which the budget of the Commission represents 57,9% or EUR 6,1 billion;
Amendment 715 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 172
Paragraph 172
172. Notes that administrative expenditure comprises expenditure on human resources, accounting for about 60 % of the total, and on buildings, equipment, energy, communications and information technology, which is considered as a spending ofby the Court as a low-risk spending;
Amendment 720 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 173
Paragraph 173
173. Notes the results of transaction testing: of the only 45 transactions examined representing, designed to represent the full range of spending under this MFF heading by selecting transactions from each institution and body, 3 (6,7 %) contained quantifiable errors, led to an estimated level of error below the materiality threshold;
Amendment 722 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 174
Paragraph 174
Amendment 726 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 175
Paragraph 175
Amendment 732 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 176
Paragraph 176
176. Notes that concerning the Commission, severalthe Court found fewer errors relating to staff costs and the PMO’s management of family allowances were foundthan in previous years; welcomes that the PMO has already corrected the errors found this year; acknowledges the Commission’s clarification that the errors only concerns the national allowances while the ones paid directly by the Commission are correct;
Amendment 733 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 176 a (new)
Paragraph 176 a (new)
176 a. Notes that the Court also examines the regularity of the information in the annual activity reports of the Commission, including those of its directorates-general and offices primarily responsible for administrative expenditure; welcomes that the annual activity reports reviewed did not identify material levels of error;
Amendment 748 #
Amendment 755 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 177
Paragraph 177
Amendment 758 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 178
Paragraph 178
Amendment 761 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 179
Paragraph 179
179. Notes with satisfaction that the Court mentions that the quality of the Aaccounts has improved compared to previous years but is deeply; notes with concerned that also for the financial year 2019, the Court concludes they arethe Court is unable to confirm that the Schools’ financial management in 2019 was compliant with the Financial Regulation of the European Schools and the Staff Regulations due to weaknesses revealed in the internal control systems of the Central Office and of the two Schools selected; urges the European Schools to swiftly follow up on the recommendations of the Court concerning the specific weakness founded in accounting, procurement and recruitment;
Amendment 762 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 180
Paragraph 180
Amendment 763 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 181
Paragraph 181
Amendment 764 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 182
Paragraph 182
Amendment 765 #
Amendment 766 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183
Paragraph 183
Amendment 767 #
Amendment 768 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 a (new)
Paragraph 183 a (new)
183 a. Takes note that the Commission is investing in data mining of its IT medical system to overcome the absence of data on burnout cases; strongly encourages the Commission to prevent, identify and manage burnout cases in the larger context of staffing, workload and staff well-being in its Human Resources (HR) strategy; recalls, in this regard, the negative impact of the 2014 reform package on a number of crucial aspects of HR within the Union institutions and thus on their attractiveness as employer; reiterates the serious consequences that any budgetary cut in administration or staff reduction may have in the future of the European civil service and the implementation of the Union's policies;
Amendment 769 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 b (new)
Paragraph 183 b (new)
183 b. Is concerned that any temporary measure has been designed by the Commission to mitigate the growing problem of the purchase power disparity suffered by the European civil servants posted to Luxembourg; points out, as a relevant example, that 16 out of 200 suitable candidates selected by the EPPO have declined the job offer on account of the salary not being high enough to live in Luxembourg; emphasises that expects concrete proposals in the report on the salary method due by 31 March 2022;
Amendment 770 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 c (new)
Paragraph 183 c (new)
183 c. Supports the Commission’s intention to update the approach set out in its Communication of 2019 “The Workplace of the Future in the European Commission” in the light of the COVID- 19 crisis; expects the Commission to take into account on an equal footing the efficient use of office spaces and the health and well-being of the staff; reiterates that staff representatives shall always be involved in substantial changes of the work arrangements and spaces;
Amendment 771 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 d (new)
Paragraph 183 d (new)
183 d. Welcomes that the Commission adopted an action plan for equality and diversity in 2018 and its implementation in 2019; welcomes that specific actions were added in response to the staff survey; calls on the Commission to follow the same path with more specific measures with regard to the people awarded with internships in the Commission;
Amendment 772 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 e (new)
Paragraph 183 e (new)
183 e. Agrees with the Commission’s statement that “different cultural, social and professional expectations of men and women continue to exist with regard to the balance between paid work and unpaid (care) work”; notes with appreciation the Commission’s efforts to raise awareness on the measures that exist to enable a work-life balance such as courses for parents and the publication of positive examples in the Commission’s intracomm;
Amendment 773 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 f (new)
Paragraph 183 f (new)
183 f. Notes with appreciation that the Commission (2014-2019) met the target of 40 % of women in management functions by the end of its mandate in 2019; reminds the Commission (2019-2024) that in 2019 its President committed to reach gender equality at all levels of management by the end of the current mandate and reiterated this commitment in her mission letter to Commissioner for Budget and Administration;
Amendment 774 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 g (new)
Paragraph 183 g (new)
183 g. Takes note of the new guidelines for the implementation of aid for persons with a disability drafted in 2019 to financially assist staff and their dependant for non-medical costs linked to their independence, social integration and physical, mental, social and vocational ability; notes that the guidelines came into force in May 2020;
Amendment 775 #
2020/2140(DEC)
183 h. Notes that in 2019 the number of cases for social-financial support increased by 28% compared to 2018; notes with appreciation that the disability funds used increased by 50% in comparison with 2018 (from approximatively EUR 2 to 3 million);
Amendment 776 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 183 i (new)
Paragraph 183 i (new)
183 i. Takes due note of the Court’s observations and recommendations regarding the European Personnel Selection Office183a; welcomes that the selection process is broadly effective for large-scale competitions but expresses its concern that the selection process is not adapted to small-scale, targeted competitions, which are those most suited to the current recruitment needs of the EU institutions; calls on the Commission to timely report on the implementation of those recommendations by the EPSO; _________________ 183aEuropean Court of Auditors’ Special Report 13/2020 “The European Personnel Selection Office: Time to adapt the selection process to changing recruitment needs”.
Amendment 778 #
Amendment 780 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 184
Paragraph 184
184. Takes into accountAcknowledges the Court’s observation that the adoption in 2014 of the revised Staff Regulations was accompanied by a commitment by the institutions and bodies gradually to reduce the number of posts (officials and temporary staff) in their establishment plans by 5 % before 2018 compared with the situation in 2012;
Amendment 781 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 184 a (new)
Paragraph 184 a (new)
184 a. Takes note that the 2014 reform of the Staff Regulations brought savings of 4,2 billions on the 2014–2020 MFF, which represents 0,4% of the overall MFF; recalls that the 2014 reform generated unquestionable negative effects on the staff, which was confirmed by the Court184a in 2019, and regrets that it is nearly impossible to know their financial cost in order to have a realistic image of the savings; notes the several policies and actions designed by the Commission to help mitigate the negative effects and expects that the lessons learned will be reflected on the Commission’s new HR Strategy to be adopted in 2021; _________________ 184aEuropean Court of Auditors’ Special report no 15/2019: Implementation of the 2014 staff reform package at the Commission - Big savings but not without consequences for staff.
Amendment 783 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 185
Paragraph 185
185. Points out that the institutions and bodiesNotes that over the period from 2012 to 2018 the institutions and bodies, excluding the European Ombudsman and the EDPS, had reduced their establishment plans by 1 409 posts (3 %) and at the same time gradually increased the employment of contract staff. Over the period,; notes, in this regard, that the proportion of contract staff in total workforce forecasts rose from 17 % to 22 %;
Amendment 785 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 186
Paragraph 186
Amendment 791 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 186 a (new)
Paragraph 186 a (new)
186 a. Points out that the increase of contract staff reflects the impact on staffing levels of new tasks stemming from rapidly evolving priorities, such as the implementation of new programmes delegated by the Commission to the executive agencies which was neutral in budgetary terms and in terms of Commission staff transferred; notes the Court’s observation that the increase in contract staff was also a response to special or urgent situations, such as the migration crisis;
Amendment 792 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 187
Paragraph 187
Amendment 801 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 188
Paragraph 188
Amendment 807 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 190
Paragraph 190
190. Finds it highly problematicTakes note that at the end of 2018, the institutions, bodies and executive agencies employed 11 962 contract staff, (representing an increase of 37 % since 2012); points outnotes that most were employed by the European Commission, and mainly in FG IV, the best paid function group, similarly,; notes that a majority of contract staff at the executive agencies were in FG III and FG IV (763 and 715 respectively);
Amendment 818 #
Amendment 819 #
2020/2140(DEC)
191 a. Acknowledges that 2019 was a year of transition for the Commission, as it had to secure the transition from the Juncker Commission and the preparation for the arrival of the von der Leyen Commission, as well as launching its new priorities;
Amendment 824 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 191 b (new)
Paragraph 191 b (new)
191 b. Welcomes the inter-institutional cyber cooperation for which the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee receive the assistance of the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU institutions, bodies and agencies; notes that many of the digitalisation projects concern the digitalisation of human resources and financial processes, where the Committees uses the SYSPER and ABAC systems provided by the Commission; asks the Commission to examine the possibility of negotiating better conditions to enhance and make the process of application sharing financially attractive;
Amendment 831 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192
Paragraph 192
Amendment 835 #
Amendment 836 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192 a (new)
Paragraph 192 a (new)
192 a. Echoes the Court’s conclusion that “any unethical behaviour by staff and Members of EU institutions and bodies is unacceptable and, even if it is only alleged, attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the EU. Unethical behaviour is also linked to the risk of corruption and fraud”192a; _________________ 192aEuropean Court of Auditors’ Special Report 13/2019 “The ethical frameworks of the audited EU institutions: scope for improvement”.
Amendment 837 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192 b (new)
Paragraph 192 b (new)
192 b. Welcomes that, to a large extent, the audited institutions have put in place for staff and Members adequate ethical frameworks with room for improvement; strongly supports the Court’s recommendations such as harmonising the ethical frameworks and improving staff awareness;
Amendment 838 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192 c (new)
Paragraph 192 c (new)
192 c. Takes note of the second review of the Commission’s internal guidelines in relation to the provisions on Whistleblowing in the Staff Regulations; takes note with satisfaction the 6 recommendations contained in the 2019 review and calls on the Commission to report on the implementation to the budgetary authority; welcomes the update of the whistleblowing page on MyIntracomm in May 2019 and the addition of a direct link to OLAF’s whistleblowing procedure;
Amendment 839 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192 d (new)
Paragraph 192 d (new)
192 d. Stresses the importance of reinforcing the Transparency Register and improving the quality of its data, in particular on the occasion of the Interinstitutional Agreement reached in December 2020; takes note of the quality checks performed by the Commission and the action of the Register Secretariat upon alerts received; calls on the Commission to improve the IT solution in order to perform stricter quality checks;
Amendment 840 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 192 e (new)
Paragraph 192 e (new)
192 e. Takes notes of the European Ombudsman’s conclusions and technical suggestions for improvement in her Decision of 28 February 2019 on how the Commission manages ‘revolving doors’ situations of its staff members; calls on the Commission to follow-up on both the Ombudsman’s decision and the Court’s relevant recommendations in its special report on the ethical frameworks of the EU institutions;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that transparency, accountability and integrity are key components in promoting ethics principles within the EU, and are essential to protect the EU budget from fraud and corruption, and to maintain democratic legitimacy; recalls that corruption has serious financial consequencesunethical behaviours have negative financial consequences, may result in reputational damage to the image of the EU and its institutions, and constitutes a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law and the public investmenterest; recallmarks that conflicts of interest can significantly damage the EU’s financial interests and decision-making processthe Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development defines public integrity as the alignment of, and adherence to, shared ethical values, principles, and should therefore be prevented and condemnednorms for upholding and prioritising the public interest over private interests in the public sector;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) identified serious weaknesses in this regard in its 2019 audit on the ethical frameworks of the EU institutions, which concludes that improvements need to be made throughassessed the ethical frameworks of the Parliament, the Council and the Commission and published its findings in the special report 13/2019; notes that the ECA concluded that the audited institutions had established adequate ethical frameworks; notes with concern that the ECA also identified some weaknesses in this regard and recommends improvements that could be made in terms of harmonisation, awareness raising and strengthening of EU ethics rules; shares the ECA’s concern about the absence of a common EU ethical framework governing the work of Member States’ representatives in the Council;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights that the ECA states that there should be effective institutional frameworks, and clear procedures and channels in place for facilitating the reporting of wrongdoing and corruption, as well as that whistleblowers acting in good faith must be protected from retaliation;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the high level of fragmentation in the ethics legECA identified many areas where is advisable to have harmonised approaches to handling ethical issues; recalls that the ECA stated that the ethical frameworks and the lack of oversight have prevented the proper implementation of codes of conduct in EU institutions; believes that the current self-regulatory approach is not fit for purpose and cannot guarantee integrityre appropriately supported by investigative and sanction mechanisms; believes, however, that the current self-regulatory approach should be reviewed in the interest of a greater effectiveness; recalls that the ECA states that the ethical frameworks cannot be effective without appropriate control systems as well as that the level of control should reflect the level of risks and take into account the administrative burden created by such controls; underlines the need to enhance the integrity of the EU institutions and restore public trust;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. EncouragesReflects on the creation of an Independent Ethics Body (IEB) common to all EU institutions; welcomacknowledges the fact that the Commission has made it a priority, and is committed to supporting the IEB’s effort to establish a common ethical framework at EU level; remarks that improving and harmonising the existing ethic frameworks and their effective implementation don’t rely exclusively upon the creation of the IEB; considers it to be of utmost importance, prior to the elaboration of a legislative proposal to create an IEB, to perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis and an impact assessment, including different scenarios competence-wise; highlights that the objective is to protect the EU budget from unethical behaviours while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity among a diverse and large number of EU institutions and bodies, and contemplates a range of options to reach this objective;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Sees high potential but also important risks for the EU institutions to transfer administrative decision-making competences to the IEB based on a new harmonised ethics framework that it will establish, which, which nevertheless should include common rules on the publication of declarations of interests, avoidance of conflicts of interest and revolving doors, acceptance of gifts and entertainment, protection of whistle- blowers and victims of harassment, transparency of lobby meetings, public procurement and meeting calendars of senior staff, and use of transparent bank accounts for public funds, while taking into consideration the different work performed by the institutions as well as the risks inherent to their members’ specific duties;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that empowering the IEB with the current internal ethics functions of the EU institutions willthe IEB could concentrate expertise, create synergies and hence improve the implementation of ethics rules; is confident that this transfer of competence will represent considerable savings for the EU budget without requiring a transfer of competences;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the IEB shcould be in charge ofprovide knowledge and guidance about prevention, monitoring, investigation and enforcement of the ethical framework for the protection of the EU’s financial interests; highlightscontemplates the possibility that the IEB shwould be able to takerecommend disciplinary measures and impose financial sanctions in order to avoid abuse of the EU budget linked to unethical behaviour; calls for the IEB, as the case may be, to assess the implementation and compliance of ethics rules by the EU institutions and publish an annual report on its findings;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. HighlightWarns that tasks transferreding tasks to the IEB can go beyond those currently exercised by the institutions; calls for the IEB to assess the implementation of ethics rules by the EU institutions and publish an annual report on its findingould create a serious breach of the Treaties;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the IEB to lead by example on transparency by publishing all drecisionommendations, annual reports and spending in a machine- readable open data format available to all citizens; strongly recommends that any software developed for upholding the ethical standards in EU public administration should be made available under a free and open-source software licence and should be shared with any institution in Europe wishing to use it; calls for a close cooperation with the European Data Protection Supervisor on this regard;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. WelcomesConsiders that the creation of the IEB, as the case may be, should be accompanied by the signing of an interinstitutional agreement (IIA) between EU institutions to set up the IEB; emphasises the importance of the Council, including the Member States’ representatives working in the Council, joining the IIA in view of the ECA’s and European Ombudsman’s repeated requests to enhance the institution’s working ethics and transparency; recalls the obligation of the Council to deal with high-level conflicts of interest, revolving doors and lobby transparency rules;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the importance of enhanced mutualhaving a clear division of tasks and a close cooperation between the IEB and EU bodies such as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the European Ombudsman, the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the IEB if applicable and others within their respective mandates, and of such cooperation generating a steady information exchange.; warns that the public trust cannot afford adding the IEB to the EU institutions and bodies without giving full reassurance in terms of opportunity and efficacy;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that as part of the EU coordinated package responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope of the EUSF was extended by a modifying regulation adopted on 1 April 2020; appreciates that public health crises are now within the scope of the EUSF, allowing for its mobilisation, if needed, to support the hardest hit Member States and accession countries; welcomes the increase of the rate of advance payments to affected countries from 10 % of the anticipated aid amount (limited to a maximum amount of EUR 30 million) to 25 % (limited to a maximum EUR 100 million) in the course of this revision; encourages the Member States to make use of this possibility in close collaboration with the regional and local authorities;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, despite the prominence of the COVID-19 crisis, the EUSF needs to continue to provide support to countries recovering from natural disasters; stresses that climate change is an unequivocal fact and therefore action in the mid and long term is also essential; remains concerned about the sufficiency of EUSF funding, especially given the extension of its scope;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the fact that the 2014 reform clarified the admissibility criteria for regional disasters, and that this increased their approval rate from 31 % to 85 %; recognises that this was an important step towards increasing the predictability of the application process and the EUSF’s effectiveness; points out that it is also important to take into account the estimated cost in financial terms of damage to the environment caused by a disaster;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the evidence from the case studies in the external evaluation report that implementing the full public procurement process in the limited time available in a crisis situation was challenging for some beneficiary states; warns that public procurement in crisis situations is a field that is particularly vulnerable to the appearance of cases of fraud, corruption and irregularities, for which reason it emphasises the importance of effective control systems and complaints procedures; stresses the importance of ensuring that public procurement procedures are followed by Member States in response to crisis situations; emphasises that any derogations have to ensure the compliance of procurement procedures with the principles of sound financial management and the protection of the Union’s financial interests;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that the activation of the EUSF is triggered by the occurrence of a disaster and as such the distribution of funds does not correspond to territorial quotas; is nevertheless surprised by the evaluation’s finding that allocations are concentrated in a small number of recipients, with 77 % of funds distributed to the four largest Member States; stresses the need for needs-based solidarity, taking into account the recipient countries’ capacity to face a disaster; highlights the importance of creating synergies between the Fund and other EU instruments intended to make good the damage caused, such as the Civil Protection Mechanism;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to help build, in cooperation with the ORs, a new strategy for the ORs based on respect for their specific characteristics, consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements, innovation and an appreciation of the ORs as ‘territories offering solutions’;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls foron the Commission to take account of the ORs in the Atlantic macro- regional strategies for the ORs to be developedy by including topics relevant to them;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 24 – point 1 (new)
(1) Welcomes the adaptation of EU State aid legislation to the crisis resulting from COVID-19; calls on the Commission to study the need to permanently continue some of these exceptional measures for the ORs, together with the measures already adopted for these regions under the General Block Exemption Regulation;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 – point 2 (new)
Paragraph 31 – point 2 (new)
(2) Stresses the need for the EU to allocate specific funds so that those regions facing greater migratory pressure, principally those on the EU’s borders, such as the ORs, can manage the reception and assistance of unaccompanied minors who arrive in their territory, making it easier to resettle those minors as quickly as possible in the Member States;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that, while transport- related emissions of most pollutants have fallen substantially in recent decades, persistent hotspots remain in the EU, where levels of air pollution are too high – especially in urban areas; highlights that more than one-in-six inhabitants of urban areas in the EU are exposed to air pollution concentrations above EU air quality standards;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Reminds that, according to the WHO, air pollution poses the biggest environmental risk to human health. It increases the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as the risk of heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, obesity and dementia;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Expresses concern that some EU air quality standards are not fully aligned with well-established health recommendations; encourages the Commission to update reference values for ultrafine particles, methane and black carbon in line with forthcoming WHO recommendations;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Welcomes the Zero Pollution Ambition from the Commission and stresses the need for a timeline and binding objectives to drive actual change;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that in order to improve the air quality in these hotspots, it is vital to move towards a more sustainable and less polluting transport system, especially in urban areas, while using all available means in the most effective way and taking into account the most recent scientific evidence;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2 d. Points out that the evolution of Euro standards and use of particulate filters remain insufficient to reduce urban population's exposure to air pollutants; highlights the need to reduce fossil based traffic in inner city areas by furthering zero and low emission zones, introducing vehicle charging schemes, and encouraging a shift to public and active forms of transport by investing in infrastructure;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages local and regional authorities to devise and implement evidence-based, strategic sustainable urban mobility plans respecting the "do-no- harm"-principle, aiming at a coordinated planning of policies, incentives and subsidies that target the various transport sectors and modes, such as measures to encourage the roll-out of e-charging and other alternative fuels, investment in sustainable public transport, infrastructure for active, shared and zero emission transport modes and demand-related measures;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Emphasises the importance of protecting workers in the transportation sector who are exposed to high levels of air pollutions on a daily basis such as airport workers and construction workers who work in toxic fumes;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Recalls that luxury passenger cruise ships remain a significant contributor to air pollution around European coasts and cities; calls on the Commission to use the revision of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive to expand Shore Side Electricity (SSE) requirements in ports and to use zero emission berth standards in order to drive the uptake of SSE technology;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2091(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the proper implementation and enforcement of the Air Quality Directives1 have proved challenging; urges, therefore, that Directive 2008/50/EC and all other existing legislation relating to transport emissions be properly implemented and enforced first before new measures are proposed; stresses that ensuring compliance should not stand in the way of new measures and revisions where necessary. _________________ 1Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air, OJ L 023 26.1.2005, p. 3, and Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (OJ L 152, 11.6.2008, p. 1).
Amendment 14 #
2020/2076(INI)
B. whereas the EU’s SMEs have traditionally generated a high share of the EU’s employment, and in so doing have ensured social and economic well-being and prosperity; whereas they are often hit hard in times of crisis such as that generated by the current COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the EU’s industrial future is linked to an alignment of the economy with the principles ofset out in the European Green Deal, involving a roadmap towards a new growth policy for the EU, bringing citizens, cities and regions together, and allowing for a just transition fostering cohesion between regions through innovation and a new sustainable economic model, leaving no one behind;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need for a Union industrial strategy that takes into account the importance of this sector for regions facing demographic challenges, encourages investment and promotes the industrial development of such areas in the Union;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that in supporting SMEs through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) the goal should be, inter alia, an innovative and smart economic transformation, a greener and low carbon EU, as well as an EU which is more connected and cohesive and aims to ensure long- term and sustainable employment, particularly in disadvantaged regions;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the importance of energy production and consumption when it comes to European industrial competitiveness and greenhouse gas emissions, making it essential to achieve transition to a sustainable, affordable and safe energy system based on the proper functioning of the internal energy market; points out that energy transition, digital transformation, technological innovation and research and development must be the driving forces behind the achievement of European industrial growth, climate neutrality and greater territorial resilience and sustainability, helping to develop rural areas, counter depopulation and improve air quality in metropolitan regions;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that the public sector has an important new role to play in facilitating a just transition by promoting a green and fair energy transition, green and blue investments, the circular economy, as well as climate adaptation and risk prevention in all EU regions, focusing on local investment and education programmes to promote energy self-sufficiency, the use of renewables and improved energy efficiency;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that the public sector has an important new role to play in facilitating a just transition by promoting a green and fair energy transition, green and blue investments, the circular economy, as well as climate adaptation and associated risk prevention in all EU regions;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the importance of regional and municipal waste management in promoting the circular economy and calls on the European Commission to channel the necessary investment into recovery plants that reinject waste as a form of secondary raw material into the economy, thereby generating wealth and employment and helping to curb climate change;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the EU should be attentive to preserving and developing an industrial strategy and production which ensure European strategic autonomy, as well as the availability and delivery of essential products and equipment for citizens if the need arises in the single markets, especially in key sectors such as health supplies;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that ESIF financial support should prioritise investments in new or transformed industrial production in carbon-intensive regions that are nevertheless committed to the emissions reduction targets set out in the European Green Pact, in order to facilitate achieving the goals of a just transition.
Amendment 122 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 5 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the problem of medicine shortages in the Member States is gettrowing ever more severe on account ofdue the lack of production capacity in the EU and the relocation of our industries in the sector to other markets in third countries;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas transport and logistics management are of crucial importance for the supply of medicine, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, other medical supplies and raw materials, not least given the increasing degree of complexity of the transport chain, and whereas it is important to have efficient crossing green lane borders with fast track lanes in order to ensure the unobstructed flow of medicines;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to enhance theirComission to coordinate with Member States a strategy for a cooperation in order to improve the distribution chain through better visibility and efficient monitoring, particularly on cross-border routes, and to establish corridors where medical supplies have priority of delivery;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that boosting the industrial production of the Member States through favourable economic conditions in the context of national fiscal policie, social and environmental conditions would lead to a more efficient and sustainable logistics network, while reducing the length of transport routes, thereby reducing emissions, mitigating the impact on the environment, and improving the functioning of the internal market;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to work in coordination with the Member States in order to adopt strategic plans to upgrade their existing infrastructure for an efficient supply of medicines with a better use of all transport modes; deems it necessary to remove bottlenecks, boost intermodality (while favouring the shift to rail), finance the main hubs (ports, airports and intermodal platforms), and enhance the delivery of various types of goods, including dangerous goods crucial for the production of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the importance of IT systems in facilitating the exchange of information between the various actors involved in the transport logistics chain, including the customs authorities, with a view to optimising the distribution of medicines in the Member States and planning supply times more efficiently; calls on the Commission to develop mechanisms in cooperation with Member States in order to ensure a fast and safe transport of medicines; notes also the importance of having contingency plans that ensure the unobstructed transport of medicines when the transport sector is conditioned;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the importance of guaranteeing high safety standards for both transport infrastructure and employees, making it possible to manage significant volumes in the supply chain without disruptions or posing risks to health; underlines the importance of having good conditions for drivers in order to respect the resting time and good working conditions; further derogations of rest time rules should become more harmonised and limited to what is strictly necessary;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of catering to specific transport needs at local and regional levels, particularly in rural, mountain and insular, insular and outermost regions areas that are more difficult to access and involve higher delivery costs; notes that there are new automated delivery tools, such as via drones, available on the market that could help operators to access these areas;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the COVID-19 outbreak has laid bare the weaknesses of the European production system,is highlighting the importance of delivering medicines swiftly in urgent and exceptional circumstances that could arise in the future; calls on the European Commission to prepare an agreement with drug- producing third countries, to ensure the transport of medicines overcoming any constraints that may occur, such as this case of the COVID pandemic.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in the field of transport, more than EUR 700 billion in investment is needed for the Trans-European Transport Network alone between now and 2030 and additional investments are required for the transport sector to be in line with the goals of the Green Deal and climate neutrality by 2050 such as the deployment of innovative strategies, charging infrastructure and alternative fuels;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the actions taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions and stresses the need to strengthen support of all Member States for research on and innovation in zero- emissions mobility solutions so as to ensure a just transition to climate neutrality at the same time with the economic strengthening of the single market;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the actionsStresses that further actions need to be taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions andto reach climate neutrality by 2050, stresses the need to strengthen legislation and support for research on and innovation in zero- emissions mobility solutions;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the actions taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions and stresses the need to strengthen financial support for research on and innovation in zero-emissions mobility solutions;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key enabler for deliveringcompleting the TEN-T network and in achieving the goals of the Green Deal, providing up to 80 % of its funding in transport to meet climate objectives; insists on a strong CEF and warns that financing the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (SEIP) must not l through the promotion of sustainable infrastructure projects, multimodality, rail freight transport, innovative and digital actions such as telematics applications systems and the deployment of alternative fuels; insists on the need to have a stronger CEF budget to support a readl to financial reallocation that negatively affects the CEFransition towards smart, sustainable and safe mobility in the EU; considers that the inclusion of a specific investment pillar on synergies under CEF programme would accelerate the transition towards climate neutrality;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that transport projects require large-scale investment and therefore, that in order to attract investors, legal certainty and, stable targets and availability of information are crucial; stresses that the investments made so far must not be put at risk by shifting funding conditions and expects the SEIP to provide a realistic and future-proof support framework for investments and to ultimately ensure the continuity of projects in the most efficient and effective way;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that transport and tourism projects require large-scale investment and therefore, that in order to attract investors, legal certainty and stable targets are crucial; stresses that the investments made so far must not be put at risk by shifting funding conditions and expects the SEIP to provide a realistic, fair and future-proof support framework for investments in all Member States;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights the importance of the Green Deal being accompanied by a just, inclusive and non-discriminatory transition to ensure the transport sector’s businesses, SMEs and workforce can adjust, and to support the regions and communities most affected; considers it important to have EU proper funding schemes for this adjustment process, including incentives for sustainable investment, as well as training and equipping the sector’s workforce with new expertise for new job prospects, requirements and skills;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that to ensure sufficient investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, it is essential that all relevant EU funds (the CEF, InvestEU, the European Structural and Investment Funds, etc.) and European Investment Bank lending are tailored to the specific needssubject to climate proofing frameworks based on the goals of the Paris agreement and the climate neutrality goal by 2050 and tailored to the specific needs of enhancing the sustainable transition of the sector and that the Member States commit to proper funding;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that to ensure sufficient investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, it is essential that all relevant EU funds (the CEF, InvestEU, the European Structural and Investment Funds, etc.) and European Investment Bank lending are tailored to the specific needs of the transport sector and that the Member States commit to proper funding; highlights that synergies across relevant Union programmes in areas such as transport, energy and digitalisation could be key to accelerate the advancement towards the development of smart and sustainable mobility at EU level;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Believes that Member States must receive financial support according to their specific needs in order to be able to create the necessary infrastructure to achieve climate and connectivity goals, so that no one and no region is left behind;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that the reform of EU own resources system would have immediate economic and policy benefits as of 2021; asks the European Commission to put forward concrete legislative proposals on EU's new own resources system, including among others, the extension of the Emissions Trading System to the maritime and aviation sectors and the establishment of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; suggests these new EU sources of revenue could be redirected to achieve the goals set by the European Green Deal, such as accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the EU and the Member States already have at their disposal several tools for ensuring thatthat encourage the transport sector to contributes to decarbonisation; strongly believes in this respect that thehowever stresses that these are highly insufficient to ensure the sector's compliance with the goals of the Green Deal and climate neutrality by 2050; strongly believes in this respect that, amongst other measures, the aviation and maritime sector need to be included in the EU Emissions Trading System and that Member States should earmark revenue from taxes or fees and the EU Emissions Trading System related to transport to foster investment in the sustainability of the relevant transport modes;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers thatEncourages the EU and the Member States already haveto maximize the use of the available tools at their disposal several tools for ensuring that the transport sector contributes to decarbonisation; strongly believes in this respect that the Member States should earmark revenue from taxes or fees and the EU Emissions Trading System related to transport to foster investment in the sustainability of the relevant transport modes;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the EU and the Member States already have at their disposal several tools for ensuring that the transport sector contributes to decarbonisation; strongly believes in this respect that the Member States should earmark revenue from taxes or fees and the EU Emissions Trading System related to transport to foster investment in the sustainability of the relevant transport modes to achieve economic efficiency and connectivity targets;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2058(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission to boost the use of InvestEU for transport and tourism.suistainable transport infraestructure and tourism; welcomes the recent budget increase of InvestEU programme proposed in the New Generation EU; considers it a key opportunity to provide smart investment and support Union policies such as the shift to smart and sustainable mobility within the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable infrastructures projects and by giving crucial support to companies, SMEs, investors and workers of the transport sector;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to boost the use of InvestEU for further developing transport and tourism in full respect of environmental and social standards.
Amendment 86 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to boost the use of InvestEU for transport and he development of all types of transport and the promotion of tourism.
Amendment 90 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the incorporation of the new strategic European investment policy window in InvestEU programme; highlights it comprises key investment opportunities to activities within the EU of strategic importance, particularly in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced relisilience; considers this smart investment should incentivise European industrial leadership in strategic sectors and key value chains such as transport and logistics, including the aeronautical industry, as well as in the development of telematics application systems such as ERTMS; stresses the new strategic European investment policy window should also support activities related to sustainable and social inclusiveness as well as social resilience and employment initiatives in EU strategic sectors;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Sustainable transport modes and sustainable mobility plans
Amendment 97 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Stresses that the percentual increase in EU rail and maritime freight transport, as defined in the European Green Deal, needs of a concrete EU investment plan and EU concrete measures to manage better and to increase the capacity of railways and inland waterways; in the case of rail freight transport, it is crucial to count with financing for the maintenance and upgrading of the EU rail infrastructure, the elimination of bottlenecks, the bridging of missing links and the promotion of interoperability at EU level; maritime freight transport needs investment in research into new technologies to descarbonise the sector and in the development of zero-emission and green ships;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Highlights the key role of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and the Shift2RailJoint Undertaking in achieving a lasting shift from road to rail as established in the European Green Deal; stresses that the Shift2Rail undertaking plays a key role in overcoming technical obstacles and driving forward interoperability, with the aim, ultimately, of making rail transport cheaper, more efficient and more attractive contributing to reducing accidents and CO2 emissions; calls on the importance to increase the EU investment in ERA and the Shift2Rail in order to advance in the establishment of the Single European Railway Area;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6 e. Recognises that the European Green Deal investment plan has a great potential to include sustainable transport as a strategic mean to achieve carbon neutrality; underlines that collective passenger transport, as one of the fastest and most cost-efficient way to decarbonise people’s mobility, should be at the core of the EU financing of the green transition;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6 f. Highlights that the collective passenger transport sector has been severely affected by the Covid-19 crisis; stresses that financing and grants to the collective passenger sector are critical to overcome the looming recession and achieve the long-run sustainability goals foreseen by the European Green Deal; in this regard, that suitable resources should be transferred to the relevant EU funds and dedicated for collective passenger transport mobility - such as buses, coaches and trains; calls on the EU Commission to cooperate with Member States to ensure financing solutions for collective passenger transport modes are included as a priority in their national recovery plans;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6 g. Stresses that investment in public transport is central to sustainable urban mobility, as well as for sustainable rural mobility, in order to promote environmentally, climatically and economically sustainable societies and to tackle social exclusion and the negative trend of depopulation in isolated low- density areas; calls in this regard for increased support for transport infrastructure and the promotion of public transport and sustainable mobility; highlights the importance to support multimodal ticketing system action plans;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6 h. Considers a stronger articulation of urban transport financing with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPS) to be essential to boost the urban mobility transformation; calls the European Commission to cooperate with Member States to develop sustainable urban mobility plans and policies, including the support for efficient public transport systems and active mobility solutions such as walking and cycling and the promotion of accessibility and multimodality among the different modes of transport, at the same time balanced socio-economic arrangements are guaranteed to ensure inclusiveness and affordability among EU citizens;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
6 i. Highlights that innovation and digitalisation play a key role in the decarbonisation of the civil aviation sector, including the civil aeronautics industry, in line with the ambitions of the European Green Deal; recalls, in particular, the role of Clean Sky 2 and SESAR Joint Undertakings in ensuring net accelerations in green technologies aimed to improve safety and to reduce the CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the noise levels produced by aircraft; calls on the European Commission to develop and support an EU investment roadmap for aviation and aeronautics to trigger innovation towards sustainable aviation, including research in alternative fuels, with the view of preserving competitiveness and maintaining Europe's leadership.
Amendment 106 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6 j. Considers that there is a need for EU financing to guarantee the deployment of zero-emission vehicles at EU level; EU funds should ensure the transformation of the automotive industry towards climate neutrality by supporting the renewal of vehicle fleets both public and private, the increase in the production and deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and of recharging points, and the promotion of ecological scrappage schemes; highlights EU funds should also address the needed upskilling and reskilling of workers of the automotive industry to adapt to the new innovation, sustainability and digitalisation demands of the sector;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 k (new)
Paragraph 6 k (new)
6 k. Calls on Member States to include the transport industry as priority in their national recovery plans to ensure they can have major access to the resources allocated from different initiatives set by the European Recovery Plan; further calls on Members States to support rail investment in their national action plans in line with the European Green Deal's goals; asks the European Commission to cooperate with Member States by mapping smart investment initiatives for the sustainable and resilient recovery of the sector;
Amendment 108 #
Amendment 109 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 m (new)
Paragraph 6 m (new)
6 m. Highlights that EU funding is an important lever to invest in innovative and smart road safety solutions and accelerate the delivery of road safety results across the EU; calls on the European Commission to safeguard and increase investments on road safety at EU level, particularly in cost effective actions such as enforcement, road infrastructure maintenance and upgrades through the TEN-T network and beyond, the upgrading of the safety vehicle fleets - both public and private- as part of procurement, adaptation of road signalling and marking, as well as investment in bike lanes and pedestrian high risk zones;
Amendment 110 #
Amendment 111 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 o (new)
Paragraph 6 o (new)
6 o. Underlines the need of financial support for innovative, socioeconomic and environmental sustainable tourism initiatives to enable the tourism sector to advance towards climate neutrality and sustainability; asks the European Commission to develop and "EU Roadmap for Sustainable and Resilient Tourism" to boost the investment in innovative and digitalisation measures such as circular economy initiatives in the tourism sector;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 p (new)
Paragraph 6 p (new)
6 p. Insists on the creation and introduction of a specific budget allocation for sustainable tourism as clearly stated in the European Parliament's position on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and reiterates that several significant steps have to be taken in order to prepare the third largest economic branch of the European Union meet the conditions of the European Green Deal;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 q (new)
Paragraph 6 q (new)
6 q. Underlines that the new initiative REACT-EU programme, in the framework of the European Recovery Plan, should support the financing of the recovery of the tourism sector, and ensure that crisis repair measures are adapted accordingly.
Amendment 114 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 r (new)
Paragraph 6 r (new)
6 r. Calls on the European Commission to provide companies and SMEs of the EU tourism and travel sector with guidance on how to access the available EU funding and investment programmes for the recovery and sustainable transformation of the sector;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 s (new)
Paragraph 6 s (new)
6 s. Calls on Member States to include the tourism and travel sector as priority in their national recovery plans to ensure they can have major access to the resources allocated from different initiatives set by the European Recovery Plan; asks the European Commission to cooperate with Member States and to exchange best practices on financing and funding opportunities for the sector.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights and, in particular, to principles 2, 3 and 9 thereof,
Amendment 9 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
Citation 26 a (new)
- having regard to ‘The Missing Entrepreneurs 2019: Policies for Inclusive Entrepreneurship report’, published by the OECD and the European Commission on10 December 2019,
Amendment 10 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 a (new)
Citation 31 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission Discussion Paper 129 of 24 July 2020 entitled ‘Gender Smart Financing Investing In & With Women: Opportunities for Europe’,
Amendment 11 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 b (new)
Citation 31 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 18 September 2020 entitled ‘A Union of equality: EU anti- racism action plan 2020-2025’ (COM(2020)0565),
Amendment 12 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 31 c (new)
Citation 31 c (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 12 November 2020 entitled ‘Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020)0698),
Amendment 19 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 25 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cCohesion pPolicy is as an important policy tooltool not only to support gender equality, but also to reduce disparities affecting groups still suffering from discrimination, including that linked to their sexual orientation;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the involvement of local and regional authorities, gender equality institutions and non-governmental organisationEuropean Court of Auditors is currently assessing the gender mainstreaming in the European budget; whereas this audit report, due to be published in the first quarter of 2021, will give useful insights ion partnership agreements and monitoring committees is still insufficienthow to implement the gender dimension in the Cohesion Policy actions under the MFF 2021-2027;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas, during the programming period 2014-2020, the main critical elements to promote gender equality through Cohesion Policy have been, among others, the gap between formal statements in Partnership Agreements (PAs) and Operational Programmes (OPs) and the actual implementation as well as the weak political commitment in this domain;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas, during the programming period 2014-2020, gender-related issues have been mainly tackled through the European Social Fund (ESF) OPs; whereas, during the same period, the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) has contributed to the promotion of gender equality in a very limited manner;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas women represent only 34.4 % of the self-employed and 30 % of start-up entrepreneurs in the European Union and still face difficulties to access finance; whereas Cohesion Policy has a key role in addressing this gap;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas there is still a gender digital divide that needs to be tackled; whereas Cohesion Policy should help bridge this gap, that often affects in a harder way women living in rural and remote areas;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas gender-disaggregated data and the adoption of appropriate selection procedures areis considered useful for promoting gender equality;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the use of gender- disaggregated data and gender-relevant indicators is crucial to improve the decision-making process and to assess the outcome of the Cohesion Policy’s direct and indirect actions aiming at reducing gender inequality;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas during the COVID-19 pandemic the number of cases of domestic violence against women and girls has worryingly increased; whereas this phenomenon has shown the need for more innovative solutions, including digital ones; whereas Cohesion Policy, and more specifically the upcoming ESF Plus, can help in this regard;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly believes that gender equality is still mainly addressed in a general manner and limited to the policy domains of the European Social Fund (ESF), as well as in the context analysis and programming phase, while more attention is needed in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases on a regular basis;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that programme stakeholders and monitoring committees still lack expertise on the implementation of a gender perspective in concrete projects, especially in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) interventions; considers there to be a lack of guidelines, training programmes and concrete examples of good practice to address this; underlines, in this regard, the potential of the ERDF/CF to bridge the gap women are still facing, with particular reference to female entrepreneurship and the digital sector;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. BelievStresses that all programmes implemented under cCohesion pPolicy should ensure gender equality throughout their evaluation, preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as equal opportunities for all, without discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation; is of the opinion that the composition of expert groups in the different phases of the policy cycle should be gender balanced;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines that the actions aiming at bridging the gender gap under Cohesion Policy should adopt an intersectional approach that also takes into consideration age, race and disabilities;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Believes that the beneficiaries of the Cohesion Policy should not adopt any discriminatory policy, in particular against those minorities that still suffer from discrimination, such as the LGBTI community; encourages the rejection of applications from potential beneficiaries, including from regional or local authorities, which have adopted discriminatory policies against members of the LGBTI community such as the declaration of ‘LGBT-free zones’;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that cohesion policy needs to support equal access to training for women in order to bridge the digital gender gap and to support the green and digital transitions; for instance through the increase of the share of female graduates in STEM subjects as well as their involvement in sectors that are crucial for the environmental transition, such as the energy one;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines the crucial role of cohesion policy in investing in high-quality public services and social infrastructure, both for combating gender inequalities and for building social resilience and coping with economic, social and health crises;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Welcomes that one of the horizontal priorities of the new Multiannual Financial Framework regards gender equality and mainstreaming; stresses that the monitoring of the programmes should not only aim at measuring the relevant expenditure, but, even more importantly, at assessing the outcome of the EU budget on improving gender equality, which goes beyond the mere measurement of how amounts are earmarked;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Welcomes the role of European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in the promotion of gender equality and in the fight against discrimination based on gender; underlines its positive contribution to gender mainstreaming, including in the domain of Cohesion Policy; calls for the adequate funding of this body;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that an ex ante and ex post gender impact assessment should be a mandatory part of Member States’ evaluations on how the funds are spent and whether compliance with gender equality targets is effectively respected;
Amendment 182 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that gender mainstreaming must be applied in all stages of the budgetary process; stresses the need to track spending on gender equality in all budget lines, not just in targeted measures, and to assess the final impactoutcome of the budgetary lines on gender equality; requests that the Commission, in cooperation with the European Court of Auditors, propose a methodology to that end; recommends the use of criteria such athat do not only assess the national median wage and the median annual gross income in purchasing power parity, but also non- economic indicators, such as those measuring subjective well-being, the elimination of gender-based violence, civil engagement, work-life balance, social connections; underlines that the assessment of the outcome is only possible if gender-disaggregated data is available;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on all institutions to provide guidance documents and training sess, on a regular basis, hands-on training at all levels of the administrations, so as to disseminate and embed concrete examples of good practices on gender mainstreaming; stresses, moreover, that at the project selection stage the criteria for gender mainstreaming should be strengthened through higher scoring and requirements for more practical actions; recommends making use of the existing tools developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) such as its toolkit for gender budgeting in the ESI Funds;
Amendment 193 #
2020/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Stresses the importance of evaluating the training output to assess its effectiveness in improving the implementation of gender mainstreaming;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the effects caused by demographic trends and the depopulation phenomenon are unequal between Member states and its regions, and these need to be addressed by targeted measures;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the European Union has numerous instruments to face demographic challenges, and cohesion policy plays a crucial role in this regard;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas climate change enhances drastic changes in demographic trends;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the Union has increased its efforts in order to integrate the principles of sustainability, greening and digitalisation in the overall EU policy making;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas the Commission is currently working on its Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, although the EU population has seen substantial growth in previous decades, the growth rate is now falling and the population is expected to decrease in the longer term; whedecreas Europe will account for less thaning from 6% to 4 % of the world’s population by 2070, and long- term demographic trends in European regions indicate lower birth rates and ageing societies;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the current trend of ageing in EU population has important economic and social consequences, such as higher dependency ratios, pressures on fiscal and social security sustainability, and increased stress on healthcare and social services;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Observes that GDP per capita, income level, employment rate, fertility rate and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within European regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that internal migration patterns from eastern, southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young, educated and skilled workers; notes that migration from non- EU citizens has allowed EU to avoid population loss in the recent years;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that Europe is manifestly experiencing population ageing, affecting the dependency ratio and having negative effects on workforce growth, which is far behind the previous decade; warns of a visible decline of the labour force in eastern, southern and central European regions; highlights that population ageing also affects housing and transport planning, infrastructure and services needs, as well as fiscal and social security sustainability;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that, in that regard, active ageing policies are needed in order to reduce its negative dimension in rural and remote areas, ensuring an adequate level of quality of life for all inhabitants;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines that fertility rates in the EU are considerably below replacement level; considers that cohesion policy can contribute to address this issue by promoting better conditions for families to raise their children, namely through favourable conditions in the job market, work life balance, affordable housing and access to social services of general interest, particularly those targeted to young families, such as affordable childcare;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the attractiveness of rural areas can be enhanced through the availability of high-quality public services; investments in those may require economies of scale that are difficult to implement in low-density areas, so local and regional communities should identify adequate provisions of services, in the most efficient way possible. In this sense, the role of cohesion policy is fundamental and should allow for these high quality public services;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Highlights that rural development policies should have as one of their main objectives the creation of innovation ecosystems to support knowledge creation and technological diffusion; with this objective in mind, it is key to stimulate common virtual and physical environments that bring together firms, entrepreneurs and research institutes contributing to the transformation of rural areas into real innovation hubs. An environment that enables rural innovation can also be supported by investments in skills and ICT infrastructure, facilitating access to capital for entrepreneurs and SMEs, and supporting local supply chain development linked with diverse industries;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Notes that the concept of “rural proofing” should be mainstreamed throughout all steps of the EU policymaking; this idea, which aims at understanding the impact of policy intervention in rural areas, has the objective of ensuring a fair and equitable policy outcome for them. Rural proofing contributes at understanding the specific necessities of rural and remote areas with a specific focus on policy implementation, overcoming undesirable policy externalities by designing and delivering adequate solutions;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Amendment 87 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)
Subheading 4 a (new)
Highlights that demographic challenge, although affecting EU’s regions indifferent way, is an important issue for all the EU and has to be understood and tackled in an holistic way; underlines that the EU as a whole has registered a negative natural demographic balance for the last years; stresses that it was due to the migration from non-EU citizens that EU did not face population loss in the last years;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights the fact that the EU’s common transport policy aims to strengthen social, economic and territorial cohesion by creating a Europe- wide common transport area, including rural, remote, mountainous, sparsely populated, peripheral, island and outermost regions; points out, however, that there are significant differences between EU regions in terms of connectivity, quality of infrastructure and accessibility;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Highlights the fact that rural areas, particularly those that are sparsely populated, suffer from a lack of infrastructure and high-quality transport services, as well as a deterioration in existing services and a low frequency of public transport services, resulting in people relying on their own private vehicles; acknowledges that the needs and challenges of these regions must be taken into account in the transition towards sustainable and smart mobility in line with the Green Deal targets;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Highlights the fact that sustainable mobility policies have traditionally focused on cities, relegating the mobility and infrastructure needs of rural areas, including sparsely populated areas, to second place;
Amendment 117 #
Amendment 120 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 126 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that economic migration has a direct impact on the inclusiveness of cities, requiring tailored policy responses in different territorial contexts; highlights, in this regard, the need to strengthen inclusion policies;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7
Subheading 7
Amendment 129 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 a (new)
Subheading 7 a (new)
Calls for a greater coordination of EU instruments, in particular the ESI Funds and the Next Generation EU, so as to ensure a more comprehensive approach to the demographic challenges; suggests that, given that the mechanisms employed so far have not held back the advance of demographic imbalances, a review of existing policies is required;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 b (new)
Subheading 7 b (new)
Calls on the EU incorporating demographic challenges throughout the policy spectrum, including in its budget headings, in order to enable the development of adequate policies; considers that the impact of public policies in demography should be taken into account and subject to impact assessments;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 c (new)
Subheading 7 c (new)
Calls on the Commission once more to propose a strategy on demographic change which prioritises the following fields: decent employment, work-life balance, the territorial aspect of policies promoting economic activity and employment, the adequate provision of social services of general interest in all territories, local public transport, adequate care for dependent persons and long-term care, and good-quality labour conditions, paying special attention to new forms of work and their social impact;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 d (new)
Subheading 7 d (new)
Highlights the importance of having family friendly labour legislation that enables satisfactory work life-balance; underlines, in this respect, the role of social partners and the importance of collective bargaining;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 e (new)
Subheading 7 e (new)
Stresses that cohesion policy should promote the employability and inclusion of women, especially mothers who struggle with finding employment; stresses the importance of helping young mothers to return to work, namely by providing affordable childcare facilities for children of all ages and promoting policies of shared responsibility;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 f (new)
Subheading 7 f (new)
Highlights the need to support young families, improving the conditions for them to have children; notes that, according to the 2018 assessment, the Barcelona target of having 90% of the children from 3 to mandatory school age in formal childcare or attending preschool was not reached; stresses the importance of having access to affordable childcare facilities for young families to decide to have children;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 g (new)
Subheading 7 g (new)
Considers that that the EU should support migration and inclusion policies in the Member states, in respect for the rights and competencies of those Member States, as well as the subsidiarity principle, in order to minimise negative demographic trends; considers that local and regional bodies should be incentivized to implement successfully integration policies on the ground; takes the view that local and regional authorities should be active participants in measures taken to address demographic challenges;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7 h (new)
Subheading 7 h (new)
Underlines the importance of existing initiatives such as the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing, Ambient Assisted Living and the EIT Digital and Health Knowledge Innovation Communities; calls on the Commission to take into account the solutions already developed by these initiatives for accommodating the demographic shift and when addressing the demographic challenges faced by European regions; stresses the importance of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning as a way of supporting education and training in areas at risk of depopulation;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies, taking into consideration the development needs, as well as needs for mobility, territorial accessibility and basic services and the potential of the areas concerned, including the economic, social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies, taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned, including the economic, social and demographic trends; points out that Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration; calls on local and regional authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention, mitigation and appropriate responses; using the means provided by cohesion policies; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various Member States, such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills, aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Supports the development of dedicated incentive schemes to attract young people to rural and semi-urban areas; furthermore, encourages measures that to improve labour participation, especially for women and people with disabilities and the promotion of training tailored to the needs, potential and strengths of each individual region;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Considers that the transport network can play a decisive role in answering to demographic change, by reinforcing rural-urban connectivity and combating territorial fragmentation, providing for inclusive and sustainable growth through targeted investments as well as facilitating access to high-quality public services that consolidate population; highlights, in this regard, the importance of improving transport infrastructure, supporting the transition to sustainable and smart transport networks, strengthening interoperability in transport systems, and guaranteeing better local and public transports to incorporate demographic changes and their impact in mobility policy;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Encourages policy makers at local regional and national level to promote the concept of the "economy of well-being", contributing to a virtuous economic cycle, helping sustain long-term investments into wellbeing; additionally, encourages the promotion of healthy and active ageing which, combined with the economy of wellbeing and measures targeted at improving the quality of life and combat loneliness, can boost growth in regions with a predominantly ageing population;
Amendment 168 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the Recovery and Resilience Facility will provide large-scale financial support to make Member States’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future, and insists that Member States should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the Just Transition Fund and its implementation mechanism, which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation; recalls that the ERDF for the next multiannual financial framework (2021-2027) makes provision for specific support for NUTS 3 regions and local administrative units suffering from demographic challenges such as depopulation;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the Recovery and Resilience Facility will provide large-scale financial support to make Member States’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future, and insists that Member States should propose measures for addressing demographic change; investing in the most vulnerable areas; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the Just Transition Fund and its implementation mechanism, which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates the need for further simplification of cohesion policy instrumentplace-based and integrated approaches of cohesion policy, Common Agricultural Policy national strategic plans, and national recovery strategic plans in order to allow for an easier, but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various EU funds and integrated tools; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process;
Amendment 188 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Recalls that the European Parliament, in its own position on the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund (27 March 2020) states that the objectives of the ERDF CF include that of supporting urban and rural areas with geographical or demographic handicaps. It also includes that Member states shall allocate provisions of EU financial support for projects that promote environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic development in the regions concerned;
Amendment 195 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Maintains the EP stand that particular support should be given to NUTS level 3 areas or clusters of local administrative units with a population density of below 12.5 inhabitants per km2 for sparsely populated areas, or with an average population decrease of more than1% between 2007 and 2017, which should be subject to specific regional and national plans to enhance attractiveness, increase business investment and boost the accessibility of digital and public services, including a fund in the Structural Fund cooperation agreement;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Welcomes the ERDF CF Regulation new article 8 a) which call for national plans to support regional and local areas facing continuous demographic decline, including financial allocations to increase attractiveness, boost business investment and improve accessibility of digital and public services; these national plans should be aligned with the European Commission report on the impact of the demographic change in the EU and the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas;
Amendment 214 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education, affordable, accessible and equitable mobility services and reskilling of workers, creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting SMEs;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission to draw up a European Rural Agenda addressing the various demographic challenges of rural areas from a holistic viewpoint in order to empower rural communities and take into account and address the transition to climate neutrality and the digital transition; stresses that this Agenda should address the relationship that exists between job creation – including remote working – and the improvement of infrastructure, transport services and digital connectivity;
Amendment 223 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, a roadmap for the future of transport in the Union, takes into account the needs and challenges of rural areas in terms of connectivity, accessibility and mobility; calls on the Commission and the Member States to boost investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and public transport in rural areas, to provide affordable, accessible and equitable mobility services and to explore new initiatives for shared and collaborative mobility services in the rural environment;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the future review of the guidelines on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) continues to guarantee socio- economic and territorial cohesion and accessibility throughout the EU and its regions; considers it important to continue developing the TEN-T to focus on the interconnection between the core global networks, particularly in rural, peripheral, sparsely populated, island and outermost regions; points out that improving the accessibility of rural and remote areas will have a positive impact on the smooth operation of the supply chain and the internal market;
Amendment 226 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24d. Considers that rural tourism plays a very important role in addressing depopulation and boosting the economic and demographic diversification of rural areas; points out that rural tourism provides an opportunity for boosting job creation and maintaining the population in those areas, with a positive impact on the development of high-quality basic services and an improvement in connectivity; highlights the fact that rural tourism could be key in the transition to sustainable, responsible and smart tourism;
Amendment 229 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Considers it appropriate to involve regional and local authorities in long-term cooperative governance and planning initiatives at various levels; asks the Commission and the Member States to disseminate good practices on the use and benefits of this type of governance and of planning tools to support polycentric developmentuse the instrument of territorial impact assessment (TIA) to further design EU and national policies that are affecting demographic change;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Encourages policymakers at regional and national level to investuse the new Recovery and Resilience Facility to invest in the broadband extension in order to foster in the knowledge economy, as well as in providing high quality public services and incentives, tohat maintain high- skilled workers and to develop research centres in the different regionpromote the triple helix to ensure the attractiveness of the depopulated areas;
Amendment 243 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recommends developing the so- called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful, vibrant and growing sectors, by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to invest the Youth Guarantee Initiative focused on attracting young, trained and talented workers, encouraging entrepreneurship, using local, national and EU incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas, turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas;
Amendment 248 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Asks the European Commission Statistic Office to provide data on the situation of quality of life indicators at NUTS 3 and LAU level to monitor the impact of demographic challenge on the territories; highlights the possibility for Member states to use the Recovery and Resilient Facility to modernise the capacity of data collection at those levels to ensure that national investment policies and European data reflect the real situation in these territories;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Insists that investments should be focused on information and communication technology, since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract high- skilled workers in order to avoid the digital divide and ensure digital cohesion; stresses the importance of funding the infrastructures, the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the Commission, in agreement with the Member States, to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the EU as a multi-level policy approach which materialises in a European Strategy on Demographic Trends; The future Conference of the Future of Europe should propose a definition of the areas which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps mentioned in the article 174 (TFEU)in order to ensure a long-term support of the EU key policies from a place-based approach;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the envisaged partnership should provide continued connectivity for all modes of transport subject to reciprocity and should ensure a level playing field, in particular with regard to social, employment and, safety, environmental standards as well as state aid;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Raises concern about the UK’s position on the future partnership with the EU, and thus emphasises that rights and privileges entail obligations and that the level of access to the EU single market should fully correspond to the extent of regulatory convergence and commitments agreed with respect to observing a level playing field for open and fair competition with a view to dynamic alignment;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the envisaged partnership should include an ambitious Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement which ensures the EU’s strategic interests; containing appropriate provisions related to the access to the market and investment included in the most ambitious Union bilateral agreements, provided that it is in the Union's interest and respects a balance of rights and obligations;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that the envisaged partnership should include the right of transit of laden and unladen journeys from the territory of one party to the territory of the same party through the territory of the other party;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that the envisaged partnership should include a level playing field in the areas of, in particular, work and rest time, tachographs, weights and dimensions; as well as specific provisions to ensure a common level of protection in relation to operators and drivers, including social rules;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that the envisaged partnership should include a level playing field in the areas of, in particular, work, driving, break and rest time, tachographs, vehicle weights and dimensions;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the envisaged partnership should ensure access for the international maritime transport sector with an appropriate level playing field. while maintaining safety, inspection and environmental standards;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas throughout the transport and tourism online platform ecosystem, a limited number of companies dominate the market, functioning as gatekeepers which set high entry to market barriers stifling competition and thereby limiting options for consumer;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas digital online platforms in the transport sector are labour intensive and typically rely on a non-standard workforce whose conditions of employment, representation and social protection remain unclear and disadvantaged; whereas policy responses to this issue has remained so far unsatisfactory both at EU and Member State level;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Takes note of the important role played in the past two decades by the e- Commerce Directive in helping develop transport and tourism platforms in the European Digital Single Market;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the scope of the definition of information society services provided for in the e-Commerce directive has been the subject tof a rich case-law by the European Court of Justice, especially regarding online platforms in the transport and short-rentals sectors, and hence needs to be clarifian updated and clear scope of the definition is needed;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Points out that online platforms in the transport and tourism sectors have been widely welcomed by users and triggered an increase in demand, which led to efficiency improvements in the way those services are provided; notes on the other hand that the developments in the market have resulted in legal, economic, and social questions.
Amendment 16 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Highlights that the unprecedented crisis trigged by the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly increased the demand for digital services and reinforced the need for the EU to strengthen its digital sovereignty; believes in this regard that the new regulatory framework should play a key role in this new context and strike the right balance between small and big platforms, for the former to become more digital and for the latter to become more responsible.
Amendment 17 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Recalls that the absence of clear, transparent and up-to-date rules for online platforms in the field of transport and tourism has resulted in market fragmentation and uncertainty which damages businesses and constitutes a deterrent for newcomers entering the market;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Draws attention to the very specific nature of content on transport and tourism platforms compared to other sectors, which needs to be compliant with precise criteria. Calls for a sector-specific EU-coordinated effort involving all stakeholders to agree on sets of criteria, in line with Single Market rules, necessary to offer a service on a platform with the objective of facilitating cooperation and boosting business opportunities.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of establishing a European Authority tasked, among other things, with overseeing the online platform market and facilitating data sharing and redress for consumers, with offices for Ttransport and Ttourism.
Amendment 46 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to enhance the relationship between stakeholders and local authorities in the Short-Term Rental market and mobility services., with the objective of sharing best practices to improve the ease of doing business in the EU
Amendment 51 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Draws attention to the importance of data access in the platform economy; highlights the vital role data plays for local governments in enforcing and developing policies in the fields of Ttransport and Ttourism; Welcomes the Commission’s mobility data space proposal and its data strategy for the public good;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to promote data exchanges, digitisation and big data on transport and logistics platforms in the interests of greater efficiency in the organisation and management of freight and passenger flows and in the use of infrastructures and resources; calls on the Commission to coordinate these platforms at EU level to improve supply chain visibility, real-time traffic management and cargo flows, as well as simplifying and reducing TEN-T administrative formalities, especially along cross-border sections;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Urges the Commission to devise a data sharing policy that is secure for all stakeholders and preserves competition across the transport market. Highlights the work of the Digital Transport Logistics Forum on "Federated Platforms" focused on identifying the needs of both the public and private sector. Underlines the essential role data sharing will have in supporting European SME’s development and their innovation drive, and in deploying a Europe wide Intelligent Transport System (ITS) network aligned with road safety and environmental objectives of the Union;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Draws attention to the potential Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms hold in digitalizing, automating and decarbonizing EU mobility.Calls on the Commission to evaluate the deployment of balanced MaaS systems and allow for a degree of control by local governments on such systems to prevent monopolies and guarantee the enforcement of relevant laws and policies. .
Amendment 61 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need to build on the P2B Regulation1a to limit the dominance of market giants in the Ttransport and Ttourism sector; stressehighlights the urgency for the Commission to establish well defined criteria regarding “"size”" of platforms. Denounces the worrying problem of preferencing and self-preferencing on online search engines for the tourism platform market, which creates a shopping bias and can lead to monopolies in the sector. _________________ 1aRegulation (EU) 2019/1150 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services (OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 57).
Amendment 65 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Emphasises the need for the Commission to address the current regulatory Internal Market fragmentation; stresses the need in ensuring that no free rider effect takes place in platform’s investment; Underlines the urgency of reviewing the current framework conditions, particularly in the area of competition law to avoid oligopolistic market situations and ensuring that the pricing interface between platforms to consumer and business to platforms is fair. Supports ecosystems that promote a level playing field for innovators, businesses, and new market entrants, in particular SMEs and start-ups.
Amendment 69 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to come up with a comprehensive framework to align the working conditions of platform workers in line with those of regular employees; /standard workers to benefit fully from job creation and innovation opportunity of platform work in the transport sector; welcomes in this regard the new Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions2a and the Council Recommendation on Access to social protection for workers and the self- employed2b; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the enforcement of the acquis in this area. _________________ 2aDirective (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 105–121). 2bCouncil Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self - employed 2019/C 387/01 (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1–8).
Amendment 76 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes the International Labour Organisation’s call for the establishment of an international governance system requiring platform holders to respect certain minimum rights and protections and regulating the use of data and algorithmic accountability in the world of work. Recalls the fundamental right for workers of all categories enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundament Rights to take collective action to defend their interests.
Amendment 77 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasizes the need for transparency ion Ttransport and Ttourism platforms, specifically on algorithms affecting service, pricing, and advertising. Calls for the implementation of the existing acquis and for further and clearer rules, in transport and tourism platforms on compulsory information to consumers on the rationale behind the personalization of prices and offers, especially when made by automatic decision making software, and the reasons behind the ranking of services they are presented with, for them not to be misled or have information omitted.
Amendment 86 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the need for online platforms in Ttransport and Ttourism to promote sustainability through their services, also in line with the European Green Deal. by including environmentally friendly alternatives in their standard interface.
Amendment 90 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the coordination and exchange of transport and logistics data and information at EU level, between the Member States and with Commission, has been crucial for the establishment of green corridors during the COVID-19 crisis; stresses the need to uphold this cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of EU supply chains, the continuous movement of goods at all Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) internal border crossings and the protection and safety of transport workers;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Welcomes the Commission's initiative to establish a network of national contact points in the Member States and create an EU-wide platform to facilitate the supply and exchange of information on traffic flows in green corridors, the notification of national transport measures taken by Member States in response to the coronavirus and the exchange of other relevant information; stresses the need to step up cooperation on this EU platform to ensure and maintain the continuity of the EU supply chain, especially when goods, passenger and private transport operations start to pick up;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Emphasises the need for a coordinated EU 'exit strategy' to re- establish the full continuity of the EU supply chain, harmonise the lifting of containment measures introduced with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and ensure smooth traffic flows, especially along cross-border sections; calls on the Commission ensure the functioning of the EU coordination platform as part of this 'exit strategy' and to establish clear and harmonised health guidelines for all modes of transport, encouraging the exchanges of data, information and good practice between Member States; recalls that failure to adopt a common EU stance could compromise the restoration of connectivity, particularly at border crossings;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
3d. Underlines the serious impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the EU tourism industry; calls on the Commission to set up an EU platform for the exchange of data and information between operators in the tourism value chain, including workers and SMEs and local, regional and national authorities, together with other European and international organisations and stakeholders at European and international level, with the aim of establishing good EU crisis management and prevention procedures for the tourism industry and promoting sustainable, intelligent and innovative tourism;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the fact that the development of AI technologies in the transport and tourism sector has the potential to bring considerable economic, societal, environmental and safety benefits; societies should be prepared for the benefits and the challenges of AI; analyse that AI is applied correctly and no cause harm or damage to people or society.
Amendment 14 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Affirms that defining the appropriate legal framework for intellectual property rights for AI and connectivity innovations, as well as for access to and security of data will be key in the development and smooth and wide dissemination of AI technologies in transport and tourism;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers the increasing need for AI technologies in remote or biometric recognition technologies, such as tracing apps in transport and tourism sector, as a new way of dealing with Covid-19 and possible future sanitary and public health crisis, keeping the sight of the need to protect fundamental rights, privacy and personal data.
Amendment 53 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Endorses the Commission’s willingness to invite the key players from the manufacturing sector - transport manufacturers, service providers from Tourism sector, third players in the automotive value chain, AI and connectivity innovators - to agree on the conditions under which they would be ready to share their data.
Amendment 10 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that AI has changed and has helped the development of the transport sector through increasing automation and greater integration and connectivity of transport networks; underlines that automation and the integration of AI vary between transport modesstresses the need to boost artificial intelligence and digitalisation in the transport and logistics sector in order to address the obstacles to the creation of a true ‘Single European Transport Area’, as well as to enhance efficiency in the organisation and management of goods and passenger traffic flows, and to make better use of infrastructure and resources along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), in particular in cross-border sections; underlines that automation and the integration of AI vary between transport modes; believes that such integration should go hand in hand with a significant boosting of multimodality and the interoperability of all modes of transport in order to ensure and maintain fluidity in the EU supply chain;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the benefits of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a seamless automatic train protection system replacing incompatible national ones, the full deployment of which is key for the creation of a Single European Rail Area, as regards reliability, capacity, costs, safety, speed and maintenance; supports its full deployment and its continuous establishment as a global automatic train protection (ATP) system;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports the development and international standardisation of the automation of train operations; encourages the development of automated slot allocation in various transport modes and the use of AI in logistics and other areas of transport; underlines the importance of boosting interoperability and multimodality at European and international level in order to optimally combine the various modes of transport and to ensure the proper functioning and security of the entire transport and logistics value chain;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports the development and international standardisation of the automation of train operations; encourages the development of automated slot allocation in various transport modes and the use of AI in logistics and other areas of transport, always in respect of the precautionary principle enshrined in Art. 191 of the TFEU;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the work of the Single European Sky ATM Research project (SESAR) in the area of unmanned aircraft systems and air traffic management systems, both civil and military; stresses that global interoperability and harmonisationrecalls that it is essential to bolster SESAR to help overcome the fragmentation of the Single European Sky; stresses that global interoperability and harmonisation, as well as the exchange of best practices and of lessons learned at European and international level, constitute a sine qua non for a safe, functional and secure global air traffic management system; encourages the Commission and the Member States to promote SESAR internationally and to contribute to the work of international organisations such as ICAO or IATA in this regard;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that both civil and military use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, has increased; highlights the potential, among other, that drone deliveries, drone inspections, and drone surveillance hold for citizens and society; urges the EU to cooperate on the international level to develop two separate set of international norms for civil and military drone use; stresses the need for the EU to be a norm- setter on UAV legislation, respecting the values enshrined in its Treaties;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to participate in the international regulatory activities and discussions on autonomous vehicles, especially in the area of safety, while ensuring cooperation among regulators, suppliers and vehicle manufacturers relevant to the deployment of automated vehicles in road traffic in the EU; calls for standardised geographic input data and stresses the need for accuracy of such data;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes that the deployment of AI in transport, in particular where civil and military uses are interlinked, should be compliant with EU data protection and privacy law;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the current comprehensive discussions in the International Maritime Organization on integrating new and emerging technologies, such as autonomous ships, in the regulatory framework; underlines the importance of upskilling/reskilling programs for the workforce in the maritime sector as digital expertise and capabilities will be essential in driving the sector forward, ensuring Europe maintains its global leadership status and protects employment;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses how intelligent transport systems mitigate traffic congestion and contribute to improving efficiency and mobility solutions; draws attention to the increased exposure of traditional transport networks to cyber threats; and underlines the importance of ensuring control by local traffic management authorities over traffic data and ITS systems to reduce cyber threats to the minimum; calls on Member States to monitor the correct implementation of the 2016 NIS Directive1a and cooperate among each other in an effort to develop a resilient EU cyber defence network for transport; __________________ 1aDirective(EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union OJ L 194, 19.7.2016, p. 1–30
Amendment 43 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses how intelligent transport systems mitigate traffic congestion, improve the management of traffic flows and contribute to improving efficiency, safety and mobility solutions; draws attention to the increased exposure of traditional transport networks to cyber threats; calls for increased efforts and resources to address these new challenges at EU level;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation should stimulate cooperation between Member States and European defence industries to develop new European defence capabilities in the field of AI and ensure security of supply, taking ethical considerations into account; recalls, moreover, that the next Connecting Europe Facility, which also encourages smart infrastructure, will provide for a fund for the development ofadaptation and development of transport infrastructure for civilian/military dual- use transport infrastructure with a view to improving military mobility within the Unionwith a view to increasing synergies between defence needs and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and improving military mobility within the Union 1a. __________________ 1 a European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 April 2019 on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014.
Amendment 53 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Draws attention to the ongoing international debate on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS); calls on the EU to carefully assess and analyse the interaction between LAWS and transport infrastructure due to safety and privacy implications, amongst others.
Amendment 2 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. Whereas the Union transport sector is essential for Union’s economic, social and environmental development and its sustainability and for ensuring the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the Union, with particular attention for peripheral, rural, insular and outermost regions;
Amendment 3 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. Whereas transport will be key to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and any significant contribution from the transport sector to this goal will require enormous public and private financial investments on EU and national level in order to accelerate the shift to sustainable, safe, smart, interoperable, multimodal mobility;
Amendment 8 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. Whereas the transport and tourism sectors are among the most hardly hit by the recent COVID 19 crisis; whereas transport has proven vital to providing all necessary goods, including medical and sanitary equipment to the Union population amidst the crisis; whereas the recovery of the transport and tourism sectors are key to well-functioning of the EU internal market, as well as for connectivity and competitiveness in the EU;
Amendment 15 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. [02 03 01] Reiterates the crucial role of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in fostering the development of a high-performance trans-European network (TEN-T) that is sustainable, safe, multimodal, interoperable and interconnected across the areas of transport, energy and digital services infrastructure and in achieving the goals of the Green Deal, particularly in regards to the promotion of smart and sustainable mobility, including an increase in rail freight transport; Considers unacceptable the drastic reductions in commitments for the Energy and Digital branches of the CEF and the global reduction of the CEF budget resulting from these cutes; Considers that the increase in the CEF transport budget is the step in the right direction but insufficient in view of the needs of the sector; Therefore requests a budget in line with the European Parliament position on MFF1 ; _________________ 117,746 bn euros for 2021-2027 in 2018 prices (an average of 2,542 billion euros per year).
Amendment 22 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. [new01 20 03 00] Regrets the absence of a specific allocation and specific programme for sustainable tourism, including the allocation of a budget of EUR 300 million as requested by the European Parliament; Requests that this allocation be added in order to take into consideration a sector that has strong links to transport,reiterates the need to create a new budget line in order to take into consideration the important role of tourism for competitiveness and employment in the EU transport sector which has been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis and is very important for the Union economy;
Amendment 23 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. [13 04 01] Deeply regrets that the new commission’s proposal for MFF foresees a 75 % reduction in commitments for military mobility under the transport pillar, limitingwhich aims to adapt parts of the TEN-T networks for a dual use of the transport infrastructure in view of improving both civilian and military mobility; this reduction, limits de facto this new policy objective of the Union to merely symbolic actions ; requests the initial level to be restored and the level of commitments for 2021 to be set accordingly;
Amendment 27 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. [02 01 01] Notes with satisfaction the important surge in investment due to the EUR 9,645 billion contribution from the Next Generation EU to InvestEU in 2021; welcomes the incorporation of the new strategic European investment policy window in InvestEU programme which includes key investment opportunities for the transport and logistics sectors of the EU; however; deeply regrets the suggested cuts on MFF and Next Generation EU for the InvestEU programme recently adopted by Council, which could have an impact on budget 2021;
Amendment 30 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. [02 01 01] Highlights the importance of InvestEU programme in supporting the investment in sustainable and safe transport infrastructures, mobility solutions and equipment and deployment of innovative technologies, including investment in multimodal transport hubs and road safety; reiterates InvestEU Programme should be key to support operations promoting innovative and digital and sustainable tourism;
Amendment 31 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. [09 03 01]Highlights the importance of the necessary investment for the transport sector under the Just Transition Fund to ensure a fair, inclusive and socially acceptable transition to climate neutrality where nobody is left behind; stresses the need to support the up- and reskilling of workers and jobseekers in the transport sector, productive and sustainable investment in SMEs, the investment in smart ,and sustainable mobility, as well as environmentally-friendly transport infrastructure; however, deeply regrets the suggested cuts on MFF however; deeply regrets the suggested cuts on MFF and Next Generation EU for the Just Transition Fund recently adopted by Council, which could have an impact on budget 2021;
Amendment 35 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates the important role that European partnerships could play in improving the transport sector’s performance and safety and in fostering a reduction of transport emissions based on technological progress and rules; highlights that EU financing programmes such as Horizon Europe could play a key role in promoting partnerships with EU countries, the private sector, foundations and other stakeholders; requests that such initiatives - for example the creation of a European partnership for the maritime sector - receive adequate funding in order to contribute to the aforementioned objectives; however, deeply regrets the suggested cuts on MFF and Next Generation EU for the Horizon Europe research programme recently adopted by Council, which could have an impact on budget 2021;
Amendment 40 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. [02 10 03] Regrets the decrease in the budget 2021 of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) whose role is crucial to achieving a lasting shift from road to rail and to advance in the establishment of the Single European Railway Area; notes that such a decrease is particularly unfortunate since 2021 will be the European year of Rail; Therefore requests that the ERA budget be re- established in its 2020 level and that the percentage increase planned in the Draft budget for the following years apply from that limit;
Amendment 43 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. [02 10 01] Notes the slight increase in the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) budget for 2021; Requests that the subsequent increases be confirmed in the next MFF in order to allow for a stronger EASA, in view of progressively advance in the Single European Sky initiative, among others;
Amendment 176 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) a pre-financing amount of EUR 4 244 83371 422 0800 shall be made available in 2021 in accordance with Article 8;
Amendment 177 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) Up to EUR 4 244 832 000 will be made available from 2021 to 2024;
Amendment 252 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Amendment 258 #
2020/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. By derogation from Article 12 of the Financial Regulation, unused commitment and payment appropriations under this Regulation shall be automatically carried over and may be used until 31 December 2025year n+2. The appropriations carried over shall be consumed first in the following financial year.
Amendment 15 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Despite existing measures at 19 Union and national level aimed at supporting the protection of critical infrastructures in the Union, the entities operating those infrastructures are not adequately equipped to address current and anticipated future risks to their operations that may result in disruptions of the provision of services that are essential for the performance of vital societal functions or economic activities. This is due to a dynamic threat landscape with an evolving terrorist threat, cyber attacks and growing interdependencies between infrastructures and sectors, as well as an increased physical risk due to natural disasters and climate change, which increases the frequency and scale of extreme weather events and brings long-term changes in average climate that can reduce the capacity and efficiency of certain infrastructure types if resilience or climate adaptation measures are not in place. Moreover, relevant sectors and types of entities are not recognised consistently as critical in all Member States. _________________ 19European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP).
Amendment 26 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is therefore necessary to lay down harmonised minimum rulrules for all critical entities from all Member States to ensure the provision of essential services in the internal market and enhance the resilience of critical entities.
Amendment 37 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Member States should support critical entities in strengthening their resilience, in compliance with their obligations under this Directive, without prejudice to the entities’ own legal responsibility to ensure such compliance. Member States could in particular develop guidance materials and methodologies, support the organisation of exercises to test their resilience and provide training to personnel of critical entities. Moreover, given the interdependencies between entities and sectors, Member States should establish information sharing tools to support voluntary information sharing between critical entities, without prejudice to the application of competition rules laid down in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to be able to ensure their resilience, critical entities should have a comprehensive understanding of all relevant risks to which they are exposed and, analyse those risks and establish measures to combat them. To that aim, they should carry out risks assessments, whenever necessary in view of their particular circumstances and the evolution of those risks, yet in any event every fourthree years. The risk assessments by critical entities should be based on the risk assessment carried out by Member States.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In order to support the Commission and facilitate strategic cooperation and the exchange of information, including best practices, on issues relating to this Directive, a Critical Entities Resilience Group, which is a Commission expert group, should be established. Member States should endeavour to ensure effective and efficient cooperation of the designated representatives of their competent authorities in the Critical Entities Resilience Group. The group should begin to perform its tasks from sixfour months after the entry into force of this Directive, so as to provide additional means for appropriate cooperation during the transposition period of this Directive.
Amendment 47 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Member States should ensure that their competent authorities have certain specific powers, the necessary infrastructure and tools for the proper application and enforcement of this Directive in relation to critical entities, where those entities fall under their jurisdiction as specified in this Directive. Those powers should include, notably, the power to conduct inspections, supervision and audits, require critical entities to provide information and evidence relating to the measures they have taken to comply with their obligations and, where necessary, issue orders to remedy identified infringements. When issuing such orders, Member States should not require measures which go beyond what is necessary and proportionate to ensure compliance of the critical entity concerned, taking account of in particular the seriousness of the infringement and the economic capacity of the critical entity. More generally, those powers should be accompanied by appropriate and effective safeguards to be specified in national law, in accordance with the requirements resulting from Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. When assessing the compliance of a critical entity with its obligations under this Directive, competent authorities designated under this Directive should be able to request the competent authorities designated under the NIS 2 Directive to assess the cybersecurity of those entities. Those competent authorities should cooperate and exchange information for that purpose.
Amendment 59 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall adopt by [threewo years after entry into force of this Directive] a strategy for reinforcing the resilience of critical entities. This strategy shall set out strategic objectives and policy measures with a view to achieving and maintaining a high level of resilience on the part of those critical entities and covering at least the sectors referred to in the Annex.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) strategic objectives and priorities for the purposes of enhancing the overall resilience of critical entities taking into account cross-border and cross-sectoral interdependencies and the need for the exchange of information between entities;
Amendment 63 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The strategy shall be updated where necessary and at least every fourthree years.
Amendment 68 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 8 shall establish a list of essential services in the sectors referred to in the Annex. They shall carry out by [threewo years after entry into force of this Directive], and subsequently where necessary, and at least every fourthree years, an assessment of all relevant risks that may affect the provision of those essential services, with a view to identifying critical entities in accordance with Article 5(1), and assisting those critical entities to take measures pursuant to Article 11.
Amendment 72 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The risk assessment shall account for all relevant natural and man-made risks, including accidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, antagonistic threats, cyber attacks including terrorist offences pursuant to Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 . _________________ 34Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA (OJ L 88, 31.3.2017, p. 6).
Amendment 77 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission may, in cooperation with the Member States, develop a voluntary common reporting template for the purposes of complying with paragraph 4.
Amendment 80 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. By [threewo years and three months after entry into force of this Directive] Member States shall identify for each sector and subsector referred to in the Annex, other than points 3, 4 and 8 thereof, the critical entities.
Amendment 85 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. Member States shall, where necessary and in any event at least every fourthree years, review and, where appropriate, update the list of identified critical entities.
Amendment 87 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the impacts that incidents could have, in terms of degree and duration, on economic and societal activities, the environment and public security and safety;
Amendment 89 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall submit to the Commission by [threewo years and three months after the entry into force of this Directive] the following information:
Amendment 90 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
They shall subsequently submit that information where necessary, and at least every fourthree years.
Amendment 92 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. As regards the sectors referred to in points 3, 4 and 8 of the Annex, Member States shall, by [threewo years and three months after entry into force of this Directive], identify the entities that shall be treated as equivalent to critical entities for the purposes of this Chapter. They shall apply the provisions of Articles 3, 4, 5(1) to (4) and (7), and 9 in respect of those entities.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. By [threewo years and six months after entry into force of this Directive], and every year thereafter, the single points of contact shall submit a summary report to the Commission and to the Critical Entities Resilience Group on the notifications received, including the number of notifications, the nature of notified incidents and the actions taken in accordance with Article 13(3).
Amendment 96 #
2020/0365(COD)
5 a. In the event of exceptional situations and high-risk incidents where critical entities and responsible national authorities fail to ensure that the incident is absorbed and remedied, the Commission should intervene through the available levers to help the critical entity to resolve this issue;
Amendment 98 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that critical entities assess within six months after receiving the notification referred to in Article 5(3), and subsequently where necessary and at least every fourthree years, on the basis of Member States’ risk assessments and other relevant sources of information, all relevant risks that may disrupt their operations.
Amendment 105 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Upon request of the Member State that identified the critical entity and with the agreement of the critical entity concerned, the Commission shall organise advisory missions, in accordance with the arrangements set out in Article 15(4), (5), (7) and (8), to provide advice to the critical entity concerned in meeting its obligations pursuant to Chapter III. The advisory mission shall report its findings to the Commission, that Member State and the critical entity concerned.
Amendment 111 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
That Member State shall also inform, without undue thorough delay, the Commission and the Critical Entities Resilience Group of any supervisory or enforcement actions, including any assessments of compliance or orders issued, that its competent authority has undertaken pursuant to Articles 18 and 19 in respect of that entity.
Amendment 112 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The advisory mission shall report its findings to the Commission, the Critical Entities Resilience Group and the critical entity of particular European significance concerned within a period of three month60 days after the conclusion of the advisory mission.
Amendment 114 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. A Critical Entities Resilience Group is established with effect from [sixfour months after the entry into force of this Directive]. It shall support the Commission and facilitate strategic cooperation and the exchange of information on issues relating to this Directive.
Amendment 116 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) facilitating the exchange of best practices with regard to the identification of critical entities by the Member States in accordance with Article 5, including in relation to cross-border, cross-sectoral dependencies and regarding risks and incidents;
Amendment 117 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point h
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point h
(h) exchanging information and best practices on innovation, research and development relating to the resilience of critical entities in accordance with this Directive;
Amendment 118 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 4
Article 16 – paragraph 4
4. By [2418 months after entry into force of this Directive] and every two years thereafter, the Critical Entities Resilience Group shall establish a work programme in respect of actions to be undertaken to implement its objectives and tasks, which shall be consistent with the requirements and objectives of this Directive.
Amendment 121 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 7
Article 16 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall provide to the Critical Entities Resilience Group a summary report of the information provided by the Member States pursuant to Articles 3(3) and 4(4) by [threewo years and six months after entry into force of this Directive] and subsequently where necessary and at least every fourthree years.
Amendment 122 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In order to assess the compliance of the entities that the Member States identified as critical entities pursuant to Article 5 with the obligations pursuant to this Directive, they shall ensure that the competent authorities shall have the powers and mean, means and human and financial resources to:
Amendment 123 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall ensure that the competent authorities have the powers and mean, means and human and financial resources to require, where necessary for the performance of their tasks under this Directive, that the entities that they identified as critical entities pursuant to paragraph 5 provide, within a reasonable time period set by those authorities:
Amendment 125 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
By [5436 months after the entry into force of this Directive], the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, assessing the extent to which the Member States have taken the necessary measures to comply with this Directive.
Amendment 126 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
The Commission shall periodically review the functioning of this Directive, and report to the European Parliament and to the Council. The report shall in particular assess the impact and added value of this Directive on ensuring the resilience of critical entities and whether the scope of the Directive should be extended to cover other sectors or subsectors. The first report shall be submitted by [sixfive years after the entry into force of this Directive] and shall assess in particular whether the scope of the Directive should be extended to include the food production, processing and distribution sector.
Amendment 21 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18 a) Given that the roll-out of autonomous mobility will bring considerable benefits, but also entails a variety of new risks, namely regarding road traffic safety, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, data protection and data access issues, technical infrastructure, standardisation, and employment, it is of crucial importance to ensure that the EU legal framework adequately responds to those challenges and effectively manages all risks posed to the security of network and information systems.
Amendment 22 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 b (new)
Recital 18 b (new)
Amendment 27 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) The Cooperation Group should remain a flexible forum and be able to react to changing and new policy priorities and challenges while taking into account the availability of resources. It should organize regular joint meetings with relevant private stakeholders from across the Union to discuss activities carried out by the Group and gather input on emerging policy challenges. In order to enhance cooperation at Union level, the Group should consider inviting, where relevant, Union bodies and agencies involved in cybersecurity policy, such as the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Union Agency for Space Programme (EUS, the European Union Agency for Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Defence Agency (EDA), the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS),the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), the European Securities and Markets Authority(ESMA), the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) to participate in its work.
Amendment 35 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Article 2 – paragraph 6
6. Where provisions of sector–specific acts of Union law require essential or important entities either to adopt cybersecurity risk management measures or to notify incidents or significant cyber threats, and where those requirements are at least equivalent in effect to the obligations laid down in this Directive, including as to the power, mandate and functions of the respective supervisory authorities, the relevant provisions of this Directive, including the provision on supervision and enforcement laid down in Chapter VI, shall not apply.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission may adopt implementingdelegated acts in order to lay down the technical and the methodological specifications of the elements referred to in paragraph 2. WThere preparing those acts, the Commission shall proceed in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in delegated act shall be adopted in accordance with Article 37(2)6 and follow, to the greatest extent possible, international and European standards, as well as relevant technical specifications.
Amendment 52 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) without undue delay and in any event within 724 hours after having become aware of the incident, an initial notification, which, where applicable, shall indicate whether the incident is presumably caused by unlawful or malicious action;
Amendment 54 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 5
Article 20 – paragraph 5
5. The competent national authorities or the CSIRT shall provide, within 724 hours after receiving the initial notification referred to in point (a) of paragraph 4, a response to the notifying entity, including initial feedback on the incident and, upon request of the entity, guidance on the implementation of possible mitigation measures. Where the CSIRT did not receive the notification referred to in paragraph 1 , the guidance shall be provided by the competent authority in collaboration with the CSIRT. The CSIRT shall provide additional technical support if the concerned entity so requests. Where the incident is suspected to be of criminal nature, the competent national authorities or the CSIRT shall also provide guidance on reporting the incident to law enforcement authorities.
Amendment 55 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 11
Article 20 – paragraph 11
11. The Commission, may adopt implementingdelegated acts further specifying the type of information, the format and the procedure of a notification submitted pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2. The Commission may also adopt implementing acts to further specify the cases in which an incident shall be considered significant as referred to in paragraph 3. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 37(2).
Amendment 59 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The requirements of this Directive regarding cybersecurity certification shall be without prejudice to Article 56 (2) and (3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/881.
Amendment 62 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. TIn order to elevate the overall level of cybersecurity resilience, the Commission may request ENISA to prepare a candidate scheme pursuant to Article 48(2)7 and Article 48 of Regulation (EU) 2019/881 in cases where no appropriate European cybersecurity certification scheme for the purposes of paragraph 2 is availableis available. Such candidate schemes shall comply with the requirements laid down in Article 56(2)and Article 56(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/881.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Rechargeable industrial batteries, batteries powering light means of transport and electric-vehicle batteries with internal storage with a capacity above 2 kWh should contain a battery management system that stores data so that the state of health and expected lifetime of batteries may be determined at any time by the end- user or any other third party acting on his behalf. In order to repurpose or remanufacture a battery, access to the battery management system should be provided to the person that has purchased the battery or any third party acting on its behalf at any time for evaluating the residual value of the battery, facilitating the reuse, repurposing or remanufacturing of the battery and for making the battery available to independent aggregators, as defined in Directive (EU) 201/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 , which operate virtual power plants in electricity grids. This requirement should apply in addition to Union law on type of approval of vehicles, including technical specifications that may originate from the work of the informal UNECE Working Group on Electric Vehicles and the Environment on data access in electric vehicles. _________________ 34Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125)
Amendment 127 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – indent 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – indent 4
— is neither an electric vehicle battery nor an automotive battery, nor a battery for light means of transport;
Amendment 134 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) ‘battery for light means of transport’ means wheeled vehicles that have an electric motor of less than 750 watts, on which travellers are seated when the vehicle is moving and that can be powered by the electric moany battery specifically designed to provide traction tor alone or by a combination of motor and human powern L1 or L2 category vehicle;
Amendment 233 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – title
Article 9 – title
9 Performance and durability requirements for portable batteries of general use and batteries for light means of transport
Amendment 235 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. From 1 January 2027, portable batteries of general use and batteries for light means of transport shall meet the values for the electrochemical performance and durability parameters set out in Annex III as laid down in the delegated act adopted by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 2.
Amendment 237 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. By 31 December 2025, the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 73 to supplement this Regulation by establishing minimum values for the electrochemical performance and durability parameters laid down in Annex III that portable batteries of general use and batteries for light means of transport shall attain.
Amendment 261 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Rechargeable industrial batteries and electric vehicle batteries with internal storage and a capacity above 2 kWh as well as batteries powering light means of transport, shall include a battery management system containing data on the parameters for determining the state of health and expected lifetime of batteries as laid down in Annex VII.
Amendment 393 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – title
Annex III – title
Electrochemical performance and durability parameters for portable batteries of general use and batteries for light means of transport
Amendment 34 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) The Annual Sustainable Growth Survey reframes the European Semester process to fit the fundamentally changed economic, social and environmental context, in the post-Corona period, too. It should be used as leverage for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 42 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The 8th EAP should accelerate the transition to a regenerativsustainable economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes. A regenerativsustainable growth model recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate, a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems, which provide a safe operating space for our economies. As the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow, economic activity should develop in a sustainable way that does no harm but, on the contrary, reverses climate change and environmental degradation, minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital, therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. Through continuous innovation, adaptation to new challenges and co-creation, the regenerativsustainable economy strengthens resilience and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing.
Amendment 49 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The 8th EAP should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality, adaption to climate change, protecting and restoring biodiversity, circular economy, the zero pollution ambition and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption in all economic sectors, including transport and tourism. It should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved.
Amendment 78 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. The 8th EAP aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, clean and circulartoxic-free circular and resilient economy in a just and inclusive way, and endorses the environmental and climate objectives of the European Green Deal and its initiatives including the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.
Amendment 84 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The 8th EAP has the long-term priority objective for 2050 thathat by 2050 at the latest citizens live well, within the planetary boundaries in a regenerativsustainable economy where nothing is wasted, no net emissions of greenhouse gases are produced and economic growth is decoupled from resource use and environmental degradation. A healthy environment underpins the well-being of citizenand the health of citizens, upgrades ecosystem services, biodiversity thrives and natural capital is protected, restored and valued in ways that enhance resilience to climate change and other environmental risks. The 8th EAP aims to increase the connection between environment, social, economic policies and health. The Union sets the pace for ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations globally.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services and enhancing natural capital, notably air, water, soil, and forest, freshwater, wetland and marine ecosystems;
Amendment 99 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) promoting environmental sustainability and reducing key environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption, by using tools such as e.g. environmental impact assessments and developing methods and instruments for continuous cross-cutting impact monitoring and continuous improvement of environmental performances, in particular in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, tourism, mobility and the food system.
Amendment 150 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 1 a (new)
- promoting the compliance with due diligence for businesses as an effective tool to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for the environmental impacts of their own operations and their global supply chains;
Amendment 177 #
2020/0300(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
(e a) improve the availability and interoperability of data;
Amendment 41 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Member States have been affected by the crisis due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in an unprecedented manner. The crisis hampers socio- economic growth in Member States, which in turn aggravates the serious liquidity shortages due to the sudden and important increase in public investments needed in their health systems and other key sectors of their economies. This has created an exceptional that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and to mitigate the effects of the social crisis. This has created an exceptional and, owing to the disparate impact of COVID-19 in the EU, uneven situation which needs to be addressed witthrough specific and extraordinary measures.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to redress huge shocks to the economy and prevent disastrous economic and social consequences for EU citizens stemming from the exceptional restrictions put in place by Member States to contain the COVID-19 spreading and the risks of an asymmetric recovery stemming from the unequal impact of the virus in the EU and the different national means available in different Member States resulting in serious impacts on the functioning of the Internal Market, the European Council endorsed on 23 April 2020 the “Roadmap for recovery” with a strong investment component, called for the establishment of the European Recovery Fund and mandated the Commission to analyse the needs so that the resources would be targeted towards the sectors and geographical parts of the Union most affected, while clarifying also the link with the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027.
Amendment 49 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In accordance with Regulation [European Recovery Instrument] and within the limits of resources allocated therein, recovery and resilience measures under the European Investment and Structural Funds should be carried out to address the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Such additional resources should be used to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in Regulation [ERI]. Moreover, additional resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion should be made available through a revision of the multiannual financial framework for 2014- 2020 that makes it possible to flexibly and swiftly address needs emerging as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Amendment 86 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the ERDF, as extended by Regulations (EU) 2020/460 and (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council5, Member States should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services, for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs and self-employed people, in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. Technical assistance should also be supported. It is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, which should also constitute a single investment priority, to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. _________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 5). Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (OJ L 130, 24.4.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 99 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) For the ESF, Member States should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed, job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, support to youth employment measures, education and training, skills developmentthe development of skills that enable older workers to adapt to new labour market needs and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children. It should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self- employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. Union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.
Amendment 127 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) With a view to allow the targeting of these additional resources to the geographic areas where they are most needed, as an exceptional measure and without prejudice to the general rules for allocating Structural Funds resources, the additional resources allocated to the ERDF and the ESF are not to be broken down per category of region. However, Member States are expected toMember States should take into account the different regional needs and development levels in order to ensure that focus is maintainedand they should focus on less developed regions, in accordance with the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion set out in Article 173 TFEU and with a view to ensuring that existing inequalities among EU territories are not exacerbated. Member States should also involve local and regional authorities, as well as relevant bodies representing civil society, in accordance with the partnership principles.
Amendment 159 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 4
Article 92 b – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall adopt a decision, by means of implementingdelegated acts, setting out the breakdown of the additional resources as appropriations from the Structural Funds for 2020 and 2021 for each Member State in accordance with the criteria and methodology set out in Annex VIIa. That decision shall be revised in 2021 to set out the breakdown of the additional resources for 2022 based on data available by 19 October 2021. (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)
Amendment 193 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
For the ERDF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support investment in products and services for health services, to provide support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, investments contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens, and economic measures in the regions which are most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis and in less developed regions.
Amendment 203 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
Article 92 b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
For the ESF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance, particularly in the sectors hit hardest by the crisis, including in rural areas, including through short-time work schemes and support to self- employed, even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. The additional resources shall also support job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular to support the twin green and digital transitions, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children.
Amendment 209 #
2020/0101(COD)
9. With the exception of technical assistance referred to in paragraph 6 and of the additional resources used for the FEAD referred to in the seventh subparagraph of paragraph 5, the additional resources shall support operations under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, innovative, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, complementing the thematic objectives set out in Article 9.
Amendment 237 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 12 – point d
Article 92 b – paragraph 12 – point d
Amendment 241 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 12 – point e
Article 92 b – paragraph 12 – point e
Amendment 23 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular Article 192(1) thereof,
Amendment 26 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission has, in its Communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’19, set out a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the Union's natural capital, and protect the health and well- being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts. At the same time, this transition must be just and inclusive, leaving no one behind, and must ensure that no European citizen or region pays for the consequences of this transition to a climate-neutral economy. _________________ 19 Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019.
Amendment 31 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission has, in its Communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’19 , set out a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the Union's natural capital, and protect the health and well- being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts. At the same time, this transition must be just and inclusive, leaving no one behind. , including citizens, regions, urban and rural areas. _________________ 19 Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) A fixed long-term objective is crucial to contribute to economic and societal transformation, jobs, sustainable growth, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to move in a fair and cost- effective manner towards the temperature goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change following the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the ‘Paris Agreement’).
Amendment 45 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The relationship between climate change and pandemics, such as Covid-19, requires the EU to step up its efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, prevent natural disasters and protect biodiversity worldwide, following the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Amendment 49 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Union’s and, the Member States’ and regional and local authorities’ climate action aims to protect people and the planet, welfare, prosperity, health, food systems, the integrity of eco- systems and biodiversity against the threat of climate change, in the context of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and in pursuit of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and to maximize prosperity within the planetary boundaries and to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability of territories and society to climate change.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Achieving climate neutrality should require a contribution from all economic sectors and all territorial administrations. In light of the importance of energy production and consumption on greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a sustainable, affordable and secure energy system relying on a well-functioning internal energy market is essential. The digital transformation, technological innovation, and research and development are also important drivers for achieving the climate-neutrality objective and more resilient and sustainable territories by contributing to the development of rural areas and the fight against depopulation.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Commission has, in its Communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’19 , set out a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the Union's natural capital, and protect the health and well- being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts. At the same time, this transition must be just and inclusive, leaving no one behind and guaranteeing the sufficient resources for the upskilling and reskilling of the affected workers, as well as jobseekers. _________________ 19 Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019.
Amendment 74 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Union is a global leader in the transition towards climate neutrality, and is determined to help raise global ambition and to strengthen the global response to climate change, using all tools at its disposal, including trade and investment policy, development policy and climate diplomacy.
Amendment 85 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union should aim to achieve a balance between anthropogenic economy- wide emissions and removals, through natural and technological solutions, of greenhouse gases domestically within the Union by 2050. The Union-wide 2050 climate-neutrality objective should be pursued by all Member States and their regions collectively, and the Member States, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take the necessary measures to enable its achievement. Measures at Union level will constitute an important part of the measures needed to achieve the objective. The achievement of the Union’s climate- neutrality objective requires fulfilment of specific climate-neutrality objectives at national level.
Amendment 93 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Union should continue its climate action and international climate leadership after 2050, in order to protect people and the planet against the threat of dangerous climate change, by promoting climate change adaptation programmes worldwide, in pursuit of the temperature goals set out in the Paris Agreement and following the scientific recommendations of the IPCC.
Amendment 98 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Adaptation is a key component of the long-term global response to climate change. Therefore, Member States and the Union should enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change, as provided for in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, as well as maximise the co- benefits with other environmental policies and legislation. Member States should adopt comprehensive national adaptation strategies and plans in cooperation with regional and local authorities, with particular emphasis on local investment and education programmes to promote self-consumption, renewable energy integration and improving energy efficiency. Regional and local adaptation strategies and plans should be supported by ESI Funds and aligned with their respective national strategy.
Amendment 108 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In taking the relevant measures at Union and national level to achieve the climate-neutrality objective, Member States and the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take into account the contribution of the transition to climate neutrality to the well- being of citizens, the cohesion between the various EU regions, the prosperity of society and the competitiveness of the economy; energy and food security and affordability; fairness and solidarity across and within Member States considering their economic capability, national and regional circumstances and the need for convergence over time; the need to make the transition just and socially fair; best available scientific evidence, in particular the findings reported by the IPCC; the need to integrate climate change related risks into investment and planning decisions; cost-effectiveness and technological neutrality in achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions and removals and increasing resilience; progression over time in environmental integrity and level of ambition.
Amendment 131 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) To ensure the Union and the Member States remain on track to achieve the climate-neutrality objective and progress on adaptation, the Commission should regularly measure and assess progress, making all relevant data available to the public. Should the collective progress made by Member States and regions towards the achievement of the climate-neutrality objective or on adaptation be insufficient or Union measures inconsistent with the climate- neutrality objective or inadequate to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience or reduce vulnerability, the Commission should take the necessary measures in accordance with the Treaties. The Commission should also regularly assess relevant national and regional measures, and issue recommendations where it finds that a Member State’s measures are inconsistent with the climate- neutrality objective or inadequate to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change. Pursuant to Treaties provisions, the Commission shall ensure that all Member States apply this Regulation, and may resort to Article 258 and Article 260 TFEU when appropriate.
Amendment 138 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) As citizens and communities have a powerful role to play in driving the transformation towards climate neutrality forward, strong public and social engagement on climate action should be facilitated. The Commission should therefore engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towards a climate-neutral and climate- resilient society, including through launching a European Climate Pact. at all levels, including at national, regional and local level and with social partners, including trade unions, and facilitating participation and accessibility of information to all persons with disabilities . The Commission should therefore engage with all competent institutions promoting multi-level governance and with all with all parts of society to strengthen the exchange of information and awareness-raising aimed at achieving a climate-neutral and climate- resilient society, including through launching a European Climate Pact. Participation means will be developed to guarantee the involvement of social partners, economic actors and citizens in general in the strategies and plans adopted by Member States and regional and local authorities in matters of energy and climate governance.
Amendment 142 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) The Commission, in its Communication ‘The European Green Deal’1a highlights the acceleration of the shift to sustainable and smart mobility as a priority policy to transform the EU's economy, society and natural environment towards climate neutrality. It indicates that all modes of transport should contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal. To achieve the latter, there is a need to boost multimodal transport, automated, modern and accessible mobility connectivity, as well as the deployment of alternative transport fuels and the establishment of sustainable charging points. The revision of the TEN- T Regulation should be key in accelerating the transformation to sustainable and smart mobility. _________________ 1a Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 b (new)
Recital 16 b (new)
(16 b) To ensure the transition towards sustainable and smart mobility, the Commission announced in its Communication ‘The European Green Deal’1a its intention to adopt a comprehensive Strategy on Sustainable and Smart Mobility in 2020 with ambitious measures aimed at significantly reducing CO2 and pollutant emissions across all modes of transport. The strategy will include the following four areas of action: boosting the uptake of clean vehicles and alternative fuels for road, maritime and aviation fuels; increasing the share of more sustainable transport modes such as rail and inland waterways, and improving efficiency across the whole transport system; incentivising the right consumer choices and low-emission practices; and, investing in low- and zero- emissions solutions, including infrastructure. Furthermore, the strategy should take full advantage of the opportunities presented by digitalisation and should continue prioritising the highest safety and security standards. In addition, it should ensure that the transition towards sustainable and smart mobility goes hand by hand with a just transition for workers of the transport sector and promotes the upskilling and reskilling needed to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, the comprehensive strategy should guarantee affordability and accessibility of sustainable modes of transport for all users. _________________ 1a Commission Communication - The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) As citizens and communitieregions have a powerful role to play in driving the transformation towards climate neutrality forward, strong public and social engagement on climate action should be facilitated at national, regional and local level. The Commission should therefore engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towards a climate-neutral and climate- resilient society, including through launching a European Climate Pact.
Amendment 153 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to provide predictability and confidence for all economic actors, including businesses, workers, investors and consumers, to ensure that the transition towards climate neutrality is irreversible, inclusive and socially fair, to ensure gradual reduction over time and to assist in the assessment of the consistency of measures and progress with the climate- neutrality objective, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission to set out a trajectory for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the Union by 2050. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making37 . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. _________________ 37 OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1. 37
Amendment 154 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In line with the Commission’s commitment to the principles on Better Law-Making, coherence of and complementarity between the Union instruments as regards greenhouse gas emissions reductions should be sought. The system of measuring the progress towards the achievement of the climate-neutrality objective as well as the consistency of measures taken with that objective should build upon and be consistent with the governance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. In particular, the system of reporting on a regular basis and the sequencing of the Commission’s assessment and actions on the basis of the reporting should be aligned to the requirements to submit information and provide reports by Member States laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 should therefore be amended in order to include the climate-neutrality objective in the relevant provisions.
Amendment 155 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Climate change is by definition a trans-boundary challenge and, so a coordinated action at Union level is needed to effectively supplement and reinforce national policies. Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 2050, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of the scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives, . Pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation, as set out in Article 4 of the same Treaty, the Union and the Member States shall assist each other to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, Member States shall take any appropriate measures resulting from the objectives and recommendations as set out in this Regulation and shall refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the objectives of this Regulation
Amendment 174 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union and national level respectively, including setting specific climate-neutrality objectives at national level, to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in paragraph 1, taking into account the importance of promoting fairness and, solidarity among Member Statend sincere cooperation among Member States, regions and citizens.
Amendment 178 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union and national level respectively, to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in paragraph 1, taking into account the importance of promoting fairness and solidarity among Member States and among the various European regions in order to ensure that no one is left behind.
Amendment 227 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) competitiveness of the Union’s economy and social welfare;
Amendment 229 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) a high level of employment, sustainable growth and social inclusion, including by advancing in social objectives such as accessibility for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 241 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) energy efficiency, energy affordability and, security of supply and the need to combat energy poverty with renewable energies;
Amendment 245 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d b (new)
(db) food safety, food affordability and security of supply;
Amendment 247 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) fairness and, solidarity and sincere cooperation between and within Member States, taking full account of the EU’s territorial cohesion;
Amendment 252 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point g
(g) public and private investment needs and opportunities with a focus on social, economic and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 254 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. By September 2020, the Commission shall review the Union’s 2030 target for climate referred to in Article 2(11) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in light of the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1), and explore options for a new 2030 target of 50 to 55% emission reductions compared to 1990. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to amend that target, it shall make duly justified proposals to the European Parliament and to the Council as appropriate.
Amendment 269 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j a (new)
(ja) the commitment to global leadership on climate neutrality;
Amendment 271 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j b (new)
(jb) the assessment of the carbon footprint and water footprint in trade relations with third countries.
Amendment 275 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall develop and implement adaptation strategies and plans in cooperation with regions and municipalities that include comprehensive risk management frameworks, based on robust climate and vulnerability baselines and progress assessments. Member States shall ensure the integration of the regional and local perspective when developing and implementing their adaptation strategies and plans.
Amendment 286 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall submit the conclusions of that assessment, together with the State of the Energy Union Report prepared in the respective calendar year in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, to the European Parliament and to the Council. The Commission shall refer in its assessment to the progress made by regions and metropolitan regions on adaptation as referred to in Article 4 and shall refer to sectorial roadmaps in order to promote a transparent and socially fair transition towards carbon neutrality.
Amendment 294 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The assessment referred to in paragraph 1 and the review referred to in paragraph 2 shall be carried out on the basis of a common EU information system, accessible to the public, incorporating the information generated by the different actors involved in achieving the objective of climate neutrality and advancing adaptation. Requirements shall be set to ensure standardisation and homogeneity of information by ensuring that it consists of data that are easy to find, accessible, interoperable and reusable. This system will benefit from the opportunities afforded by digitalisation and new technologies.
Amendment 299 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Where, based on the assessment referred to in paragraphs 1 and the review referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission finds that Union measures are inconsistent with the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) or inadequate to ensure progress on adaptation as referred to in Article 4, or that the progress towards either the climate-neutrality objective or on adaptation as referred to in Article 4 is insufficient, it shall take the necessary measures in accordance with the Treaties, at the same time as the review of the trajectory referred to in Article 3(1).
Amendment 307 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall submit the conclusions of that assessment, together with the State of the Energy Union Report prepared in the respective calendar year in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, to the European Parliament and to the Council. The Commission shall refer in its assessment to the measures taken by competent regional administrations and metropolitan regions in relation to the climate- neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) and in relation to the adaptation to climate change as referred to in Article 4 in order to promote a transparent and socially fair transition towards carbon neutrality.
Amendment 308 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) best available technology in terms of sustainability, innovation and resilience;
Amendment 310 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission finds, under due consideration of the collective progress assessed in accordance with Article 5(1), that a Member State’s measures or its regions’ measures are inconsistent with that objective as expressed by the trajectory referred to in Article 3(1) or inadequate to ensure progress on adaptation as referred to in Article 4, it may issue recommendations to that Member State. The Commission shall make such recommendations publicly available.
Amendment 312 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The EU information system referred to in Article 5(2) shall have a section including strategies, measures and good practices, in order to help bring the measures taken by Member States into line with Commission recommendations.
Amendment 314 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) fairness and solidar, solidarity and commitment with climate neutrality between and within Member States;
Amendment 314 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the Member State concerned shall take due account of the recommendation in a spirit of solidarity and sincere cooperation between Member States and the Union, between Member States and between the Member State concerned and its regions;
Amendment 315 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the Member State concerned shall take due account of the recommendation in a spirit of solidarity between Member States and the Union and between Member States and European regions;
Amendment 321 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point g
(g) investment needs and opportunitie, opportunities and challenges, particularly in economic diversification terms;
Amendment 322 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) regional statistics and data, including data of metropolitan regions; and
Amendment 326 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point h
(h) the need to ensure and invest in a just and socially fair transition;
Amendment 326 #
2020/0036(COD)
(e) any supplementary information on environmentally sustainable investment, by the Union and, Member States and regional and local authorities, including, when available, investment consistent with Regulation (EU) 2020/… [Taxonomy Regulation].
Amendment 327 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towardsstrengthen the exchange of information and awareness- raising aimed at achieving a climate- neutral and climate-resilient society. The Commission shall facilitate an inclusive and accessible process at all levels, including at national, regional and local level and with social partners, citizens and civil society, ensuring participation and accessibility of information to all persons with disabilities, for the exchange of best practice and to identify actions to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation. In addition, the Commission may also draw on the multilevel climate and energy dialogues as set up by Member States in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. Participation means will be developed to guarantee the involvement of social partners, economic actors and citizens in general in the strategies and plans adopted by Member States and regional and local authorities in matters of energy and climate governance.
Amendment 329 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Amendment 339 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Regulation (EU) 2018/1999
Article 11
Article 11
Each Member State shall establish a multilevel climate and energy dialogue pursuant to national rules, in which regional and local authorities, civil society organisation, business community, investors, trade unions and other relevant stakeholders and the general public are able actively to engage and discuss the achievement of the Union’s climate- neutrality objective set out in Article 2 of Regulation …/… [Climate Law] and the different scenarios envisaged for energy and climate policies, including for the long term, and review progress, unless it already has a structure which serves the same purpose. Integrated national energy and climate plans may be discussed within the framework of such a dialogue.;
Amendment 352 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States, in cooperation with regional and local authorities, shall develop and implement adaptation strategies and plans that include comprehensive risk management frameworks, based on robust climate and vulnerability baselines and progress assessments.
Amendment 363 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall submit the conclusions of that assessment, which will be made public, together with the State of the Energy Union Report prepared in the respective calendar year in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 368 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Where, based on the public assessment referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, the Commission finds that Union measures are inconsistent with the climate- neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) or inadequate to ensure progress on adaptation as referred to in Article 4, or that the progress towards either the climate-neutrality objective or on adaptation as referred to in Article 4 is insufficient, it shall take the necessary measures in accordance with the Treaties, at the same time as the review of the trajectory referred to in Article 3(1).
Amendment 383 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall submit the conclusions of that assessment, which will be made public, together with the State of the Energy Union Report prepared in the respective calendar year in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 388 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission finds, under due consideration of the collective progress assessed in accordance with Article 5(1), that a Member State’s measures are inconsistent with that objective as expressed by the trajectory referred to in Article 3(1) or inadequate to ensure progress on adaptation as referred to in Article 4, it may issue duly justified recommendations to that Member State. The Commission shall make such recommendations publicly available.
Amendment 393 #
2020/0036(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the Member State concerned shall set out, in its first progress report submitted in accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, in the year following the year in which the recommendation was issued, how it has taken due account of the recommendation. If the Member State concerned decides not to address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State shall provide the Commission its duly justified reasoning;
Amendment 33 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of rail as being a stable, safe and a more resilient transport mode for freight and passenger transport. This is largely based on the employees who continued working under difficult, dangerous and uncertain conditions to ensure that medical supplies and essential goods are transported across Europe.
Amendment 36 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable, intermodal transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits encouraging those already using sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. Achieving sustainable transport means as well putting transport workers first who are essential workers and deliver quality transport services to the benefit of users only when quality working conditions are realized. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.
Amendment 38 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable and multimodal transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways, it is thus essential to move forward in implementing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and to ensure the necessary financial resources are available.
Amendment 48 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The COVID-19 pandemic has hit rail and the public transport sector exceptionally hard. The sector experienced an unprecedented decline in passenger numbers in international and long distant services as well as in regional, suburban and urban services. Despite the operational and financial constraints the sector maintained crucial connections for both people and the transport of essential goods. Rail and public transport play a key role in the economic recovery and are amongst the most sustainable transport means. Therefore the European Year of Rail should encourage citizens to use rail and public transport again.
Amendment 55 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to the EU's social, economic and territorial cohesion., and is of particular importance in connecting in rural areas where high- quality rail infrastructure ensures that people do not relocate and provides basic services;
Amendment 61 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its rural areas, regions, peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 74 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike and to have suitable infrastructure and strong EU funding instruments such as the Connect Europe Mechanism.
Amendment 79 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, employees and businesses alike.
Amendment 82 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) To increase the usage of rail services a comprehensive strategy needs to include a door-to-door approach and thus the use of public transport.
Amendment 86 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) There were 979 railway companies employing over 660,000 people in the European Union in 20161a. Making the rail sector the third biggest employer of all modes of transport; in order to reach its full potential, it needs to diversify its workforce and attract women and young workers in particular. It is essential to deliver optimal transport services to the benefit of users, with rail employees enjoying quality working conditions; _________________ 1a European Commission (2019), Statistical Pocketbook: EU Transport in figures, p. 26-27.
Amendment 91 #
2020/0035(COD)
(8a) The Shift2Rail (S2R) Joint Undertaking, launched as part of the Horizon 2020 framework programme for innovation, is the railway sector's first collaborative research instrument. By bringing together manufacturers, operators, infrastructure managers and academics in all Member States, S2R has ensured the stability and long-term prospects of the entire sector's technological innovation efforts. The European Commission and the Member States should strongly support Shift2Rail's successor in the next Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme, so as to make further progress in innovation in the sector with a view to increasing capacity in the European rail network, achieving higher rail service quality and reliability and significantly reducing life-cycle costs across the entire network.
Amendment 102 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative, resilient and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a structuring element to promote socio-economic activity in territories, with particular importance in rural and depopulated areas, as well as its role as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;
Amendment 104 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promote rail, including urban and suburban rail, as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail and public transport as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;
Amendment 108 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) strengthen the role of rail in the EU's forthcoming strategy on sustainable and smart mobility as a key element in promoting the collective transport of goods and passengers, multimodality and connection to logistics platforms;
Amendment 111 #
2020/0035(COD)
(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters socio-economic and territorial cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market, paying particular attention to and ensuring connectivity in peripheral regions;
Amendment 113 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail and its crucial role for sustainable tourism, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;
Amendment 119 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional and local development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, research and innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, as well as elderly persons;
Amendment 122 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, social sustainable employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 130 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) promote the key role of digitisation and big data in improving the functioning of the trans-European railway networks and in the EU logistics value chain with a view to improving, and enhancing efficiency in, the organisation and management of freight flows and traffic, particularly in cross-border stretches of track;
Amendment 138 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
(db) disseminate clear information on rail passengers' rights;
Amendment 140 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
(dc) encourage the Member States to cooperate with a view to setting up a common European ticketing system, providing, in the EU's official languages, comprehensive information on the various ticketing arrangements in each Member State, on accessibility features at railway stations, and on the different purchasing and payment methods, in order to facilitate access to railway services throughout the EU;
Amendment 143 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a Emphasise the importance of urban rail and public transport in urban areas that guarantee a sustainable first and last mile option for travellers and daily sustainable transport solutions for commuters.
Amendment 147 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events at national, regional and local level in Member States;
Amendment 154 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business, trade unions and schools on promoting the use of rail and public transport and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;
Amendment 166 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Encourage and promote initiatives in the public and private sector to promote and facilitate better business-travel patterns and commuting by rail.;
Amendment 167 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Initiatives to simplify ticketing systems and carriage regulations;
Amendment 169 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Promote the attractiveness of the railway profession , promote equal pay at the same place, reconciliation of work and private life, career development, protection against abuse and fair conditions of service;
Amendment 171 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Cooperation with European rail museums and existing cultural events such as film festivals and art exhibitions;
Amendment 172 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 e (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Campaigns to re-establish trust of citizens and passengers to use rail public passenger transport again.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as the Member States, at Union and nat, national and regional level respectively, may refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 184 #
2020/0035(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders, social partners and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.
Amendment 26 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. In this context, special attention should be paid to the particular challenges that the impact of transitioning to climate neutrality will present for remote, island and geographically disadvantaged areas, and for areas with depopulation problems.
Amendment 33 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. A just climate and energy transition must not leave anyone behind and should create conditions to eradicate energy poverty. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 46 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. In this context, special attention should be paid to the particular challenges that the transition to climate neutrality will present for remote, island and geographically disadvantaged areas, and for areas with depopulation problems. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 52 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) In order to set out an appropriate financial framework for the JTF and to ensure a level playing field, reducing the off-shoring of production and additional funds to deploy policies restricting the emissions the Commission shall introduce a carbon border tax mechanism as an EU own resources.
Amendment 58 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and, connectivity and sustainable mobility, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. _________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 61 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The Just Transition Fund should take account of the demographic challenges facing territories affected by the climate transition, particularly those with depopulation problems. These depopulated or scarcely populated areas are facing major challenges with regard to basic services, connectivity and infrastructure. The socio-economic fabric of these depopulated or scarcely populated areas that depend heavily on fossil fuels is, therefore, particularly vulnerable to the climate transition. In this context, the Just Transition Fund should support job creation in these areas, thus preventing relocation and population loss that would result in the emptying of those territories.
Amendment 63 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market. Similarly, special attention should be paid to unemployment rates, particularly for young people, in territories affected by the transition.
Amendment 64 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers and self- employed persons whose activity has affected as a result of significant structural changes, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job- search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
Amendment 79 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories, such as unemployment rates and any job losses, and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal, such as the design of sustainable mobility plans and accessible and affordable green energy plans for the inhabitants of affected territories. Similarly, territorial plans should reflect the particular challenges that the transition to climate neutrality will present for remote, island and geographically disadvantaged areas, and for areas with depopulation problems. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.
Amendment 85 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) The territorial just transition plans are to be submitted as soon as possible but not later than one year after the entry into force of this Regulation. That poses an implementation challenge for managing authorities and for the Member States, as the adoption of these plans is necessary to release the funding. Conditional pre- financing for technical assistance should, therefore, be made available before the adoption of the plans in order to alleviate this challenge.
Amendment 116 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, including the development of sustainable mobility services, energy efficiency and renewable energy;
Amendment 142 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
(h) upskilling and reskilling of workers and self-employed persons;
Amendment 146 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point j
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point j
(j) active inclusion of jobseekers;, including income support for transitioning workers and mobility grants for workers who need to move for a new job
Amendment 154 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Supported activities must meet the following criteria: - Contribution of job creation activities; - Contribution to reducing CO2 emissions; - Contributing to security of supply (eg if it is necessary to replace the phased interrupted power for electricity); -Contribution to the circular economy, air quality, rehabilitation of sites, upgrading and retraining of workers and/or self- employed persons.
Amendment 181 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant regional, local or other authorities of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social and territorial cohesion impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. Similarly, territorial plans should take account of the unemployment rate, particularly for young people, in the affected territories, along with other demographic challenges, such as depopulation. _________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 196 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, taking unemployment rates into account and identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the developmentpopulation density, the development and territorial cohesion needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 199 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, along with the design of sustainable mobility and green energy plans that are accessible and affordable in the territories most affected by the transition;
Amendment 224 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) The unemployment rate, particularly for young people.
Amendment 225 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point v a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point v a (new)
(va) The demographic challenges facing affected territories, for example, depopulation.
Amendment 901 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – subheading 1
Annex III – subheading 1
REGIONAL POLICY COMMON OUTPUT INDICATORS (‘RCO’) AND REGIONAL POLICY COMMON RESULT INDICATORS (‘RCR’) FOR THE JUST TRANSITION FUND2 2 For presentational reasons, indicators are grouped to provide for easier matching with the indicators included in other cohesion policy fund-specific regulations.FOR THE JUST TRANSITION FUND deleted
Amendment 902 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – column 1 – Outputs – rows 7 and 8
Annex III – column 1 – Outputs – rows 7 and 8
RCO 39: Systems for monitoring air pollution installed for participants3 4: 3All output and result indicators related to participants are to be reported. All personal data are to be broken down by gender (male/female – non-binary). Where certain results are not possible, it is not necessary to collect and report data for those result indicators. When data are collected from registers, Member States do not need to align with commonly agreed definitions and may use national definitions.
Amendment 903 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – column 2 – Results
Annex III – column 2 – Results
Amendment 3 #
2019/2213(BUD)
1. Calls for an ambitious budget for the EU transport sector, which takes into account emerging challenges, new opportunities and the current political priorities in terms of EU transport policy;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that EU transport policy is essential for Europe’s economic, social and environmental development and its sustainability, and in promoting and enhancing territorial and socioeconomic cohesion in the EU and ensuring the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the EU; strongly requests, therefore, that EU transport policy receive adequate and sufficient funding in order to secure growth, jobs and competitiveness in Europe, including in rural areas and the more remote geographical areas; requests additional investments in research and innovation, and in social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the 2021 budget should reflect the priorities set out by Parliament in its resolution of 14 November 2018 on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and that it should provide the necessary financing for both for projects started under the current MFF and for new projects based on the 2021-2027 MFF; reiterates, therefore, the importance of providing for a contingency plan to protect beneficiaries and ensure the projects’ continuity in the event that the current MFF needs to be extended beyond 2020;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes EU transport financing should be aligned to the Green Deal’s regulatory requirements and that full alignment with the Paris Agreement should be guaranteed; stresses that the Green Deal needs to go hand in hand with a just, inclusive and non-discriminatory transition for the workforce, businesses and SMEs in the sector;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the new association agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland should guarantee continued connectivity between the United Kingdom and the EU while at the same time maintaining a stable playing field in highly competitive sectors, and should also include provisions on access and investment in order, inter alia, to ensure open and fair competition; stresses that the new association with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland should guarantee continued funding for jointly agreed infrastructure projects, both for projects already underway and for possible new projects, particularly in regard to the Trans- European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the Connecting Europe Facility; requests that the 2021 budget provide for all the foregoing;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines, therefore, that appropriate funding for transport projects will be instrumental in accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart, safe, smart, interoperable, integrationist and accessible mobility and in implementing the Green Deal’s legislative priorities through tangible measures based on new technologies, boosting multimodal transport, the development of automated and connected multimodal mobility, the use of public transport, and an increase in the production and deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and of recharging points for the latter;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the importance of the Green Deal being accompanied by a just and inclusive transition to ensure the transport sector’s workforce can adjust, and to support the regions and communities most affected; considers it important to have proper funding for this adjustment process, potentially entailing training and equipping the sector’s workforce with new expertise for new job prospects, requirements and skills;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights the fact that to achieve the goals of the Green Deal it is important that European businesses and SMEs in the transport sector are supported as they tackle the transition to climate neutrality; considers that initiatives need to be promoted in order to facilitate this transformation by incentivising, inter alia, sustainable investment;
Amendment 50 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Stresses that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding programme plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Green Deal and smart, sustainable mobility in the EU; reiterates that the Connecting Europe Facility promotes modern sustainable transport and infrastructure projects, actions that promote innovation and technology such as telematics applications systems, and the deployment of alternative fuels, multimodality, rail freight, interoperability, safety and accessibility;
Amendment 64 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that cohesion policy funding for transport infrastructure should aim at pursuing the Treaty-based objective of EU economic, social and territorial cohesion; highlights the crucial role that EU transport policy and investment plays in promoting and enhancing territorial, social and economic cohesion in the EU; requests, therefore, that the funding of TEN-T be maintained as part of cohesion policy;
Amendment 79 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that transport projects financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by the Cohesion Fund (CF) must give priority to the completion of the TEN-T corridors;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2213(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights in particular the crucial role of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking in achieving a lasting shift from road to rail; stresses that the Shift2Rail undertaking plays a key role in overcoming technical obstacles and driving forward interoperability, with the aim, ultimately, of making rail transport cheaper, more efficient and more attractive;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the report of October 2019 from the EC Expert Group on the Competitiveness of the European Rail Supply Industry states that ERTMS is a flagship of the EU industry's innovative power;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas for the new programming period, according to the EU climate tracking methodology for EU expenditure, ERTMS accounts for 40% contribution to climate and environment objectives respectively and taking into account that 30% of expenditure under the Cohesion Policy Funds and InvestEU, 37% under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and 60% under the Connecting Europe Facility must be allocated to actions combating climate change;
Amendment 30 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that ERTMS is crucial for the creation of a Single European Railway Area; stresses, therefore, the importance of prioritizing an optimized coordination of the development and deployment of ERTMS ensuring the implementation throughout the Union of a single, transparent, stable, affordable and interoperable ERTMS system;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes that the new Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy confirms that ERTMS must be the heart of a digital rail system and that its roll out should be a key priority in order to create a truly smart transport system with efficient capacity allocation and traffic management;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the commitment of the railway sector to enable the industrialisation of ERTMS, tackling the existing bottlenecks, in particular the standardisation of the future rail system architecture in the framework of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking’s System Pillar.
Amendment 42 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the new tasks entrusted to the Agency under the Fourth Railway Package, and recognises the prominent role of the Agency as a one stop shop which ensures consistency in the development of the interoperable ERTMS, that ERTMS deployment complies with the specifications in force, and that ERTMS- related European research and innovation programmes are coordinated with the development of ERTMS technical specifications; points out the importance of regulatory stability regarding the technical specifications for interoperability as a means of unlocking investments in the ERTMS and asks the Commission to analyse carefully further changes when updating the TSI for 2030 and to ensure compatibility;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the Agency should be provided with the appropriate financial resources and powers to increase competitiveness and overcome the challenges of ERTMS deployment and functioning that still exist (harmonisation of operational rules and requirement, specification maintenance and change, and public procurement procedures etc.);
Amendment 61 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that an approach to ERTMS deployment coordinated between all Member States and led by the ERTMS Coordinator is the only way forward to overcome the current patchwork situation which is neither efficient nor facilitates seamless interoperability;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes there is a need for a regulatory framework for the digitalisation of the rail system, and welcomes the contribution of Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R JU)and the efforts in research and innovation of Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R JU) towards achieving a more sustainable, digital, competitive, reliable and attractive railway system in Europe; strongly supports its new successor initiative, the system pillar, which coordinates the evolution of the system, new technology developments, such as the European Control and Command System (CCS), migration plans, industrialisation and deployment, especially for the ERTMS, with a view to contributing to more efficient collaboration and better use of scarce resources;
Amendment 74 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that compared with the targets set in the European Deployment Plan, at the end of 2020 only around 13 % of the core network corridors were operated with the ERTMS, and ERTMS deployment in most of the corridors ranged between 7 % and 28 %;
Amendment 86 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Points out that there are still currently roughly 30 different national signalling systems; highlights that the Class B systems are a bottleneck for ERTMS rollout and for cross-border operations of rail traffic in European network, require a more expensive and difficult safety authorisation for operators, and are a barrier to the competitiveness of the rail transport; Recognises that especially in areas with predominantly local, domestic traffic (e.g. PSO contracts), existing class-B systems have a remaining economic life time.
Amendment 94 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to come up with a decommissioning strategy for Class B systems with regulatory deadlines to be set at EU level; believes that the effectiveness of this strategy depends on the involvement of the actors concerned and is based on the understanding of the need to compensate the compelled reduction of the current system’s lifespan by means of ERTMS funding;
Amendment 102 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission, moreover, to introduce a regulatory provision to ensure that the ERTMS NIPs are legally aligned with the binding ERTMS deployment targets set in EU legislation in order to complete its introduction within the core network, due by 2030;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points out that current national rules and the lack of harmonisation of operational requirements (such as engineering rules), which may differ along the network, affects interoperability, impeding seamless operation of the European rail networkConsiders that promoting modal shifts and efficient rail and combined transport, in particular in cross-border situations and in missing links, must be a priority for the TEN-T policy and ought to be carried out by fully deploying ERTMS; points out that in order to achieve a seamless operation of the European rail network, there is a need to harmonise current national rules and of operational requirements (such as engineering rules) and of regulatory and technical barriers, which may differ along the network; stresses the importance to ensure equal access for rail operators, accelerating electrification, ensuring interconnection and interoperability, supporting research and innovation including the Shift2Rail joint undertaking, and optimising rail freight corridors in line with demand, particularly in logistics hubs such as ports and airports; calls the Commission to take this into consideration for its upcoming proposal of the revision of the TEN-T guidelines;
Amendment 131 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Emphasises that the next iteration of ERTMS (standards) must bring improvements to interoperability, operational performance and lifecycle cost, through: - the industrialisation of ERTMS rollout instead of the current project-approach - maintainability- and upgradeability by design supported by an open plug-and- play architecture - having fully harmonised operational rules
Amendment 134 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Calls on the European Commission to use EU’s bilateral cooperations to promote the deployment of ERTMS within third countries;
Amendment 136 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. RPoints out that the completion of the ERTMS both trackside and on-board trains is a fundamental prerequisite to the creation of a Single European Railway Area and for allowing the proper functioning of the rail market in the TEN- T corridors; recalls that EU financial support is available for ERTMS investments both trackside and on board, but it can only cover a limited amount of the overall cost of deployment, leaving most of the investment to individual infrastructure managers and railway undertakings;
Amendment 153 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States to ensurEuropean Commission and the Member States to ensure, promote and facilitate synergies within all the European financial instruments such as CEF and its Blending Facility, the Cohesion Funds, InvestEU, and access to Next Generation EU while makingand calls the Commission to encourage Member States to make the ERTMS one of their main priorities in their Recovery and Resilient Plans;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Is convinced that these funds are vital to cover the limited transition phase between ongoing R&D programs and broad operational ERTMS deployment.
Amendment 4 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the platform economy has become an integral and rapidly growing part of the European transport sector; whereas platforms hold potential to facilitate efficiency and productivity improvements and lower barriers to entry into the labour market.
Amendment 25 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas precarious self- employment in the platform sector is increasing, particularly for low-skilled platform-determined on-location work1 , including driving and delivery services, which is among the types of platform work raising most concerns on employment and working conditions; _________________ 1Eurofound (2018), Employment and working conditions of selected types of platform work, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 30 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas many platforms have shifted social costs to workers and the public by circumvention of taxes, labour laws and commercial standards for health, safety and environment with grave socio-economic and individual consequences;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. Whereas the platform industry aggravates problems already existing in the standard labour market such as precarious atypical employment and zero hour contracts and should be tackled as part of a larger problem while ensuring that the solutions explicitly covers platform workers
Amendment 43 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas a growing case law of court and administrative decisions find platform workers to be misclassified as self-employed; this misclassification limits the workers’ access to social protection and deprives them of the right to collectively bargain decent wages;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Amendment 49 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
B e. whereas Council Recommendation 2019/C 387/01 recommends Member States to provide access to adequate social protection to all workers and self- employed persons in Member States;
Amendment 78 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Member States to implement the Council Recommendation 2019/C 387/01 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed;
Amendment 103 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. draws attention to the Californian Assembly Bill 5 as a strong example of how to define self-employed workers in the Transportation industry using a rebuttable legal assumption
Amendment 111 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need for transparency and non-discrimination in transport and tourism platforms, specifically regarding algorithms that affect service, allocation of tasks, pricing, ranking, and advertising;
Amendment 113 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to investigate the potential of audit requirements on the underlying algorithms of platforms that facilitate employment to ensure non-discrimination and regulatory compliance
Amendment 114 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. reminds that workers need to know how pay is determined and tasks are allocated and be given notice in case of change;
Amendment 116 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the importance to workers of portability and interoperability of data between platforms; calls on Transport and Tourism platforms to ensure that workers have proper access to bringing personal rankings and reviews with them from one platform to another
Amendment 120 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 126 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Emphasises the need for member states to ratify the ILO conventions and strengthen the rights for platform workers to organise in trade unions, to bargain collectively and to co-determine at the company.
Amendment 128 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Reminds the Commission to take a holistic approach to solving issues such as bogus self-employment, zero hour contracts and barriers to organising as they are not unique to the platform economy but also affect large numbers of workers in the standard labour market
Amendment 129 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Reminds that women make up only 22% of workers in the transportation industry and also represent a minority of platform workers in the Transport and Tourism industries with anecdotal evidence hinting to female platform workers in the transport industry being affected by worse employment and working conditions than their male counterparts
Amendment 140 #
2019/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
Amendment 5 #
Amendment 6 #
Amendment 7 #
2019/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Notes the Agency's role in ensuring the safety and interoperability of the European rail system and improving competitiveness of rail with other modes of transport, by reducing administrative and technical barriers, encouraging market entry and ensuring non- discrimination, spending public money more efficiently on public rail transport services and through better governance of the infrastructure; supports the Commission’s vision of a European railway system that leads the world on safety performance;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2019/2081(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Recalls that the ERTMS is crucial to achieving a Single European Railway Area; stresses, therefore, that an optimised coordination of ERTMS development and deployment that ensures a single, transparent, stable, affordable and interoperable ERTMS system throughout Europe is a key priority;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas in the context of the discharge procedure, the discharge authority wishes to stress the particular importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by improving transparency and accountability, and implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting and good governance of human resources;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 5 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 6 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes alsowith satisfaction that the Court did not report any specific issues for the EEAS for the second consecutive year;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes withe concern the irregularitiesmplexity onf the building administration policy in the light of the EEAS' mission; stresses the need for sufficient explanation of accusations of EEAS being involved in corruptive casesto be provided by EEAS related to its building administration policy when buying, renting or managing buildings; calls on the EEAS to provide eventually sufficient explanation on such tendersin this context, welcomes its continuous efforts to implement the Court's recommendations included in the Special Report 07/2016 "The European External Action Service's management of its buildings around the world" reflected in the Action Plan adopted in December 2017; encourages the EEAS to pursue this direction in the future;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the EEAS to commit for the next discharges to sendkeep sending its Working Document on EEAS' Building Policy to the Budgetary Control Committee more, including information explaining the context and coverage of the building costs; takes note of the exhaustive and detailed information about the EEAS' building policy provided through the written questionnaires;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note of a rate of anomalies detected in ex ante verifications of commitments and payments (respectively 209 errors out of 1041 and 258 of 1841); regrets the recurrent nature of the errors detected, i.e. mainly the unavailability of supporting documents when financial operations are presented to ex ante financial verification; invites the EEAS also to continue providing specific support for all value public procurement in delegations; welcomes the implementation of financial e-workflows at headquarters by the end of 2019 intended to contribute to a reduction of the level of errors in general terms;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 16 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that only two delegations provided motivated reservations, i.e. Delegation to Syria, as in 2017, and the Delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg for non- compliance of implemented contracts with procurement rules; encourages the EEAS to continue the ongoing full review of all contracts to ensure compliance with the financial rules;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 18 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. SRemains concerned at imbalances in the staffing profile of the EEAS as regards nationality; stresses that the EEAS, despite repeated calls, still does not meet the requirements for geographical balance and is significantly disproportionate while having heads of delegation from Belgium (9), Germany (15), France (16), Italy (21), Poland (5), Czech Republic (2); notes, in particular, the increased number of Italian heads of delegation over the last two years;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Urges to enhance the geographical balance within the EEAS; reiterates the importance of appropriate and meaningful presence of nationals from all the Member States; stresses that the EEAS must ensure that all Member States are adequately represented bywhile respecting the competences and merits of the candidates; therefore encourages the EEAS to carry on interacting with Member States to promote its posts among the national diplomat networks;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes with satisfaction that the overall numerical gender balance almost reached parity in the overall number of posts occupied with 47,4 % being women; invites however the EEAS to continue to further reduce existing qualitative imbalances at all levels, functions and in different categories, especially for administrator positions with currently 34,92 % being occupied by women; encourages the EEAS to keep working on the array of measures taken to support gender balance and increase diversity, such as the network for women in pre- management posts and the dedicated trainings for women in management and those aspiring to management;
Amendment 29 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Considers useful to improve the management tools of workload alongside an action plan to attract and retain people taking into account various professional needs, experience and nationalities; welcomes the human resources report and invites the EEAS to clearly state its institutional needs (or new required expertise) and identify its workforce risks at corporate level that could hinder the EEAS achievement of policies objectives; supports the EEAS's measures undertaken to address the increasing workload because of the staff cuts;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Notes the 135 mediation cases treated in 2018 concerning delegations and headquarters in 2018 concerning either unsolved disagreements around rights and obligations or different kinds of conflict at work including alleged psychological and sexual harassment; calls on the EEAS, in particular the mediation service now reporting directly to the secretariat general, to continue giving the highest priority to this issue in the resource management; reiterates the importance of developing a culture of zero tolerance towards harassment with a strict following up on reported cases and thus, notes with satisfaction the anti-harassment awareness raising initiative launched in 2018 by the EEAS Secretary General;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Supports the launching of an internal auditTakes note of the important changes on the recruitment and management of local agents to remedy certain weaknesses found by the Court in the recruitment procedures of local agents in delegations (i.e. a lack of transparency as regards certain steps of the procedure)past and requested by the Parliament through the discharge process; welcomes the dissemination of a detailed administrative guidance and best practices on how to conduct recruitment procedures to ensure openness, fairness and transparency; welcomes also the measures regarding the access to complementary EU social security cover, to improved employment benefits for local agents and the greater flexibility for the EU as employer to keep up with employment market norms;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2064(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
Amendment 1 #
2019/2063(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with satisfaction that in its 2018 annual report, the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’), in its report on the European Data Protection Supervisor’s (EDPS) annual accounts, observed that no serious weaknesses had been identified with respect to the audited topics related to human resources and procurement for the EDPS;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2063(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. NotWelcomes the conclusion of the Court that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2018 for administrative expenditure of the EDPS were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems were effective; notes the Court’s request to re-implement the ex post control, which is again in place;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2063(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 9 #
2019/2063(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes that the internal rules concerning whistleblowing adopted in 2016 will be updated in order to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers and alleged wrongdoers; notes some protection measures such as a risk assessment and an access limitation to a strict “need to know basis” to the related files; encourages the EDPS to ask its ethics officer to give a special attention to this issue in the next awareness raising session organised for all staff; notes with satisfaction that EDPS had no case of whistleblowing so far;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2063(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes that the EDPS respects the good example to set a deadline for the submission of the annual activity report on 31 March of the year following the accounting year; welcomes that thus the EDPS adopted its annual activity report by 26 March 2019 in order to support the request to streamline and speed upprovide the discharge institution with more time to go in depth and better conduct the discharge procedure;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 6 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Underlines the importance of the cooperation with the Parliament and the adoption of a cooperation agreement in 2014; stresses, however, that this agreement must be updated to face today’s challenges such as the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the new cohesion policy rules; stresses that a deeper cooperation will be required in order to better promote the Committee’s priorities; underlines also the benefit of budgetary savings achieved through the cooperation and that the main impact on the Committee’s budget is connected to the gradual transfer of staff to the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS); Notes that the administrative cooperation agreement entered into between the Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) (jointly the 'Committees') and Parliament in 2014 came to end on 31 December 2019; notes that until now the 2014 agreement has not been renegotiated or extended; is of the opinion that the 2014 agreement was very unbalanced for the Committees that transferred in total 60 translators to Parliament (36 from the EESC) and in exchange only got to use the services of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS); notes with concern that as a consequence the Committees had to hire contract staff and outsource the translation service; notes with concern that Parliament to compensate for the reduction in translation staff provides an additional amount (EUR 1 200 000 since 2015 to 2016) to the EESC and the Committee to cover the outsourcing of the translation services which amount can be reallocated to other policy areas if they are not fully used for outsourced translation (the EESC used this reallocation possibility in the last three years); is of the opinion that these circumstances do not align with the criteria of overall prudent and sound financial management and should be reconsidered in case of extension of the present contract or negotiation of a new agreement; recognise that from a political point of view, the agreement must be updated to face today’s challenges, such as the new Multiannual Financial Framework or the new cohesion policy rules among others;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that a joint EESC- Committee working group has recently been established which will prepare a further analysis in order to find adequate solutions; notes that another working group also has to reflect on new ways of working; stresses that in no case must the staff well-being, way of work and work space suffer negative consequences of the deficiencies coming from the exchange of buildings; recalls that the staff should be consulted on it and their opinion taken into account; calls on the Committees to inform Parliament’s Committees on Budgetary Control and Budgets on any results achieved;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Expresses serious concerns about the suspicion of the presence of amiante or other dangerous particules in the VMA building including the parking; deplores that the staff committee and the trade unions have note been informed about this issue; asks both Committees to carry out an inspection by an accredited external body before proceeding to the occupation of the VMA building and to inform the stakeholders and the Parliament’s Committees on Budgetary Control and Budget about the results;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18 c. Expresses serious concerns because of the confirmation of presence of asbestos in critical places of the VMA building including parking; deeply deplores that an inventory realised by an specialised external contractor was carried out in September 2019 just one month after the signature of the agreement with the Commission; deplores that the agreement was signed without informing all stakeholders in due time about the possibly presence of asbestos in the VMA building; also deplores that members and staff have not been informed about the situation and considers that it is not sufficient that the information has been published on the ESSC intranet where it is difficult to find;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18 d. Notes that the Committees received an asbestos-safe certificate for the VMA building in September 2019 and that this certificate specifies the building contains asbestos without risk for normal use of the building; taking into account especially that the next use of the building will not be normal use, but a situation of construction, is deeply concerned about the future developments on the issue;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18 e. Taking into account that the effects of prolonged and unsafe asbestos exposure on human health are well documented and are always a source of concern and alarm among the population in general; asks both Committees to carry out a policy of total and proactive transparency and information about the management of the situation before and after the effective occupation of the VMA building while at the same time avoiding unnecessary alarmism;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes the administrativat the agreement between the EESC, the Committee and the Commission, on the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Committee concerning the exchange of the Commission's VMA building with the Committees' B 68/TRE 74 buildings for the common use of the EESC and the Committee; notes that the exchange will become effective on 16 September 2022; exchange of the Commission's VMA building for the Committees BEL68/TRE 74 buildings was signed on 28 August 2019; notes that the exchange will become effective on 16 September 2022; notes with concern that the main priority identified by the Committees' buildings policy is the geographical concentration of the buildings; notes with concern that this exchange results in a loss of office space of 10 440 m2 and, thus, a need to find extra offices to accommodate around 200 staff members after the exchange, which could not be entirely offset by alternative measures in the short-term such as densifying the use of space in the other buildings and increased teleworking, but will necessitate the purchase of another adjacent building to compensate this reduction; notes also the need to renovate the VMA building in the short to medium term; fears the consequences that this agreement will have not only for the finances of the Committee but also for the wellbeing of the concerned staff; regrets that the legal service has not been consulted on a matter of such scope and importance for the Committee;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Regrets that the Committee does not yet have a legal framework to deal with harassment cases involving its members; reiterates the European Ombudsman's call on the institutions to adopt rules on harassment applicable to their members; counts onasks the Committee to urgently adopt such rules, along the lines of the Parliament's Bureau Decision of 2 July 2018 on harassment complaints; calls on the Committee to report back on the follow-up to Parliament;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Recalls its request1a for a mediation between the former internal auditor of the Committee and the Committee aiming at an amicable settlement in the ongoing dispute in the interest of both parties; acknowledges that at least one mediation meeting has been held in Parliament, together with meetings between the Committee and its former internal auditor; requests the appointed mediator to report back to Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control as soon as possible; _________________ 1aResolution (EU) 2019/1429 of the European Parliament of 26 March 2019 with observations forming an integral part of the decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017, Section VII — Committee of the Regions (OJ L 249, 27.9.2019, p. 123).
Amendment 20 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recognises the efforts of the EESC and the Committee resulting in an important reorganisation under a new strategy for a more resource efficient multilingualism; noteregrets that during a limited period of timefrom 2014 to 2017 transfers of posts from the linguistic services to the services of Parliament needed to be compensated by an increased number of contractual staff; calls on the Committee to inform Parliament regularly on the related developments;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes an establishment plan of 538 staff members in 2018 (compared to 533 in 2017); welcomes the lower vacancy rate of posts in 2018 (less than 2 %) than in 2017 (approximately 2,5 %); welcomes very much that a workload assessment exercise was initiated in 2018 to have an overview of the efficient use of human resources in the Committee and to identify possible gaps; notes that the final report will be delivered in spring 2019; requests a follow- up of the situation in its next annual activity report;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes with interest that the Committee adopted an integrated talent management strategy covering a wide range of areas and policies for ultimately contributing to staff performance and staff commitment; notes that the level of deputy heads of unit, heads of sector and team leaders has been officially recognised as a new management level and that the Committee organised related in-house trainings;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates the need to streamline and speed upimprove the discharge procedure; proposes in this regard to set a deadline for the submission of the annual activity reports of 31 March of the year following the accounting year; welcomes the Committee’s readinessreadiness of the Committee to follow this best practise which shwould help to support the request to shorten the timeline forprovide the discharge authority with more time to go in depth and better conduct the discharge procedure;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Notes that the cooperation agreement between the Committee and the EESC, signed in 2016, established a firm legal framework for long-term, efficient and effective cooperation, and also demonstrates that the two Committees are acting in partnership while respecting each other's powers and prerogatives; notes that the agreement ended on 31 December 2019 and it has been decided to extend it for one year while a new agreement is being negotiated; asks both Committees to make the necessary efforts to conclude it as soon as possible in order to allow further synergies and savings;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2061(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35 b. Recalls that once again the Committee, together with the EESC, dedicated less than 3 % of their total budget to IT and that IT projects and equipment have suffered from structurally underfinancing for several years; notes with concern that in order to address their backlog with respect to IT projects and systems, the two Committees continue to use mopping-up exercises at the end of the year to finance IT projects; asks the two Committees to implement as soon as possible the new digital strategy and multiannual IT expenditure plan;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Recommendation of the European Ombudsman in case 1069/2019/MIG on sponsorship of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union,
Amendment 4 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
- having regard to the Special Report of the European Ombudsman in strategic inquiry OI/2/2017/TE on the transparency of the Council legislative process,
Amendment 5 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
Amendment 7 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 9 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the CouncilRegrets that the request to separate the budget of the European Council and the Council into one budget for each of the two instituinstitution, made by Parliament in previous discharge resolutions, has not been considered; calls on the Council do this separations for transparency reasons and to improve accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that appropriations carried over from 2018 to 2019 amounted to a total of EUR 56 599 584, equivalent to 10,7 % (compared to EUR 60 576 175 or 11,5 % in 2017), coming mainly from categories such as computer systems (EUR 18,3 million), buildings (EUR 16,0 million) and interpretation (EUR 11,9 million); takes note of the cancelled appropriations in 2018 of EUR 46 348 862 (compared to EUR 35 025 789 in 2017); reminds the Council that carry-overs are exceptions to the principle of annuality and should reflect actual needs and, thus, calls on the Council to strengthen its efforts to avoid budget over-estimates;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the Council’s efforts in the implementation of the ‘Action Plan for a more dynamic, flexible and collaborative General Secretariat of the Council (GSC)’; notes the steps to further improve the Council’s financial management and performance by measures such as the establishment of an Advisory Management Board, the adoption of guidelines for a Common Project & Task Force Management Framework (CPMF) and, the creation of a task force “Reorganisation”, etc. and the review of the internal rules following the publication of the new Financial Regulation;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Expresses its concerns about the alarming information reported by the media regarding the construction of the new building Europa; calls on the Council thoroughly research the main contractor and the whole chain of subcontractors (up to 12 according to the media), as well as the working conditions of the workers employed, and to provide the Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control with all the findings;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that related to the proposal for a new Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory Transparency Register for interest representatives covering the Parliament, the Council and the Commission two negotiating rounds took place in 2018 under the Bulgarian Presidency and one in 2019 under the Romanian Presidency; calls on the Council to follow-up negotiations to reach a successful outcome which will finally include the Council in the registry; calls on the Council to demonstrate a real commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability by adopting concrete measures, such as publishing the meetings held by the Member States' permanent representatives and their deputies and ministers when dealing with Union atters during their Presidency, building on the example set by the Finnish Presidency;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. AReiterates its support to the recommendations of the European Ombudsman on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council1a; asks the Council to strengthen its efforts to make the legislative process more traceable and reader friendly, to centre transparency around milestones in the legislative process and to normalise the publicationidentification and publication in due time of Member States' inputs (statements, proposals for amendments) into legislative debates either at Council meetings, preparatory discussions in the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives or in any of the preparatory bodies; acknowledges the Council’s efforts to improve transparency with ongoing changes to its website and the activities of its internal transparency team; encourages the Council to introduce further measures in order to reach a successful transparency policy allowing the public to follow the Union legislative process with greater ease; _________________ 1a European Parliament resolution of 17 January 2019 on the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry OI/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council of the EU (Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0045).
Amendment 26 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Expresses its deep concerns about the information reported by the European media regarding the corporate sponsorship of Member States hosting the Union Presidency and echoes the concerns expressed by Union citizens and Members of Parliament on the matter; acknowledges that the Member States are expected to finance their own Presidencies and regrets that resorting to corporate sponsorship to cover some of their expenses in this regards has become common practice in recent years; is highly concerned about the possible reputational damage and the risk of loss of trust that this practice may afflict to the Union, its institutions and especially to the Council in the eyes of the citizens of the Union; fully supports the Ombudsman's assessment and recommendation1a for the Council to issue guidance to Member States on the issue; moreover, strongly recommends the Council to envisage budgetisation of the Presidencies; requests the Council to forward this concern to the Member States, in particular to the current trio Presidency; _________________ 1aRecommendation of the European Ombudsman in case 1069/2019/MIG on sponsorship of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Amendment 33 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. NoteRecalls that according to TFEU, the institutions enjoy administrative autonomy and their expenditure is set out in separate parts of the budget; notes that according to the Financial Regulation, the institutions are individually responsible for the implementation of their budgets; underlines the importance of the institutions acting responsibly and professionally in the implementation of their budgets;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that during the course of almost twenty years Parliament has developed the practice of granting discharge to all Union institutions and bodies; recalls that Parliament grants discharge to them after considering the documents provided, their replies given to the written questionnaires and after hearing their Secretaries General; notes that all Union institutions and bodies accept to participate in Parliament’s discharge procedure, with the only exception being the Council;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. NoteRegrets the lack of cooperation form the Council in the discharge procedure which has resulted in Parliament’s refusal to grant discharge to the Secretary-General of the Council since the financial year 2009;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, as indicated Stresses the importance of simplifying the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2018, the estimated level of error in spending on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ increased from 3 % in 2017 to 5 % in 2018; regrets that, even if it should be stressed that errors in the implementation of the budget do not automatically imply a fraud, the positive trend of the last years has been reversedrules and procedures and making them more flexible, avoiding unnecessary administrative obstacles, so as to prevent or detect and correct many of the errors and improve take-up capacity in the Member States;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the amount subject to the scrutiny of the European Court of Auditors in 2018 in the field of 'Economic, social and territorial cohesion' was EUR 23.6 billion (plus €16.5 billion from previous years that the Commission had cleared or accepted in 2018), significantly higher than in 2017 (EUR 8 billion), which largely justifies the increase in the estimated error rate with regard to expenditure from 3% in 2017 to 5% in 2018; warns of a greater risk of error at the end of the current Multiannual Financial Framework owing to pressure for swift take-up in the face of a potential loss of Union funding;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note that the source of those errors is mainly a result of reimbursements of ineligible costs, infringements of internal market rules and lack of support documentation, but is also due to the previous year’s overall low rates of reimbursement and payments as well as fewer financial instruments having been included in the audit; notes, as indicated in the annual report of the Court of Auditors for 2018, that VAT reimbursement is prone to error and does not always result in to optimal use of Union funds;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Draws attention to the fact that high-risk expenditures are often subject to complex rules and eligibility conditions which lead to errors and that a number of these errors are compounded by a supplemental layer added by national authorities; recallstresses that simpler national eligibility rules might help reduce this source of error and, undoubtedly resulting in a smaller administrative burden for beneficiaries; regrets the difficulties encountered by certain Member States and regions regarding deployment of the funds owing to excessively strict and inflexible regulations;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that, in order to facilitate access to funding, the latter should not be subject to macroeconomic parameters (macro-conditionality) or included in the calculation of the deficit;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the reasons behind this low absorption rate not only lie in the decommitment methodology (the so-called “n+3 rule”), but also in the late adoption of the legislative framework enabling the implementation of the cohesion policy; therefore calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure proper measures in the next programming period 2021-2027 to avoid the repetition of delayed implementation of ESI Funds and its domino effect. and to present the Action Plan on reducing the payments backlog during the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to present a detailed analysis of the reasons for the low funding take-up rates in certain regions and assess specific ways of remedying the structural problems underlying those imbalances; calls on the Commission to step up on-the-spot technical assistance to facilitate take-up in Member States experiencing difficulties in this regard;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that cohesion policy is based on a policy of solidarity, pursuing its Treaty-posed objective of promoting and supporting the overall harmonious development of Member States and regions, and aims to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities between and within EU regions and to iensure that no region is left behind, taking into account the demographic challenges and specific needs of depopulated and sparsely populated areas; considers that it creates growth and jobs across the Union as well as delivering key Union objectives and priorities, including its targets as regards climate and, energy targets,, innovation, education and social inclusion as well as smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reaffirms that, in order to achieve the cohesion policy objectives, regional, local, urban and other authorities must work together and establish a dialogue with civil society organisations, including universities, environmental organisations and groups which represent ethnic and religious diversity, age, people with disabilities, sexual orientation or gender identity;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the crucial role that the EU’s transport policy plays in promoting and enhancing territorial, social and economic cohesion in the EU, and in ensuring the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the EU, including remote regions, the outermost regions, islands, outlying regions, mountainous regions and border regions, as well as depopulated and sparsely populated areas;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Emphasises how important it is to promote and enhance mobility that is smart, interoperable, sustainable, multi- modal, inclusive, accessible and safe;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises the Connecting Europe Facility’s crucial role in fostering the development of a high-performance trans-European network (TEN-T) that is sustainable and interconnected across the areas of transport, energy and digital services infrastructure; reiterates that the swift completion of the TEN-T will make a significant contribution to socio- economic and territorial cohesion in the EU, and to the promotion of the EU’s decarbonisation objectives; highlights that the Connecting Europe Facility is vital for investment in sustainable long-term growth, innovation, cohesion, competitiveness and job creation in the EU;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Emphasises that digitalisation can make transport in the EU more inclusive, innovative, interconnected and sustainable; reminds the Commission how important it is to draw up a new EU strategy, the priorities of which must be a just transition and retraining for people whose jobs become obsolete owing to the digitalisation of the transport sector;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers a stronger articulation of urban transport financing with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPS) to be essential to boost the urban mobility transformation; calls for those urban mobility plans to foster multi-modality among various sustainable modes of transport, with balanced socio-economic arrangements to ensure there is no discrimination against EU citizens;
Amendment 61 #
2019/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Amendment 62 #
2019/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point a
Amendment 63 #
2019/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 68 #
2019/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
(10a) in Article 14 the following paragraph is inserted: 3a. The Commission shall keep under review the technical progress with regard to the measurement uncertainties linked with the use of the Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS). Within two years of the date of application, and every two years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the undertaken review and, as appropriate, a legislative proposal with a view to revising downwards the value of the margin of measurement uncertainty of the pollutant- specific final conformity factors set out in Table 2a to Annex I.
Amendment 12 #
2018/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that the request to separate the budget of the European Council and the Council into one budget for the European Council and one budget for the Councileach institution, made by Parliament in previous discharge resolutions, has not been considered; insists on this separation which will contribute to transparency in the financial management of both institutions and improve their accountability;
Amendment 20 #
2018/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Expresses its concerns about the information reported by the European media regarding the corporate sponsorship of Member States hosting the Union Presidency and echoes the concerns expressed by European citizens and Members of the Parliament; acknowledges that the Member States are expected to finance their own Presidencies and that resorting to corporate sponsorship to cover some of its expenses has become common practice in recent years; is highly concerned about the possible reputational damage and the risk of loss of trust that this practice may incur on the Union, its institutions and especially to Council in the eyes of the European citizenship; suggests that Council adopt guidelines in order to promote the financial transparency and independency of the Presidencies; strongly recommends Council to envisage budgetisation of the Presidencies; will closely monitor the conclusions of the enquiry of the European Ombudsman related to this matter; requests Council to forward this concern to the Member States, in particular to the current trio Presidency;
Amendment 39 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The safety certification and safety oversight of air navigation service providers are conducted by the national competent authorities or by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (the Agency), in accordance with the requirements and processes laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/1139. Additional requirements related to financial robustness, liability and insurance cover are necessary for the provision of air navigation services and should be subject to an economic certificate. An air navigation service provider should only be able to offer services in the Union where it holds both a safety certificate and the economic certificate. This requirement should not apply to military providers, for which Member States shall ensure compliance with the common requirements to the maximum extent possible.
Amendment 171 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Without prejudice to paragraph 1, the national supervisory authorities shall be legally distinct and independent from any other public or private entity in terms of their organisation, functioning, legal structure and decision-making.
Amendment 173 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The national supervisory authorities shall also be independent in terms of their organisation, funding decisions, legal structure and decision-making from any air navigation service provider. However, this shall not prevent the national supervisory authorities from exercising their tasks within the rules of organisation of national civil aviation authorities or any other public bodies.
Amendment 193 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. In addition to the requirements set out in paragraph 5, persons in charge of strategic decisions shall be appointed by an entity of the Member State concerned which does not directly exert ownership rights over air navigation service providers. Member States shall decide whether these persons are appointed for a fixed and renewable term, or on a permanent basis which only allows dismissal for reasons not related to their decision-making. Persons in charge of strategic decisions shall not seek or take instructions from any government or other public or private entitypublic or private air navigation service provider when carrying out their functions for the national supervisory authority and shall have full authority over the recruitment and management of its staff.
Amendment 208 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 7
Article 3 – paragraph 7
7. Member States shall ensure that national supervisory authorities have the necessary financial resources and capabilities to carry out the tasks assigned to them under this Regulation in an efficient and timely manner. The national supervisory authorities shall manage their staff based on their own appropriationaccording to relevant national law and procedures, to be set in proportion to the tasks to be fulfilled by the authority in accordance with Article 4.
Amendment 217 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 10
Article 3 – paragraph 10
10. The Commission shall establish detailed rules laying downguidance material to ensure sufficient standardisation of the modalities of recruitment and selection procedures referred to in paragraph 5, points (a) and (b). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 37(3).
Amendment 298 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States may allow the provision of air navigation services in all or part of the airspace under their responsibility without certification in cases where the provider of such services offers them primarily to aircraft movements other than general air traffic. In those cases, the Member State concerned shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its decision and of the measures taken to ensure maximum compliance with the common requirements.
Amendment 303 #
2013/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to article 30, Member States shall ensure the provision of air traffic services on an exclusive basis within specific airspace blocks in respect of the airspace under their responsibility. For this purpose, Member States shall, individually or collectively, designate one or more air traffic service provider(s). The air traffic service providers shall fulfill the following conditions: […]