Activities of Barry ANDREWS
Plenary speeches (152)
Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)
The 2019 Human Rights Annual report - Stability and Security in the Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey - Situation in Belarus (debate)
The need for an immediate and humanitarian EU response to the current situation in the refugee camp in Moria (debate)
European Climate Law (debate)
The impact of Covid-19 outbreak on long-term care facilities (debate)
EU Trade Policy Review (debate)
Future Relations between the EU and the UK (continuation of debate)
Human rights situation in Turkey, notably the case of Selahattin Demirtas and other prisoners of conscience
Humanitarian and political situation in Yemen (debate)
Corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (debate)
The Syrian conflict - 10 years after the uprising (continuation of debate)
New EU-Africa Strategy (debate)
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement - The outcome of EU-UK negotiations (debate)
Foreign interference in democratic processes (debate)
EU global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act) (debate)
Situation in Afghanistan (debate)
EU contribution to transforming global food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)
The role of development policy in the response to biodiversity loss in developing countries, in the context of the achievement of the 2030 Agenda (debate)
State of EU cyber defence capabilities (debate)
Disinformation and the role of social platforms (debate)
UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK (COP26) (continuation of debate)
The escalating humanitarian crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, in particular in Poland (debate)
The outcome of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Multilateral negotiations in view of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, 30 November to 3 December 2021 (debate)
The EU's role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic: how to vaccinate the world (continuation of debate)
The human rights situation in Cameroon
New orientations for the EU’s humanitarian action (debate)
Outcome of Global Summit Nutrition for Growth (Japan, 7-8 December) and increased food insecurity in developing countries (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Human rights and democracy in the world – annual report 2021 (continuation of debate)
Need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
EU Protection of children and young people fleeing the war against Ukraine (debate)
Situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine (debate)
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (debate)
A new trade instrument to ban products made by forced labour (debate)
Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)
Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)
Future of EU-Africa trade relations (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Objection pursuant to Rule 111(3): Amending the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act and the Taxonomy Disclosures Delegated Act (debate)
The EU and the defence of multilateralism (debate)
Addressing food security in developing countries (debate)
The UK government’s unilateral introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and respect for international law (debate)
Human rights violations in the context of forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to and forced adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023 - all sections (debate)
Outcome of the first meeting of the European Political Community (debate)
Global food security as follow-up to the G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting (debate)
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA world cup in Qatar (debate)
Gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges (debate)
Question Time (VPC/HR) - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement
Question Time (VPC/HR) - The impact on third countries of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in relation to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” agreement
Situation in Libya (debate)
The future European Financial Architecture for Development (debate)
Outcome of COP27 (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Defending democracy from foreign interference (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Criminalisation of humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue (debate)
The Global Gateway Initiative (debate)
The Global Gateway Initiative (debate)
Situation in Afghanistan (debate)
EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria (debate)
EUCO conclusions: the need for the speedy finalisation of the Road Map (debate)
Access to strategic critical raw materials (debate)
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) (vote)
Policy Coherence for Development (short presentation)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories (debate)
Implementation report on the Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU - The Windsor Framework (debate)
Cross-border adoptions from third countries (debate)
Formal sitting - Ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement
Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System - Monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport - Carbon border adjustment mechanism - Social Climate Fund - Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation (debate)
The need for European solidarity in saving lives in the Mediterranean, in particular in Italy (debate)
EU relations with Iraq (debate)
EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, EU Battlegroups and Article 44 TEU: the way forward (debate)
Children forcibly deported from Ukraine and the ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (debate)
Situation in Sudan (debate)
Externalising asylum applications and making funding to third countries conditional on the implementation of return agreements (topical debate)
Ukrainian cereals on the European market (debate)
10 year anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh (statement by the President)
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (debate)
Humanitarian and environmental consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam - Sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community (debate)
Artificial Intelligence Act (debate)
Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware - Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (draft recommendation) (debate)
Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate)
COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future (debate)
The need for EU action on search and rescue in the Mediterranean (debate)
Delivering on the Green Deal: risk of compromising the EU path to the green transition and its international commitments (debate)
Ukrainian grain exports after Russia’s exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (debate)
Parliamentarism, European citizenship and democracy (debate)
Question Time with Commissioners – EU-China trade relations
Need for a speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package (debate)
Fisheries control (debate)
Implications of Chinese fishing operations for EU fisheries and the way forward (short presentation)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Question Time with Commissioners - European measures to prevent and to fight the rise of organised crime
Question Time with Commissioners - European measures to prevent and to fight the rise of organised crime
Urgent need for a coordinated European response and legislative framework on intrusive spyware, based on the PEGA inquiry committee recommendations (debate)
Situation of Ukrainian women refugees, including access to SRHR support (debate)
The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza (debate)
Outcome of the SDGs Summit (18-19 September 2023, New York) – transformative and accelerated actions leading up to 2030 and beyond (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 - Humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause (joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause)
Children first - strengthening the Child Guarantee, two years on from its adoption - Reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families (joint debate – International Day of the Rights of the Child)
UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28) (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises (short presentation)
30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy (debate)
The lack of legislative follow-up by the Commission to the PEGA resolution (debate)
International day for the elimination of violence against women (debate)
The European Elections 2024 (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Defence of democracy package (debate)
Need to release all hostages, to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and prospect of the two-state solution (debate)
Role of EU development policy in transforming the extractive industries for sustainable development in developing countries (A9-0322/2023 - Barry Andrews) (vote)
EU strategy to assist young people facing the housing and cost of living crisis (topical debate)
Empowering consumers for the green transition (debate)
Transparency and accountability of non-governmental organisations funded from the EU budget (debate)
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation (debate)
Gender aspects of the rising cost of living and the impact of the energy crisis (debate)
Order of business
Union-wide effect of certain driving disqualifications (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union (debate)
State of play of the implementation of the Global Gateway and its governance two years after its launch (debate)
The fight against hate speech and disinformation: responsibility of social platforms within the Digital Services Act (topical debate)
Recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria
Working conditions of teachers in the EU (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Driving licences (debate)
War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region (debate)
The extradition and prosecution of Julian Assange and implications on freedom of the press (debate)
Commission recommendation on secure and resilient submarine cables (debate)
Definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures (debate)
Question Time with Commissioners - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia
State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (debate)
The adoption of the Special Measure in favour of Tunisia for 2023 (debate)
European Semester for economic policy coordination 2024 - European Semester for economic policy coordination: employment and social priorities for 2024
The immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries
Common rules promoting the repair of goods (debate)
Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Combating violence against women and domestic violence (debate)
European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities - European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities for third country nationals legally residing in a Member State (joint debate - Disability cards)
EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip (debate)
Reports (2)
REPORT on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
REPORT on the role of EU development policy in transforming the extractive industries for sustainable development in developing countries
Shadow reports (6)
REPORT on the role of the EU’s development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic
REPORT on new orientations for the EU’s humanitarian action
REPORT on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals
REPORT on how to build an innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises
REPORT on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol amending the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership
Opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937
Shadow opinions (9)
OPINION on shortage of medicines – how to address an emerging problem
OPINION on Sustainable Corporate Governance
OPINION with recommendations to the Commission on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability
OPINION on a Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system
OPINION on a European strategy for critical raw materials
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2013/34/EU, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, as regards corporate sustainability reporting
OPINION on the future of EU-Africa trade relations
OPINION on the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles
OPINION on reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families
Institutional motions (22)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the migration and refugee crisis
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the migration and refugee crisis
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights situation in Turkey, notably the case of Selahattin Demirtas and other prisoners of conscience
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Turkey, notably the case of Selahattin Demirtaş and other prisoners of conscience
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political situation in Uganda
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Rwanda, the case of Paul Rusesabagina
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Rwanda, the case of Paul Rusesabagina
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Syrian conflict – 10 years after the uprising
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Syrian conflict – 10 years after the uprising
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION On the human rights situation in Cameroon
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Cameroon
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the EU priorities for the 66th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022: including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 24-25 March 2022, including the latest developments of the war against Ukraine and the EU sanctions against Russia and their implementation
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the fight against impunity of war crimes in Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on global threats to abortion rights: the possible overturning of abortion rights in the US by the Supreme Court
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and women’s heath in the EU
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights in the context of the FIFA world cup in Qatar
Oral questions (6)
The use of contact tracing apps in the fight against the coronavirus
The use of contact tracing apps in the fight against the coronavirus
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 Global Gateway initiative: addressing the risks posed by the lack of transparency and clarity
Restitution of plundered property to Holocaust victims and Jewish communities
How to tackle the biggest cause of death in the EU? Towards an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
Written explanations (74)
EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences
. – I voted for the amendment protecting passengers’ rights because the purpose of the original regulation was to provide certainty to passengers in the event of cancellation. I fully acknowledge that it is not practical for all reimbursements to take place in the time frame provided by the Regulation and the Directive, however I supported the amendment on the understanding that an urgent procedure can be fast tracked to provide flexibility for companies so that, under certain conditions, vouchers in respect of later travel can be provided in circumstances where that is not the first choice of the passenger.
Automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in the United Kingdom (A9-0100/2020 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
. – I voted against this legislative proposals despite the obvious failings in how the British government is implementing the data exchange agreement with the European Union. As the only Member State with a land border with the UK, Ireland is in a unique position vis-a-vis this issue. The ability of An Garda Síochána to check finger print data against the information held by the British authorities in the future will be very important in ensuring that criminals do not use the border on the island of Ireland to escape prosecution. I note that a review from the British government is due by 15 June, and I hope that they will outline a timetable by which they will start to respond to requests with the same level of data that is provided by EU Member States. It is in everyone’s best interests, irrespective of EU membership or not, that data that can be used to track down and prosecute criminals, subject to appropriate data protection safeguards, is made as freely available as possible.
New MFF, own resources and Recovery plan
. – The Fianna Fáil delegation voted for the compromise MFF, own resources and recovery resolution as EU citizens need an immediate response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are elements in the resolutions, such as paragraph 9, where a reference to the potential introduction of a common consolidated corporate tax base was made, that we oppose. As such we voted against the inclusion of this language. Tax is a national competence. Therefore, the setting of a corporate tax rate in Ireland is a matter solely for the Oireachtas and the Irish Government. Fianna Fáil, in government, would use the veto at EU Council level to defend Ireland’s right to set its own rates.However, Europe needs a response now. It needs a significant investment and recovery package that supports existing jobs and creates new ones. We need an effective, funded and citizen-sensitive transition to a low-carbon economy. This resolution is the culmination of five political groups, representing the full spectrum of political parties, and is worthy of our support. Compromise is necessary to deliver for the people we seek to represent.
Competition policy - annual report 2019 (A9-0022/2020 - Stéphanie Yon-Courtin)
. – I abstained on the vote on the competition policy annual report as it included an amendment calling for the introduction of an EU-wide common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB). I believe this is fundamentally at odds with promoting European competitiveness and that taxation is, and should remain, a Member State competence. Had this amendment not been in the report I would have been happy to support it as the report is comprehensive and gives a strong political message from this house on some of the competitiveness challenges that face Europe in the coming years.
Setting up a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the protection of animals during transport within and outside the Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B9-0191/2020)
. – I voted in favour of setting up a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the protection of animals during transport. It is imperative that we uphold high standards of animal welfare and investigate and sanction any contravention of the EU’s rules.
Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (A9-0146/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valerie Hayer)
Just as it did in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU must agree upon and implement an ambitious recovery plan. I believe that the EU having the competence to generate its own resources will be crucial to repaying the necessary debt incurred as part of the recovery. In this regard, I welcome the commitment to the introduction of a plastics tax and a carbon border adjustment mechanism.However, I voted against the Parliament’s report on the draft Council decision on the system of own resources as I believe that the Parliament’s amendments are too prescriptive and risk undermining Member States’ sovereignty. Moreover, Parliament’s proposal for a binding calendar for the introduction of a digital services tax and a common consolidated corporate tax base, among others, pre-empts the outcome of global discussions on these matters. If the EU were to introduce these taxes prior to a global consensus, it would risk putting itself at a competitive disadvantage.The EU should turns its focus to making efficiency gains by combating tax evasion, avoidance and fraud, and explore alternative potential sources of own resources under its existing remit.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
. ‒ The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is an integral part of how the European Union will support carbon-intensive regions’ transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. We strongly support measures contained in the JTF to fund enhanced training and education opportunities to support workers who may see their existing jobs being made redundant because of the move to a low or zero carbon future.In general, we believe that we must transition as quickly as possible to low carbon energy production as well as to a circular economy. However, different Member States are at different stages of the transition so may require investment in certain pieces of gas infrastructure to ensure energy security.We welcome the rigorous conditions this proposal applies to investments in gas infrastructure, that will require:• a reduction in carbon emissions;• that energy poverty is tackled, and:• that the development of renewable energy sources is not hamperedA one-size fits all approach may be appealing but it may not deliver the results that we all desire – a Europe no longer addicted to fossil fuels for its energy needs.
Determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law
The Fianna Fáil delegation strongly supported the final vote on rule of law breaches in Poland against the LGBTI community.Every European Union citizen has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. The Polish Government, and a number of local authorities, have attempted to diminish the human and civil rights of LGBTI citizens through repressive laws and regulations.Membership of the European Union is contingent on accepting common values. The responsibilities are, in our delegation’s opinion, as important as the rights and benefits of membership.The EU is not the ATM of the Member States. It is more than a funding source; it is a union of values – freedom, equality, tolerance and a respect for the rule of law.We welcome the strong support across most political groups in the Parliament for this resolution, and call on the European Council to be more assertive with the Polish Government.
Implementation of the common commercial policy – annual report 2018 (A9-0160/2020 - Jörgen Warborn)
. – The original text of the Implementation of the common commercial policy – annual report 2018 was balanced and fair. A stocktaking exercise, it looked back and outlined the events of 2018 in this policy area. However, once amended, I was no longer able to support this report. First, the amendments defeated the overall objective of the report, which was to look backwards rather than forwards. In doing so, these amendments reduced the ability of the Parliament to assess past developments and therefore pursue sound policies moving forwards. Secondly, I strongly believe that trade is a powerful tool the EU can use to promote its values far beyond its external borders, including our ambitious agenda on environmental protection, climate change and labour rights. For example, in his hearing in the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament, Commissioner-designate Dombrovskis underlined that the Commission will be seeking pre-ratification commitments from our MERCOSUR partners that translate into tangible action on the ground before the EU-MERCOSUR Agreement can proceed in its ratification process. The amendments instead proposed reducing the EU’s leverage vis-a-vis our trading partners. As a result, I was forced to abstain.
Further development of the Capital Markets Union (CMU): improving access to capital market finance, in particular by SMEs, and further enabling retail investor participation (A9-0155/2020 - Isabel Benjumea Benjumea)
. – Strengthening and deepening Europe’s capital markets union (CMU) will be an essential element of the recovery of the EU’s economy. The first version of the Commission’s CMU Action Plan, in 2015, lost momentum and faced obstacles. This Parliament, and our co-legislator, must commit to approach the CMU Plan 2.0 with the ambition and effort it merits. At a time when interest rates are at a historical low, the CMU has the potential to provide our savers and pensioners with the ability to turn to the market to invest for a better return. When SMEs are refused traditional banking loans, they should be able to turn to a multitude of alternative sources of funding through the capital markets. I strongly support and am a strong advocate for many of the key aspects of this report and its overall message. However, unfortunately, I had to abstain as, yet again, this house included in the report an unnecessary call for the introduction of a CCCTB.
Recommendation to the Council and the VPC/HR concerning the Implementation and governance of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) (A9-0165/2020 - Radosław Sikorski)
. – Ireland joined Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017 as a way of ensuring more efficient use of its defence expenditure by reducing duplication, over-capacity and uncoordinated procurement. PESCO also provides the opportunity to enhance the safety of Ireland’s Defence Forces through deeper coordination with our European partners in areas such as training, equipment and information-sharing. Participation in PESCO is entirely voluntary and each PESCO project is created on an opt-in or opt-out basis. Ireland’s sovereignty and Ireland’s neutrality is therefore unaffected – we are a peace-making and peacekeeping nation and that will not change. Ireland is not a member of NATO, therefore I voted against language in this report calling for EU and NATO priorities to be harmonised in order to achieve EU capability targets. I also voted against increasing the EU’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities. PESCO is not – and should not be considered – a pathway to a ‘European Army’ and I believe my voting record clearly reflects this position.
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)
The CAP is the European Union’s mechanism for ensuring food security, protecting farm incomes and developing rural communities.Farmers, as custodians of the land, will play a significant role in protecting the environment, enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable food production.Fianna Fáil votes on the CAP Strategic Plans sought to marry these two objectives. We voted for the greenest CAP plan in history; setting aside at least 30% of the Direct Payments budget for new eco—schemes to support farmers in protecting and enhancing biodiversity on their lands. Earlier this month we voted for a 60% overall reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.We voted to align, where appropriate, CAP objectives with the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies, the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.We will further strengthen climate ambition through the myriad pieces of legislation expected via F2F and the Biodiversity Strategies.We voted not to send the CAP proposal back to the Commission as this would have delayed the Plan’s adoption beyond 1 Jan 2023. We supported sensible measures that gave flexibility to Member States to ensure that countries could shape their schemes based on local needs.
Common agricultural policy: financing, management and monitoring (A8-0199/2019 - Ulrike Müller)
The CAP Horizontal Regulation contains the most significant change in the CAP Reform, namely the move to the performance-driven implementation model to incentivise and deliver on the increased environmental and biodiversity ambition of the Green Deal, as well as the underlying economic and social objectives of the CAP.As Fianna Fail MEPs, we fully support the move from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ prescriptive and burdensome approach to a results and performance-based approach, flexible for Member States to design the national strategic plans which best meet the needs, objectives and specificities of Irish farmers and rural communities. We fully support the content of the report in relation to strengthening the governance systems of Member States, streamlining the performance framework and ensuring transparency in relation to the beneficiaries of the funds.Unfortunately, as proposals for a ‘hybrid’ compliance/performance model – a model that will be burdensome for farmers and Member States – were adopted, we voted to abstain on the final vote.This hybrid model will result in an increased administrative burden at farm level and does not offer the best tool for realising the increased environmental ambition of the CAP and the demands of farmers for a simplified and responsive policy.
Sustainable Europe Investment Plan - How to finance the Green Deal (A9-0198/2020 -Siegfried Mureşan, Paul Tang)
. – The purpose of the SEIP is to contribute to financing a sustainable transition to a greener economy, while supporting the regions and communities most exposed to its impact. I strongly support this initiative, and believe that a proper financing plan is essential to move the European Green Deal from being an aspiration to a reality. I supported amendments to this report that make it even stronger on environmental issues, including insisting that only projects that are compatible with the EU’s climate objectives are eligible for InvestEU funding, and that all EU—supported investments be subject to the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Overall, this is an ambitious plan for delivering on the goals of the Green Deal. However, also included in this report is a call for the Commission to make use of Article 116 of the Treaty on the European Union to avoid tax distortions in the single market. This is unnecessary in the context of this report. I also believe that this is fundamentally at odds with promoting European competitiveness and that taxation is, and should remain, a Member State competence. Therefore, while I support most of the content of this plan, I abstained on the final vote.
A New Industrial Strategy for Europe (A9-0197/2020 - Carlo Calenda)
. – Growth in the EU has been slowing or stagnant over the last few years. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential that the EU develops a new and ambitious industrial strategy to reinvigorate industry, to promote growth and investment, and to ensure that our industry is compatible with our carbon neutrality commitments, as well as being fit for a digital age. The pandemic highlighted that it could be prudent for the EU to develop its own capabilities and autonomy in certain sectors. At the same time, it underlined the interconnected nature of the world we live in and the importance of maintaining an open and outward-looking agenda. Unfortunately, I was not able to vote in favour of this report. Whilst I support the aforementioned objectives of a new industrial strategy, I also believe that it is crucial that the EU remains an open and competitive market which fosters the growth of our EU companies and industry, but does not unjustifiably favour them. Unfortunately, I feel that this report from the Parliament did not strike the sensitive balance needed.
Improving development effectiveness and efficiency of aid (A9-0212/2020 - Tomas Tobé)
Improving aid effectiveness and efficiency is essential to ensure the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Aid effectiveness is also more necessary than ever in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the needs of many developing countries while also putting pressure on budgets for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).However, our Delegation voted against this report because it includes two amendments that support migration conditionality. This would make receipt of development assistance conditional on third country cooperation with the EU’s migration policy.This is a principle that our Delegation, the Irish Government and the previous European Parliament, consistently opposed. Tying development assistance to migration risks making EU development assistance less effective, by seeking to advance political objectives, rather than helping those in greatest need. It also risks undermining the EU’s credibility as the world’s largest donor.By voting against this report, we have registered our strong opposition to migration conditionality and we will continue to do so in future debates. EU development assistance should be based on the principles of poverty eradication, reducing inequality and making sure that no one is left behind. This is the only way to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality.
Stocktaking of European elections (A9-0211/2020 - Pascal Durand)
. – Fianna Fáil MEPs took the position that the most suitable place to discuss potential treaty or institutional changes is at the Conference on the Future of Europe. While we supported the final vote on this report, we voted against a number of amendments that sought to pre-empt these discussions. The discussion on the future of Europe should have considerable input from the citizens of Europe. We urge European leaders to settle their differences and agree finally on the establishment of this important conference. Consideration should be given to the timing of the Conference having regard to the pandemic. Additionally, we are concerned about the Spitzenkandidaten process for electing the EU Commission President. The 2019 election demonstrated that, despite the best efforts of the European Parliament, the European Council is authorised by the Treaties to propose a candidate for Commission President and not the European political parties. Furthermore, we are very concerned about proposed European transnational list elections. Irish people value the direct connection to their public representatives made possible by our PR-STV system. We feel that list systems, whether national or transnational, ultimately increase the divide between citizens and decision makers and this is not healthy in a democracy.
Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union - Annual Report for the years 2018-2019 (A9-0226/2020 - Clare Daly)
This report is an important exercise in taking stock of respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law and civil liberties in the EU, all of which are key priorities for the Fianna Fáil Delegation.We are extremely concerned at reports that the fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers have not been respected by some EU Member States. However, we did not support amendments 40 and 49, which referred to specific Member States, because the failure to manage migration in a safe and humane manner lies with the EU as a whole. Frontline countries have repeatedly asked for assistance to deal with large numbers of arrivals, but attempts to come to an agreement based on solidarity and shared responsibility have been blocked by some Member States in the Council.We welcome recent proposals from the Commission to reach a much-needed consensus on a new Pact for Migration and Asylum. All Member States must be prepared to accept their fair share of responsibilities and to ensure the adequate protection of arrivals, particularly of the most vulnerable.
A new strategy for European SMEs (A9-0237/2020 - Paolo Borchia)
. – I voted in favour of the Report on ‘A new strategy for European SMEs’. Our SMEs and micro-enterprises comprise the majority of companies in Europe and therefore, have a key role to play in the recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in reinvigorating the growth of the European economy. I was pleased that, through the amendment process at committee stage, my Renew colleagues were able to significantly strengthen the draft text, insisting that SMEs be put at the centre of the EU’s recovery plans as well as at the heart of the Commission’s flagship policies: the green transition and the digital transition. However, as part of a pro-European political party, the Fianna Fáil delegation wishes to distinguish itself from the Group of the rapporteur. We would like to emphasise that our party’s engagement on this report, whose rapporteur is from the ID Group, does not in any way link us to this political group and the Eurosceptic positions and values they embody – all of which we staunchly oppose.
A strong social Europe for Just Transitions (A9-0233/2020 - Dennis Radtke, Agnes Jongerius)
. – We, as a society, face a period of considerable change as we transition to become greener and more digital. This need for change has been further compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that the transition is as socially just as it is economically. A strong social policy for Europe is essential to help deliver on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is for these reasons that I strongly supported the Report on ‘a strong social Europe for just transitions’.However, I voted against certain aspects of the text, including the call on the Commission and Member States to end direct payments under the CAP for farmers not complying with European and international labour laws and collective bargaining agreements. We must uphold the highest labour standards and protect the rights of our workforce, but the penalties for breaches must also be proportionate and allow for the situation to be remedied and improved.
Implementation of the EU water legislation (B9-0401/2020)
. – Fianna Fáil MEPs believe that access to clean water is a fundamental right. We chose to support many of the pro-public ownership amendments put before MEPs as part of this file. This is consistent with party policy in Ireland. From the opposition benches, Fianna Fáil ensured that the government formed in Ireland in 2016 ended water charges for ordinary households while still respecting the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Additionally, Fianna Fáil ensured that the State committed to funding the necessary investments in the water network, to ensure both the supply and cleanliness of water, through general taxation. However, water services remain a national competence, and while Ireland has chosen to follow a public-only model of water delivery, we believe that it is up to each individual Member State to decide, through their own democratic systems, what type of system to implement and how to fund it. Furthermore, we believe that the European Commission must do better at responding to European Citizens’ Initiatives when the threshold for action is met. If the process is to work, citizens must know that their campaigning will deliver the actions they seek, and that the Commission will not pick and choose which parts to respond to.
Measures to promote the recovery of fish stock above MSY (A9-0264/2020 - Caroline Roose)
I voted in favour of the ‘More fish in the seas?’ report, as I recognise that the EU must step up its efforts to preserve our seas and marine environments and replenish fish stocks by taking a sustainable approach to fishing. The measures under the common fisheries policy (CFP) are beginning to have a positive impact, but more must be done to address threats to our marine environment and fish stocks – threats that are exacerbated by climate change.However, I voted against AM1 and AM2 as I felt that such a dramatic change in animal welfare rules pertaining to invertebrates and fish required a very detailed impact assessment. These changes would alter the way both commercial and recreational fishing were carried out in Europe and so require detailed debate and consultation with stakeholders. This, I believe, should take place as part of a future review of the CFP and not as part of this stand-alone file.Additionally, I could not vote for the amendment that sets aside 10% of waters as ‘no catch’ zones. This would have a detrimental impact on fishing communities, especially in Ireland, who are already feeling the effects of cuts in quotas arising from the UK leaving the EU.
Corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (A9-0018/2021 - Lara Wolters)
We welcome this important report, which calls on the EU to adopt mandatory due diligence legislation. This would be a crucial step towards ensuring more sustainable and responsible business practices regarding protection for human rights and the environment, as well as ensuring access to justice for victims.At the same time, we want to ensure that future legislation is not overly burdensome for SMEs. We believe that this report strikes the right balance by advocating a proportional and risk based approach, while also calling for appropriate technical and financial assistance for SMEs.We hope that the Commission’s upcoming legislative proposal will take forward many of the ideas put forward in this report and help the EU to lead the way towards more people and planet friendly business practices worldwide.
European Semester: employment and social aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 (A9-0026/2021 - Lina Gálvez Muñoz)
. – The European Semester cycle is a crucial element in ensuring sound economic governance across all Member States. The importance is heightened this year by the economic crisis we face due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the employment and social dimensions. I am strongly supportive of the majority of elements of the ‘Report on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021’. Our 2021 economic policy needs to be coherent with our social and environmental goals if we want to ensure that the EU’s recovery from the pandemic is sustainable and leaves no one behind. Unfortunately, I had to abstain on the final vote on the report due to unnecessary calls for a common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) and public country-by-country reporting (CbCR), to which I am opposed. I regret that my colleagues repeatedly include such references in reports when these are irrelevant.
Procurement in the fields of defence and security and transfer of defence-related products: implementation of relevant Directives (A9-0025/2021 - Andreas Schwab)
. ‒ Ireland pursues a policy of military neutrality, which goes hand in hand with our tradition of international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. Opt-outs from the Lisbon Treaty on the common security and defence policy (CSDP) protect this position.The Fianna Fáil delegation voted against this report as it expressed the ambition to move towards a European defence union. We believe this would be incompatible with our commitment to military neutrality and Article 29 of the Irish constitution.However, a vote against a European defence union should not be considered a blanket vote against the CSDP. Irish defence forces participate in various EU-led peacekeeping operations around the world and our experts are also seconded to EU civilian missions. This involvement allows us to contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support conditions for sustainable development, while respecting our position of military neutrality.
New EU-Africa Strategy (A9-0017/2021 - Chrysoula Zacharopoulou)
We welcome this report, which sets out the European Parliament’s ambitions for a new partnership of equals with Africa, based on shared commitments to sustainable growth and human development, green and digital transitions that are fair and inclusive, better access to healthcare, education and gender equality.Relations with Africa must remain a central priority of the EU’s foreign policy, particularly as we face up to the shared challenge of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.While we supported the final report and agree that more resources should be mobilised for the EU’s development cooperation budget, we do not agree with references to the introduction of a financial transaction tax. We regret the unnecessary inclusion of this reference in an otherwise excellent report.
Commission evaluation report on the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation two years after its application (B9-0211/2021)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has placed the EU at the forefront of international discussions concerning data protection. Its adoption has allowed the EU to become a global leader in the protection of personal data. We recognise its importance and underline that its correct implementation is key to ensuring that the regulation delivers for citizens and businesses. It is also important that these high standards are maintained across the EU.However, we abstained on the final resolution because of specific criticism of the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). The presence of many multinational companies in Ireland places significant responsibilities on the office of the DPC. While we recognise the challenges facing the DPC, the fact that that the responsible Committee in the European Parliament passed the resolution without affording the DPC the opportunity to a fair hearing falls short of expected standards of due process.
European Defence Fund (A9-0120/2021 - Zdzisław Krasnodębski)
Irish Defence Forces participate in various UN and EU-led peacekeeping operations around the world. This allows us to contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support conditions for sustainable development, while respecting our position of military neutrality.The European Defence Fund, established in the context of the multi-annual financial framework, will improve the capacity of the European Union and its Member States to contribute to international peace and security by supporting research and innovation in the defence sector.Support for this fund in no way undermines Ireland’s commitment to military neutrality. We support the triple lock mechanism of requiring a UN Security Council resolution, a vote by the Government and a vote by the Dáil before Óglaigh na hÉireann can partake in missions overseas.The Fianna Fáil delegation therefore voted against an amendment to reject the agreement reached on the European Defence Fund. We also abstained on all other amendments, as a vote in favour of them would result in lengthy delays in establishing this fund.
Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Limited, Maximillian Schrems (“Schrems II”) - Case C-311/18 (B9-0267/2021)
We share concerns about the transfer of personal data to the US and strongly support efforts to protect the personal data of EU citizens and to provide legal certainty for businesses following the Schrems II case.However, we abstained on the final resolution because it paints an overly critical picture of the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). While it is accepted that improvements are needed, the resolution fails to recognise that the Irish DPC was the only national authority in the EU to act on the Schrems case. It also fails to recognise that shortcomings experienced by the Irish DPC are not unique and that many other national authorities are also experiencing difficulties associated with the bedding in of the GDPR. It is therefore unfair to single out the Irish DPC on this basis.We also strongly object to calls to pursue infringement proceedings against Ireland. Ireland continues to fulfil all of its obligations under the GDPR.
The adequate protection of personal data by the United Kingdom (B9-0272/2021)
We voted against the LIBE resolution, which opposes granting data adequacy to the UK in relation to the GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive. The adoption of an adequacy decision with the UK is crucial not only for cross-border businesses but also for judicial cooperation on the island of Ireland and across the EU.While it is acknowledged that there are difficulties that have to be addressed, the Commission as Guardian of the Treaties has conducted a thorough assessment of data protection standards in the UK and concluded that adequate levels of data protection are ensured. The presence of a four-year sunset clause and provisions around monitoring, review and possible suspension also provide further safeguards for ensuring high standards of data protection are upheld by the UK.Failure to grant adequacy would be detrimental to citizens, businesses and administrative cooperation, particularly as the temporary solution that is currently in place will expire in June 2021.
75th and the 76th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly (A9-0173/2021 - María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos)
The Fianna Fáil delegation welcomes this excellent report drafted by our Renew Europe colleague, which underlines the invaluable role of the United Nations as an essential universal forum for international consensus building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law.The EU is currently undergoing a process of internal reflection, led by the Conference on the Future of Europe. Among other things, this citizen-led process will consider issues such as the effectiveness of our Common Foreign Security Policy (CFSP).Whilst we believe there could be an argument for moving towards qualified majority voting in a certain limited set of circumstances in the area of CFSP, such as sanctions and human rights, we believe it would be premature to pre-empt the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe by already making recommendations towards the Council in this regard. The Fianna Fáil delegation therefore abstained on this particular section of the text.
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)
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on communities around the world, resulting in a staggering loss of life. Significant public and private investment has led to the development of multiple vaccines, which offer hope to many.However, the Fianna Fáil delegation remains deeply concerned about the inequitable distribution of vaccines globally, which in addition to the immediate risk to human life could also increase the likelihood of the emergence of new strains of the virus, contributing to further inequality in the medium to long-term and continuing this global tragedy.We believe the EU must continue to work closely with its international partners to accelerate the global vaccination programme. A range of measures will be necessary to achieve this overarching objective, including scaling up manufacturing capacity both domestically and abroad, encouraging our partners to remove export restrictions and increasing our support for COVAX.The Commission and the EU Member States should explore all options available to them. We believe they should therefore engage in constructive and text-based negotiations at the WTO on a temporary waiver of the TRIPS Agreement, and we supported amendments to this effect.
Regulatory fitness, subsidiarity and proportionality - report on Better Law Making 2017, 2018 and 2019 (A9-0191/2021 - Mislav Kolakušić)
We supported the reference in this report to the introduction of the right of direct legislative initiative for the European Parliament.This would be an important step towards strengthening the link between EU citizens represented by the European Parliament and EU legislation.However, we acknowledge that the Conference on the Future of Europe has been established as a forum for debating this and other issues that require a change to the Treaties. This will give EU citizens the opportunity to identify their priorities for reform.The EU and its Member States should firmly commit to implement the findings of this conference.
Protection of the EU’s financial interests - combatting fraud - annual report 2019 (A9-0209/2021 - Caterina Chinnici)
This annual report on the protection of the EU’s financial interests does not fully reflect recent developments in Ireland. Paragraph 2 regrets that the Commission had to send a reasoned opinion to Ireland for failing to transpose the Directive on the Protection of the Union’s Financial Interests. However, it fails to acknowledge that Ireland has since transposed the Directive and it was signed into national law on 18 March 2021.It is important that the EU Member States and institutions put in place robust measures to prevent and combat fraud. States must be held to the same standards that we expect from our businesses and our citizens. For this reason, I nonetheless voted in favour of the report, despite its omissions.
EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations (A9-0192/2021 - Antonio López-Istúriz White)
Ireland is not a member of NATO; however, we cooperate with NATO in a variety of areas including peace-support operations. Irish cooperation with NATO is fully in line with our longstanding policy of military neutrality, which permits the deployment of Irish Defence Forces for peacekeeping and crisis management operations only where there is a UN mandate, a government decision and parliamentary approval.The Fianna Fáil delegation voted in favour of this report, which acknowledges and welcomes the contribution non-NATO EU Member States make towards global peace and security. The report also makes explicit reference to neutrality policies, which EU-NATO cooperation must respect, and notes that the EU can only advance towards a European Defence Union ‘should the European Council, acting unanimously, so decide’. This means that Ireland would have to agree to any developments in this regard, thus safeguarding our position. It should also be borne in mind that a Common Defence is specifically prohibited in the Irish Constitution. Finally, the report suggests that the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy should be discussed in the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe.
Old continent growing older - possibilities and challenges related to ageing policy post 2020 (A9-0194/2021 - Beata Szydło)
Long-term care is a sector that is under great pressure across all Member States due to the ageing population and weakened healthcare systems. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a Union-wide framework directive setting out fundamental principles of the long-term care sector. This would contribute to greater equality across the EU and allow for efficiencies of scale.At present, the European Union has little competence in the area of health, as was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conference on the Future of Europe is a prime opportunity to discuss extending the EU’s competences in this field whilst respecting the sovereignty of the Member States and differences in national healthcare systems.
Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the adopted legal changes in the Hungarian Parliament (B9-0412/2021, B9-0413/2021)
On 15 June 2021, the Hungarian Parliament voted in favour of amendments proposed by Fidesz MPs that severely restrict freedom of speech and children’s rights. That Law prohibits the ‘portrayal and promotion of gender identity different from sex assigned at birth, the change of sex and homosexuality’ in schools, in television programmes and in publicly available advertisements on any platforms for persons aged under 18, even for educational purposes; the Law disqualifies such content from being considered as a public service announcement or social responsibility advertisement even if intended for adults; the Law introduces amendments to the Child Protection Act, the Family Protection Act, the Act on Business Advertising Activity, the Media Act and the Public Education Act.I consider this Law to be in breach of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary, in particular the freedom to provide services and freedom of movement of goods as set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and E-commerce Directive in conjunction with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Therefore I voted in favour of the resolution ‘Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the legal changes adopted in the Hungarian Parliament’.
Direction of EU-Russia political relations (A9-0259/2021 - Andrius Kubilius)
This report contained many commendable points, such as those condemning hybrid interference and money-laundering practices, as well as those criticising the spreading of disinformation and the practice of taking political prisoners. It spoke strongly on the importance of media pluralism and the need to fight gender-based violence, racism, xenophobia, hate crimes, police brutality and other forms of discrimination.Nevertheless, the report also called for Member States to ‘deliver on their commitments to collective defence made as members of NATO’, without recognising that some EU Member States are not members of NATO. Furthermore, there was no acknowledgement that such developments in the field of defence would require a referendum in Ireland, as the State is explicitly prohibited from adopting a common defence by the Irish Constitution. Finally, the report also called for the repeal of unanimity in foreign policy matters, which could undermine Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality.The Fianna Fáil delegation agrees that the EU should reconsider its foreign policy, particularly in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe. However, we believe that reforms should focus on strengthening the EU’s capacity in diplomacy, international development and peacekeeping, rather than in its military capabilities.
Identifying gender-based violence as a new area of crime listed in Article 83(1) TFEU (A9-0249/2021 - Malin Björk, Diana Riba i Giner)
The Fianna Fáil delegation strongly supported this resolution. The inclusion of gender-based violence (GBV) in the list of cross-border crimes under Article 83(1) of the TFEU provides a minimum legislative basis for tackling GBV across the EU. The Covid-19 pandemic increased instances of GBV in the EU by at least 30%; a purely regulatory approach would thus be insufficient. We therefore welcomed the proposal for a Commission directive aimed at longer-term, system-based prevention of GBV.However, we disagreed with two paragraphs (Recital N and Paragraph 49) which could be interpreted as prioritizing victims’ rights in determining custody rights following domestic violence. As per Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, in all actions relating to children, the child’s best interests must be the primary consideration. Moreover, Article 9 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child states that separation between a child and parent may be justified only if it is specifically in the best interests of the child. The delegation therefore supported EPP amendments 2 and 9 which called for a child-centred approach in determining custody rights, while still respecting the rights of the victim, which we believe is more balanced.
Situation in Afghanistan (RC-B9-0455/2021, B9-0433/2021, B9-0453/2021, B9-0455/2021, B9-0458/2021, B9-0459/2021, B9-0460/2021, B9-0462/2021)
The Fianna Fáil delegation supported this resolution, which expresses Parliament’s deep concerns regarding the situation in Afghanistan. We entirely agree that this is, first and foremost, a humanitarian and human rights crisis in which the safety, security and rights of Afghans must be prioritised at all times. We also profoundly regret the dramatic backsliding on rights of women and girls under the Taliban regime. Parliament – and the European Union more generally – should be clear that we will not accept anything less than equality.However, there are parts of the resolution we do not support. First, we do not agree that the developments in Afghanistan mean that the EU should build a ‘genuine European Defence Union’. Instead, the EU should focus on delivering humanitarian assistance to those who urgently need it.Secondly, we do not believe that foreign affairs issues should be decided by an extended use of qualified majority voting, as this could undermine the position of EU Member States who pursue neutrality policies or who are not members of NATO.Finally, we are unhappy that the NDICI-Global Europe instrument was referenced in a section concerning migration. We strongly oppose the diversion of development funds for the purposes of migration management, and believe that this reference here was inappropriate.
The role of development policy in the response to biodiversity loss in developing countries, in the context of the achievement of the 2030 Agenda (A9-0258/2021 - Michèle Rivasi)
. ‒ The Fianna Fáil delegation was satisfied to support this report on the role of development policy in the response to biodiversity loss in developing countries, in the context of the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. Biodiversity is at the heart of Agenda 2030: achieving each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) either directly or indirectly depends on protecting biodiversity. This report calls upon the EU to step up its political and operational efforts to prevent biodiversity loss, inter alia, by mainstreaming biodiversity across the EU’s internal and external policies and prioritising biodiversity in development programming. In the run-up to COP15 and COP26, this report is timely and amplifies the European Parliament’s voice as a defender of the environment and sustainable development.The delegation decided to vote in favour of recital AF, which establishes a link between biodiversity loss and international trade. This is in line with the scientific finding that 30% of threats to species are driven by international trade, which is recalled in recital AE. It is important to insist, however, that the growth in international trade is also linked with the sharp decline in extreme poverty across the globe since 2000 and has accelerated progress on the SDGs by increasing the number and quality of jobs in developing countries. Furthermore, the EU’s trade policy is a key tool at the EU’s disposal for promoting biodiversity and sustainable development in third countries, especially in upper and middle-income countries where development cooperation does not take place. The Fianna Fáil delegation believes it is important to encourage an informed discussion on trade and biodiversity, and that it is our responsibility to communicate this complex debate to our constituents.
Reforming the EU policy on harmful tax practices (including the reform of the Code of Conduct Group) (A9-0245/2021 - Aurore Lalucq)
As a party, Fianna Fail strongly condemns harmful tax practices. Yet again this week, journalists have exposed serious exploitation and abuse of our taxation systems by incredibly wealthy individuals and people in positions of power. They siphon money from national exchequers and hide it away to the detriment of our societies.This report issues a strong message from the European Parliament that these practices must be stopped. We must close the loopholes in our own systems, and we also need to exert pressure on other jurisdictions to do the same. There needs to be an international effort to increase transparency and improve communication and exchange of information.However, unfortunately, we had to abstain in the final vote on this report. As is repeatedly the case, the report was littered with unnecessary references to moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting on taxation matters and to the potential unilateral implementation of a minimum tax in the EU if no international agreement is reached at OECD level. We do not and cannot support these calls. We can combat harmful tax practices without threatening national competencies on taxation matters.
Farm to Fork Strategy (A9-0271/2021 - Anja Hazekamp, Herbert Dorfmann)
The Fianna Fail delegation fully support this new and comprehensive approach to achieving more sustainability in the food chain in Europe. Food production in the EU is already setting a global standard for food that is safe, plentiful, nutritious and of high quality but increased action and ambition is needed to address the challenges of climate change and environmental and biodiversity degradation.We voted to support the strategy’s proposed transition towards more sustainable agriculture which will be economically viable for all farmers in the EU and will create new economic opportunities through uptake of new practices and innovations. We support the further development of initiatives and binding targets to improve sustainability along the entire food chain – from reducing harmful inputs and increasing biodiversity and climate protection in farming, working with food processing and retail to offer healthier food with a better environmental footprint, towards making food information more transparent to allow consumers to make more informed choices.
Pandora Papers: implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (B9-0527/2021, RC B9-0530/2021, B9-0530/2021, B9-0531/202)
The Pandora Papers leak has shed another spotlight on the systematic nature of global tax avoidance and evasion. Money is being siphoned from our systems, at a time when the economy and public resources are under incredible stress, to line the pockets of a select few.It is deeply regrettable that the burden has again been placed on journalists to reveal the true extent of the problem. We really commend the journalists involved for their perseverance, determination and journalistic skills. However, now we policymakers and legislators need to take the burden on ourselves and work with our global partners to close the loopholes in our framework that are being exploited.
A European strategy for critical raw materials (A9-0280/2021 - Hildegard Bentele)
Critical raw materials will play a key role in the EU’s green and digital transition. Our security of supply is therefore vital. The Fianna Fáil delegation voted in favour of this report, which recalls that this will be achieved through a combination of measures including maintaining strong relations with a diverse range of supplier countries, increasing the circular use of critical raw materials within the EU, and investing further in research and development to improve materials innovation.In addition, we supported some amendments that gave greater emphasis to the need for the sourcing of critical raw materials to be done in a sustainable manner. We also welcomed the Commission’s commitment to introduce a binding proposal on corporate due diligence, which we believe will go far in addressing abuses of human rights and breaches of social and environmental standards along the supply chain. Whilst these due diligence obligations should cover the length of supply chain, it is clear that there should be a greater degree of responsibility for the activities of subsidiaries by parent companies.
Legal migration policy and law (A9-0314/2021 - Abir Al-Sahlani)
Enhancing the quality of legal labour migration in the European Union is an essential means of addressing the transformation of the European political economy, boosting the EU’s post—pandemic recovery and strengthening the rights of those third—country nationals who are legally resident in the EU and currently make up some 5.1% of the total EU population. The Fianna Fáil delegation fully supported this legislative initiative report, which aims to facilitate the into- and intra—European mobility of labour migrants and enhance the safety net for, inter alia, low and medium skilled workers, the self—employed and seasonal workers.The delegation supported the text as it was tabled for vote at plenary. As such, we decided not to support AM 3 tabled by The Left relating to the situation of domestic workers. Although the delegation fully agrees with the intention to improve the rights of domestic workers, such as the call for the Union and its Member States to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s Convention on Domestic Workers, we believed that this amendment was out of scope. An explicit aim of the rapporteur was to address labour migration in a non—sectorial manner, so as to achieve the best outcomes for all workers.
Protection of animals during transport (Recommendation) (B9-0057/2022)
ANIT is a committee of inquiry that was set up to examine the protection of animals during transport. During its investigations, it found that there have been systemic failures to enforce the existing rules on the protection of animals during transport. This report makes recommendations for the revision and better implementation of existing rules, with the overarching aim of boosting animal welfare.I felt it was important to support amendments 1, 2, 3, 4 which account for the specificities of rural farming communities across the EU whose geographical constraints demand some flexibility with regard to journey times. Amendments 2 and 4 double the existing age limit below which unweaned animals cannot be transported, whereas amendments 3 and 4 ensure that gestating animals remain in their natural habitat for as long as possible. While I agree with the intention underlying amendments 10 and 11, geographical realities have to be taken into account, particularly those of the island of Ireland. Eliminating long-haul journeys for animals and reforming our consumption patterns should be our long-term objectives, but this must be achieved while preventing a sudden disruption to existing supply-chains which would have socio-economic costs.The SDGs require us to tackle climate change and improve our relationship with the natural world, while ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ in this process. I am confident that the resulting text is balanced and proportionate: it will bring about dramatic improvements in animal welfare while ensuring the livelihoods of farming and rural communities are not imperilled.
Impact of national tax reforms on the EU economy (A9-0348/2021 - Markus Ferber)
The Fianna Fáil delegation was active and engaged throughout the drafting process of the report on the impact of national tax reforms on the EU economy. However, unfortunately we were unable to support the final report. We fundamentally disagree with the push from some within this house to introduce qualified majority voting on taxation matters thereby undermining the Treaty based principle that taxation is a Member State competence and should be subject to unanimity voting.We fully recognise the burdens that taxation procedures can have on small businesses and the need for greater transparency. In this regard, Ireland has often been at the forefront of introducing national taxation reforms to address these issues. However, the pursuit of reforms should never put into jeopardy the rights of the Member States to decide their own taxation policies and sources of revenue.
Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer (A9-0001/2022 - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir)
The Beating Cancer Report, and the work of the Special Committee, is a watershed moment for cancer diagnosis, treatment and care in the European Union. It is the culmination of many months of work and deliberations bringing together some of the best scientists, medical professionals and public policy experts in the world to agree a common path forward.The Fianna Fáil delegation endorses the work of this Committee and supports the overall ambition of this report.We supported a number of amendments in relation to the issue of alcohol consumption. Our approach was to preserve the choice of adults but to make sure that everyone is well informed of the consequences of harmful levels of alcohol consumption and ensure that minors are protected. We, therefore, believe that an alcoholic drinks company should not sponsor any sport event targeting young people. We also believe that alcoholic products should carry clear health warning labels so consumers can make an informed decision. Finally, we also supported amendments emphasising that harmful alcoholic use can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2021 (A9-0354/2021 - David McAllister)
Whilst this report contains many positive elements, including strong language on the protection and promotion of human rights, the significance of European diplomacy, the value of multilateralism and the importance of international cooperation, the Fianna Fáil delegation decided to abstain on the final vote due to the inclusion of language on security and defence.Ireland is currently going through a process of reflection on how it engages with security and defence at a European level, as a non-aligned EU Member State that has traditionally pursued a policy of military neutrality.Last week, the Commission on the Defence Forces published a report, which proposes significant changes for the Irish Defence Forces and defence provision. The Irish Government has begun detailed consideration of the recommendations of this report, which will inform its future position. Furthermore, Irish and European citizens more generally have been asked to consider the issue in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe.In light of these two ongoing processes, it would be inappropriate for us to pre-empt the debate that will take place in Ireland.
Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (A9-0358/2021 - Nathalie Loiseau)
Ireland is currently going through a process of reflection on how it engages with security and defence at a European level, as a non-aligned EU Member State that has traditionally pursued a policy of military neutrality.Last week, the Commission on the Defence Forces published a report, which proposes significant changes for the Irish Defence Forces and defence provision. The Irish Government has begun detailed consideration of the recommendations of this report, which will inform its future position. Furthermore, Irish and European citizens more generally have been asked to consider the issue in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe.In light of these two ongoing processes, it would be inappropriate for us to pre-empt the debate that will take place in Ireland.
Human rights and democracy in the world – annual report 2021 (A9-0353/2021 - María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos)
The Fianna Fáil delegation welcomes this report by Renew Europe colleague María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos, which insists that the EU place the protection and promotion of human rights at the core of its external action.However, we decided to vote against Paragraph 60, and two amendments tabled by the Left, which sought to condemn the practice of surrogacy.The decision to enter into a surrogacy arrangement is a deeply personal one, and certainly not one we would condemn. However, we do believe steps should be taken to regulate surrogacy, to prevent any possible commercial or exploitative practices and to ensure that the paramount concern is the welfare of the child.
The EU priorities for the 66th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (B9-0099/2022)
. ‒ The 66th Conference on the Status of Women takes place in March 2022 and will place a special emphasis on achieving gender equality in the context of climate change through environmental and disaster risk reduction policies. This resolution attempts to provide input to the EU’s priorities, ahead of the upcoming conference. The Fianna Fáil delegation supported this resolution in full, which puts forward several necessary actions to make the EU’s efforts on gender equality and climate action fully coherent and synergistic, while taking an intersectional perspective.The Fianna Fáil delegation chose to support Amendments 1 and 2, tabled by The Left. These amendments stress the need for gender parity in politics and decision-making in order to properly address the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls. Amendment 2 calls for greater efforts to achieve gender parity, in particular through electoral lists. The Fianna Fáil delegation does not support electoral lists and believes they are not suited for the Irish context. The delegation nonetheless chose to support the amendment as it emphasises the need for greater gender balance in the European Parliament in order to lead by example.
Objection pursuant to Rule 111(3): Union list of projects of common interest for the trans-European energy infrastructure (B9-0137/2022)
. ‒ Projects of Common Interests (PCI) are key cross border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries. This plenary session, I voted in favour of the EU’s fifth PCI list. Listed projects can automatically benefit from several advantages, including an accelerated permit granting and improved regulatory treatment. The Celtic Interconnector continues to be one of the listed projects, which once complete will have the capacity to import or export 700 megawatts (MW) of electricity between France and Ireland: equivalent to supplying power to around 450,000 homes. I fully recognise such projects’ role in improving the security of energy supply, and in continuing to encourage investment in our energy infrastructure. It is crucial that we diversify our energy mix in a timely and concerted manner, especially as we witness energy costs rise to record levels both in Ireland and across Europe.
EU Citizenship Report 2020 (A9-0019/2022 - Yana Toom)
The EU Citizenship Report is an important vessel for strengthening the rights and voices of citizens in the EU. The Fianna Fáil delegation gladly supported this report, which calls for the legal and practical obstacles citizens and long-term residents face in exercising their rights within the EU to be addressed. Such obstacles can hinder various aspects of EU citizenship, like free movement, the right to participate in European democratic life and the right to be protected from discrimination.The delegation chose not to support paragraph 12, which suggests that common rules be introduced for the granting of EU citizenship across the Member States. As it stands, EU citizenship emanates from the citizenship of a Member State. The criteria and procedure for becoming naturalised in each Member State varies considerably. Harmonisation could result in a ‘lowest common denominator’ approach, which could dilute the level of protection citizens receive in a given Member State. For this reason, the delegation is of the view that this is, and should remain, a national matter.
Fair and simple taxation supporting the recovery strategy (A9-0024/2022 - Luděk Niedermayer)
The Fianna Fail party fully supports the impetus in the EU to introduce a fairer, simpler, and more transparent taxation system and we believe that we should harness this impetus.We welcome the historic agreement reached amongst the OECD member states last year. Whilst it was a difficult agreement to reach, it drags the tax framework into the modern age making it suitable for the digital companies of today, but ensuring that it is fair to both small and large member states.We also see great potential to improve other aspects of the taxation framework, including closing the EUR 134bn VAT gap, and reforming the withholding tax framework. Moreover, we need to reassess the taxation of energy to ensure that it gives the right incentives for the transition to greener energy, but whilst ensuring that all households can afford to heat and run their homes.However, I had to abstain on this report as, yet again, colleagues in the house have sought to undermine the Treaty provisions and sovereignty of Member States on tax matters by calling for the use of qualified majority voting. A fair taxation system means that it must be fair for all Member States.
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)
The war in Ukraine has had a serious impact on Ukrainian agricultural production. Of immediate concern is the humanitarian need to secure food supply for the people in Ukraine. In broader terms, Ukraine is a key player on the global food markets and many developing countries are reliant on Ukrainian wheat for bread production. According to the UN World Food Programme, this could lead to a very grave hunger crisis in developing countries within the year. The Fianna Fáil delegation gives their strong support to this joint motion, which highlights the urgent need for action to ensure food security in Ukraine and in developing countries.Furthermore, as Europe is heavily reliant on imports for animal feed, the Fianna Fáil delegation supports the calls to grant short-term flexibilities for farmers in order address the challenges in terms of feed inputs this year. We would stress that the Green Deal objectives should not be undermined due to the need for urgent measures in light of the crisis in the food supply chains. In addition, common agricultural policy tools should be activated to address instability in the markets and support farmers in the short to medium term and to ensure that European citizens continue to have access to high quality and affordable food.
Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (A9-0162/2022 - Peter Liese)
We support an ambitious ETS. That is why we supported the final vote on this file. We are disappointed that the right and the left-green blocs voted against the final report, which will result in delayed implementation of the ETS – a key vehicle for achieving the EU’s targets under the European Green Deal. Due to the nature of the EP, compromise is necessary. The Fianna Fáil MEPs fully supported the swift implementation of the ETS, and thus, the 2032 timeline for the phase out of free allocations was a fair compromise.On the issue of nuclear, we believe it should be left up to Member States to decide, and we believe that nuclear should be eligible for investment under this and other schemes.Ireland already has a progressive carbon market that will generate €9.5 billion, from a carbon tax, for investment by the Irish State between now and 2030 to support climate mitigation measures and measures to support those at risk of poverty. While we supported this file, we expect a derogation to be awarded to Ireland on the basis that the propose ETS (and Social Climate Fund) would represent a form of double taxation on Irish citizens
Social Climate Fund (A9-0157/2022 - David Casa, Esther de Lange)
Fianna Fáil MEPs strongly support the idea of a Social Climate Fund as a means of demonstrating solidarity with citizens at risk of experiencing fuel poverty as a result of efforts to decarbonise the economy. It is essential that no one is left behind by the transition to clean, green sources of energy.While we supported the text of the report and will support its final adoption by the Parliament, we believe in, and expect, a derogation for Ireland from the European Commission in light of Ireland’s already-implemented carbon tax. The Irish carbon tax will fund over €9.5 billion in measures until 2030 to support climate change mitigation measures and measures to support those at risk of fuel poverty. To implement the SCF without a derogation would represent a double taxation on Irish citizens.
Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) (A9-0161/2022 - Ville Niinistö)
The Fianna Fáil delegation supports a strong commitment to reduce the carbon emissions from our land and forestry use. It is essential that all sectors of the economy play their part in achieving our climate targets.However, we had significant concerns about the proposals that originated in the ENVI committee. The proposal to introduce an additional 50 million tonne target, which we voted against, separate to the Commission’s 310 million target, which we support, went too far. Ireland has specific and unique challenges in terms of high levels of peat and wet lands. Burning peat releases high amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, and in order for Ireland to meet its climate targets, this must no longer take place. Whereas most land captures carbon, these so-called drained organic soils are inherent emitters of greenhouse gases, prior to cultivation or burning. This means that a removal target of 360 Mt of CO2 would be unrealistic adapted to the Irish context.We also supported an amendment that sought to introduce a great acceptance that flexibilities must be provided to Member States relative to their unique circumstances.
The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (B9-0305/2022, B9-0307/2022)
Fianna Fáil MEPs supported the compromise text, agreed between the three largest parliamentary groups, on this file. We believe that now the citizens have spoken, by way of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the European institutions should facilitate a Convention.We are not opposed to treaty change, and on certain issues such as moving to QMV on sanctions, we think it is necessary. We also fully believe that the existing powers as agreed under the Lisbon Treaty should be utilised fully before additional competencies are transferred to the European institutions.Our party rejects accusations that transferring competencies to the Union diminishes Member States. On the contrary, sharing sovereignly with others is the one of the best examples of national sovereignty. We will support the right of the people of Ireland to make their decision known on future treaty changes by way of a national referendum. As we have done consistently, we have voted for a Single Seat for the European Parliament to reduce carbon emissions and reduce costs.
National vetoes to undermine the global tax deal (RC-B9-0339/2022, B9-0339/2022, B9-0340/2022, B9-0341/2022, B9-0342/2022, B9-0343/2022, B9-0344/2022)
Direct taxation is and should remain a national competence. It is crucial that Member States maintain the ability to determine and fund their fiscal policies and that citizens can directly hold to account those who decide on these policies. This is why I consider it imperative to preserve the use of unanimity voting on direct tax matters. Therefore, with regret, the Fianna Fáil delegation abstained on the final vote.However, I am strongly of the view that the right to a veto must not be abused. Each of the Member States is Treaty-bound by the principle of sincere cooperation which is equally as sacrosanct as the veto itself. I deplore Hungary's misuse and exploitation of its right to veto. A momentous agreement was reached amongst 136 countries on the implementation of a minimum tax. This should now be implemented in good faith. Hungary's unwillingness to agree risks damaging the EU's reputation on the global stage, as well as providing ammunition to those advocating for a move away from unanimity. This cannot be tolerated.
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – a new agenda for the Mediterranean (A9-0220/2022 - Antonio López-Istúriz White)
The Fianna Fáil delegation was strongly in favour of this report which outlines an ambitious new policy for the Mediterranean, grounded in shared social justice objectives and values. The delegation voted against two lines of recital (m), as we felt the framing of migration was overly negative. It is important that migration is managed, but that it is also seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the stability or economic prosperity of countries of origin and transit. While brain drain is a concern, studies show that, in the short term, migration actually boosts the economic development of countries of origin. Moreover, the key to tackling any instability caused by flows of migrants in the neighbourhood lies in developing a truly comprehensive EU migration and asylum policy and effective, principled diplomacy with our partners. Framing migration as an intrinsic threat to stability would, therefore, not be constructive.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 (A9-0292/2022 - David McAllister)
Whilst the Fianna Fáil delegation supports many aspects of this report, notably ongoing support for Ukraine, language on the protection and promotion of human rights, the significance of European diplomacy, the value of multilateralism and the importance of international cooperation, it decided to abstain on the final vote due to the inclusion of certain language on security and defence as well as decision-making arrangements in foreign and security policy.The changing security and defence landscape in Europe and globally has caused Ireland to enter a process of reflection on how it engages with security and defence at a European level, as a non-aligned EU Member State that has traditionally pursued a policy of military neutrality. Last year saw the publication of the Report by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which proposes significant changes for the Irish Defence Forces and defence provision. In light of these ongoing processes, it would be inappropriate for us to pre-empt the debate that will take place in Ireland.
Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 (A9-0296/2022 - Tom Vandenkendelaere)
The changing security and defence landscape in Europe and globally has caused Ireland to enter a process of reflection on how it engages with security and defence at a European level, as a non—aligned EU Member State that has traditionally pursued a policy of military neutrality. Last year saw the publication of the report by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which proposes significant changes for the Irish Defence Forces and defence provision. In light of these ongoing processes, it would be inappropriate for us to pre-empt the debate that will take place in Ireland.
Following up on measures requested by Parliament to strengthen the integrity of European institutions (RC-B9-0147/2023, B9-0147/2023, B9-0150/2023, B9-0152/2023, B9-0153/2023, B9-0154/2023)
The Fianna Fáil delegation is firmly of the view that tighter rules are required to maintain the integrity of the EU institutions, particularly in light of the Qatargate scandal. Our delegation voted to establish an independent EU Ethics Body with powers of oversight and sanction over staff in all EU institutions. With regard to the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil voted in favour of a mandatory registration of all scheduled meetings, except where the life and integrity of individuals may be at risk; a declaration of assets at the beginning and end of Members’ mandates; and a prevention on MEPs from doing side-jobs for entities covered by the Transparency Register, to prevent genuine conflicts of interest. We also voted in favour of a ‘cooling off period’ of six months for MEPs after their mandate, ensuring a balanced approach towards preventing revolving doors.
Own resources: a new start for EU finances, a new start for Europe (A9-0155/2023 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valérie Hayer)
The European Union took on considerable debt in order to invest in the recovery from the COVID pandemic. Further investment is necessary in order to stick to our climate commitments. Fianna Fáil recognises and fully supports the ability for the EU to have a direct source of sustainable revenue and considers it necessary to reduce the debt and fund the EU’s ambition. However, we had to vote against this report.Own resources for the EU cannot be introduced at the expense of EU competitiveness. Taxes, such as the minimum corporate tax rate or a digital tax, need to be introduced at a global level to ensure that the EU can compete on an equal basis.Moreover, national competences on taxation need to be respected. Ireland respects the enhanced cooperation procedure ongoing amongst 11 Member States to introduce an FTT amongst those countries. In return, we would expect the same level of respect for our decision not to introduce an EU wide FTT. Ireland already has a tax on financial transactions which takes the form of a tax on transfers of shares in Irish incorporated companies. We cannot support calls from the Parliament for the Commission to consider a Union-wide FTT.
Regulation of prostitution in the EU: its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights (A9-0240/2023 - Maria Noichl)
Tackling gender-based violence, sexual violence and human trafficking are critical steps in the fight for gender equality. Although the Fianna Fáil delegation agreed with the overall intentions of this report – to end violence against women – we felt that this must be done in a manner that does not shame individuals or impose one model over another.The conflation of sex work with human trafficking, and the use of the term ‘prostitution’, could have a stigmatising effect. In addition, the notion that consent is not possible in a sex work scenario undermines those individuals’ autonomy.More importantly, this report views the Nordic model – that is, the criminalisation of the purchase of sex – as a one-size-fits-all, although studies have shown that this approach has led to increased incidents of violence against sex workers, and exposes them to greater precariousness, including the risk of contracting HIV.In Ireland, we would urge for a conversation about what policy truly serves the best interests of sex workers. Above all, we felt that this is not a matter that should be decided at European level, though we would support increased measures to combat human trafficking and GBV. For this reason, we voted against the final report.
European Media Freedom Act (A9-0264/2023 - Sabine Verheyen)
The Fianna Fáil delegation strongly supports this legislation, which is essential in a context of widespread disinformation, discrediting of media and persecution of journalists. Our democracy depends on journalistic integrity – upholding this must be a priority. For this reason, we voted to prohibit public authorities from using spyware against journalists, with no exceptions. We believe that there should be an absolute ban on spyware across the European Union. Accessing encrypted data of journalists as part of criminal investigations should be a last resort.We also voted in favour of deleting Article 17, relating to the role of Very Large Online Platforms. We felt the proposals in this act watered down the legal obligations of VLOPs regarding content moderation under the Digital Services Act. It also gave disproportionate media privileges, such as self-declaration, which could be abused by nefarious actors posing as media service providers to spread harmful content. We voted in favour of increased competition among recommender system providers and empowering users to apply various filters to the content they are shown. Finally, we supported giving the European Commission the power to launch a probe into media mergers, to prevent market concentration and promote media pluralism.
Draft amending budget No 3/2023: Update of revenue (own resources) and other technical adjustments (A9-0287/2023 - Fabienne Keller)
Fianna Fáil shares the European Parliament’s support for the Council position on the draft amending budget No 3/2023. We recognise the pressing challenges that the European Union is facing – supporting Ukraine in responding to Russia’s war of aggression and responding to climate change, amongst many others.We therefore support an ambitious approach to the EU budget and welcome the ability for the Union to raise its own resources as an alternative to raising Member States’ contributions. That being said, we abstained on this vote because we do not support the Commission’s proposal for a temporary own resource based on company profits. Corporate taxation is, and should remain, a national competence and national revenue. Moreover, the introduction of such an own resource pre-empts the discussion and agreement on the Commission’s proposal for a Council directive on Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT).
Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (A9-0298/2023 - Alexandr Vondra)
The Fianna Fáil MEPs consider this proposal on standards of key importance to improving air quality and protecting public health. The new regulation as proposed by the Commission intends to introduce more stringent limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia), and proposes to introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and increase battery durability.Unfortunately, the Parliament’s text undermines the ambition of the Commission’s original proposal in terms of limits and time frames for implementation. In this regard, and to communicate our disappointment with the lack of ambition and failure to bring forward clear and swift measures for reducing road transport derived air pollutants such as nitrous oxides and particulate matter, safeguarding public health and helping to meet our revised commitments, we abstained on the final vote.
System of own resources of the European Union (A9-0295/2023 - José Manuel Fernandes, Valérie Hayer)
Fianna Fáil has always tried to make clear that we are supportive of the concept of own resources.Moreover, we were strong advocates for the introduction of Next Generation EU – a radical initiative to address the COVID-19 challenges – and we are acutely aware that these loans will become repayable as of 2028, as well as the fact that the borrowing costs have risen significantly due to interest rate hikes.Nonetheless, unfortunately, we were not able to vote in favour of this report as we cannot support the Commission’s amended proposal on the introduction of new own resources as drafted.Ireland has made huge strides and considerable effort in signing up to the OECD’s Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 agreement. We now stand ready to engage on its implementation and if a contribution should be made to the EU budget. Moreover, we await the Commission’s proposal on its Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation system.Therefore, we strongly oppose the proposal to introduce a temporary statistical own resource based on company profits. We consider this an attempt to introduce corporate taxation at EU level, pre-empting and ultimately undermining any discussion on BEFIT or the OECD agreement.
Role of tax policy in times of crisis (A9-0336/2023 - Kira Marie Peter-Hansen)
Tax and other related measures proved to be useful tools in response to the COVID crisis and the energy crisis that ensued from Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. For example, the so-called ‘energy windfall taxes’ and solidarity contributions helped protect consumers and support vulnerable households in coping with the exorbitant energy bills. Furthermore, some Member States, such as Ireland, have put in place measures to prevent the double taxation of Ukrainian refugees on income earned whilst outside of Ukraine.Fianna Fáil are supportive of such measures, provided that they are temporary and targeted in nature, and the revenue is used to address the crisis at hand.Unfortunately, we were not able to give our full support to this report and instead abstained. As is often the case with Parliament reports on tax measures, the scope was unnecessarily inflated to cover a much broader discussion on additional own resources and the direct contribution of corporate tax to EU own resources.
Implementation of the 2018 Geo-blocking Regulation in the digital single market (A9-0335/2023 - Beata Mazurek)
Fianna Fáil welcomes this report, which has provided very real and tangible benefits for European citizens since its entry into force in 2018. We are concerned, however, that some geo-blocking barriers remain, which could prevent our companies and citizens from harnessing the full potential of the single market.We are disappointed that the Commission has not yet presented the Parliament with the outcome of its stakeholder dialogue on possibly extending the scope of the Geo-blocking Regulation to audio-visual content. We firmly believe that the European cultural sector is one of our great assets, and one that should be enjoyed – and supported – in its entirety by citizens across the 27 EU Member States.Nevertheless, we would like to reiterate our position that any future proposal on extending the scope of the regulation can only be presented after a full and comprehensive assessment of the potential impact on the sector.We also believe that if a review of the regulation were proposed on the basis of this assessment, changes would need to be introduced gradually, to give providers of audio-visual services the opportunity to adapt their business models.Strong safeguards would also be needed to guarantee the viability of small producers and audio-visual content in minority languages.
Written questions (48)
Appointment of a Special Representative for the Syria Conflict
Closure of the cross-border operations at Bab al-Salam
Skills for life
Data protection rights in an increasingly non-democratic cyber space
Compliance of self-proclaimed ‘LGBT-free zones’ in Poland with the principle of non-discrimination and the rule of law in view of the Next Generation EU recovery plan
Mass arrest of LGBTI activists in Poland
Proposed UK legislation in breach of the Withdrawal Agreement
Commission’s proposal for a climate and trade initiative
Prosecution of NGOs in Greece
Demolition and confiscation of EU-funded aid projects in the West Bank
The World Trade Organization’s Trade and Environment Week 2020
Technical assistance and the AfCFTA
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and its implications for EU trade
The Commission’s most recent plans to strengthen European health and the European Health Union
Directorate‑General for Trade’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan
The Bangladeshi Government’s relocation of Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char island, potentially against their will
Formal launch of negotiations on an EU-Taiwan bilateral investment agreement
State of play of EU-Turkey political, economic and trade relations
Implementing the EU4Health programme to ensure better health preparedness
Written question on data accessibility and harmonisation concerning COVID‑19 vaccination administration, logistics and planning in the Member States
The distribution of excess COVID-19 vaccines and Europe’s long-term vaccination strategy
Establishment of HERA and the outcomes of the meeting of 31 January 2021
The EU and funding for sports
The snail’s pace progress of EU justice in ending discrimination against lettori in Italian universities
Disability strategy
Towards a comprehensive European Mental Health Strategy
Practical implications for the movement of products of animal origin
Providing quality healthcare for people living with PKU
Global price increases and shortage of magnesium
Pushbacks and the deterioration of migration
Island Member States’ specificities for new road transport rules
11 years of impunity: the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes in Syria accountable
Support measures for the Irish embassy in Ethiopia
Reducing forced labour and child labour in EU supply chains by 2025
Resources for EFRAG to develop ESRS
Single-Use Plastics Directive and extended producer responsibility
The need for humanitarian assistance in Syria on the 12th anniversary of the Syrian conflict
European dental hygiene
Discrimination against non-national teachers (Lettori) in Italian universities
Continued funding for the Global Gateway strategy
Criminal shipwreck in Greece
EU Memorandum of Understanding with Tunisia: lack of call for release of political prisoners, legal basis, and human rights conditionality
Rejection of official EU delegations by Tunisian authorities and consequences for EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding
The Commission’s review of funding to Palestine
2023 EU4Health work programme
Israel’s disregard for international law and the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice
Funding for UNRWA, conditions, and the future of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the surrounding region
Need for EU-wide disposable vape ban
Amendments (1205)
Amendment 17 #
2023/2108(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that people in developing countries, especially indigenous and traditional communities, smallholders and other small-scale food producers, women, human rights defenders and workers, are disproportionally affected by the human, labour and environmental rights violations committed by TNCs, which often go unpunished; calls to promote and ensure access to justice with special focus on minorities and an effective remedy for victims of human rights violations and abuses;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2108(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Council to adopt an ambitious mandate for the Commission to fully engage in the negotiations on the UN legally binding instrument on TNCs and human rights (LBI), in accordance with the objectives stipulated by UN Human Rights Council Resolution 26/9 of 14 July 2014, which mandates those negotiations; notes that the Member States should otherwise engage in the process individually; calls to establish a strong EU mandate to ensure cooperation with established and potential partners in the area of business and human rights which would in turn strengthen the EU's diplomacy as a credible partner and human rights defender;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2108(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls the proposal by the European Commission for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence (CSDDD) which aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour and to anchor human rights and environmental considerations in companies operations and corporate governance; underlines that CSDDD proposal should aim for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2108(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the importance that the scope of the LBI under negotiation covers TNCs and other business enterprises of a transnational character, as established by Resolution 26/9; worries, however, that there are still many governance gaps that persist at the international level and calls to continue multilateral engagement to send a consistent signal to existing and potential cooperation partners;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the fourth meeting of the Joint Committee, under the EPA, took place in April 2023;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the work and positive nature of the EU-Japan Summit in July 2023; endorses the Joint Statement’s commitment to the EU and Japan’s ever- closer strategic partnership;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that the EPA has opened new markets for goods and several agri-food sectors, resulting in an increase of more than 20% in trade in goods and 30 % in EU agri-food exports to Japan since 2018;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RecallHighlights the importance of implementing the EPA fully and effectively, including in the areas of government procurement to ensure transparency, and sanitary and phytosanitary commitments to speed up and simplify import procedures;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines that thanks to the EPA in place, EU Japan trade quickly restored pre-Covid trade levels in 2021, and beyond in 2022; supports the Commission is finding further opportunities to increase trade with Japan;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Takes note with satisfaction that ILO Convention 105, on abolition of forced labour, has entered into force in Japan on 19 July 2022, reflecting the clear commitments in the agreement to pursue the ratification of fundamental ILO conventions; expects ratification and implementation also of outstanding core convention 111, on discrimination, to follow in a timely manner;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the signing of the Administrative Arrangement between the Directorate General for Internal, Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMES (DG GROW) and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in July 2023; calls on the EU and Japan to ensure strong cooperation on critical raw material supply chains;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that Japan is the EU’s closest partner in the Indo-Pacific region with whom the EU should enhance cooperation on economic resilience and security, including byfully in line with the European Economic Security strategy of de-risking, however continuously also focusing on addressing non- market practices.
Amendment 51 #
2023/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that since the negotiations of the EPA, both the CPTPP and RCEP have entered into force, and IPEF has been launched, all of which include Japan as a member;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report of 24 September 2019 on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate,
Amendment 23 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, while energy is at the heart of all SDGs, SDG 7 stipulates the aim to achieve sustainable access to affordable and clean energy by 203012 ; _________________ 12 UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ‘The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition – July 2023’, New York, USA, 2023.
Amendment 49 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas in developing countries that heavily rely on biomass for cooking food, the EU should support alternative solutions to the consumption of wood, and in particular mangroves, and promote, for instance, the use of solar cookers;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the energy autonomy of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), building upon their high renewable energy potential, should remain a clear objective;
Amendment 96 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the EU and partner countries share a common but differentiated responsibility to achieve a sustainable energy transition; whereas EU support for renewable energy projects must, in the first place, meet the local population’s needs before supporting export; whereas the stated desire of certain developing countries to exploit their hydrocarbon resources should also be analysed in the light of the EU's push for a global pledge at COP28 to phase out fossil fuels;
Amendment 107 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls for the EU to support access to clean energy in developing countries through capacity-building and transfers of technology; highlights the need to develop solutions to help deliver renewable energy deployment in developing countries, including marine and river energy; encourages partnerships moving away from the exploitation of fossil resources and focusing rather on clean energy use and biodiversity conservation in developing countries;
Amendment 116 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that energy poverty disproportionately affects women and girls; highlights their daily involvement in collecting firewood and charcoal far from their homes; calls for the EU to step up its support in mainstreaming gender in the energy transition; stresses that particular attention should be given to the crucial role of women and the youth in developing countries, including in marine conservation areas;
Amendment 163 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is worried about the impact that water-intensive energy conversion practices, such as hydropower plants, have on agricultural communities; highlights the adverse effects of hydropower dams on rivers and biodiversity, especially in estuaries;
Amendment 168 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Is concerned about the fragility of facilities in the face of extreme weather events such as the recent floods in Libya that swept away entire neighbourhoods and damaged critical infrastructure; insists on the paramount objectives of SDG 9, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation;
Amendment 180 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Insists on the relevance of green energy in agroforestry and climate change adaptation projects such as the Great Green Wall, which promotes the integrated management of ecosystems and provides a solution to water access and food insecurity in the Sahelian strip by combating land degradation and desertification;
Amendment 192 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Warns against the risk of a new ‘green hydrogen curse’ that would foster developing countries’ reliance on exports and could crowd out investments in the development of local energy markets; is concerned about the lack of required infrastructure, the long-distance transport costs, the limited investments and financial capacities and the risks linked to weak institutions and corruption; calls for the EU to support the development of a green hydrogen value chain only when it can guarantee that it equally benefits exporting countries and their populations; stresses the crucial role of hydrogen as a tool to decarbonise the energy system and achieve the Paris Agreement goals; recalls the importance of life cycle assessments taking into account production and transport modes used;
Amendment 197 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges that the expansion of green hydrogen also has negative social and environmental impacts in the Global South, in particular as it relies on mining and the use of raw materials and rare earths; stresses the need to develop a global resource governance system that prioritises sustainability, efficiency and circularity, with a view to reducing global demand for virgin materials; emphasises the need for a systemic approach when assessing the local opportunities and consequences of green hydrogen production for European needs in developing countries;
Amendment 204 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the proliferation of desalination plants to deal with water scarcity; points out that seawater desalination can have major environmental impacts, in particular on marine biodiversity; calls for the promotion of a sustainable approach in water desalination and solutions that have no impact on coastal areas, such as deep sea desalination; highlights that reducing water use and recycling or reusing treated wastewater is often less expensive than desalination;
Amendment 219 #
2023/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the EU and its Member States to increase the amount of official development assistance it devotes to the energy sector, particularly in Africa, prioritising grants over loans and reorienting financing towards countries with lower rates of access to electricity to support their clean energy transitions and to develop public-private partnerships, as well as programmes for facilitating the transfer of knowledge and green technologies;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Observes that crises are not gender-neutral and that disparities across the EU have been exacerbated by the COVID- 19 pandemic, the war of aggression against Ukraine and climate change1a. Observes that the current rise in living and energy costs and have negatively affected children and their families in terms of income, access to employment, living conditions, healthcare, education and skills and access to care; _________________ 1a https://commission.europa.eu/energy- climate-change- environment/topics/climate-change_en
Amendment 13 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights that climate change disproportionately affects women who face higher risks and burdens from the effects of climate change and environmental and natural factors as a result of their unequal access to resources, education, job opportunities and land rights, to prevailing social and cultural norms and their diverse intersectional discrimination experiences;2a _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/B-9-2022-0099_EN.html
Amendment 30 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, in order to reduce these inequalities and promote social inclusion, it is crucial to support women’s access to childcare facilities, the equal sharing of childcare between parents and, family- friendly working time arrangements; and facilitate equal opportunities for parents to return to work; Calls the Member States to strive to achieve and provide Universal Health Coverage to all, as defined by the WHO, guaranteeing pre- and post-natal care for all mothers;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Observes that gender stereotypes related to the division of care responsibilities can be harmful for women and their career growth and that stereotypical masculinity norms can prevent men from fully participating in parenthood, and in caregiving in a wider sense;3a _________________ 3a https://commission.europa.eu/strategy- and-policy/policies/justice-and- fundamental-rights/gender- equality/women-labour-market-work-life- balance/womens-situation-labour- market_en
Amendment 42 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses that, as outlined in the Work-life Balance Initiative, as part of the European Pillar of Social Rights, there should be protection against discrimination and dismissal for parents and carers. Encourages a gender- balanced use of family-related leaves and flexible working arrangements;4a _________________ 4a https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId =1311⟨Id=en
Amendment 44 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Notes that those with care responsibilities also have the right to request flexible working time arrangements such as a reduction of working hours, flexitime and telework;5a _________________ 5a https://commission.europa.eu/strategy- and-policy/policies/justice-and- fundamental-rights/gender- equality/women-labour-market-work-life- balance/womens-situation-labour- market_en
Amendment 45 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Amendment 46 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Points out that the rise in women’s employment will contribute to addressing the challenge of demographic ageing and ensuring Member States’ financial stability; Reminds that gender imbalances in care and employment can result in a gender gap in pensions and high differences in poverty rates in older age;7a _________________ 7a https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId =1311⟨Id=en
Amendment 66 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds that SRHR are a precondition for gender equality; therefore condemns that due to a wide range of legal, financial, practical, social, and cultural barriers and restrictions, access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) varies widely within and between EU Member States; regrets that the access is particularly limited for women and key population groups, and for specific healthcare services, such as abortion care which is banned or de facto banned in Malta and Poland, or is impeded in various EU countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Italy; points out that access to SRHR care, particularly abortion, may be restricted by the requirement for parental consent for girls up to the age of 18 undermining their human rights and putting them at risk;8a _________________ 8a https://reproductiverights.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/06/15381_CRR_Eu rope_V8.pdf
Amendment 73 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Highlights that crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine have exacerbated existing inequalities and have particularly affected women and marginalized groups, weakening even more access to healthcare, including SRHR services or leading to a critical situation in meeting the SRHR needs of those displaced, notably in the case of the war in Ukraine and the resulting populations displacements;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Amendment 86 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out the importance of education for girls and women as a factor in reducing gender inequalities and social exclusion;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Emphasises that sexuality education for all is an essential measure in ending inequalities and working towards a violence-free society as it challenges harmful gender stereotypes, promotes diversity, bodily autonomy, and physical and mental integrity; Notes that sexuality education sheds light on the social taboo of sexuality and addresses it as an integral part of our lives related to our health and well-being;
Amendment 89 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that there are disparities in access to health and education for the poorest and most vulnerable children. Roma children and an estimated 11 million children with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged when it comes to access to quality education. Notes that while Roma children in Europe are more likely to drop out of school at either primary or secondary level without having acquired foundational skills, children with disabilities remain excluded from school and high-quality learning altogether;10a _________________ 10a https://www.unicef.org/eca/media/27346/f ile/Report.pdf
Amendment 94 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 97 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Amendment 99 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Stresses that Member States need to allocate further funding to treat mental health and psychosocial problems and improve regional infrastructures through the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund, including targeted programmes for the LGBTQIA+ community;14a _________________ 14a https://www.unicef.org/eu/stories/mental- health-burden-affecting-europes-children
Amendment 100 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Amendment 101 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Notes that children with migrant backgrounds, refugees, asylum-seekers, undocumented and unaccompanied children are among the hardest hit by poverty. Notes that children living in single-parent families, large- disadvantaged families, children with disabilities, children belonging to ethnic minorities are also at risk of poverty;16a _________________ 16a https://www.savethechildren.net/news/ove r-200000-more-children-are-risk-poverty- european-union-save-children-report
Amendment 103 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that many Ukrainian women refugees fleeing the war of aggression live in different Member Statesand non-Member States in Europe and have specific needs related to childcare that need to be addressed in order to facilitate their access to the job market;
Amendment 105 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on Member States to address the challenges that Ukrainian women refugees face such as language barriers, greater likelihood of social isolation and limited social networks;17a Notes that Ukrainian refugees may be at further risk of poverty and social exclusion; _________________ 17a https://www.oecd.org/ukraine- hub/policy-responses/what-are-the- integration-challenges-of-ukrainian- refugee-women-bb17dc64/
Amendment 106 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Notes that care obligations are a barrier to employment for Ukrainian women (33%) compared to Ukrainian men (9%). Calls on Member States to address these challenges by offering help with childcare costs, providing childcare subsidies and opening new childcare centres;18a _________________ 18a https://www.oecd.org/ukraine- hub/policy-responses/what-are-the- integration-challenges-of-ukrainian- refugee-women-bb17dc64/
Amendment 127 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Points out that there is a lack of high quality, accessible, available and affordable care services in all Member States, including in rural regions;19a _________________ 19a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/TA-9-2022-0278_EN.pdf
Amendment 130 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Notes that the EU’s cohesion policy, which aims at reducing regional disparities, benefits high-skilled, richer households more than low-income households and exacerbates socio- economic and gender inequalities within EU regions;20a _________________ 20a https://www.euractiv.com/section/econom y-jobs/news/holdcohesion-funds-increase- inequality-within-eu-regions-study-finds/
Amendment 135 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Notes that young female asylum seekers are facing gender-based violence, particularly on their journey to Europe.; Calls for Member States to have mechanisms to report such incidents, training for staff in charge of recognising gender-based violence and procedures to identify such cases;21a _________________ 21a https://fra.europa.eu/en/content/thematic- focus-gender-based-violence
Amendment 138 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Points out that women asylum seekers and the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to be victims of violence due to patriarchal structures, cultural factors, and their socioeconomic status in their countries of origin as well as in the post-migration period;22a _________________ 22a https://rm.coe.int/ipol-stu-2021- 691875-en-1-/1680a23902
Amendment 140 #
2023/2066(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Notes that there is a high prevalence of mental health disorders among unaccompanied refugee migrant children and adolescents, ranging from 4.6 % to 43 % for (PTSD), 2.9 % to 61.6 % for depression, 32.6 % to 38.2 % for anxiety and 4 to 14.3% for behavioural problems;23a _________________ 23a https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/ files/2022-10/1-s2.0-s0145213422003994- main.pdf
Amendment 6 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Hu Jintao reported to the 18th National Congress of the CCP a national goal of building China into a maritime great power;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that an open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitiousfree and fair trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports; reminds, however, that the European Union needs to strike a balance between attracting foreign investments and defending its critical infrastructure, including the integrity of its ports;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation of recent or pending EU legislation, including in the field of trade, will requires effective enforcement by the Union and its Member States, as well as investment and training for port operators and authorities;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments2 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from third countries, including those concerning European ports; believes that the review of this regulation should look closely into loopholes and access to critical European infrastructure, stemming from the fragmented use and implementation of screening mechanisms across Member States, as well as how the regulation can be strengthened to serve its purpose; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 64 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises the considerable role that the Global Gateway could play in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities; stresses in this context that this strategy must also contribute to the strengthening of the partner countries, and in particular of their independence in terms of critical strategic infrastructure to prevent them falling under the control of foreign investors with ambiguous goals.
Amendment 77 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights the important toolbox of autonomous legislative instruments to the disposal of the European Union and its Member States to ensure the integrity of its ports.
Amendment 1 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas large-scale mining (LSM) and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations have traditionally coexisted, the type of employment and local value provided varies significantly, as the ASM largely operates with high degrees of informality, labour intensity and illegality, poor occupational health, safety and environmental standards, and relatively low levels of capital investment, mechanisation and recovery of minerals, providing jobs and income for unskilled workers in often remote and rural areas, while LSM are usually heavily mechanised and formally regulated, contributing to the national economy, but with little positive impact on local communities; whereas according to the UNEP, the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in Protected Areas and Critical Ecosystems (ASM-PACE) project estimates that ASM produces approximately 10 % of the world’s gold, 15-20 % of its diamonds, 20 to 25 % of its tin and tantalum and 80 % of coloured gemstones1a; whereas ASM often involves women, thereby increasing their vulnerability, due to the lack of access to, use of and control over resource-rich land and other productive resources and finance; __________________ 1a UNEP, ‘Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century. Gearing Extractive Industries Towards Sustainable Development’, p.81.
Amendment 2 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the extractive industries canshould play a crucial role in the development of many resource-rich developing countries, by providing public revenues from mining and mining-related operations, employment opportunities and infrastructure (from concessions, taxes, direct and indirect spending in the country of operation), employment opportunities and infrastructure, which have the potential to reduce poverty, support economic growth and social development at national and local level, if certain factors are met;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the extractive industries can also have severe negative social, economic, environmental and institutional impacts at local, national, regional and global level, by contributing to human and labour rights violations, gender-based violence, forced labour, child labour, forced displacement, poverty, pollution, water use competition, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, destruction of cultural and spiritual sites, harassment against human and environmental rights defenders, disruption of social fabric, corruption, volatility in commodity prices, illicit financial flows, tax fraud and evasion, and armed conflicts, as well as pose many challenges due the “enclave” nature of the extractive industry, with few links to the local economy; whereas extractive industries often affect the rights of indigenous communities, environmental and social impact studies can play a crucial role in protecting these rights;
Amendment 4 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Community Development Agreements (CDAs) can provide a means of strengthening and advancing a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship for governments, companies, and communities, as well as of preventing conflicts and increasing transparency and accountability; whereas CDAs are considered by the World Bank as best practice for extractive agreements1a; whereas the 10 Mining Principles of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) encourage its members to carry out proper stakeholder engagement and contribute to the sustainable development of host countries and communities7 ; __________________ ; whereas the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining has been developing best practices on how responsible mining could look like; __________________ 1a World Bank, https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/ser ver/api/core/bitstreams/8161b734-e57b- 572c-863a-851103471a5f/content 7 https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our- principles/mining-principles/mining- principles.
Amendment 5 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas accelerating the efforts to address climate change and dealing with the rapidly rising demand for the raw materials indispensable to achieving the green and digital transitions should be, as well as sustainability and diversification requirements in place in the EU, raise both challenges and opportunityies for the extractive industries sector to become sustainable and for resource-rich developing countries to capitalise on this demand and attain economic and social development, while reducing their GHG emission; whereas the EU can set frameworks for the extractive industries sector in developing countries in a way to better harness this demand in line with SDGs by increasing their fiscal space and boosting public expenditure, as well as their role in the international community, while reducing their GHG emissions; whereas developing countries need to decrease their reliance on extractive industries and expand their economies into future-oriented sectors like net-zero emissions technologies to broaden their revenue sources;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 1 and 1 a (new)
Paragraphs 1 and 1 a (new)
1. Recalls that the EU is the largest donor of development aid in the world, mainly channelled through international organisations and Member States; stresses, therefore, the importance of mainstreaming sustainable development principles across all EU external action, in particular in policies related to the extractive industries, in line with the EU’s legal obligation to ensure policy coherence for development; , as laid down in Article 208 TFEU; 1 a. Calls for the EU to promote a partnership between equals among the EU and the developing countries significantly dependent on extractive industries; underlines that all EU projects in extractives in developing countries should create win-win situations, including for local communities and should place people-centred and environment-centred development at the heart of their objectives and all operational policy frameworks; to this effect, stresses that the EU should support low-income resource-rich countries, to move away from the enclave nature and the extractivist model of the mining sector, and to provide developing countries with sufficient policy space to do so, including through the use of international trade tools in order to achieve resource-based industrialisation at the local level; further stresses that projects must be carried out in a fair and climate friendly way and not at the expense of the environment, human rights and peace using the most innovative methods available; points out that sustainable investment facilitation and the EU’s overall trade and investment strategy have to encourage investment opportunities in developing countries, in order to achieve the SDGs; asks the Commission to make sustainability a priority of raw material sector projects under the Global Gateway Initiative and to facilitate access to finance accordingly;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines that the EU and its Member States must respect, and request from their partner countries to respect the needs of local populations and indigenous peoples, in particular indigenous peoples’ right to free and informed consent prior to the approval of any extractive project affecting their lands or territories, in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; points out that mining increases the risk of land grabbing, in a context where governments of developing countries often fail to recognise indigenous peoples and communities customary rights to the lands they inhabit; calls for the compliance with FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests, to avoid land grabbing resulting from extractive industries; stresses that the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditional practices is important to achieving sustainable development and combating climate change;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraphs 2, 2 a (new) and 2 b (new)
Paragraphs 2, 2 a (new) and 2 b (new)
2. Invites the Commission to strengthen its dialogue and cooperation with civil society organisations, trade unions, local communities and indigenous peoples in developing countries directly affected by extractive industries, in order to promote their rights and ensure their meaningful engagement and active participation in decision-making processes, particularly with regard to designing and assessing the impacts of Global Gateway flagship projects; underlines that civil society actors should have formal representation on the governance board of the Global Gateway; welcomes the announcement of the Global Gateway Civil Society Organisation and Local Authorities Dialogue Platform to ensure that a meaningful dialogue takes place when selecting and supporting Global Gateway projects; 2 a. Calls for the convening of a Global Gateway Monitoring Group (GGMG) to provide robust and effective oversight of all Global Gateway projects and their respect for the principle of PCD, composed of civil society actors, in particular, those representing indigenous peoples, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Member States and other relevant experts; stresses that the GGMG should compile an annual report on the impact of Global Gateway projects on human rights, the environment, civil liberties, peace, inequality and poverty reduction; calls upon the President of the Commission to invite the chair of the GGMG to all meetings of the Governance Board; underlines that the GGMG should have access to all documents and minutes of meetings of the Business Advisory Group, Governance Board and CSO and Local Authorities Dialogue Platform; 2 b. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the capacity of civil society actors to engage effectively in decision- making processes, including by providing training and support in areas such as legal literacy, negotiation skills, environmental impact assessments and project monitoring;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to support capacity-building efforts in developing countries, including through technical assistance to relevant stakeholders, such as government officials, judiciary and law enforcement agencies, to strengthen their legal and regulatory frameworks for extractive industries, including measures to increase governance and transparency, combat corruption, revenue mismanagement, tax fraud and evasion and illicit financial flows, improve labour, human rights and environmental standards, and strengthen law enforcement; recalls that some of the natural resources that feed some of the world's most enduring and brutal conflicts pass through supply chains linked to companies operating in developed countries, namely in the EU; therefore, highlights the need to ensure effective access to justice for victims of social or environmental misapplication of legislation by multinational companies operating in developing countries;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the Commission to put forward an EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Investment in Extractive Industries in Developing Countries that would be voluntary for businesses and development finance institutions, drafted with inputs from industry and trade unions, as well as from civil society in developing countrieorganisations and from representatives of indigenous communities and local communities; considers that the code should articulate clear commitments and tailored guiding principles for investment in developing countries; stresses that local cons in compliance with inter alia due diligence processes as defined by EU legislation and existing international standards, guidelines and initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multination, local consental Enterprises, the ISO 26000 standards and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; stresses that free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and local communities and local sustainable development should be the overarching objective of the code; believes that the code should cover, at a minimum, commitments on: a) stakeholder involvement; considers that where a third country has not legislated for mandatory CDAs, European businesses should implement them as a prerequisite for doing business; considers that the agreements should be negotiated with local communitiesin the framework of multi- stakeholder platforms meaningfully involving indigenous people and local communities, complying effectively with the principle of free, prior and informed consent and should be made publicly accessible; b) transparency, including proactive environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting on projects in developing countries, in line with the principle of double materiality, as well as the publishing of contracts and financial transactions, including detailing the payments made to host government; underlines that all public information should be provided in a clear and understandable manner to hold relevant actors accountable; b a) rule of law and corruption prevention, including compliance with legal frameworks, anticorruption measures, transparency in financial transactions and whistle-blower protection; c) human rights issues, such as the use of forced and child labour, workers’ rights, displacement, discrimination, indigenous rights, health and safetywomen's and girls’ rights, education, health and safety, as well as safe working conditions; d) environmental protection, performance and impact; e), including pollution prevention measures, sustainable use of natural resources and measures and resources to ensure proper recycling and waste management of raw materials; conservation and biodiversity; e)
Amendment 11 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Invites the Commission to support incentives and capacity building programmes, particularly those involving women for developing countries taking steps to formalise the artisanal and small- scale mining sector and integrate it into the rural and national economy in order to improve labour conditions and the livelihood of the local communities, as well as to stop illicit financial flows often responsible of corruption and armed conflicts; recalls that artisanal and small- scale mining is a highly gendered activity; calls on the EU to support the formation of women’s mining cooperatives and associations to improve women’s participation, bargaining power, work conditions and economic independence; highlights the threat to food security, the environmental and health risks associated with unregulated ASM activities in rural areas and the fact that according to the UNEP, many ASM activities occur on global commons of forested lands in critical ecosystems that were not previously used;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2023 on Policy Coherence for Development (PCD),
Amendment 12 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. UNotes with concern that for a majority of resource-rich developing countries, mining, oil or gas exploitation has not translated into broad-based economic, human and social development; underlines that addressing the ‘resource curse’ or 'paradox of plenty' involves not only economic diversification, but also strengthening institutional resilience, upholding the rule of law and increasing third countries’ fiscal space to facilitate sustainable development; stresses that the EU should proactively encourage domestic resource mobilisation in partner countries, such as direct taxation, and enable the possibility to apply export taxes on commodities, insofar as it is WTO- compatible and not applied in a discriminatory manner; calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit to scaling up concessional finance in parallel to the Critical Raw Materials Act8 ; reiterates that the ceilings in Heading 6 of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) must be increased accordingly in the context of the upcoming MFF review; __________________ 8 Proposal of 16 March 2023 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (COM(2023)0160).
Amendment 13 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to propose a G20 initiative on making extractives work for local sustainable development in resource-rich developing countries; stresses that the initiative should be tailored to each context and could comprise, inter alia, financial support, debt assistance, debt relief and cancellation, capacity building in governance, taxation and anti-corruption; calls on the Commission to mediate on debt relief talks to give developing countries financial space to transform non- sustainable extractive industries and to attract sustainable extractive industries as well as to adhere to sound environmental and social standards; calls on the Commission to support the reform and expansion of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to include vulnerable middle- income countries, many of which are dependent on extractives, and operationalizing a long-term Debt Swap Mechanism (DSM) to facilitate debt-for- climate and nature swaps; stresses the need to end tax havens as conduits for illicit financial flows in the extractive sector;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to promote inclusive and transparent multi- stakeholder partnerships at regional and international level, by facilitating dialogue and collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and international institutions to promote sustainable development in the extractive industries, fostering inclusive decision-making processes; emphasises that the current context of growing global demand for critical raw materials and increasing geopolitical instability means there is a need to step up efforts to ensure a stable, adequate and diversified supply of critical raw materials; stresses, however, the need to move away from a culture of extractivism to a resource governance system that takes into account i.e. the rate of depletion, the availability of substitutes, efficiency, recycling and the sustainability of consumption; welcomes the partnership between the EU and the UN Interagency Framework Team for Preventive Action, which aims to support national and local stakeholders to improve land and natural resource management (NRM) for conflict prevention and better coordination;
Amendment 15 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reaffirms the urgent need for a UN binding treaty on business and human rights to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises; asks, therefore, the Commission and the Member States to play an active role in the current negotiations on the instru that lays down clear human rights obligations, due diligence requirements and provisions for access to remedy, in line with the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework; asks, therefore, the Commission and the Member States to play an active role in the current negotiations on the instrument that should encourage corporate actors and investors in the extractive sector to assume their responsibilities with regard to human and labour rights, and respect for environment;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas large-scale mining (LSM) and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations have traditionally coexisted, the type of employment and local value provided varies significantly, as the ASM largely operates with a high degree of informality and illegality, providing jobs and income for unskilled workers in often remote and rural areas, while LSM are usually heavily mechanised and formally regulated, contributing to the national economy, but with little positive impact on local communities;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the EU to support regional and, international and global initiatives to improve transparency and accountability in the use and management of extractive resources, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which promotes transparency and accountability in countries rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources, the Extractives Global Programmatic Support, and the Kimberley Process; World Bank multi-donor trust fund for the inclusive and sustainable implementation of EITI in resource-dependent developing countries to support poverty reduction and boost inclusive, sustainable growth and development, the Kimberley Process, which prevents the flow of conflict diamonds, and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to use the 2023 review process of the Conflict Minerals Regulation, which obliges since 2021 EU companies to source their imports of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold responsibly and to ensure that their supply chains do not contribute to funding armed conflict, as an opportunity to assess thoroughly the impact of the regulation on the ground and the possibility to include further mandatory measures and cover other minerals; underlines the need to meaningfully include civil society organizations and affected communities throughout the review process;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. UrgWelcomes the Council to signupcoming signature of the new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the members of the OACPS, as it provides a strengthened and modernised framework for cooperation with ACP countries, which contains specific references to the extractive industries, such as the promotion of transparency, accountability and responsible management of extractive industries and the strengthening of corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth and development; recalls, in this context, that sustainability entails compliance with due diligence processes, as defined by EU legislation and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, as well as with the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests, where land tenure rights are concerned;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the extractive industries can play a crucial role in the development of many resource-rich developing countries, by providing public revenues from mining and mining-related operations, employment opportunities and infrastructure (from concessions, taxes, direct and indirect spending in the country of operation), employment opportunities and infrastructure, which have the potential to reduce poverty, support economic growth and social development at national and local level;
Amendment 30 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the extractive industries can have severe negative social, economic, environmental and institutional impacts at local, national and global level, by contributing to human and labour rights violations, gender-based violence, forced labour, child labour, forced displacement, pollution, water use competition, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, destruction of cultural and spiritual sites, harassment against human and environmental rights defenders, corruption, illicit financial flows, tax fraud and evasion, and armed conflicts;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas extractive industries can affect positively or negatively several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a direct or indirect way, in particular SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions);
Amendment 38 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the SDGs are universal and thus demand coherence from the EU in its internal and external action; whereas the European Union has been shown to negatively impact developing countries’ progress towards the SDGs through its consumption of resources, the so-called spillover effect1a; _________________ 1a Europe Sustainable Development Report, SDSN, 2022, https://s3.amazonaws.com/sustainabledev elopment.report/2022/europe-sustainable- development-report-2022.pdf.
Amendment 42 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Community Development Agreements (CDAs) can provide a means of strengthening and advancing a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship for governments, companies, and communities; whereas CDAs are considered by the World Bank as best practice for extractive agreements1a; whereas the 10 Mining Principles of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) encourage its members to carry out proper stakeholder engagement and contribute to the sustainable development of host countries and communities7 ;7 _________________ 1a World Bank, https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/ser ver/api/core/bitstreams/8161b734-e57b- 572c-863a-851103471a5f/content 7 https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our- principles/mining-principles/mining- principles.
Amendment 44 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Amendment 52 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas Article 3(5) of the TEU obliges the Union to, inter alia, ‘contribute to peace, security, the sustainable development of the Earth, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights’; whereas, as per Article 21(1) of the TEU ‘the Union’s action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation’, including democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the EU’s political commitment to PCD was reaffirmed in the 2017 New European Consensus on Development, which identified PCD as a ‘crucial element of the [EU’s] strategy to achieve the SDGs and an important contribution to the broader objective of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD)’;
Amendment 54 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas the EU development policy should support developing countries in transforming their extractive industries to ensure they contribute to sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G d (new)
Recital G d (new)
Gd. whereas the EU has recently adopted or will adopt legislation to enhance corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct that have an impact on the extractive industries operating in developing countries, such as the Conflict Minerals Regulation, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the Forced labour product ban Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Regulation;
Amendment 56 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G e (new)
Recital G e (new)
Ge. whereas the Impact Assessment Report accompanying the document Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (European Critical Raw Materials Act) does not adequately assess the social, environmental, human rights and economic impacts of the proposal on developing countries (as prescribed by Better Regulation tool #35 and SDG tool #19) and the livelihoods of local indigenous communities, including women and girls1a; _________________ 1a https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023 SC01
Amendment 64 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that all EU projects in extractives in developing countries should create win-win situations, including for local communities; stresses that projects must be carried out in a fair and climate friendly way and not at the expense of the environment, human rights and peace;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2031(INI)
1b. Underlines that the EU and its Member States must respect, and request from their partner countries to respect. indigenous peoples’ right to free and informed consent prior to the approval of any extractive project affecting their lands or territories, in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, stresses that the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditional practices is important to achieving sustainable development and combating climate change;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Urges the EU to enhance its support for resource-rich developing countries in reducing their dependency on extractive industries and diversifying their economies, sensitive to economic shocks and price volatility, by promoting sustainable alternatives;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Considers that the EU should support resource-rich developing countries in capturing and managing in an effective and transparent manner their revenues coming from the extractive economy to achieve inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of their populations and the advancement of the SDGs;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Invites the Commission to strengthen its dialogue and cooperation with civil society organisations, local communities and indigenous peoples in developing countries affected by extractive industries, in order to promote their rights and ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making processes, particularly with regard to designing and assessing the impacts of Global Gateway flagship projects; underlines that civil society actors should have formal representation on the governance board of the Global Gateway; welcomes the announcement of the Global Gateway Civil Society Organisation and Local Authorities Dialogue Platform;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for the establishment of a Global Gateway Monitoring Group (GGMG) to provide robust and effective oversight of all Global Gateway projects and their respect for the principle of PCD, composed of civil society actors, in particular, those representing indigenous peoples, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Member States and other relevant experts; stresses that the GGMG should compile an annual report on the impact of Global Gateway projects on human rights, the environment, civil liberties, peace, inequality and poverty reduction; calls upon the President of the Commission to invite the chair of the GGMG to all meetings of the Governance Board; underlines that the GGMG should have access to all documents and minutes of meetings of the Business Advisory Group, Governance Board and CSO and Local Authorities Dialogue Platform;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point c
Paragraph 4 – point c
c) human rights issues, such as the use of forced and child labour, workers’ rights, displacement, discrimination, indigenous rights, women's and girls’ rights, health and safety;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 100 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the EU to increase technology transfer, knowledge sharing and capacity-building regarding sustainable resource management in developing countries, particularly in areas related to environmental management, responsible mining practices, and sustainable resource use in the extractive industries sector;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Encourages the EU to support developing countries in taking steps to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and integrate it into the rural and national economy in order to improve labour conditions and the livelihood of the local communities, as well as to stop illicit financial flows often responsible of corruption and armed conflicts;
Amendment 104 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that addressing the ‘resource curse’ involves not only economic diversification, but also increasing third countries’ fiscal space to facilitate sustainable development; stresses that the EU should proactively encourage domestic resource mobilisation in partner countries, such as direct taxation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit to scaling up concessional finance in parallel to the Critical Raw Materials Act8 ; reiterates that the ceilings in Heading 6 of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) must be increased accordingly in the context of the upcoming MFF review; calls on the Commission to support the expansion of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to include vulnerable middle- income countries, many of which are dependent on extractives, and operationalizing a long-term Debt Swap Mechanism (DSM) to facilitate debt-for- climate and nature swaps; _________________ 8 Proposal of 16 March 2023 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (COM(2023)0160).
Amendment 114 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to promote multi- stakeholder partnerships at regional and international level, by facilitating dialogue and collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and international institutions to promote sustainable development in the extractive industries, fostering inclusive decision-making processes;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reaffirms the urgent need for a UN binding treaty on business and human rights to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises; asks, therefore, the Commission and the Member States to play an active role in the current negotiations on the instrument that should encourage corporate actors and investors in the extractive sector to assume their responsibilities with regard to human and labour rights, and respect for environment;
Amendment 124 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on developing countries to upgrade their regional cooperation, developing or adopting common environmental, social and labour standards and norms for the extractive industries sector;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for the EU to support regional and international initiatives to improve transparency and accountability in the use and management of extractive resources, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Extractives Global Programmatic Support and the Kimberley Proceswhich promotes transparency and accountability in countries rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources, the Extractives Global Programmatic Support, a World Bank multi-donor trust fund for the inclusive and sustainable implementation of EITI in resource-dependent developing countries to support poverty reduction and boost inclusive, sustainable growth and development, and the Kimberley Process, which prevents the flow of conflict diamonds;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the EU to support developing countries in building their capacity to negotiate fair and transparent contracts with extractive industry companies; welcomes, in this regard, the EU financial support given to the G7 Connex initiative, which enhances developing countries’ negotiating expertise on the extractive sector, so that investment contracts are conceived to promote sustainability and development;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Asks the Commission to raise its support to the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), a multi- stakeholder partnership created to enhance the impact of the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, by financing more development projects aimed at improving local mining practices especially in ASM, bringing better social, environmental and economic conditions for mine workers and local mining communities;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to use the 2023 review process of the Conflict Minerals Regulation as an opportunity to assess, which obliges since 2021 EU companies to source their impactorts of the regulation on the ground and the in, tantalum, tungsten and gold resposnsibility to include furly and to ensure that their mandatory measures and cover other mineralssupply chains do not contribute to funding armed conflict, as an opportunity to assess the impact of the regulation on the ground;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Council to sign the new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the members of the OACPS, as it provides a strengthened and modernised framework for cooperation with ACP countries, which contains specific references to the extractive industries, such as the promotion of transparency, accountability and responsible management of extractive industries and the strengthening of corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth and development;
Amendment 145 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to better assess the impact the EU development assistance on sustainable development in the extractive industries sector to ensure effective and accountable use of EU financial resources;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to mainstream sustainable development and development cooperation considerations into all EU trade and investment agreements with developing countries, by including provisions that ensure respect for human rights, environmental protection and the equitable distribution of revenues from extractive industries;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, adopted by UN member states at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction on 18 March 2015,
Amendment 7 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the 6th European Union – African Union Summit of 17-18 February 2022 and the related final statement entitled ‘A Joint Vision for 2030’,
Amendment 8 #
2023/2010(INI)
— having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Report 2022, entitled ‘From Crisis to Sustainable Development: the SDGs as Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond’,
Amendment 18 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 19 September 2018 entitled ‘Indicators better suited to evaluate the SDGs – the civil society contribution’,
Amendment 19 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 30 October 2019 entitled ‘Leaving no one behind when implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’,
Amendment 20 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 c (new)
Citation 11 c (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 08 December 2021 entitled ‘Renewed sustainable finance strategy',
Amendment 21 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 d (new)
Citation 11 d (new)
— having regard to the IPCC sixth assessment report of 28 February 2022 entitled ‘Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability’ and its Synthesis Report published on 20 March 2023,
Amendment 22 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 e (new)
Citation 11 e (new)
— having regard to the OECD report of 10 November 2022 entitled ‘Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2023: No Sustainability Without Equity’,
Amendment 23 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 f (new)
Citation 11 f (new)
— having regard to the Commission staff working document of 18 November 2020 entitled ‘Delivering on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – A comprehensive approach’ (SWD(2020)0400),
Amendment 26 #
2023/2010(INI)
— having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on the annual strategic report on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)1a, _________________ 1a OJ C 23, 21.1.2021, p. 130.
Amendment 27 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2017 on EU action for sustainability2a, _________________ 2a OJ C 334, 19.9.2018, p. 151.
Amendment 37 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard to the new 'Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation instrument – Global Europe' (called 'Global Europe') which entered into force on the 14th of June 2021;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 b (new)
Citation 21 b (new)
— having regard to the Green Deal launched by the European Commission on the 11th of December 2019;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 c (new)
Citation 21 c (new)
— having regard to the Global Gateway, launched by the European Commission and the EU High Representative on the 1st of December 2021;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 d (new)
Citation 21 d (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of the 24th of November 2022 on the future European Financial Architecture for Development;
Amendment 44 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 e (new)
Citation 21 e (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Committee of the Regions on Progress in the implementation of the SDGs (COR-2022/04274);
Amendment 45 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
— having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate of 24 September 2019,
Amendment 46 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
— having regard to the 2023 SDG Summit which will be convened in September 2023, during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week;
Amendment 50 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
— having regard to the negotiations on a new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), to replace the Cotonou agreement, which was to end on 29 February 2020, but has been prolonged;
Amendment 51 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
— Having regard to the Draft agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) of 4 March 2023,
Amendment 57 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, with less than seven years to go until the deadline for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the new geopolitical landscape and the multiple crises in various areas have hindered the achievement of the SDGs; whereas the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs are key to addressing the current challenges and reorienting the global compass towards a socially and environmentally just transition that leaves no one and no place behind;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, with less than seven years to go until the deadline for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the new geopolitical landscape and the multiple crises in various areas have hinderfurther slowed the achievement of the SDGs; whereas the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs are key to addressing the current challenges and reorienting the global compass towards a socially and environmentally just transition that leaves no one behind;
Amendment 61 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas, with the compound shocks and permanent crises ranging from climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian war in Ukraine to the rising prices of energy, food and fertilisers, higher inflation, mounting debt burden and tightened monetary policy, a general trend emerges of a “two-track recovery” between advanced economies and developing countries, characterised by a great financial divide, highlighting the increasing asymmetry in which the crises hit poorer countries and their limited capacity and support received to respond to them;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the EU’s 8th Environment Action Programme is the EU’s common legal climate and environmental agenda until 2030 and the EU’s basis for achieving the UN 2030 Agenda and its SDGs, pursuing a wellbeing economy as a priority;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas, with the adoption of the €79.5 billion Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-GE) under the EU budget for the period 2021-2027, the EU can deploy strategically and flexibly this single unified development instrument to support developing countries more effectively; whereas the establishment of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) provides an open architecture for public development banks (PDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs) to leverage public and private finance through EU guarantees and blended finance, to achieve more ambitious inclusive development and green impact;
Amendment 79 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the 17 SDGs with their respective 169 targets and accompanying indicators represent the only globally shared and politically agreed framework for evidence-based policies;
Amendment 82 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 83 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic has resulted in a significant setback for the SDGs; whereas the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2020 and 2021 recorded the only declines in the 30-year history of the index, erasing the gains made in the previous five years3a, _________________ 3a United Nations Development Programme Report 2022, ‘Uncertain times, unsettled lives’ : https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documen ts/global-report-document/hdr2021- 22overviewenpdf.pdf
Amendment 87 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas the external dimension of the Green Deal and the Global Gateway strategy should allow Europe to better project itself abroad, articulating a green vision for climate mitigation and adaptation, nature protection and biodiversity, addressing infrastructure development and broader development needs anchored in European strategic objectives, combining development and geo-political ambitions; whereas in doing so, the EU is also committed to inclusive approaches, supporting women and youth, and leaving no one behind;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas according to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) 2022 SDG Index, no country, including any European country, is on track to achieve all 17 SDGs by 2030; whereas, according to the Europe Sustainable Development Report 2022, progress on the SDGs has stalled since 20204a; _________________ 4a Europe Sustainable Development Report 2022, ‘Achieving the SDGs: Europe’s Compass in a Multipolar World’: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sustainabledev elopment.report/2022/europe-sustainable- development-report-2022.pdf.
Amendment 94 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
A e. whereas the 2023 SDG Summit marks the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda; whereas it will bring together political and thought leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, women and youth and other stakeholders; whereas the outcome of the Summit will be a negotiated political declaration; whereas the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, has signalled her intention to attend the SDG Summit;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
A e. whereas, according to the SDSN 2022 SDG Index, EU countries are closest to achieving the 2030 Agenda targets, yet are responsible for larger negative spillovers, which undermine the ability of other countries to achieve their targets;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
A f. whereas, in order to actually achieve the SDGs and to overcome the consequences of the crises, policy coherence and close cooperation between all development finance institutions, governments, EU institutions and all partners is urgently needed to ensure that limited public funds are used in the most effective and efficient way; whereas the successful mobilisation of further capital, both public and private, is essential;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
A g. whereas a European governance strategy integrating the SDGs in a transversal approach would allow greater alignment between, and efficiency in, public policies;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2010(INI)
A h. whereas prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual global financing gap between the funds available and those needed to achieve the SDGs was estimated at USD 2.5 trillion per year; whereas the pandemic is estimated to have widened this gap to at least USD 3.9 trillion per year and is expected to increase by USD 400 billion per year between 2020 and 20255a; _________________ 5a OECD (2022), Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2023: No Sustainability Without Equity, OECD Publishing, Paris
Amendment 116 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
A i. whereas Russia's military aggression in Ukraine has significantly worsened the situation of SDGs in Ukraine and neighbouring countries; whereas Russia's ongoing military aggression in Ukraine will impact the worldwide implementation of the SDGs, particularly in relation to the fight against poverty and hunger, and access to affordable energy; whereas, in this context, it is necessary to finance renewable energy sources in order to ensure alignment with the 2030 Agenda goals and to avoid future pressure in the energy sector;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A j (new)
Recital A j (new)
A j. whereas the SDGs are universal and indivisible; whereas they are in common for and applicable to all actors, including the public and private sectors, civil society and social partners; whereas these actors should be systematically involved in the elaboration and implementation of policies related to the SDGs;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A k (new)
Recital A k (new)
A k. whereas the 2023 SDG Summit will be a crucial moment for salvaging the 2030 Agenda, given that it takes place just once every four years; whereas a renewed political commitment for the SDGs is urgently needed in order to account for the impact of COVID-19 and the global consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, by establishing new financing commitments and advancing the SDGs through global and transboundary policy actions;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, especially in light of the new geopolitical landscape and the ongoing climate, biodiversity and health crises; warns against further polarisation any delay in tackling the distribution of wealth and income, which would lead to increased inequality and poverty; highlights, against this backdrop, the importance of the SDGs, which provide a universal compass for people’s prosperity and to protect the planet; recalls that a pledge to leave no one behind lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and that the achievement of the SDGs should benefit all countries, people and segments of societyenvironmental and climate challenges Europe and the global community are facing and calls upon all EU leaders to do their utmost to advance progress on EU commitments, policies and financing without delays;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, especially in light of the new geopolitical landscape and the ongoing climate, biodiversity and health crises; recalls that it is crucial to take into account the strong interdependence between such crises; warns against further polarisation in the distribution of wealth and income, which would lead to increased inequality and poverty; highlights, against this backdrop, the importance of implementing an integrated approach of the SDGs, which provide a universal compass for people’s prosperity and to protect the planet; recalls that a pledge to leave no one and no place behind lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and that the achievement of the SDGs should benefit all countries, people and segments of society;
Amendment 153 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recognises that SDGs are a common concern for humanity as a whole; underlines the threats posed by further polarisation in the distribution of wealth and income, which increase inequality and poverty; highlights, against this backdrop, the importance of the SDGs, which provide a universal compass to protect the planet and provide the tools to achieve prosperity for all; recalls that a pledge to leave no one behind lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and that the achievement of the SDGs would benefit all countries, all territories, people and segments of society;
Amendment 160 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the fact that, at the halfway point in the 2030 Agenda timeline, EU leadership in the global implementation of the SDGs remains crucial; recalls that the 2020s have been declared to be the UN Decade of Action on Sustainable Development; underlines that 2023 offers a uniquerenewed opportunity to gather momentum and undertake the urgent transformative action required to place our societies firmly on course to achieve the SDGs; warns that the consequences of inaction in this crucialand losing another year would primarily be borne by the most vulnerable people;
Amendment 175 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation process for almost all the SDGs is lagging and that two consecutive years of regression have been recorded for many indicators9; reaffirms the importance of each SDG and highlights the key challenges that persist for sustainable development, particularly in relation to poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), water and sanitation (SDG 6),climate change (SDG 13), oceans (SDG 14) and biodiversity (SDG 15); underlines the strategic role that SDG 10, on reducing inequality, can play in the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda; _________________ 9 UN Sustainable Development Report 2022, ‘From Crisis to Sustainable Development: the SDGs as Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond’: https://resources.unsdsn.org/2022- sustainable-development-report.
Amendment 176 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation process for almost all the SDGs is lagging and that two consecutive years of regression have been recorded for many indicators9; reaffirms the importance of each SDG and highlights the key challenges that persist for sustainable development, particularly in relation to poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), climate change (SDG 13), Life Below Water, includingoceans (SDG 14) and biodiversity (SDG 15); underlines the strategic role that SDG 10, on reducing inequality, can play in the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda; _________________ 9 UN Sustainable Development Report 2022, ‘From Crisis to Sustainable Development: the SDGs as Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond’: https://resources.unsdsn.org/2022- sustainable-development-report.
Amendment 189 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the importance of the 2023 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the SDG Summit, which are both due to take place in New York, as opportunities to review progress at the halfway point, which must be the starting pointgive new impetus for an intensified effort to achieve the goals by 2030; acknowledges, in this regard, the SDGs being focused on in 2023 (SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 176a); _________________ 6a SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation; SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities; SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.
Amendment 191 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines the importance of the 2023 SDG Summit, which will gather heads of State and Government at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to follow-up and review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as carry out a comprehensive review of the state of the SDGs, respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world, and provide high- level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to the target year of 2030 for achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 194 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls on the EU to lead a political reset of the SDGs at the upcoming SDG summit, such as pushing for binding targets, mandatory review, and a more transformational approach towards achieving the SDGs as a whole;
Amendment 200 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises the EU’s significant role in establishing the 2030 Agenda in 2015 and calls for it to take bold action and provide global leadership by setting an example in the implementation of the SDGs and redoubling its efforts ahead ofto meet the deadline;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the fact that the Commission has still not presented a comprehensive strategy for achieving the 2030 Agenda; , despite calls from the European Parliament, the Council of the EU 6a, the European Economic and Social Committee6band the Committee of the Regions6c; insists that such interinstitutional consensus is unprecedented in EU decision-making, and as such, the Commission should proceed with adopting a strategy without further delay;believes that such a strategy should define, at a minimum: (a) a new governance framework, led by a single high-level Commissioner who is accountable for the implementation of the SDGs across all portfolios and who will systematically consult the new multi- stakeholder platform; (b) a revised set of concrete, measurable, EU-wide, time-bound targets to bolster the EU’s ambition and concrete measures for achieving them; (c) an updated monitoring system and indicators, taking into account the EU’s internal and external impact on global SDG progress; (d) a single financial plan to achieve the EU’s SDG objectives, linked to the above targets; (e) a plan for the EU’s SDG diplomacy and international cooperation, led by a Special Envoy for the SDGs, to ensure fair burden sharing and a level playing field; _________________ 6a https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4 1693/se-st14835-en19.pdf 6b https://www.eesc.europa.eu/sites/default/fi les/files/eesc_contribution_to_the_eu_vol untary_review_with_cover_page.pdf 6c https://cor.europa.eu/en/our- work/Pages/OpinionTimeline.aspx?opId= CDR-103-2021
Amendment 216 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Invites the Presidents of Parliament, the Commission and the Council to accompany this strategy with an interinstitutional statement renewing the EU’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda; stresses that this strategy should be published without delay, in order for the EU to play a leading role in reinvigorating the 2030 Agenda at the SDG Summit in September 2023; stresses that the strategy should be regularly reviewed and accompanied by corrective measures in areas where progress is deemed to be stalled or insufficient;
Amendment 223 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to continue integrating the SDGs into the European Semester process and to use the country- specific recommendations to systematically measure Member States’ progress and set out concrete proposals for improvementnecessary changes and improvements; calls on the Commission to continue the reform of the European Semester to balance economic, social and environmental priorities, so that it drives a long-term social, environmental and economic transformation and improves the integration of the 2030 Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal at all levels; stresses that the SDGs should form the backbone of European public policies;
Amendment 234 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses Parliament’s important role in promoting the SDGs’ implementation through European policies and heightening the goals’ visibility in public discourse; underlines that coordination within and between the EU institutions is essential in order to ensure the EU’s leadership and increase the effectiveness of its efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda; calls for the creation of an inter-institutional task force to facilitate structured dialogue on the SDGs, consisting of representatives from the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council; considers that the task force should assume the responsibility of coordinating the Union’s efforts to deliver the SDGs internally and globally; entrusts the Commission with regularly updating the co-legislators on the policy developments and measures undertaken for the implementation of the SDGs;
Amendment 238 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses Parliament’s important role in promoting the SDGs’ implementation through European policies and heightening the goals’ visibility in public discourse; underlines that coordination within and between the EU institutions is essential in order to ensure the EU’s leadership and increase the effectiveness of its efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda; calls for the President of the European Parliament to appoint a Vice-President for the SDGs; stresses that monitoring the SDGs should be further embedded in the legislative cycle, such as by appointing a standing rapporteur for the SDGs in each committee;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that voluntary national reviews are the cornerstone of the follow- up and review framework for the 2030 Agenda and a key accountability tool; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to draft and present the first EU voluntary review report in 2023; reitateres that this voluntary review should address the EU's internal priorities in the implementation of the SDGs, its positive and negative impact on the global progress of the SDGs, as well as international partnerships and diplomacy for the SDGs;
Amendment 251 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that voluntary national reviews are the cornerstone of the follow- up and review framework for the 2030 Agenda and a key accountability tool; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to draft and present the first EU voluntary review report in 2023; considers that 2023 is the moment for the global community to shift from voluntary reporting to mandatory reporting;
Amendment 257 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. welcomes the initiative of 40 States, including 8 Member States, to submit their voluntary review reports in 2023; encourages Member States to participate in the voluntary national reviews and to give due consideration to and implement the recommendations that will be formulated on that occasion;
Amendment 260 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates that, to achieve the SDGs, the 2030 Agenda requires a strong level of societal legitimacy and a genuine political reset, which can only be achieved if the SDGs are seen as an opportunity for citizens; reiterates the call on the Commission to establish a new permanent platform for regular and structured engagement with civil society organisations in order to systematically involve them in a meaningful way in the SDG implementation process; calls for this to be implemented by means of a balanced, diversified and democratic representation, covering civil society organisations, community-based organisations, the private sector (including SMEs), trade unions, co- operatives, academia and research institutions, regional and local governments and marginalised groups;
Amendment 290 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Deplores the fact that one EU country continues to keep ACP states and the rest of the EU hostage by refusing to ratify the negotiated post-Cotonou agreement, the principle objective of which is to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in all ACP countries, in line with the provisions of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, through a strengthened and deepened political and economic partnership; insist that the European Commission and Council should address this strictly and without further delay.
Amendment 294 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the EU to learn from innovative projects implemented by certain third countries, such as the African-led "Great Green Wall" initiative, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land by 2030 throughout the Sahel region and to enable the development of agro- ecology and regeneration projects;
Amendment 313 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the annual Eurostat monitoring reports on the SDGs; Points out that, in order to assess the Member States’ progress on the SDGs, the Eurostat sustainable development indicators must be improved by filling the gaps for some SDGs, addressing existing data gaps and weaknesses in information systems by strengthening the use of existing statistical data from a variety of sources and embracing artificial intelligence, and better measuring policies’ impact on territories and specific vulnerable groups; believes it is crucial to monitor progress on all 169 sub-goal targets;
Amendment 318 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Points out that, in order to assess the Member States’ progress on the SDGs, the Eurostat sustainable development indicators must be improved by filling the gaps for some SDGs and better measuring policies’ impact on territories and specific vulnerable groups; Calls on Member States to report more thoroughly to the OECD on their development cooperation, so as to fill the data gap regarding the EU's external impact on third countries' SDG progress;
Amendment 324 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Is concerned that the EU annual SDGs monitoring report is based on national average instead of targets to achieve, making its results misleading for the purpose of assessing the implementation of SDGs;
Amendment 330 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes, furthermore, that important data remains unavailable on global, national and regional development policies in the Global South, particularly with regard to the poorest and most marginalised people; calls for the EU to significantly step up technical cooperation with developing countries to address the global data gap created by insufficient monitoring capacities and inconsistent methodologies;
Amendment 336 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the importance of voluntary local reviews and voluntary subnational reviews as a means of further localising the SDGs and therefore advancing their implementation; welcomes in this regard the work of the UN- HABITAT; praises the work of the Joint Research Centre in relation to the localisation of the 2030 Agenda and the European Handbook for SDG Voluntary Local Reviews, which offers official and experimental indicators useful to set up an effective SDG local monitoring system specifically targeted for European cities;
Amendment 338 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the importance of voluntary local reviews and voluntary subnational reviews, including for the private sector, as a means of further localising the SDGs and therefore advancing their implementation; calls for Member States to put in place comprehensive tools for the effective implementation of SDGs, such as mapping;
Amendment 340 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Recognises the importance of private sector reporting for SDG implementation; highlights that corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence, when subject to relevant audits, can be an important framework to encourage greater accountability in the private sector regarding the social and environmental impact of companies and their contribution to the achievement of the SDGs; encourages all actors across society, including private entities, to engage in regular voluntary reporting on SDG implementation; stresses the need to finance trainings for capacity building for SMEs in order to learn how to implement the SDGs in their daily activities;
Amendment 347 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls for Parliament to appoint a standing rapporteur on the implementation of the SDGs to work with the Bureau and across committees, as well as with the multi-stakeholder platform; further proposes that each committee should appoint a Member responsible for the fulfilment of the SDGs and that these responsible Members should meet between them and with the standing rapporteur on a regular basis to ensure alignment;
Amendment 363 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Recognises the EIB’s flagship role in the European Green Deal and sustainable blue economy, and its substantial contribution to the EU’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the EU to further maximise the potential of the EIB as a tool to leverage the EU’s strategic autonomy and its achievement of the SDGs, and to promote its external policy interests and priorities in its relations with non-EU countries;
Amendment 370 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. CStresses that the absence of a financing plan for the SDGs prevents the overall monitoring of spending on their implementation within the EU budget; calls for the preparation of an EU financing plan for the SDGs under a revised Multiannual Financial Framework; underlines that the 2030 Agenda should guide all EU financing tools and their programming; calls on the Commission to put forward a proposalmethodology for a social taxonomy based on the work of the Sustainable Finance Platform6ato complement the green taxonomy and help implement the European Green Deal; Pillar of Social Rights and the EuropeanGreen Deal, while taking the situation of micro- enterprises and SMEs into account; _________________ 6a https://finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2 022-08/220228-sustainable-finance- platform-finance-report-social- taxonomy_en.pdf
Amendment 377 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Reiterates that the governance of the Global Gateway, EFSD+ and EIB Global, among others, are also meant to contribute to a better articulation of the EFAD; notes in that respect that there is a serious doubt around whether the Global Gateway is sufficiently attuned to assisting partners in their green and digital transitions, while upholding human rights, meeting basic needs, and reducing inequalities; is worried that the Global Gateway lacks a clear development mandate, and that its design and planning is surrounded by a lack of transparency and public scrutiny; insists that Global Gateway cannot be the EU’s primary means of SDG promotion in third countries, due the absence of fresh funding and its reliance on private finance which is inherently risk averse, and thus, its inability to reach the furthest behind first;
Amendment 381 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Stresses the importance of measuring the EU's contribution to the SDGs in order to assess their implementation and to detect, qualify and quantify any deviation from the original plans and targets; calls on the Commission to put in place a specific methodology to ensure full monitoring of SDG-related expenditure in the EU budget;
Amendment 383 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Requests comprehensive mapping of the financial envelopes of EU policies, programmes and funds, including of the investments and structural reforms pursued under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in order to ensure alignment with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda; calls for the climate-tracking methodology and the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle in the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs), as well as the social priorities set by the SDGs and the European Pillar of Social Rights, to be fully implemented;
Amendment 395 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 404 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the Bridgetown Initiative in this regard and calls on the Commission and the Member States to constructively and proactively engage in the relevant discussions in international forums throughout 2023 so that ambitious reforms can be achieved swiftly; welcomes the fact that a Summit for a New Global Financial Pact is to be held in Paris in June 2023, making it possible to promote an inclusive approach by bringing together all the relevant stakeholders – in particular developed countries, developing countries, international financial institutions, development agencies and the private sector – with a view to making tangible progress in helping developing countries access the financing they need to achieve the SDGs; emphasises the crucial role that small island developing states play in forging local solutions and initiatives to build up resilience to the effects of climate change, and calls on the European Union and its Member States to back up these efforts and support the sharing of solutions;
Amendment 405 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the Bridgetown Initiative in this regard and calls on the Commission and the Member States to constructively and proactively engage in the relevant discussions in international forums throughout 2023 so that ambitious reforms can be achieved swiftly; stresses that the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact to be held in June 2023 in Paris is an opportunity to build a new contract between the North and the South; believes that this Summit should put forward solutions to restore fiscal space to the most indebted countries, foster the development of the private sector in low-income countries, encourage investment in "green" infrastructure in emerging and developing countries and to mobilise innovative financing for countries and regions vulnerable to climate change;
Amendment 434 #
2023/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Stresses the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) for the cross- cutting achievement of the SDGs; regrets that only a minority of EU Member States have reached the target of dedicating 0.7% of their gross national income to official development assistance; recalls that this target has been repeatedly endorsed at the highest level at international aid and development conferences, and calls on the Member States to fulfil it without delay;
Amendment 470 #
2023/2010(INI)
24. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and, the Commission and the United Nations.
Amendment 9 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the CETA Joint Committee Recommendations on Trade and Climate, Trade and Gender and Trade and SMEs,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 entitled ‘A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020) 152 final),
Amendment 11 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
– having regard to the EU-Canada strategic partnership on raw materials,
Amendment 56 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that CETA relies on a fair and predictable rules- and values- based relationship which promotes a more secure and stable economic environment between the trading partners, which is particularly important in the context of heightened geopolitical uncertainties, built on the principles of sustainable development and respect for human rights and labour and environmental standards; considers that such predictability fosters economic growth, the exchange of goods, the provision of services, participation in public procurement, the attractiveness of investment, quality employment, the creation of more and better-paid jobs, and improved working conditions and living standards;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of labour mobility facilitation granted under CETA as it helps ensure an adequate skills transfer between the EU and Canada and avoid shortages of qualified labour; welcomes in this regard the successful conclusion in 2022 of the first Mutual Recognition Agreement under CETA for architects’ qualifications; takes the view that the EU Blue Card could further facilitate exchanges between two developedcompetitive economies with a highly educated population; underlines that exchange programmes between the EU and Canadian academic institutions can further contribute to necessary labour mobility in the long run;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the EU-Canada strategic partnership on raw materials; stresses that cooperation on access to critical raw materials is essential in the current geopolitical landscape, as well as for the green and just transition, and constitutes an important element of the European economic security strategy; is convinced that raw materials extraction needs to occur with respect for environmental standards, labour and human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples;
Amendment 89 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of the recommendation on Trade and Gender by the CETA Joint Committee as early as 2018, which includes a commitment to share methods and procedures for the collection of gender disaggregated data, the use of indicators, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and the analysis of gender-focused statistics related to trade; underlines that trade should benefit all, and specifically strengthen women’s economic empowerment; strongly encourages the CETA Joint Committee to continue monitoring the impacts of the Agreement on gender; takes the view that the work carried out under the jointly adopted action plan can serve as an example for other trade agreements, even when there are no dedicated chapters on trade and gender in the agreement itself; encourages the Commission to publish more easily accessible gender disaggregated data on the usage of the agreement;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that CETA provides a framework that fosters both trade and climate action by including commitments to cooperate on trade-related environmental issues of common interest such as climate change, as demonstrated by the recommendation on trade, climate action and the Paris Agreement; welcomes the growth of the environmental goods trade by 27 % since provisional application started; underlines the importance of Canadian-based global power production accelerating the clean energy transition by producing energy from renewable resources;
Amendment 100 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the active involvement and monitoring of CETA implementation by the domestic advisory groups (DAGs) and the Civil Society Forum, gathering hundreds of representatives from across the EU and Canada, including businesses, environmental and labour organisations, civil society, academia as well as indigenous people’s’ representatives from Canada, and actively contributing to the work of in particular the Trade and Sustainable Development Committee through their joint statements;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the parties to review CETA in order to introduce a suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanism, including the consideration of, among various enforcement methods, sanctions as a deterrent to be used, as a last resort, in the case of serious breaches; highlights its wish to institutionalise the ongoing cooperation on Trade and Gender in this review; stresses that this review should also introduce specific strong provisions on the rights of indigenous peoples, including ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as is standard practice in other EU trade agreements; underlines the inclusion of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as an essential element of the agreement in the context of the review of the TSD provisions;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Urges Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Slovenia to swiftly ratify CETA, as this will also be essential in order to update the agreement, and reiterates the importance of full application of CETA, including its investment protection provisions;
Amendment 30 #
2023/2000(INI)
Da. whereas the European Commission allocates at least 15% of its initial annual humanitarian budget to forgotten crises, and has lead by example in ensuring no diversion of aid in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. whereas humanitarian budgets around the world have, nonetheless, been squeezed as a result of the war, including those of EU Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas reducing humanitarian need worldwide contributes to global and European security;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas humanitarian aid is unlike other forms of EU expenditure, in that it is life-saving;
Amendment 35 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas 83% of people in need live in countries that have had UN-backed emergency response appeals for at least five straight years; whereas almost three quarters of those in humanitarian need live in countries facing at least two of the key causes of crises: conflict, climate, or economic fragility;11a _________________ 11a https://devinit.org/resources/global- humanitarian-assistance-report-2023/
Amendment 55 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Parliament and Council to substantially increase the Humanitarian Aid instrument in the context of the 2024 Annual Budget;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned about the imbalances in funding between crises and warns of the consequences of chronic underfunding on the most vulnerable; notes that in 2022, only 27.7 % of the humanitarian appeal for El Salvador was funded compared to 94.5 % of the humanitarian appeal for the Central African Republic, reflecting that funding imbalances can result in some appeals receiving as much as three times more funding than others; calls for more equitable, needs-based distribution of funding to ensure that no one is left behind; calls on the Commission to develop a more harmonised approach to forgotten crises and to report on its commitment to allocate 15 % of its initial annual humanitarian budget to forgotten crises; calls on the Council to better coordinate the Member States’ support for these crises; urges to identify ways to better link short and long term support mechanisms, so called humanitarian - development nexus in disaster prone countries;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on HR/VP Josep Borrell, in his capacity as chair of the Foreign Affairs Council, to advocate against the diversion and reduction of humanitarian aid by the Member States; stresses that expanding the donor base globally will require extensive diplomatic and political efforts by the EU;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide more quality funding through unearmarked, softly earmarked and multiannual funding that is tailored to local contexts, needs-based and people-centred; highlights the need to harmonise and simplify donors’ contracting procedures, as well as enable donors to design programmes to support governments and civil society to manage risk and respond to crises;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls to increase the volume of direct, quality funding to local actors, as well as enable better access to information, decision-making and coordination mechanisms, which is critical for ensuring effective crisis preparedness and response capacity;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Asks for a reinforcement of multi- annual, flexible funding, especially critical for resilience-building programming and remove some of the barriers local actors face in accessing funding; insists it is critical to ensure a more locally led and effective response;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 89 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Invites the Member States to work with the Commission to identify objectives and benchmarks for regional contexts in order to guide the future implementation of the triple nexus until the end of this MFFbeyond the current MFF; stresses that long-term funding is critical in ensuring sustainable humanitarian interventions; calls on the Commission and Member States to prioritise long term contracts with humanitarian partners;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that humanitarian funding alone cannot resolve humanitarian needs, especially in forgotten crises; welcomes the European Commission’s ‘Basic Services Support’ programme in Afghanistan, focusing on maintaining education, sustaining livelihoods and protecting public health; calls on DG INTPA to release the hold on funding from 2022 contracts under this programme; requests that the Commission formalises the ‘Basic Services Support’ programme, and rolls it out at a global level;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for climate funding to be scaled up in order to prevent, mitigate and respond to the alarming impact of climate change on humanitarian crises; is concerned that NDICI-GE expenditure with a climate objective falls far short of the commitment that such expenditure should represent 30 % of NDICI-GE’s overall financial envelope; calls on the Commission to scale this up without delay, focusing in particular on adaptation in least developed countries and identify the best ways of reaching communities living in the most insecure and fragile environments;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Stresses the importance of improving reporting and the collection of data on gender-related funding, especially where funding supports gender- mainstreaming in humanitarian action;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists on the need to reinforce the centrality of international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles in the EU’s external action; invites the Commission to develop a humanitarian diplomacy strategy together with the Member States, ensuring that this strategy advocates compliance with international humanitarian law and respect for humanitarian principles, calls on the Commission to set up an EU framework to compensate victims for breaches of international humanitarian law;
Amendment 160 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to propose a media strategy for shining the spotlight on forgotten crises, which should include sponsored articles and posts in print and social media, as well as scholarships and training for journalists;
Amendment 168 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission to establish a European Centre for Humanitarian Research and Innovation, bringing together experts from academia and practitioners to foster innovation in the humanitarian sector, notably on access to new sources of finance;
Amendment 175 #
2023/2000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of supporting local actors in line with the Grand Bargain commitment to making principled humanitarian action as local as possible; invites the Commission and the Member States to further develop their localisation strategies in close collaboration with humanitarian partners, and to ensure an adequate sharing of risks; is concerned that local actors struggle to gain access to finance, including pooled funds, due to bureaucratic impediments and lack of capacities; considers that local actors should be given maximum flexibility, especially as regards overheads’ thresholds; calls on the Commission and the Member States to push for a stricter enforcement of Grand Bargain commitments;
Amendment 66 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) For some raw materials, the Union is almost fully dependent on a single country for its supply. Such dependencies entailcontribute to tensions and create a high risk of supply disruption of supply chains. To limit such potential risk and increase the Union’s economic resilience, efforts should be undertaken to ensure that, by 2030, it is not dependent on a single third country for more than 65% of its supply of any strategic raw material, unprocessed and at any stage of processing, giving however special consideration to countries with whom the Union has established a Strategic Partnership on raw materials giving rise to greater assurances regarding supply risks. To this end, priority should be given to concluding strategic partnerships with countries with which the Union shares democratic and human rights values, as well as environmental and social standards. Similarly, in order to fight against price volatility, promote imports and help third countries, partnerships should encourage the use of the Euro, rather than any other currency, when importing these critical raw materials.
Amendment 70 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The recycling and reincorporation of waste and scraps plays a central role in the affirmation of the European autonomy. That is why it is important that the Union limits the shipment of its waste to third countries and therefore lose these materials for its industry.
Amendment 71 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) Due to the inability to recycle much of the waste from these raw materials in Europe, many industries are forced to export waste, scraps or other materials generated during the production process to third countries for recycling. It is essential that strategic partnerships ensure that these wastes and scraps or other materials are treated in accordance with European Union environmental and social values and standards. It is also important that the partnerships developed within this framework ensure compliance with international standards.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to diversify the Union's supply of strategic raw materials, the Commission should, with the support of the Board, identify Strategic Projects in third countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU that intend to become active in the extraction, processing or recycling of strategic raw materials. To ensure that such Strategic Projects are effectively implemented, they should benefit from improved access to finance. In order to ensure their added value, projects should be assessed against a set of criteria. Like projects in the Union, Strategic Projects in third countries should contribute to strengthenning the Union's security of supply for strategic raw materials, show sufficient technical feasibility and be implemented sustainably. For projects in emerging markets and developing economies, the project should be mutually beneficial for the Union and the third country involved and add value in that country, taking into account also its consistency withformity with the objectives of the Union’s common commercial policy. Such value may be derived from the project’s contribution to more than one stage of the value chain as well as from creating through the project wider economic, environmental and societal benefits,. including the creation of employment in compliance with international standards and support SMEs. Where the Commission assesses these criteria to be fulfilled, and after informing the European Parliament it should publish the recognition as a Strategic Project in a decision.
Amendment 100 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) The Union has concluded Strategic Partnerships covering raw materials with third countries in order to implement the 2020 Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials. IThese efforts must be intensified in order to diversify the supply, these efforts should continuerecycling and circularity of raw materials. To develop and ensure a coherent diplomatic and strategic framework for the conclusion of future partnerships, the Member States and the Commission should, as part of their interaction on the Board, and after informing the European Parliament discuss and ensure coordination on, inter alia, whether existing partnerships achieve the intended aims, the prioritisation of third countries for new partnerships, in particular those that share EU values, respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law, as well as internationally recognised environmental and social standards, the content of such partnerships and their coherence and potential synergies between Member States' bilateral cooperation with relevant third countries. The Union should seek mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging market and developing economies, in coherence with its Global Gateway strategy, which contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain as well as add value in the production in these countries. To achieve this; the Union should include all stakeholders, including industrial actors along the value chain, Member States and Regions, local communities, trade unions, civil society, research and technology organisations, investors and NGOs.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0079(COD)
(62) ‘Strategic Partnership’ means a commitment between the Union and a third country to increase cooperation related to the raw materials value chain that is established through a non-binding instrument setting out concrete actions of mutual interest and contributing to the development of human rights, and ambitious environmental and social standards.
Amendment 163 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) for projects in third countries that are emerging markets or developing economies, the project would be mutually beneficial for the Union and, in particular by diversifying its supply chains, and for the third country concerned by adding value in that country, contributing to the better development of local economies and their societies, this includes the development of local processing industries for these critical materials, and the promotion of internationally recognised environmental and social standards.
Amendment 169 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) for projects in third countries, and in order to guarantee the effectiveness of this regulation, priority must be given to project promoters with headquarters in the Union and to companies owned by these companies.
Amendment 180 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Where the Member State whose territory is concerned by a proposed project objects to granting the proposed project strategic status, it shall present substantiated reasons for doing so during the discussion referred to in paragraph 4. The Board shall discuss the substantiated reasons presented by a Member State for its objection. The European Parliament shall be informed without delay. If, after the discussion, the Member State maintains its objection, the project shall not be considered for the status of Strategic Project.
Amendment 182 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
For Strategic Projects in third countries, the Commission shall shareevaluate the feasibility and impact of a project on the Union’s strategic autonomy and its link with the overall aim of this Regulation before sharing the application received with the third country whose territory is concerned by the proposed project. The Commission shall not approve the application before receiving the explicit approval of the relevant third country in accordance with its national legal system.
Amendment 264 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) trade flows and trade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State;
Amendment 273 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission, in collaboration with the national authorities participating in the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c), shall ensure that a stress test is performed for each strategic or critical raw material’s supply chain at least every three years. To that end, the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c) shall coordinate and divide the implementation of stress tests for the different strategic or critical raw materials by the different participating authorities.
Amendment 276 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) factors that might affect supply, including but not limited to the geopolitical situation, logistics, energy supply, workforcetrade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State, logistics, energy supply, workforce, sanitary and phytosanitary standards or natural disasters;
Amendment 302 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) increase the collection of waste with high critical raw materials recovery potential and ensure their introduction into the appropriate recycling system, with a view to maximising the availability and quality of recyclable material as an input to critical raw material recycling facilities and reducing the export of such wastes;
Amendment 341 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Board shall periodic1. By (... 1 year after the date of entry into force of this regulation), and at least every years the Board shally discuss :
Amendment 350 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) (iii) improving cooperation along the critical raw materials value chain between the Union and, partner countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU;
Amendment 354 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) improving the economic, environmental and social conditions in third countries;
Amendment 357 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
(iiib) improving the development of local industries linked to the treatment of this critical raw material ;
Amendment 363 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) which third countriesEstablishing a list of third countries and overseas countries and territories referred to in the Annex II of the TFEU, which should be prioritised for the conclusion of Strategic Partnerships, taking into account the following criteria:
Amendment 364 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) the potential contribution to security of supply, taking into account a third country's potential reserves,the reserves and potential extraction, processing and recycling capacities related tof critical raw materials of the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU or of the third country;
Amendment 370 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) whether a third country's regulatory framework and its implementation effectively ensures the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights and meaningful engagement with local communities, the use of transparent business practices and the prevention of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration and the rule of law;
Amendment 380 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
(iva) the effectiveness of the funds allocated by the Union to local projects and in particular those resulting from the Global Gateway;
Amendment 385 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission, the Parliament and the Board shall, in the context of paragraph 1 and in so far as relates to emerging market and developing economies, ensure cooperation with other relevant coordination fora, including those established as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
Amendment 392 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) support the Commission in the effective implementation of the cooperation measures set out in Strategic Partnerships.
Amendment 397 #
2023/0079(COD)
Article33a Structure of Strategic partnerships Strategic partnerships covered by this regulations should: 1. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised environmental standards. This section shall stipulate how to ensure the development of circularity for waste, scraps or others materials, ensure traceability of these products in the Union and worldwide and how best to protect the Union from appropriation by third countries; 2. Include a section on the promotion of human rights, environmental standards, gender equality and the participation of local populations; 3. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised labour and social standards, and how the strategic partnership will support the development of local communities; 4. Include a section to scale up support for critical raw material supply chain investment; 5. Promote the use of the euro for imports from third countries; 6. Include a section on conflict resolution in case of disputes;
Amendment 398 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 b (new)
Article 33 b (new)
Article33b Participation of the European Parliament in establishing strategic partnerships 1. If the board chooses to start discussions with the aim of establishing a new partnership, it shall inform the European Parliament. 2. Once the negotiations on a strategic partnership are concluded, the Commission shall inform the Parliament and allow it sufficient time to express its view before signing the partnership. 3. Once a strategic partnership has entered into force, the European Parliament may evaluate the partnership every three years, and express its view on the importance of maintaining, strengthening or terminating this partnership.
Amendment 401 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The Board shall be composed of Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission. It shall be chaired by the Commission.
Amendment 1 #
Amendment 12 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Windsor Framework addresses the challenges that have arisen in the operation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland over the first two years of its implementation, creates legal certainty and therefore paves the way for full implementation; welcomes the UK Government’s July 2023 guidance on the Windsor Framework and its commitment to ensuring full implementation [1] [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/collection s/the-windsor-framework-further-detail- and-publications#full-publication-update- history
Amendment 14 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the importance of transparency in international trade and investment is to the benefit of all stakeholders and all parties; whereas a predictable commercial environment that fosters trade and investment between the EU and the UK is welcome,
Amendment 29 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. IsUnderlines that Article 524 of the TCA provides that the cooperation is based on the Parties' and Member States' long-standing respect for democracy, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the European Convention on Human Rights, and on the importance of giving effect to the rights and freedoms in that Convention domestically; is therefore deeply concerned by the Illegal Migration Bill, which passed through the UK Parliament on 26 April 2023, and, if adopted, could have the potential to diverge from the European Convention on Human Rights, causing clear divergence between the two parties and could, according to the TCA, lead to the termination of law enforcement cooperation between the UK and the EU;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2188(INI)
6. Welcomes the swift setting up of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) and notes that two meetings have already taken place in 2022 and two more have been scheduled for 2023; considers that the PPA provides a good framework for parliamentary cooperation and open exchanges between parliamentarians on topics of common interest; calls on the PPA to provide increased scrutiny of both the Commission and the UK Government; requests that special attention be given to Northern Ireland due to its specific situation;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the swift setting up of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) and notes that twohree meetings have already taken place in 2022 and two2023, and one more haves been scheduled for late 2023; considers that the PPA provides a good framework for parliamentary cooperation and open exchanges between parliamentarians on topics of common interest;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the TCA; recalls that the Commission should immediately and regularfully and immediately provide Parliament with information relating to the implementation of TCA to ensure adequate scrutiny, , if necessary on a confidential basis; welcomes the continued good cooperation between Parliament and the Commission;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines the specific situation of Northern Ireland thanks to its unique position, with access to both the EU and UK internal markets; suggests therefore the establishment of an EU one-stop shop in Belfast where people and business would get the assistance and expertise they need to navigate the legislation applicable to them and the necessary help to unlock the full potential of the new arrangements set out in the Windsor Framework;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the Commission’s assessment that overall, the trade arrangements in goods and services established in the TCA are working well, although certain implementation difficulties have persisted such as the sponsorship scheme for the entry and temporary stay of natural persons for business purposes and the verification of origin for applying preferential tariff treatment; notes that as of August 2023, the UK Government has postponed sanitary and phyto-sanitary controls for a fifth time, with these now being introduced in January 2024; notes that the UK Government could reduce barriers to trade with the EU by committing to voluntary alignment across key sectors; maintains its call that the EU and the UK should come to an agreement on mutual recognition of conformity assessments and regulatory equivalence for SPS measures;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes note of the fact that it is a logical consequence of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and, in particular, the ending of freedom of movement, that the opportunities in the EU for the UK’s largely service-based economy have been reduced; notes with regret that there has been a 50% decrease in EU citizens enrolling in UK universities between 2020 and 2022;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the announcement by the UK Government in November 2022 that the deadline for the implementation of the UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking for products placed on the market of Great Britain would be extended; welcomes the announcement of the UK Government recognise the EU's product safety symbol indefinitely in 18 areas;[1] [1] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using- the-ukca-marking
Amendment 60 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the signature of the EU- UK Memorandum of Understanding on Financial Services Cooperation in June 2023 and the establishment of the Joint EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum;calls on both sides to use this forum as a platform to facilitate structured regulatory cooperation;underlines that while over- reliance on the UK financial services market is not sustainable, the UK continues to be a global centre of finance and thus, increased cooperation is welcome; [1] [2] [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscor ner/detail/en/SPEECH_23_3549 [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio ns/uk-eu-memorandum-of- understanding-on-financial-services- cooperation
Amendment 62 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the draft deal between the EU-UK on the UK’s re-entry into the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme; notes the importance of UK universities in leading global research; recalls that any agreement would be mutually beneficial to citizens and scientists on both sides; urges the UK Government to swiftly implement the draft deal;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the amendment of the sunset clause in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill which was and remains a cause of concern, and stresses that the European Parliament will continue following the legislative developments in the UK in this regard; calls for the strengthening of EU-UK regulatory cooperation to minimise likely divergences; calls on the Commission to continue to closely monitor regulatory divergences in the UK, which could pose a risk of non-compliance with the TCA, notably in areas relevant to the level playing field such as subsidy control, taxation, labour and social standards, the environment and climate; considers, in this context, that the active involvement of the DAG and the Civil Society Forum provides a valuable contribution to the process; highlights the particular challenge that monitoring and managing regulatory divergence poses for Northern Ireland and the need to ensure adequate early warning mechanisms;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2188(INI)
27. Takes note that the new UK subsidy control regime under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 came into force in January 2023; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the application of the Subsidy Control Act 2022; calls for increased cooperation between the EU and the UK on subsidies, pursuant to Article 366 TCA;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Regrets that the TCA does not include provisions on cooperation in foreign policy and defence; recalls the EP's position that in the current geopolitical context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the signing of a structured framework for cooperation on foreign and security affairs between the European Union and the UK would be more effective than current ad hoc cooperation; highlights the need to intensify the dialogue with the UK on possible avenues for future cooperation and coordination on foreign, security and defence policy, in line with the provisions of the political declaration and including in the framework of the EU-NATO partnership, the United Nations, the European Political Community (EPC) and other international forums; underlines the importance of coordinating sanctions regimes;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2188(INI)
31. Calls for the stronger involvement of the UK in European security and defence projects; welcomes, in this context, the decision of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) members and the Council of 14 November 2022 to invite the UK to join the Military Mobility PESCO project, which would improve mutual rapid security and defence assistance; calls on the Member States to sign the administrative agreement on Military Mobility with the UK as soon as possible;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. having regard to Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which states, in part, that the Union must take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries,
Amendment 3 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. having regard to the joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission of 30 June 2017 on ‘The new European consensus on development’,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1c. having regard to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Amendment 8 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 d (new)
Paragraph -1 d (new)
-1d. having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 e (new)
Paragraph -1 e (new)
-1e. having regard to the report entitled ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022’, the report entitled ‘Hunger Hotspots – FAO/WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity – October 2022 to January 2023 Outlook’ and the information note entitled ‘The importance of Ukraine and the Russian Federation for global agricultural markets and the risks associated with the current conflict’ of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP),
Amendment 11 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (DEVE) on Policy Coherence for Development (2021/2164(INI)),
Amendment 24 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. whereas, according to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, a person is considered ‘food secure’ when they have the physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. whereas, according to FAO, there are four dimensions of food security: food access, food availability, food safety and quality, and stability of food prices over time;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Amendment 27 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. whereas, according to FAO, in 2021 hunger affected 425 million people in Asia, 278 million in Africa and 56.5 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Africa being the region where the prevalence of undernourishment is highest;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is exacerbating global food insecurity, and whereas FAO simulations suggest that the consequences of the conflict could lead to a further 8 to 13 million people around the world becoming food insecure, and more if the war persists;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. whereas, according to FAO, at the beginning of 2022, Ukraine and Russia accounted for nearly 30% of global wheat and maize exports, while Russia was the world’s top exporter of fertilisers;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. whereas, according to FAO, more than 30 countries, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, depend on Ukraine and Russia for over 30% of their wheat import needs;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Amendment 43 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. whereas EU support for sustainable food systems is one of the priorities of the multi-annual indicative programmes adopted with around 70 partner countries under the NDICI – Global Europe instrument for the 2021- 2027 period;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
points out that climate change is a key factor in food insecurity, particularly in small island developing states in the Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Pacific, which are also being affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on Russia to stop using food security as a weapon of war, to respect the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and to lift the naval blockades of Ukrainian ports so that global supplies of grain and other agricultural products can flow freely;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Welcomes the EU’s introduction of solidarity lanes, which have so far enabled more than 15 million tonnes of agricultural products blocked in Ukraine to be exported, and commends the Union on its commitment to mobilise over EUR 1 billion for those lanes;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Deplores the financial speculation in agricultural and food products, which is exacerbating price volatility, particularly in a context of war; calls on the Commission, Member States and food business operators to intensify their efforts to strengthen transparency rules on global agricultural prices and stocks, particularly by strengthening and extending the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) introduced by the G20;
Amendment 99 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in rising prices and reduced availability of agricultural products, fertilisers and energy; notes, in particular, that fertiliser shortages are having direct effects on agricultural yields and reducing food availability;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2183(INI)
4b. Notes the Commission communication of 9 November 2022 entitled ‘Ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers’, particularly its international dimension; stresses, however, that the Commission should develop a genuine integrated strategy with its partner countries to encourage the development of local production capacity and reduce the vulnerabilities associated with international dependencies, especially on fertilisers and grains;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points out that developing countries, particularly low-income countries, are the most vulnerable to rising global food and agricultural prices, which threaten the affordability of food and increase the debt burden; calls on the Commission and Member States to work on the FAO proposal aimed at establishing a Food Import Financing Facility to help those low-income countries that are the most dependent on food imports to access global food markets;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the objective of policy coherence for development, in accordance with Article 208 TFEU, and the importance of ensuring coherence among all EU policies in order to guarantee the effectiveness of the EU’s commitment to global food security;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to adopt a more systematic approach to defining and assessing the impact of EU policies in relation to the Policy Coherence for Development objectives; calls on the Commission, in particular, to assess the impact of EU policies by using the monitoring indicators of Sustainable Development Goal 2 to eradicate hunger by 2030;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses the importance of ensuring reciprocity in international trade, and calls on the Commission to speed up the adoption of mirror clauses in trade negotiations and trade agreements signed by the EU, particularly in relation to agriculture and agricultural products; underlines the fact that reciprocity guarantees high environmental, social and health standards in developing countries and prevents double standards;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Welcomes the interinstitutional agreement reached on the proposal for a regulation aimed at prohibiting the making available on the Union market of imported products associated with deforestation, and calls for the prompt implementation of the regulation;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Stresses that biofuel production should not jeopardise food security, particularly in developing countries; notes, however, that biofuel production can be useful when implementing agro- ecological and energy transitions;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the commitment by the EU and its Member States to allocate nearly EUR 7.78 billion in humanitarian aid and development aid for global food security over the period 2021-2024, including a further EUR 600 million to help the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries deal with the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; stresses, however, the need for European aid to reach the most vulnerable populations as quickly as possible and to adapt to the context of multidimensional crises; calls on the Commission to report to the European Parliament, every year until 2024, on the goals, measures and results of that commitment;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines the fact that, in 2022, the Commission has already allocated over EUR 900 million to humanitarian food assistance, i.e. 60% more than in 2021 and nearly 80% more than in 2020; calls on the European Union and its Member States to increase their humanitarian support in the most vulnerable countries and regions, particularly the 19 ‘hunger hotspots’ identified by FAO and WFP which continue to suffer from a lack of humanitarian financing;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the European Union to ensure continuity between humanitarian aid and measures supported by development aid in order to tackle the deep-rooted causes of food insecurity in developing countries;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that a significant proportion of the 30% envelope of the NDICI – Global Europe funds assigned to combatting climate change is allocated to projects which improve resilience to climate disasters and adaptation of agriculture to climate change;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Calls on the Commission, Member States and European development financing institutions to create synergies between the NDICI – Global Europe instrument and the new Global Gateway strategy, using the Team Europe approach, in order to coordinate investments in food security in partner countries;
Amendment 154 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Urges the European Commission, in the mid-term review process of the NDICI – Global Europe instrument, to closely examine the amounts and projects associated with food security in partner countries and to fully assess the effectiveness of the measures supported; points out that the mid-term review report should be published by the end of 2023;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Welcomes the launch of several multilateral food security initiatives, such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) launched on 24 March 2022; calls, however, on the European Commission and Member States to play a leading role in coordinating the various initiatives to ensure an effective international commitment to global food security;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Calls on the European Union and its Member States to support the establishment of an international food crisis preparedness and response mechanism, under the aegis of FAO and WFP, with the aim of identifying risks and vulnerabilities, particularly in critical food infrastructure and supply chains, and improving coordination of responses in the event of a crisis; calls also for the role of the Global Network Against Food Crises to be strengthened;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on the Commission and local and regional authorities in partner countries to ensure that women are involved in defining programmes and implementing projects to combat food insecurity; points out that ensuring food security is one way of reducing inequalities between women and men; notes that food security measures in developing countries should also respect the rights of indigenous peoples;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Calls on the European Union to support small-scale agriculture and farmers in developing countries, particularly with the agro-ecological transition; stresses the need, in particular, to help them access finance for research and innovation in the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices, the adaptation of crops to local weather conditions, the reduced use of energy- intensive inputs, and the use of digital technologies for agriculture;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Stresses the importance of supporting local projects that encourage the transition to low-carbon agriculture, simultaneously benefitting food security, environmental protection and the fight against climate change in partner countries; calls on the European Union to use its partnerships to encourage solution-sharing between countries;
Amendment 177 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7e. Calls on the Commission to increase its support for WASH services to ensure access to water and sanitation in developing countries; stresses also the need to support local agricultural projects that encourage a transition to crops and agricultural infrastructure which consume less water;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 f (new)
Paragraph 7 f (new)
7f. Calls on the European Commission to support local actors, particularly farmers, in defining and implementing measures to forestall extreme climate events and natural disasters, especially in the most vulnerable areas; calls also on the Commission to support the introduction of programmes and networks for monitoring, highlighting and sharing best practices in the adaptation of agriculture to climate change between partner countries;
Amendment 179 #
2022/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to increase the involvement of local actors, particularly local and regional authorities and NGOs, by using the Team Europe approach;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles as a step forward in tackling the challenges linked to textile and clothes production; welcomes, unsustainable consumption patterns and waste; calls for further EU efforts on its commitments towards the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; strongly encourages the international promotion of this approach and, including through strengthening cooperation with partners; developing countries with the overarching aim to limit the negative impacts of the worldwide textile industry on climate change and biodiversity;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 13 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas gender equality is a core principle of the EU, enshrined in Articles 2 and 3(3) TEU, Article 8 TFEU and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals is Gender Equality, Goal 8 is Decent work and Economic Growth and Goal 12 is Responsible Consumption and Production; whereas many countries are falling behind on their targets, which Member States have committed to completing by 2030;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls the principle of policy coherence for development (PCD) and especially Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which states that ‘the Union shall take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries’; highlights the importance of PCD to enable an integrated approach to achieve the SDGs;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the production of textiles and clothing (T&C) often takes place outside the EU and most T&C traded in the EU are imported from third countries; recalls the need to promote circularity and to implement a life-cycle approach, taking into account the entire chain, from production to consumption, while ensuring traceability as well as supporting innovative textiles that are more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient; supports actions aiming at tackling greenwashing and raising awareness concerning the implications that ‘fast fashion’ and consumer behaviour have for the planet;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas 189 states have signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which states that discrimination against women "violates the principles of equality of rights and respect for human dignity";3a _________________ 3a https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments- mechanisms/instruments/convention- elimination-all-forms-discrimination- against-women
Amendment 33 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that T&C from Europe are often exported to third countries for disposal; stresses that this practice shifts environmental problems arising from the disposal of T&C to third countries; recommends that T&C to be exported for disposal must be prepared for proper recycling; urges the EU to address the huge problem of releasing tonnes of microplastics each year, which end up polluting our waters and seas, land and air and cause harm to our ecosystems, and to do so notably through improving end-of-life processing;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that in addition to its significant negative environmental and climate impacts, the textile industry also has a detrimental social impact; stresses that a disproportionate number of women and marginalised groups carry out precarious work, ofte concentrated in low-paid, low-skilled occupations within garment factories and in informal occupation; stresses that this work is precarious and often undertaken involuntarily;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that working conditions and labour laws in third countries supplying the EU with textile products are often extremely poor or not properly enforced; underlines in particular restrictions to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and limitations on paid maternity leave; highlights that women and disadvantaged groups are often in informal employment and do not have access to social security;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Highlights that Gender Based Violence (GBV) has been widely reported in the textile industry; stresses that women and girls in garment factories are particularly at risk of harassment and GBV due to their precarious, low-income employment, as well as limited upward mobility, the location of workplaces and on-site housing4a; highlights that the victims of GBV may face barriers to reporting violence or harassment and calls for employers in the textile sector to ensure that there are robust, gender sensitive operational-level grievance mechanisms to enable workers to report harassment, violence or threats of violence anonymously and confidentially without fear of reprisal; calls for appropriate remediation mechanisms; calls for the inclusion of women in the design of monitoring and evaluation measures; calls employers to provide training and education on gender-equality and GBV to male and female employees; _________________ 4a https://mneguidelines.oecd.org/oecd- due-diligence-guidance-garment- footwear.pdf
Amendment 48 #
2022/2171(INI)
5. Stresses that working conditions in the textile industry in third countries are often substandard and have a direct impact on workers’ living standards due to low wages, poor working conditions and inadequate safety standards; highlights that women are in particular in an even more vulnerable position; is equally concerned about persisting child and irregular migrant labour in the industry; reiterates the EU’s responsibility to design partnerships with local actors that promote human rights, democratic processes, good governance, gender equality and sustainability in the textile sector;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Notes that women in the textile industry are often excluded from decision- making spaces; calls on employers in the textile industry to take steps to ensure female representation at managerial and leadership level and mid-level positions, and to ensure female representation at consultation forums;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Calls on buying companies and factories to develop gender-mainstreamed Codes of Conduct with policies on GBV and harassment as well as clear enforcement mechanisms; calls on buying companies to include gender equality in contractual agreements with suppliers;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States to ratify the relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and implement its recommendations, especially those intended to reduceensure occupational health and safety and building standards, reduce Gender-Based Discrimination and the scale of precarious work, and protect workers from the harmful effects of chemicals, as well as from violence and harassment in the workplace;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Strongly encourages the Commission, therefore, to supplement the Strategy with corresponding regional and country programming for developing countries in the framework of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI)-Global Europe and Team Europe initiatives, which should promote and communicate visibly around sustainable projects that help to build T&C production and distribution infrastructure which protects the environment as well as social and labour rights.
Amendment 72 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the proposal for an ecodesign regulation covering textiles, the review of the Textile Labelling Regulation3 and the potential introduction of a mandatory disclosure of information; calls for the inclusion of social and labour standards in both the proposed ecodesign regulation and under labelling requirements; calls for companies in the textile industry to provide detailed information on the status of gender equality in companies throughout their supply chains , in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the future Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products and repealing Council Directive 73/44/EEC and Directives 96/73/EC and 2008/121/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. OJ L 272, 18.10.2011, p. 1.
Amendment 83 #
2022/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to engage with civil society stakeholders, including educational actors and gender equality organisations, in order to develop programmes to increase awareness about the working conditions for women and girls in the global garment and textile industry, as well as the environmental and climate impact of the textile and garmentose industries.
Amendment 5 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas gender equality in the Union has been particularly impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the backlashes against gender equality and women’s rights, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in several Member States; whereas the Gender Equality Index in 2022 is 68.6 across the EU, which has increased by only 0.6 since 2021, demonstrating that the EU’s pace towards gender equality is slow;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the EIGE and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality; stresses the valuable contribution that the EIGE can make to all Parliament committees; acknowledges the specialisation and insight of EIGE, especially in the provision of data and assessment of policies of Member States;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recommends the allocation of more staff to EIGE in order to cope with a sharp rise of requests for technical assistance on gender mainstreaming and in order to respond to urgent gender equality issues stemming in particular from the successive crises and the backlashes against gender equality and women’s rights, in several Member States and worldwide;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that a gender equality perspective should be integrated and ensured into all policy areas, particularly in light of the multiple gendered impacts of various ongoing climate, energy and social crises, including the backlashes against gender equality and women’s rights, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in several Member States and worldwide; reiterates therefore its call for the implementation of gender budgeting at all stages of the budgetary process;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the position of gender equality and mainstreaming as one of the horizontal principles for Union funds in the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 and in the Recovery and Resilience Facility and calls for gender impact assessments, objectives and monitoring to be deployed as outlined in the ECA report;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission's work on a new classification to measure the gender impact of Union spending; calls on the Commission to ensure that this classification focuses on an accurate and comprehensive representation of the impact of programmes on gender equality; recalls that women and men should benefit equally from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in particular in the light of the Union’s gender pay gap of 13%;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the rule of law in the Union, and thus protect fundamental rights and gender equality, via the rule of law conditionality mechanism for access to EU funds;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2081(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Is deeply concerned about revelations regarding the Commission’s reaction to a rape which occurred in the institution in 2015 in which the Commission suspended the convicted and sentenced official but continued to pay his salary throughout the lengthy legal proceedings; calls on the Commission to strengthen the protocol to ensure that in such cases, the Commission should remove entirely the salary; calls on the Commission to add to its protocol the right to access to psychological and other support for victims; urges the Commission to ensure that all rules in place guarantee a zero-tolerance to any forms of misconduct and a full support for all victims; recalls the Commission’s duty to put in place all necessary policies to prevent and address all forms of harassment and violence.
Amendment 1 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 (new)
Citation 1 (new)
- having regard to Articles 2 and 3(1) ofthe Treaty on European Union (TEU), and Articles 8 of the Treaty on theFunctioning of the European Union (TFEU),
Amendment 2 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 (new)
Citation 2 (new)
- having regard to the European Pillar ofSocial Rights and, in particular, its principles 2, 3, 11 and 17,
Amendment 3 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 (new)
Citation 3 (new)
- having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW) of 18 December 1979,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 5 (new)
Citation 5 (new)
- having regard the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989
Amendment 6 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 6 (new)
Citation 6 (new)
- having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 8 (new)
Citation 8 (new)
- having regard to its Resolution of 7 July 2022 on the US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and women’s heath in the EU
Amendment 10 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 10 (new)
Citation 10 (new)
- having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (‘Istanbul Convention’),
Amendment 12 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 12 (new)
Citation 12 (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2020 on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy,
Amendment 13 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 13 (new)
Citation 13 (new)
- having regard to the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2021
Amendment 14 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 (new)
Citation 14 (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 7April 2022 on the EU’s protection of children and young people fleeing the war in Ukraine,
Amendment 15 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 15 (new)
Citation 15 (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 5 May2022 on the impact of the war against Ukraine on women,
Amendment 16 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 16 (new)
Citation 16 (new)
- having regard the joint communication of the Commission and the High representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy entitled ‘EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III – An ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU external action’ (JOIN(2020)0017), having regard to the Resolution on the impact of the war against Ukraine on women of 5 May 2022,
Amendment 17 #
2022/2049(INI)
- having regard to its report of 22 June 2022 on intersectional discrimination in the European Union: the socio-economic situation of women of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent,
Amendment 18 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas gender equality is a core value of the EU; whereas the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and should be fully respected; whereas the right to the integrity of the person is paramount under Article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; whereas gender mainstreaming and intersCectional approach should therefore be implemented and integrated as a horizontal principle in all EU activities and policies;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas theCOVID-19 crisis and its consequences have clear gender perspectives as they affect women and men differently all over the world; whereas the pandemic has exacerbated existing structural gender inequalities; whereas its consequences disproportionately affect lives of vulnerable groups including women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ persons, people with disabilities, older people and others, for example preventing them from access to essential health and care services including SRHR services and gender based violence support;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas since the pandemic violence against women has increased; whereas more than 45% of women reported that they or a woman they know has experienced a form of violence since 2019 and 65% of women reported experiencing it in their lifetime; whereas globally, 245 million of women and girls aged 15 years or over have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the previous 12 months; whereas more than 4 in 10 women feel more unsafe in public spaces than before and 1 in 2 women feel unsafe walking alone at night, whereas 6 in 10 women say they think sexual harassment in public has worsened;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital F (new)
Recital F (new)
F. whereas countries all around the world are facing a backlash against gender equality, women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, especially in the sphere of access to sexual and reproductive rights; whereas the Supreme Court of the US decided on 24 June 2022 to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling, putting an end to the federal constitutional right to abortion in US, allowing states to ban abortion at any point during pregnancy and opening up the possibility of complete bans on abortion; whereas since then, there had been a growing number of states in US and worldwide, who decided to ban abortions or limit the right to abortion;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital G (new)
Recital G (new)
G. whereas racialised women, women from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, women from minorities, women with disabilities, migrant women and LGBTIQ+ people faceadditional and multiple violations of their human rights; whereas they are often restricted from participating fully and effectively in economic, social and political life; whereas women subjected to intersecting types of discrimination all around the world face multiple obstacles in accessing the formal labour market, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination, poverty, economic exploitation, social exclusion and gender-based violence, including sexual harassment and mistreatment; whereas they face racism and discrimination in access to health care, support services in the case of violence and other services, denying their human rights; whereas afrophobia, antigypsism, antisemitism and islamophobia are widespread forms of racism all around the world;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H (new)
Recital H (new)
H. whereas all around the world religion and ideology are used against women' and girls' rights and against gender equality in general; whereas women, girls and LGBTQIA+ persons experience gender-based violence and discrimination that impedes their ability to fully enjoy their human rights by state and non-state actors relying on religious ‘justifications’ for their actions; whereas women expressing their religion and beliefs by their clothing or physical appearance are more often victims of violence and discrimination;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital I (new)
Recital I (new)
I. whereas between2021-2022 1a, a total of fourteen female journalists were killed worldwide, marking an increase from the number given for 2020; whereas whilst more male journalists are killed each year, women generally experience more online and sexual harassment and are targeted more frequently in this regard; whereas women are engaging in politics in record numbers around the world, by seeking office and by voting, whereas in many countries this increased participation of women in politics is accompanied by a violent backlash; whereas physical, moral and cyber violence targeting women in politics is creating dangerous obstacles to women’s participation in political processes; whereas women activists, human rights defenders, and social leaders face worsening violence all around the world, _________________ 1a https://en.unesco.org/themes/safety- journalists/observatory
Amendment 27 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital J (new)
Recital J (new)
J. whereas significant number of women serve in the Ukrainian armed forces in combat and non-combat roles; whereas more than 22.8% of Ukraine's military are female; whereas at least 12 million people have fled their homes since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, most of them women and children, whereas wars and armed conflicts impact women, including those facing intersectional discrimination, in specific ways and exacerbate pre-existing inequalities; whereas women and girls are particularly at risk during humanitarian and displacement crises as they continue disproportionately to be victims of discrimination based on gender norms, of gender-based violence and deprived of access to health care and other services; whereas rape and sexual violence are used as a war weapon; whereas massive displacement and refugee flow due to wars and armed conflicts lead to a spike in human trafficking; whereas women and unaccompanied children are main victims of traffickers, often abusing their vulnerable situation;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital L (new)
Recital L (new)
L. whereas climate change is undermining the enjoyment of human rights and increasing existing gender inequalities; whereas women and girls are more affected by climate change due to their unequal access to resources, education, political power, job opportunities and to land rights than man and due to the existing social and cultural norms such as their role as primary caregivers and often providers of water, food and fuel;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital N (new)
Recital N (new)
N. whereas protecting women and girls and other vulnerable persons from violence and discrimination, in particular with regard to education, information and health services, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, is especially important for ensuring the full enjoyment of their human rights; whereas violations of SRHR, such as forced sterilization, forced abortion, forced pregnancy, criminalization of abortion, denial or delay of safe abortion and/or post-abortion care, abuse and mistreatment of women and girls seeking sexual and reproductive health information, goods and services, female genital mutilations, gynaecologic and obstetrical violence are forms of gender- based violence that, depending on the circumstances, may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital O (new)
Recital O (new)
Amendment 35 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital R (new)
Recital R (new)
R. whereas gender-based violence constitutes a serious breach of human rights, undermining social stability and security, public health, women’s educational and employment opportunities, as well as the well-being and development prospects of children and communities;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 48 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 56 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on global actors to take all necessary legislative and administrative steps and measures to promote a culture of acceptance, mutual respect and human dignity for men and women at all stages of development and agingIs deeply concerned about the increase of gender inequalities resulting from the successive crises all around the world; notes with concerns the alarming growth of violence against women worldwide during crises; highlights the vulnerable position of women and girls in many parts of the world resulting from the COVID-19pandemic, such as access to healthcare, including SRHR and in particular accesso abortion and contraception, fertility treatment, HIV and STI testing, reproductive cancer screenings, sexuality and relationship education and maternal healthcare;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights that the displacement and refugee flow from wars is always largely gendered; strongly condemns the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war and stresses that this constitutes a war crime; expresses its deep concerns about the growing number of reports of human trafficking, sexual violence, exploitation, rape and abuse faced by women and children fleeing Ukraine; call son all host and transit countries receiving refugees to address the specific needs of women and girls and to ensure that gender based violence services and referral pathways and complaints mechanisms are immediately available within communities in languages and formats accessible to all groups; calls on guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services, particularly emergency contraception, abortion care, including for survivors of rape; encourages the fast inclusion of women and children fleeing the war or armed conflicts in host countries;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Recognizes the courage and the strength of Ukrainian female soldiers, who defend their country in large numbers, and all Ukrainian women who provide support and assistance on the ground, as well as those who have decided to flee the country to protect their families;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Stresses that human trafficking for sexual exploitation and other purposes remains one of the biggest risks for women and children fleeing wars and armed conflicts who are in a particularly vulnerable situation; urges the EU and all global actors to identify and prosecute the trafficking networks profiting from the sexual exploitation of refugee women and girls;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Underlines that women and girls need continued access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout conflict and displacement, including access to safe delivery, family planning services, legal and safe abortion or clinical management of rape; calls for funds to be made available for the provision of essential and lifesaving SRHS in line with the UN Minimum Initial Service Package;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. Recalls the difficult situation of and obstacles to transgender persons including transwomen or transgender and intersex women with the male gender marker fleeing wars and armed conflicts; stresses that transgender people whose identity documents do not correspond with their identity should be allowed to pass borders and through internal checkpoints and may not be excluded from civil protection measures; stresses that transgender refugee persons have difficulties to access hormonal treatments; underlines that such treatments another specific medicines for transgender and intersex people are classified as essential by the WHO and thus should be included in humanitarian aid packages;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on global actors and the Member States to forcefully tackle the plight of women and girls throughout the world who are subjected to human trafficking and sexual exploitation; supports efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims and to rigorously prosecute and reform male and female offenders, including by dismantling criminal gangs who prey on those duped into taking deadly journeys to enter the EU illegallyDenounces the fact that gender- based violence is one of the most widespread forms of violence in the world; points out that gender-based violence is a form of discrimination and a violation of fundamental rights, as well as the result of genderstereotypes, structural and institutional inequalities, underlines the importance of applying a gendered, intersectional and victim-centred approach to all policies and measures to address gender-based violence; calls on the Commission to advance their efforts through the EU foreign policy in that direction;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Strongly condemns all forms of gender-based, physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence including domestic violence, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, stalking, mobbing, human trafficking, child and forced marriage, forced sterilisation, forced abortions, femicide, female genital mutilation, rape as a weapon of domination and of war, as well as cyber violence;underlines that all these forms of violence constitute a serious violations of human rights and dignity, is deeply concerned about the growing phenomenon of femicide in Europe and all around the world;
Amendment 74 #
2022/2049(INI)
4 b. Calls on the Council to urgently conclude the EU ratification of the Istanbul Convention and to advocate its ratification by all the Member States; welcomes Commission's proposal for a directive on combatting violence; is concerned by the Turkish withdrawal from the convention; condemns the attempts in some States to revoke measures already taken in implementing the Istanbul Convention and in combating violence against women; calls on EU and Council of Europe to continue to encourage states to join the Convention in order to combat and eliminate gender based violence together;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Calls on global actors to protect and prevent gender based violence and protect vulnerable groups, children, minority groups, LGBTQIA+ and refugee and migrant women, and to investigate and punish acts of violence and hate crimes; welcomes and encourages the efforts and investments of the EU together with its international partners aimed at eliminating all forms of gender based violence;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Highlights the use of threats and violence targeting female journalists or politicians, as well as women engaged in defence of human rights; reminds the state’s primary responsibility to ensure an enabling a safe environment for these publicly exposed women and a protection from threats and attacks; calls for prompt investigations of intimidation, threats, violence and other abuses against these women;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4 e. Stresses that women and girls from ethnic, religious and belief minorities are even more vulnerable to gender-based violence and discrimination; strongly condemns the discrimination and violence against women from minorities in the world, such as Romani women ; considers that right to education, social rights, the right to the healthcare should in no case be diminished or taken away; is deeply concerned about the situation of Uyghurs minority and condemns all violations of human rights such as arbitrary detentions, torture, ill treatment, including forced medical treatment, sexual and gender-based violence which may constitute international crimes;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to promote healthcare practices that benefit women and girls at all stages of development and agingUrges the EU and global actors to reject any further attempts at rolling back gains for women's human rights, equality, right to self-determination and full control over their own bodies; calls on the international society to renew its support for sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to safe and legal abortion, age appropriate, evidence-based comprehensive sexuality education, comprehensive family planning care including contraception and unbiased information, antenatal, childbirth and post natal care both within and beyond the European Union;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care including the access to safe and legal abortion, both within and beyond the European Union; reaffirms that the denial of quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services is a form of gender based violence; reiterates that the need to universal accesso quality and affordable sexual and reproductive health care embraces the right to information, including comprehensive sexuality education,
Amendment 87 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Condemns all threats, attacks and punishments of activists helping women to access to abortion or contraception; stresses the need to support civil society organisations engaged in the promotion of gender equality and especially reproductive justice;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Condemns the actions of anti- gender and anti-feminist movements, regimes and religions that systematically attack women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights; urges Commission to ensure that governments, civil society organisations supported and funded by the Union do not promote policies against women and LGBTQIA+ individuals, gender discrimination, gender inequality, hate crimes and violence against women and LGBTQIA+ people;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Stresses that over the past 12 months, human rights violations against women and girls have increased disproportionately in Afghanistan despite initial promises to guarantee the right to work and to education for women and girls; condemns that the Taliban is systematically excluding women and girls from public life and political participation; Welcomes that the EU has re-established minimal presence in Kabul ensuring the delivery of assistance and prioritises direct engagement with the Afghan people, including through the Afghan Women Leaders’ Forum which aims to ensure that Afghan women have a voice in international fora;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Is deeply concerned and saddened by the death of Mahsa Amini, died on September 16th after morality police beat her, apparently for wearing a loose hijab; calls for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation by an independent competent authority; is concerned by the repressive answer and use of power by Iranian government against people who manifest for women’s rights and equality; calls all national authorities to stop targeting, harassing, and detaining women who do not abide by the hijab rules;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. Condemns all forms of violence against LGBTIQIA+ and gender non conforming people; calls on global actors to take into account the increased risk and specific challenges of LGBTQIA+ people, who are particularly vulnerable and often victims of discrimination and violence, and to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence and hate crimes against them; furthermore calls global actors to take all necessary steps to ensure that gender identity or sexual orientation may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties; calls on respect for the bodily autonomy of all people, in particular by banning intersexgenital mutilation, so-called ‘conversion therapy’ practices, and the forced sterilisation of trans people as a precondition for being granted legal gender recognition; reiterates that gender recognition laws should be adopted in accordance with international human rights standards, thereby making gender recognition accessible, affordable, administrative, quick and based on self-determination;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5 g. Calls on the EU and all global actors to adopt a gender-sensitive response including an intersectionality perspective to all crisis, especially the incoming energetic and climate crises; calls to systematically integrate a gender mainstreaming and intersectionality perspective in the EU’s foreign and security, migration, enlargement, trade and development policy; calls for specific gender chapters in all future EU trade and investment agreements; deeply regrets, in this regard, the lack of an intersectional dimension in the EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5 h. Recalls that women in all their diversity, in particular those facing intersecting forms of discrimination, in marginalised situations and in conflict settings, are disproportionally affected by climate change and its consequences; calls on the EU and global actors to ensure that all climate action includes an intersectional perspective and that targeted funds and measures are implemented to that end and to guarantee the equal participation of women in all their diversity in decision-making bodies at international, national and local level;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2049(INI)
5 i. Stresses that the presence and contribution of women is particularly important in the time of crisis; recalls the EU commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment and the necessity of equal representation of women and men in leadership and in the decision- making;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Paragraph 5 j (new)
5 j. Welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide’ notes, however, that no country in the world has achieved gender equality yet; Regrets that fact that the overall progress in women's rights is far below the UN countries’ commitments included in the 1995 Beijing Convention;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2049(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to continue its efforts in its new EU action plan on human rights and democracy 2020-2024 to protect and empower women and girls by going beyond stereotypes; stresses that these efforts must,and the Member States to implement the gender equality strategy in a coherent manner both within and outside the EU, and to thake extent possible, be made while fully respecting the right of peoples to self- determination, as enshrined in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.ffective and concrete actions to counter the backlash against women’s rights and gender equality;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to adopt, in early 2023, an ambitious MFF revision proposalproposal for a humanitarian revision of the MFF that substantially increases the resources for Heading 6 and revises the functioning of the SEAR; urges the Member States to agree to a significant increase in ceilings under Heading 6;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the global humanitarian funding gap was the highest it has ever been in 2022 at USD 36.9 billion, and continues to grow; stresses that the humanitarian aid instrument must receive significantly more funding in the revised MFF to match the EU’s ambition to be a leading humanitarian donor; recalls the “in-but-out” nature of humanitarian aid, and that providing life-saving humanitarian assistance should not come at the expense of other humanitarian programmes, nor should aid be diverted to other budget lines during the annual budgetary procedure unless the needs have decreased;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the need for flexibility mechanisms to have sufficient funding to respond to crises; is concerned by the uneven mobilisation of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR); notes that a disproportionate amount of SEAR resources are used for internal purposes; calls for an overall increase of the resources allocated to SEAR; calls for more predictability in meeting internal and external emergency needs by separating the SEAR into a Solidarity Reserve for needs within the EU and an Emergency Aid Reserve for external action, or by ring- fencing the share dedicated for external crises for the entire year; insists that the resources available under SEAR should not be time-bound, and should be allocated when they are required, on a strict needs basis;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the MFF revision should be accompanied by the necessary legislative changesadjustments and flexibility to the NDICI – Global Europe Regulation.
Amendment 1 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal for a regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM 2022/453)
Amendment 6 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the recent external shocks caused by violent conflicts,Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemics and arbitraryin the resulting disruptions of supply chains have tested the resilience of economies worldwide; whereas the EU’s economy has shown itself to beto be resilient and recovering quickly due to the coordinated EU level response; whereas the EU economy is highly dependent on 137 products, in particular those related to energy and critical raw materials, medicines and health products, cutting- edge and cloud technologies, batteries and semiconductors;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the World Trade Organization (WTO) should bring a higher level of transparency to trade and trade- related measures for its members, as divisions risk undermining the maintenance and openness of global supply chains; whereas certain WTO members, such as China, disregard global trade rules they signed up to on WTO level, damaging multilateralism and disrupting global supply chains;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas largeRussia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, increases in commodity prices, higher prices around the globe and a troublesomefor both products and resources around the globe resulting in more competition in global supply chains and a spike in inflation are expected to further challenge global supply chains;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU is strategically dependent on external sources of energy, such as Russian gas, a situation that is undermining the EU’s economic resilience and open strategic autonomy; whereas skyrocketing energy prices are a serious threat to the EU’s production capacity and may put further pressure on many supply chains that have already faced disruption;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas even though the EU must gain more strategic independence in different fields, including agricultural products, critical raw materials, semiconductors, medicines and health products, this independence has not yet been achieved;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99 % of all EU businesses, 65 % of all EU jobs and more than 50 % of the EU’s economic output from the non-financial sector; whereas SMEs are more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and energy scarcity than larger companies;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas in order to increase the resilience of its supply chains, the EU should implement a combination of different commodity-based solutions, including boosting existing EU production, reshoring and nearshoring, stockpiling,supply chain disruptions and the current geopolitical context present challenges and opportunities for the EU, such as promoting the circular economy and diversifying suppliers through strategic free trade and investment agreements, sectoral partnerships and alliances, and trade and technology councils for critical goods, and advancing work on trade and technology councils with strategic partners such as the US, Japan and Taiwan;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that for the resilience of the EU economy and international trade relations it is crucial to develop an EU respondse to the possible negative consequences of any external shocks with a coordinated approach at national and EU level;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to assess existing and potential trade shortages, mitigate the consequences of external shocks, and pay special attention to the sensitive sectors outlined hereafter, which are particularly crucial to developing or and enhancinge the EU level approach to strengthening resiliencesupply chain resilience on EU level, and in the specific supply chains;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the COVID-19 crisis and the war inRussian war of aggression against Ukraine have highlighted the EU agricultural sector’s dependence on imports from a small number of countries, especially in the case of wheat and ammonium, which is essential for fertilisers; recallunderlines that the EU should be autonomous in primary sector product, within the context of open strategic autonomy, should diversify its supply chains of essential agricultural products, work together with likeminded global partners on global food security and expand domestic production capabilities in order to guarantee its food security and avoid dependence on third parties; stresses that the EU must play a proactive role to ensure Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have access to the global market for agricultural products;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the war inRussian war of aggression against Ukraine and the subsequent justified sanctions on Russia have increased the difficulty of sourcingdisruptions in global supply chains for critical raw materials; takes note ofwelcomes the announcement of the forthcoming publication of the Critical Raw Materials Act during the 2022 State of the Union address; underlines the potential of strategic partnerships for critical raw materials, such as the Strategic Partnership on raw materials with Canada; recalls that critical raw materials are crucial for the EU’s open strategic autonomy, the digital and green transitions, and the resilience of the EU on the long term; calls on the Commission to work together with our global partners to diversify supply chains and ensure access to critical raw materials on the long term;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. HopeExpects that the EU Chips Act will effectively catalyse EU competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications; asks the Commission to also focus on the production of basic chips necessary for the production of goods with high added value, such as those used in the automotive sector; underlines the need for cooperation with likeminded partners to ensure access to global supply chains, as well as cooperation on critical technology and global standard-setting for emerging technologies;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that medical supply chains can be strengthened by investing in skills, building health data infrastructure, and supporting regulatory framework and intellectual property policies that foster innovation and ensure affordable medicines; Underlines the multilateral dimension of pandemic preparedness, both in the WTO and the WHO; stresses that the Commission must ensure that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should lead to a better preparedness in future crisis and ensure better alignment on the EU level; calls for enhanced cooperation with global partners to ensure access to medicines and health products, as well as more diversification of supply chains for critical goods in times of shortages and crises;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the need for a harmonised approach on the unilateral, bilateral and multilateral levelEU assessment of the approach towards critical supply chains on the unilateral, bilateral and multilateral level; underlines that an assessment should look into the potential positive and negative effects with a short- , medium- and long-term perspective;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the development of an EU toolbox of autonomous trade instruments, including anthe anti-coercion instrument, the foreign-direct-investment screening mechanism, the foreign subsidies instrument and the international procurement instrument as well as the creation of the post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) to respond to these emerging challenges; underlines the importance of the CTEO in relation to keeping supply chains open and tackling unfair trade practices;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that the continuing rise in the cost of bureaucracy, particularly as a result of EU legislation such as the Supply Chain Act, places a particularopen, sustainable, values-based and rules-based trade is an important element of EU open strategic autonomy, which must be championed through bilateral initiatives as well as new EU legislation such as the Supply Chain Act, the sustainable corporate governance directive or the Chips Act; underlines that new legislation must be effective in its goals, but take into account the additional administrative burden on the export industry, which is dominated by SMEs;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that in cooperation with the Member States and international partners, the EUCommission must guarantee freedom of the sea and trade routes and thus ensureto ensure open trade routes for global access to goods, raw materials, energy and export markets;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that the EU’s research and development policy should be promoted further while guaranteeing openness of trade and investment relations, and exchanges among different research hubs, universities, stakeholders, regions and Member States in order to significantly boost the EU’s digital independence;
Amendment 148 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the Commission to thoroughly review how and to what extent transfers of emerging and disruptive technologies are taking place from the EU to authoritarian states via trade and investment flows; calls on the Commission to advance new measures to limit such transfers, including supply- chain cooperation with like-minded partners, such as through Trade and Technology Councils, as well as through other potential bilateral initiatives;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 155 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to start aadvance the dialogue with neighbouring countries on the possibility of nearshoring producsupply chain diversification and increasing regulatory cooperation in order to boost the security of supply and diversify its sources at the same time;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls onUnderlines the Commission to develop, in coordination with the Member States, mechanisms to ensure smart stockpiling of certain products, such as medicines and medical equipment, as well as some agricultural products, depending on their expiry datecan use the Single Market Emergency Instrument to ensure access to, and smart stockpiling of certain essential products in times of crisis; calls on the Commission to ensure a fair, balanced and transparent approach when using the instrument;
Amendment 165 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the circular economy action plan is intended to help the EU to reduce its overdependence on certain external players so as to support strategic autonomy in a wide range of sectors, including miningactors; underlines support for the goal of open strategic autonomy, with a focus on diversification of supply for a wide range of critical sectors through cooperation with likeminded partners;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the potential of concluding trade and investment agreements with likeminded global partners for the open strategic autonomy of the EU, and the potential of enhanced partnerships through multilateral fora such as the WTO, TTCs, the OECD and the G7;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that free trade agreements (FTAs) may btrade and investment agreements are crucial tofor diversifying sources of supply and reducing the EU’s dependence on just a few countries; calls foron the EU to prioritise strategic FTAs with a particular focus on chapters on raw materials and energy,Commission to conclude new, ambitious, sustainable and forward- looking trade and investment agreements to enhance cooperation with our global partners on critical sectors, such as raw materials and energy, as well as cooperation on technical barriers to trade and regulatory cooperation;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the launch of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in June 2021 and the EU-India agreement on launching a trade and technology council in April 2022; regards these initiatives as meaningful forums for addressing new challenges in the areas of trade, technology and security, as well as regulatory cooperation and global standard-setting; underlines that TTCs should also be instrumental in diversifying global supply chains; calls for a stronger Parliamentary role in scrutinizing TTCs, as well as decisions made during the TTCs meetings;
Amendment 186 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the launch of sectoral industrial alliances in the context of the new industrial strategy, such as the European Battery Alliance and the European Raw Materials Alliance, which should create a framework of discussion and consultation, open to all relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the launch of new EU digital partnerships with Japan, South Korea and Singapore with a view to cooperating on the development and standardisation of connectivity tools and bolstering supply-chain resilience, especially in the case of semiconductors; underlines the crucial role of Taiwan in the supply chains of semiconductors, and the potential of further and deepened cooperation with Taiwan;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Urges the Commission to move forward with a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan, showing commitment to meaningful engagement in trade and investment relations, most notably on semiconductors; reiterates the importance of the bilateral structural dialogue with Taiwan, including on matters related to multilateralism and the WTO, technology and public health, as well as essential cooperation on critical supplies such as semiconductors;
Amendment 190 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note of the Commission communication on the Global Gateway as a plan for major investment in infrastructure development around the world; underlines the particular attention paid to Africa, most notably LDCs, and the aim to address the infrastructure- financing gap in low- and middle-income countries; stresses that investment in climate, energy, transport and digital infrastructure can contribute to global diversification of trade, as well as a global economy that is resilient during economic shocks or other future crises;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines it is essential to include women in global trade relations; stresses that women entrepreneurs face various challenges to participate in global trade, namely a difficulty in access to finance, regulatory barriers and a lack of sufficient data on the impact of trade on women; calls on the Commission to adhere to the principle of gender mainstreaming of trade relations throughout its policies to ensure resilient supply chains and better inclusion of women in the economy;
Amendment 196 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. CUnderlines that the reform and modernisation of the WTO is key for a functioning multilateral system; calls for a deep and pragmatic reform that results in a more flexible and better functioning WTO with an effective multilateral rulebook and an effective dispute settlement system at its core; welcomes the progress made during the 12th Ministerial Conference on many important elements to advance global trade relations; calls on the Commission to engage with WTO members to work towards sustainable solutions for effective WTO reform during the 13th Ministerial Conference;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 18 November 2020 ‘Delivering on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals - A comprehensive approach’ (SWD(2020) 400 final),
Amendment 11 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission Work Programmes (CWP 2020, 2021 and 2022) and to the references to the SDGs,
Amendment 12 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 c (new)
Citation 6 c (new)
— Having regard to the integration of SDGs in the Better Regulation framework, including the Communication, the Guidelines and the Toolbox, including the new Tool #19 on the SDGs,
Amendment 13 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 d (new)
Citation 6 d (new)
— Having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report entitled ‘Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability’
Amendment 14 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 e (new)
Citation 6 e (new)
— Having regard to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2022 Special Report entitled ‘New threats to human security in the Anthropocene Demanding greater solidarity’,
Amendment 15 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 f (new)
Citation 6 f (new)
— Having regard to the Glasgow Climate Pact, agreed on at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26),
Amendment 39 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the Sustainable Development Report 2021 of 14 June 20211a, entitled ‘The Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals’, _________________ 1a Sustainable Development Report 2021, "The Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals", 14 June 2021
Amendment 46 #
2022/2002(INI)
— having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate of 20191b, _________________ 1b Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, 2019
Amendment 47 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 b (new)
Citation 23 b (new)
— having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report of 28 February 2022 entitled "Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability"1c _________________ 1c Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Sixth Assessment Report, "Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability", 28 February 2022
Amendment 58 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic is not yet fully known, but has already led to a significant degree of SDG backsliding; whereas the Human Development Index (HDI) was estimated to suffer a “steep and unprecedented decline” in 2020 for the first time in the 30 years since the measure has been computed; whereas the rate of extreme poverty rose in 2020 for the first time in 20 years;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 70 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas there is a strong interdependence between health crises, environmental crises and climate crises; whereas such crises will increase in the coming years, in particular as a result of climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas, according to the SDSN 2021 SDG Index, OECD countries are closest to achieving the 2030 Agenda targets, yet generate the largest negative spillovers, undermining the ability of other countries to achieve their targets;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the SDGs cover all of the major issues facing humanity and are not solely linked to development policies but also concern wider public policies at the European level;
Amendment 79 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas in committing to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the EU recognized that the dignity of the individual is fundamental and that the Agenda’s Goals and targets should be met for all nations and people and for all segments of society;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas many of these challenges have systemic origins and therefore require systemic solutions; whereas the SDGs are a tool for an integrated approach to tackle such issues;
Amendment 85 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Amendment 87 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas global SDG progress is poorly understood due to insufficient monitoring capacities, in particular, in developing countries;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas the 2023 SDG Summit will be a crucial moment for salvaging the 2030 Agenda, given that it takes place just once every four years; whereas a political reset of the SDGs is urgently needed in order to account for the impact of COVID-19 and the global consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, by establishing new financing commitments and tackling the SDGs through global and transboundary policy actions;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas the Union is obliged to incorporate the objectives of development cooperation into all internal or external policies which are likely to affect developing countries, as set out in Article 208 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union; whereas achieving coherence across all Union policies is crucial to achieving the SDGs worldwide;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B h (new)
Recital B h (new)
Bh. whereas the SDGs have a sub- national and local dimension;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B i (new)
Recital B i (new)
Bi. whereas the SDGs are universal and indivisible; whereas they are common for, and applicable to, all actors, including the public and private sector as well as for civil society and social partners;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B j (new)
Recital B j (new)
Bj. whereas the 17 SDGs with their respective 169 targets and accompanying indicators represent the only globally shared and politically-agreed framework for evidence-based policies;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B k (new)
Recital B k (new)
Bk. whereas the EU’s 8th Environment Action Programme includes, as a priority, objective advancing towards a wellbeing economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs; stresses that, in the light of the pandemic, the SDGs provide a unique pathway to both ensure a recovery that would leave no one and no place behind and build back better a more equitable and resilient world;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that there are just eight years left to meet the targets outlined under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and that the 2020s have been declared to be the UN Decade of Action on Sustainable Development;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the commitment by the President of the Commission to pursue a ‘whole-of-government’ approach towards the EU’s SDG implementation and to mainstream the SDGs across each Commissioner’s portfolio; asserts, however, that such an approach can only be effective with leadership at the highest level; calls therefore on the European Commission and its President to further demonstrate how the ‘whole of government’ approach to the SDGs is being implemented at EU level; asserts that such an approach can only be effective with leadership at the highest level; regrets that since 2019, there is no single Commissioner responsible for the internal and external implementation of the SDGs, resulting in a fragmented approach, contrary to the principle of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that to achieve the SDGs, the 2030 Agenda requires a strong level of societal legitimacy and a genuine political reset; emphasises the immense value of civil society organisations in this regard; deeply regrets that the mandate of the multi-stakeholder platform was not renewed in 2019 and calls for its urgent reinstatement; with a balanced, diversified and democratic representation, covering civil society organisations, community- based organisations, the private sector (including SMEs and producer-led organisations), trade unions, co- operatives, academia and research institutions, regional and local governments and marginalised groups;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that to achieve the SDGs, the 2030 Agenda requires a strong level of societal legitimacy and a genuine political reset; underlines the key role of local and regional governments; emphasises the immense value of civil society organisations in this regard; deeply regrets that the mandate of the multi-stakeholder platform was not renewed in 2019 and calls for its urgent reinstatement;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that efforts to mainstream the SDGs across EU policies have not matured beyond a mapping exercise; recalls that many EU internal policies not only contribute to the implementation of the SDGs, but also have a very high ecological, social and economic spillover impact on developing countries; insists, therefore, that in order to further progress at the global level, the EU’s internal and external action must be further coordinated;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is highly concerned that the key provisions of policy coherence for development are acutely lacking in the landmark ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package7 and the Commission’s work in general; stresses that the SDGs should form the backbone of European public policies; _________________ 7 COM(2021)0550.
Amendment 186 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the Commission to adopt a new, high-level EU SDG implementation strategy given that there are only eight years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda and, hence, urgent implementation is required; such a strategy should define, at a minimum: 1) A new governance framework, lead by a single high-level Commissioner who is accountable for the implementation of the SDGs across all portfolios and who will systematically consult the new Multi-Stakeholder Platform; 2) A revised set of concrete targets with clear timelines and concrete measures for achieving them; 3) An updated monitoring system, taking into account the EU’s internal and external impact on global SDG progress ; 4) A single financial plan to achieve the Union’s SDG objectives, linked to the above targets; 5) A plan for the EU’s SDG diplomacy and international cooperation to ensure adequate burden sharing and a level playing field; invites the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council to accompany this strategy with an interinstitutional statement renewing the EU’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda; stresses that this strategy should be published by June 2023 at the latest, in order for the EU to play a leading role in defining a political reset of the 2030 Agenda at the SDG Summit in September 2023; stresses that the strategy should be regularly reviewed and accompanied by corrective measures in areas where progress is deemed stalled or insufficient;
Amendment 190 #
2022/2002(INI)
6a. Underlines that coordination within and between the Union institutions is a prerequisite to increasing the effectiveness of the Union’s actions; calls for the creation of an inter-institutional task force to facilitate structured dialogue on the SDGs, consisting of representatives from the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council; considers that the task force, which should convene quarterly, should assume the responsibility of coordinating the Union’s efforts to deliver the SDGs internally and globally; entrusts the Commission to regularly update the co-legislators on the policy developments and measures undertaken for the implementation of the SDGs;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Welcomes the integration of the SDGs in the 2021 revision of the Better Regulation Toolbox, including the Communication, the Guidelines and the Toolbox itself, in particular a dedicated tool on the implementation of the SDGs and the indication of relevant SDG indicators for the various types of impacts;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is of the view that the adoption of the new comprehensive implementation strategy should be preceded by a mapping of the SDGs and a broad public participatory consultation process;
Amendment 209 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for the strengthening of institutional governance and the creation of "Team Projects" - as exists for climate - in view of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon and the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Asserts that identifying the EU’s added value in SDG implementationbetter understanding the EU’s true impact on SDG progress in the EU and globally can only be achieved through filladdressing existing data gaps to better understand the EU’s true impact on SDG progress in the EU and globallyand weaknesses in information systems by strengthening the use of existing statistical data from a variety of sources and embracing frontier data and artificial intelligence; believes it is crucial to monitor progress in all 169 sub-goal targets;
Amendment 216 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the EU to significantly step up technical cooperation with developing countries to address the global data gap created by insufficient monitoring capacities and inconsistent methodologies;
Amendment 219 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CWelcomes the annual Eurostat monitoring reports on the SDGs; calls for an annual review of the Eurostat SDG indicator set with the systematic participation of civil society organisations, in line with the 2021 review; emphasises that sustainable development is inherently trans-nationalboundary; welcomes the work that Eurostat has initiated to this end and the first attempt to partially quantify such spillover effects, but stresses that this methodology needs to be further developed to sufficiently account for the EU’s global footprint8 calls for the Indicator Set for each goal to be extended beyond its maximum limit of 6 to account for the Union’s external action, European supply and value chains and the spillover consequences of Union consumption; _________________ 8 Eurostat, European Commission, 'EU SDG Indicator set 2021 – Result of the review in preparation of the 2021 edition of the EU SDG monitoring report', 2021.
Amendment 226 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that a minimum level of data and statistical disaggregation in relation to the SDGs in the EU should be established, covering, where appropriate, geographic location, sex, income, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability and other characteristics; invites Eurostat to undertake all the preparatory work required to include this level of disaggregation in the upcoming monitoring reports, in line with the guidelines and priorities set by the Inter- Agency and Expert Group on SDG indicators (IAEG) and adapted to the EU context;
Amendment 237 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that voluntary national reviews are the key accountability tool in the 2030 Agenda; calls for the EU to present an annual EU vVoluntary rReview (EUVR) at each High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), focusing on each of the EU’s exclusive and shared competences, but also containing an assessment of the aggregate positive and negative impact of the EU and its Member States on global SDG progress; considers that such a review should be based on a revised SDG Indicator Set and should address the internal and external, as well as the positive and negative aspects of EU action;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises the importance of voluntary local reviews and voluntary subnational reviews for the implementation of the SDGs; calls on the Commission to present an inclusive EU voluntary regional review ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit, and every four years thereafter; stresses the need to develop a regular review of the implementation of the SDGs at regional and local level in the EU; welcomes in this regard the work of the UN- HABITAT; praises the work of the Joint Research Centre in relation to the localisation of the 2030 Agenda and the European Handbook for SDG Voluntary Local Reviews, which offers official and experimental indicators useful to set up an effective SDG local monitoring system specifically targeted for European cities; welcomes further the pilot project ‘Monitoring the SDGs in the EU regions - Filling the data gaps’ initiated by the European Parliament that will define and test a harmonised set of indicators for EU regions to monitor the achievement of the SDGs and pave the way for a systematic review process in the EU regions;
Amendment 250 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises the importance of voluntary local reviews and, voluntary subnational reviews and private sector reporting for the implementation of the SDGs; calls on the Commission to present an inclusive EU voluntary regional review ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit, and every four years thereafter;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to take stock of the progress made and of the findings of the Eurostat annual SDGs monitoring report during Parliament’s plenary session every September, alongside the State of the Union, thus initiating a ‘State of the Union SDGs’; expects the annual Commission Work Programme to include the SDGs as an annual priority, including concrete proposals for legislative or non-legislative initiatives intended to contribute to their achievement;
Amendment 274 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the Commission’s efforts to track EU budget expenditure on climate, biodiversity, clean air, migration and gender equality10 ; regrets, however, that no, despite the Commission’s November 2020 commitment, insufficient progress has been made to track SGDs-related expenditure in its entirety, apart from the external action area, as outlined in a 2019 European Court of Auditor’s review; insists, therefore, on the need for comprehensive SDG expenditure tracking using dedicated methodologies; reiterates that this will involve going beyond the existing mapping exercise that takes place in the Annual Management and Performance Report of the Union Budget; _________________ 10 Policy Department for Budgetary Affairs, Directorate-General for Internal Policies, for the Committee on Budgetary Control, 'Budgetary control of the Sustainable Development Goals in the EU budget – What measures are in place to ensure effective implementation?', 2021.
Amendment 283 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. 16. Welcomes efforts made to integrate the SDGs into the European Semester, including through the Annual Sustainable Growth Surveys and the integration of the annual Eurostat monitoring on SDGs as part of the spring package of the European Semester; welcomes the centrality of the SDGs in the Autumn package, particularly the recommendation that Member States pursue a “beyond GDP” strategy to fully embed the SDGs; calls on the Commission to continue the reform of the European Semester to balance the economic, social and environmental priorities so that it drives a long-term social, environmental and economic transformation, and improves the integration of the 2030 Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal at all levels; expects the Semester process to enhance the capacities of the Member States in monitoring progress on SDG implementation;
Amendment 291 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Requests comprehensive mapping of the financial envelopes of EU policies, programmes and funds, including of the investments and structural reforms pursued under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in order to ensure alignment with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda; calls for the climate-tracking methodology and the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle in the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs), as well as the social priorities set by the SDGs and the European Pillar of Social Rights, to be fully implemented;
Amendment 311 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes ongoing efforts to enhance the European financial architecture for development, as outlined in the Council conclusions of 14 June 2021; calls on the Commission to put the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the heart of the new European Financial Architecture for Development (EFAD); underlines the potential of a fully functional EFAD for filling the global SDG financing gap; calls for greater cooperation and coherence between the EIB, the EBRD, national development banks and other small and medium sized financial actors, with a particular focus on investment projects below the value of €5 million, to achieve greater SDG impact; stresses the need to increase investors’ risk appetite to attract investment in conflict-affected and fragile settings, where investments are often needed most;
Amendment 314 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the new EFAD pursues the goal of restoring the Multilateral Development Finance System in order to help put an end to the unsustainable lending of some countries operating outside that system, which not only threatens the level playing field for the EU and other countries complying with that system, but also has dramatically increased the already high external debt of many developing countries, exacerbating their vulnerability to the COVID-19 crisis - a process that dramatically hinders global efforts to achieve the SDGs;
Amendment 330 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Insists that a global political reset and intensified multilateral cooperation will be necessary in order for the EU and its partners to make meaningful progress in the coming eight years; recalls that, as the world’s most successful integration project with a track record of successfully championing multilateralism, the EU is uniquely placed to accelerate progress on SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals); calls, therefore, on the EU to assume a leadership role at the 2022 HLPF and the 2023 SDG Summit in defining this political reset; suggests further active involvement of the President of the Commission in each HLPF;
Amendment 346 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the fact that Europe faces its greatest SDG challenges in the areas of sustainable diets and agriculture, climate and biodiversity (SDGs 2, 12, 13, 14 and 15); calls on the Commission to develop a robust comparative analysis of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 14 (life below water), especially in view of the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June 2022 and the HLPF in July 2022, as trends cannot be calculated due to insufficient comparable data over the past five years;
Amendment 348 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the fact that Europe faces its greatest SDG challenges in the areas of sustainable dietfood systems and agriculture, climate and biodiversity (SDGs 2, 12, 13, 14 and 15); calls on the Commission to develop a robust comparative analysis of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 14 (life below water), as trends cannot be calculated due to insufficient comparable data over the past five years;
Amendment 358 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the EU to present its first official EU voluntary review and voluntary regional review at the 2023 SDG Summit and lay the groundwork for this by presenting an initial review of the five priority SDGs at the upcoming 2022 HLPF, namely, SDGs 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 14 (life below water), 15 (life on land), and 17 (partnerships for the goals);
Amendment 359 #
2022/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses the importance of the Parliament’s active involvement in the HLPF and that that it should be an integral part of the EU delegation; expects, therefore, to be allowed to attend EU coordination meetings and to be guaranteed access to documents throughout the summit;
Amendment 3 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Insists that, unlike other budget lines, humanitarian aid is life-saving, with many millions of lives dependent on the EU’s assistance; recalls that as of mid- July 2022, 95% of the EU’s humanitarian resources had already been committed; deplores the proposal to decrease appropriations in the Commission’s draft budget; recalls that according to the main humanitarian actors, a contribution of €2,5bn in EU resources would be required to meet humanitarian appeals;
Amendment 5 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes with concern the uneven mobilisation of the SEAR; insists that the SEAR cushion (amounting to 25% of the instrument) be allocated strictly on a needs basis; calls for particular attention to be paid to third countries’ needs in view of the current humanitarian situation;
Amendment 35 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is alarmed that there is no margin under Heading 6 in draft budget 2023, which underscores that the multiannual financial framework does not provide sufficient means for Union’s external action and needs to be revised.; calls for an urgent revision of the MFF to increase overall ceilings under Heading 6 and improve the functioning of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR);
Amendment 26 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In its Communication on a Strong Social Europe for Just Transition75 , the Commission committed to upgrading Europe’s social market economy to achieve a just transition to sustainability. This Directive will also contribute to the European Pillar of Social Rights, which promotes rights ensuring fair working conditions. It forms part of the EU policies and strategies relating to the promotion of decent work worldwide, including in global valuesupply chains, as referred to in the Commission Communication on decent work worldwide76 . _________________ 75 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions (COM/2020/14 final). 76 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on decent work worldwide for a global just transition and a sustainable recovery, COM(2022) 66 final.
Amendment 28 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The behaviour of companies across all sectors of the economy is key to success in the Union’s sustainability objectives as Union companies, especially large ones, rely on global valuesupply chains. It is also in the interest of companies to protect human rights and the environment, in particular given the rising concern of consumers and investors regarding these topics. Several initiatives fostering enterprises which support value-oriented transformation already exist on Union77 , as well as national78 level. _________________ 77 ‘Enterprise Models and the EU agenda’, CEPS Policy Insights, No PI2021-02/ January 2021. 78 E.g. https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/ societe-mission
Amendment 31 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Existing international standards on responsible business conduct specify that companies should protect human rights and set out how they should address the protection of the environment across their operations and valuesupply chains. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights79 recognise the responsibility of companies to exercise human rights due diligence by identifying, preventing and mitigating the adverse impacts of their operations on human rights and by accounting for how they address those impacts. Those Guiding Principles state that businesses should avoid infringing human rights and should address adverse human rights impacts that they have caused, contributed to or are linked with in their own operations, subsidiaries and through their direct and indirect business relationships. _________________ 79 United Nations’ “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework”, 2011, available at https://www.ohchr.org/documents/publicati ons/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf.
Amendment 34 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The concept of human rights due diligence was specified and further developed in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises80 which extended the application of due diligence to environmental and governance topics. The OECD Guidance on Responsible Business Conduct and sectoral guidance81 are internationally recognised frameworks setting out practical due diligence steps to help companies identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address actual and potential impacts in their operations, valuesupply chains and other business relationships. The concept of due diligence is also embedded in the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.82 _________________ 80 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, 2011 updated edition, available at http://mneguidelines.oecd.org/guidelines/.h ttps://mneguidelines.oecd.org/mneguidelin es/ 81 OECD Guidance on Responsible Business Conduct, 2018, and sector- specific guidance, available at https://www.oecd.org/investment/due- diligence-guidance-for-responsible- business-conduct.htm. 82 The International Labour Organisation’s “Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, Fifth Edition, 2017, available at: https://www.ilo.org/empent/Publications/ WCMS_094386/lang--en/index.htm.
Amendment 36 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) According to the Commission Communication on forging a climate- resilient Europe89 presenting the Union Strategy on Adaptation to climate change, new investment and policy decisions should be climate-informed and future- proof, including for larger businesses managing valuesupply chains. This Directive should be consistent with that Strategy. Similarly, there should be consistency with the Commission Directive […] amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third- country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks (Capital Requirements Directive)90 , which sets out clear requirements for banks’ governance rules including knowledge about environmental, social and governance risks at board of directors level. _________________ 89 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Forging a climate-resilient Europe – the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (COM/2021/82 final), available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2021:82:FIN. 90 OJ C […], […], p. […].
Amendment 39 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) This Directive aims to ensure that companies active in the internal market contribute to sustainable development and the sustainability transition of economies and societies through the identification, prevention and mitigation, bringing to an end and minimisation of potential or actual adverse human rights and environmental impacts connected with companies’ own operations, subsidiaries and valuesupply chains.
Amendment 42 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Companies should take appropriate steps to set up and carry out due diligence measures, with respect to their own operations, their subsidiaries, as well as their established direct and indirect business relationships throughout their valuesupply chains in accordance with the provisions of this Directive. This Directive should not require companies to guarantee, in all circumstances, that adverse impacts will never occur or that they will be stopped. For example with respect to business relationships where the adverse impact results from State intervention, the company might not be in a position to arrive at such results. Therefore, the main obligations in this Directive should be ‘obligations of means’. The company should take the appropriate measures which can reasonably be expected to result in prevention or minimisation of the adverse impact under the circumstances of the specific case. Account should be taken of the specificities of the company’s valuesupply chain, sector or geographical area in which its valuesupply chain partners operate, the company’s power to influence its direct and indirect business relationships, and whether the company could increase its power of influence.
Amendment 46 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Adverse human rights and environmental impact occur in companies’ own operations, subsidiaries, products, and in their valuesupply chains, in particular at the level of raw material sourcing, manufacturing, or at the level of product or waste disposal. In order for the due diligence to have a meaningful impact, it should cover human rights and environmental adverse impacts generated throughout the life-cycle of production and use and disposal of product or provision of services, at the level of own operations, subsidiaries and in valuesupply chains.
Amendment 48 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The valuesupply chain should cover activities related to the production of a good or provision of services by a company, including the development of the product or the service and the use and disposal of the product as well as the related activities of established business relationships of the company. It should encompass upstream established direct and indirect business relationships that design, extract, manufacture, transport, store and supply raw material, products, parts of products, or provide services to the company that are necessary to carry out the company’s activities, and also downstream relationships, including established direct and indirect business relationships, that use or receive products, parts of products or services from the company up to the end of life of the product, including inter alia the distribution of the product to retailers, the transport and storage of the product, dismantling of the product, its recycling, composting or landfilling.
Amendment 51 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) As regards regulated financial undertakings providing loan, credit, or other financial services, “value chain” with respect to the provision of such services should be limited to the activities of the clients receiving such services, and the subsidiaries thereof whose activities are linked to the contract in question. C, clients that are households and natural persons not acting in a professional or business capacity, as well as small and medium sizedmicro undertakings, should not be considered to be part of the valuesupply chain. The activities of the companies or other legal entities that are included in the valuesupply chain of that client should not be covered.
Amendment 55 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Under this Directive, EU companies with more than 2500 employees on average and a worldwidethat generated a net turnover exceedingof more than EUR 1540 million in the Union in the financial year preceding the last financial year should be required to comply with due diligence. As regards companies which do not fulfil those criteria, but which had more than 250 employees on average and more than EUR 40 million worldwide net turnoverthat generated a net turnover of more than EUR 700 000 in the Union in the financial year preceding the last financial year and which operate in one or more high-impact sectors, due diligence should apply 2 years after the end of the transposition period of this directive, in order to provide for a longer adaptation period. In order to ensure a proportionate burden, companies operating in such high- impact sectors should be required to comply with more targeted due diligence focusing on severe adverse impacts. Temporary agency workers, including those posted under Article 1(3), point (c), of Directive 96/71/EC, as amended by Directive 2018/957/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council103 , should be included in the calculation of the number of employees in the user company. Posted workers under Article 1(3), points (a) and (b), of Directive 96/71/EC, as amended by Directive 2018/957/EU, should only be included in the calculation of the number of employees of the sending company. _________________ 103 Directive (EU) 2018/957 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 June 2018 amending Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (OJ L 173, 9.7.2018, p. 16).
Amendment 57 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to reflect the priority areas of international action aimed at tackling human rights and environmental issues, the selection of high-impact sectors for the purposes of this Directive should be based on existing sectoral OECD due diligence guidance. The following sectors should be regarded as high-impact for the purposes of this Directive: the manufacture of textiles, leather and related products (including footwear), and the wholesale trade of textiles, clothing and footwear; agriculture, forestry, fisheries (including aquaculture), the manufacture of food products, and the wholesale trade of agricultural raw materials, live animals, wood, food, and beverages; the extraction of mineral resources regardless of where they are extracted from (including crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, lignite, metals and metal ores, as well as all other, non-metallic minerals and quarry products), the manufacture of basic metal products, other non-metallic mineral products and fabricated metal products (except machinery and equipment), and the wholesale trade of mineral resources, basic and intermediate mineral products (including metals and metal ores, construction materials, fuels, chemicals and other intermediate products). As regards the financial sector, due to its specificities, in particular as regards the value chain and the services offered, eve; and the provision iof it is covered by sector-specific OECD guidance, it should not form part of the high-impact sectors covered by this Directive. At the same time, in this sector, the broader coverage of actual and potential adverse impacts should be ensured by also including very large companies in the scope that are regulated financial undertakings, even if they do not have a legal form with limited liabilityfinancial services including the activities of regulated financial undertakings.
Amendment 61 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to achieve fully the objectives of this Directive addressing human rights and adverse environmental impacts with respect to companies’ operations, subsidiaries and valuesupply chains, third-country companies with significant operations in the EU should also be covered. More specifically, the Directive should apply to third-country companies whichthat generated a net turnover of at least EUR 1540 million in the Union in the financial year preceding the last financial year or a net turnover of more than EUR 40 million700 000 but less than EUR 1540 million in the financial year preceding the last financial year in one or more of the high- impact sectors, as of 2 years after the end of the transposition period of this Directive.
Amendment 64 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) In order to conduct appropriate human rights, and environmental due diligence with respect to their operations, their subsidiaries, and their valuesupply chains, companies covered by this Directive should integrate due diligence into corporate policies, identify, prevent and mitigate as well as bring to an end and minimise the extent of potential and actual adverse human rights and environmental impacts, establish and maintain a complaints procedure, monitor the effectiveness of the taken measures in accordance with the requirements that are set up in this Directive and communicate publicly on their due diligence. In order to ensure clarity for companies, in particular the steps of preventing and mitigating potential adverse impacts and of bringing to an end, or when this is not possible, minimising actual adverse impacts should be clearly distinguished in this Directive.
Amendment 68 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Under the due diligence obligations set out by this Directive, a company should identify actual or potential adverse human rights and environmental impacts. In order to allow for a comprehensive identification of adverse impacts, such identification should be based on quantitative and qualitative information. For instance, as regards adverse environmental impacts, the company should obtain information about baseline conditions at higher risk sites or facilities in valuesupply chains. Identification of adverse impacts should include assessing the human rights, and environmental context in a dynamic way and in regular intervals: prior to a new activity or relationship, prior to major decisions or changes in the operation; in response to or anticipation of changes in the operating environment; and periodically, at least every 12 months, throughout the life of an activity or relationship. Regulated financial undertakings providing loan, credit, or other financial services should identify the adverse impacts only at the inception of the contract. When identifying adverse impacts, companies should also identify and assess the impact of a business relationship’s business model and strategies, including trading, procurement and pricing practices. Where the company cannot prevent, bring to an end or minimize all its adverse impacts at the same time, it should be able to prioritize its action, provided it takes the measures reasonably available to the company, taking into account the specific circumstances.
Amendment 70 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In order to avoid undue burden on the smaller companies operating in high- impact sectors which are covered by this Directive, those companies should only be obliged to identify those actual or potential severe adverse impacts that are relevant to the respective sector.
Amendment 71 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) In line with international standards, prevention and mitigation as well as bringing to an end and minimisation of adverse impacts should take into account the interests of those adversely impacted. In order to enable continuous engagement with the valuesupply chain business partner instead of termination of business relations (disengagement) and possibly exacerbating adverse impacts, this Directive should ensure that disengagement is a last-resort action, in line with the Union`s policy of zero-tolerance on child labour. Terminating a business relationship in which child labour was found could expose the child to even more severe adverse human rights impacts. This should therefore be taken into account when deciding on the appropriate action to take.
Amendment 75 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) So as to comply with the prevention and mitigation obligation under this Directive, companies should be required to take the following actions, where relevant. Where necessary due to the complexity of prevention measures, companies should develop and implement a prevention action plan. Companies should seek to obtain contractual assurances from a direct partner with whom they have an established business relationship that it will ensure compliance with the code of conduct or the prevention action plan, including by seeking corresponding contractual assurances from its partners to the extent that their activities are part of the companies’ valuesupply chain. The contractual assurances should be accompanied by appropriate measures to verify compliance. To ensure comprehensive prevention of actual and potential adverse impacts, companies should also make investments which aim to prevent adverse impacts, provide targeted and proportionate support for an SME with which they have an established business relationship such as financing, for example, through direct financing, low-interest loans, guarantees of continued sourcing, and assistance in securing financing, to help implement the code of conduct or prevention action plan, or technical guidance such as in the form of training, management systems upgrading, and collaborate with other companies.
Amendment 79 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to ensure that prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts is effective, companies should prioritize engagement with business relationships in the valuesupply chain, instead of terminating the business relationship, as a last resort action after attempting at preventing and mitigating adverse potential impacts without success. However, the Directive should also, for cases where potential adverse impacts could not be addressed by the described prevention or mitigation measures, refer to the obligation for companies to refrain from entering into new or extending existing relations with the partner in question and, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, to either temporarily suspend commercial relationships with the partner in question, while pursuing prevention and minimisation efforts, if there is reasonable expectation that these efforts are to succeed in the short-term; or to terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned if the potential adverse impact is severe, systemic or state- sponsored. In order to allow companies to fulfil that obligation, Member States should provide for the availability of an option to terminate the business relationship in contracts governed by their laws. It is possible that prevention of adverse impacts at the level of indirect business relationships requires collaboration with another company, for example a company which has a direct contractual relationship with the supplier. In some instances, such collaboration could be the only realistic way of preventing adverse impacts, in particular, where the indirect business relationship is not ready to enter into a contract with the company. In these instances, the company should collaborate with the entity which can most effectively prevent or mitigate adverse impacts at the level of the indirect business relationship while respecting competition law.
Amendment 84 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) So as to comply with the obligation of bringing to an end and minimising the extent of actual adverse impacts under this Directive, companies should be required to take the following actions, where relevant. They should neutralise the adverse impact or minimise its extent, with an action proportionate to the significance and scale of the adverse impact and to the contribution of the company’s conduct to the adverse impact. Where necessary due to the fact that the adverse impact cannot be immediately brought to an end, companies should develop and implement a corrective action plan with reasonable and clearly defined timelines for action and qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring improvement. Companies should also seek to obtain contractual assurances from a direct business partner with whom they have an established business relationship that they will ensure compliance with the company’s code of conduct and, as necessary, a prevention action plan, including by seeking corresponding contractual assurances from its partners, to the extent that their activities are part of the company’s valuesupply chain. The contractual assurances should be accompanied by the appropriate measures to verify compliance. Finally, companies should also make investments aiming at ceasing or minimising the extent of adverse impact, provide targeted and proportionate support for an SMEs with which they have an established business relationship and collaborate with other entities, including, where relevant, to increase the company’s ability to bring the adverse impact to an end.
Amendment 87 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) In order to ensure that bringing actual adverse impacts to an end or minimising them is effective, companies should prioritize engagement with business relationships in the valuesupply chain, instead of terminating the business relationship, as a last resort action after attempting at bringing actual adverse impacts to an end or minimising them without success. However, this Directive should also, for cases where actual adverse impacts could not be brought to an end or adequately mitigated by the described measures, refer to the obligation for companies to refrain from entering into new or extending existing relations with the partner in question and, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, to either temporarily suspend commercial relationships with the partner in question, while pursuing efforts to bring to an end or minimise the extent of the adverse impact, or terminate the business relationship with respect to the activities concerned, if the adverse impact is considered severe, state- sponsored or systemic. In order to allow companies to fulfil that obligation, Member States should provide for the availability of an option to terminate the business relationship in contracts governed by their laws.
Amendment 89 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Companies should provide the possibility for persons and organisations to submit complaints directly to them in case of legitimate concerns regarding actual or potential human rights and environmental adverse impacts. Organisations who could submit such complaints should include trade unions and other workers’ representatives representing individuals working in the valuesupply chain concerned and civil society organisations active in the areas related to the valuesupply chain concerned where they have knowledge about a potential or actual adverse impact. Companies should establish a procedure for dealing with those complaints and inform workers, trade unions and other workers’ representatives, where relevant, about such processes. Recourse to the complaints and remediation mechanism should not prevent the complainant from having recourse to judicial remedies. In accordance with international standards, complaints should be entitled to request from the company appropriate follow-up on the complaint and to meet with the company’s representatives at an appropriate level to discuss potential or actual severe adverse impacts that are the subject matter of the complaint. This access should not lead to unreasonable solicitations of companies.
Amendment 91 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Companies should monitor the implementation and effectiveness of their due diligence measures. They should carry out periodic assessments of their own operations, those of their subsidiaries and, where related to the valuesupply chains of the company, those of their established business relationships, to monitor the effectiveness of the identification, prevention, minimisation, bringing to an end and mitigation of human rights and environmental adverse impacts. Such assessments should verify that adverse impacts are properly identified, due diligence measures are implemented and adverse impacts have actually been prevented or brought to an end. In order to ensure that such assessments are up-to- date, they should be carried out at least every 12 months and be revised in-between if there are reasonable grounds to believe that significant new risks of adverse impact could have arisen.
Amendment 93 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) In order to facilitate companies’ compliance with their due diligence requirements through their valuesupply chain and limiting shifting compliance burden on SME business partners, the Commission should provide guidance on model contractual clauses.
Amendment 95 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) In order to provide support and practical tools to companies or to Member State authorities on how companies should fulfil their due diligence obligations, the Commission, using relevant international guidelines and standards as a reference, and in consultation with Member States and stakeholders, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Environment Agency, and where appropriate with international bodies having expertise in due diligence, should have the possibility to issue guidelines, including for specific sectors or specific adverse impacts.
Amendment 97 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) Although SMEs are not included in the scope of this Directive, they could be impacted by its provisions as contractors or subcontractors to the companies which are in the scope. The aim is nevertheless to mitigate financial or administrative burden on SMEs, many of which are already struggling in the context of the global economic and sanitary crisis. In order to support SMEs, Member States should set up and operate, either individually or jointly, dedicated websites, portals or platforms, and Member States could also financially support SMEs and help them build capacity. Such support should also be made accessible, and where necessary adapted and extended to upstream economic operators in third countries. Companies whose business partner is an SME, are also encouraged to support them to comply with due diligence measures, in case such requirements would jeopardize the viability of the SME and use fair, reasonable, non-discriminatory and proportionate requirements vis-a-vis the SMEs.
Amendment 98 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) In order to complement Member State support to SMEs, the Commission mayshall build on existing EU tools, projects and other actions helping with the due diligence implementation in the EU and in third countries. It may, with a particular focus on developing countries. It shall set up new support measures that provide help to companies, including SMEs on due diligence requirements, including an observatory for valuesupply chain transparency and the facilitation of joint stakeholder initiatives.
Amendment 100 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) In order to ensure effective compensation of victims of adverse impacts, Member States should be required to lay down rules governing the civil liability of companies for damages arising due to its failure to comply with the due diligence process. The company should be liable for damages if they failed to comply with the obligations to prevent and mitigate potential adverse impacts or to bring actual impacts to an end and minimise their extent, and as a result of this failure an adverse impact that should have been identified, prevented, mitigated, brought to an end or its extent minimised through the appropriate measures occurred and led to damage, unless that company is an SME.
Amendment 102 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) As regards damages occurring at the level of established indirect business relationships, the liability of the company should be subject to specific conditions. The company should not be liable if it carried out specific due diligence measures. However, it should not be exonerated from liability through implementing such measures in case it was unreasonable to expect that the action actually taken, including as regards verifying compliance, would be adequate to prevent, mitigate, bring to an end or minimise the adverse impact. In addition, in the assessment of the existence and extent of liability, due account is to be taken of the company’s efforts, insofar as they relate directly to the damage in question, to comply with any remedial action required of them by a supervisory authority, any investments made and any targeted support provided as well as any collaboration with other entities to address adverse impacts in its valuesupply chains.
Amendment 105 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) As regards civil liability rules, the civil liability of a company for damages arising due to its failure to carry out adequate due diligence should be without prejudice to civil liability of its subsidiaries or the respective civil liability of direct and indirect business partners in the valuesupply chain. Also, the civil liability rules under this Directive should be without prejudice to Union or national rules on civil liability related to adverse human rights impacts or to adverse environmental impacts that provide for liability in situations not covered by or providing for stricter liability than this Directive.
Amendment 111 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 71
Recital 71
(71) The objective of this Directive, namely better exploiting the potential of the single market to contribute to the transition to a sustainable economy and contributing to sustainable development through the prevention and mitigation of potential or actual human rights and environmental adverse impacts in companies’ valuesupply chains, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting individually or in an uncoordinated manner, but can rather, by reason of the scale and effects of the actions, be better achieved at Union level. In particular, addressed problems and their causes are of a transnational dimension, as many companies are operating Union wide or globally and valuesupply chains expand to other Member States and to third countries. Moreover, individual Member States’ measures risk being ineffective and lead to fragmentation of the internal market. Therefore, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.
Amendment 219 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ‘independent third-party verification’ means verification of the compliance by a company, or parts of its valuesupply chain, with human rights and environmental requirements resulting from the provisions of this Directive by an auditor which is independent from the company, free from any conflicts of interests, has experience and competence in environmental and human rights matters and is accountable for the quality and reliability of the audit;
Amendment 244 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that companies take appropriate measures to identify actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and adverse environmental impacts arising from their own operations or those of their subsidiaries and, where related to their valuesupply chains, from their established business relationships, in accordance with paragraph 2, 3 and 4.
Amendment 252 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) seek contractual assurances from a business partner with whom it has a direct business relationship that it will ensure compliance with the company’s code of conduct and, as necessary, a prevention action plan, including by seeking corresponding contractual assurances from its partners, to the extent that their activities are part of the company’s valuesupply chain (contractual cascading). When such contractual assurances are obtained, paragraph 4 shall apply;
Amendment 257 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
As regards potential adverse impacts within the meaning of paragraph 1 that could not be prevented or adequately mitigated by the measures in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4, the company shall be required to refrain from entering into new or extending existing relations with the partner in connection with or in the valuesupply chain of which the impact has arisen and shall, where the law governing their relations so entitles them to, take the following actions:
Amendment 266 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) seek contractual assurances from a direct partner with whom it has an established business relationship that it will ensure compliance with the code of conduct and, as necessary, a corrective action plan, including by seeking corresponding contractual assurances from its partners, to the extent that they are part of the valuesupply chain (contractual cascading). When such contractual assurances are obtained, paragraph 5 shall apply.
Amendment 338 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that companies carry out periodic assessments of their own operations and measures, those of their subsidiaries and, where related to the valuesupply chains of the company, those of their established business relationships, to monitor the effectiveness of the identification, prevention, mitigation, bringing to an end and minimisation of the extent of human rights and environmental adverse impacts. Such assessments shall be based, where appropriate, on qualitative and quantitative indicators and be carried out at least every 12 months and whenever there are reasonable grounds to believe that significant new risks of the occurrence of those adverse impacts may arise. The due diligence policy shall be updated in accordance with the outcome of those assessments.
Amendment 352 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall, in order to provide information and support to companies and the partners with whom they have established business relationships in their valuesupply chains in their efforts to fulfil the obligations resulting from this Directive, set up and operate individually or jointly dedicated websites, platforms or portals. Specific consideration shall be given, in that respect, to the SMEs that are present in the value chains of companies.
Amendment 372 #
2022/0051(COD)
2. In deciding whether to impose sanctions and, if so, in determining their nature and appropriate level, due account shall be taken of the company’s efforts to comply with any remedial action required of them by a supervisory authority, any investments made and any targeted support provided pursuant to Articles 7 and 8, as well as collaboration with other entities to address adverse impacts in its valuesupply chains, as the case may be.
Amendment 390 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
In the assessment of the existence and extent of liability under this paragraph, due account shall be taken of the company’s efforts, insofar as they relate directly to the damage in question, to comply with any remedial action required of them by a supervisory authority, any investments made and any targeted support provided pursuant to Articles 7 and 8, as well as any collaboration with other entities to address adverse impacts in its valuesupply chains.
Amendment 394 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Article 22 – paragraph 3
3. The civil liability of a company for damages arising under this provision shall be without prejudice to the civil liability of its subsidiaries or of any direct and indirect business partners in the valuesupply chain.
Amendment 9 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the already significant SDG financing gap and caused an overall decline in resources of USD 700 billion, and, at the same time, an increase in needs of USD 1 trillion, causing a scissor effect, so that the pre-pandemic SDG annual funding gap in developing countries of USD 2.5 trillion is expected to increase by 70 % post-COVID-19, to USD 4.2 trillion (EUR 3.7 trillion)6 ; _________________ 6 OECD report of 10 December 2020 entitled ‘Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2021: A New Way to Invest for People and Planet’.
Amendment 11 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the entry into force of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe, with an overall budget of EUR 79,5 billion, constitutes a historic change in EU external and development policies, leading to the rationalisation and consolidation of EU development spending, and giving new impetus to greater cooperation between European development actors;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), established under the NDICI-Global Europe instrument, provides funding for blending and budgetary guarantee operations, to be implemented by eligible partners in an open and collaborative approach and fully in line with EU policies standards, rules and procedures;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas Russia’s war in Ukraine has drastically exacerbated the situation of SDGs in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries; whereas the current Russian aggression in Ukraine will impact the worldwide implementation of the SDGs, especially concerning the fight against poverty and hunger, which raise the risks of growing civil unrest, conflicts and irregular migration; whereas the humanitarian consequences caused by the criminal act of Putin’s war significantly deviate the already scarce resources of development aid; whereas the long term consequences of this war are yet unknown.
Amendment 15 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas leadership and efforts from the EU alone to achieve achieving the SDGs and the goals of the Paris Agreement and addressing other acute global challenges arequires not sufficient, and hence joint engagement at international level is required;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, for the actual achievement of the SDGs and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, policy coherence and close cooperation between all official development finance institutions, their government shareholders and all existing partners is urgently needed to ensure that scarce public money is used in the most effective and efficient way; whereas the successful mobilisation of further capital, both private and public, in addition to official development assistance (ODA) and other existing forms of development finance, is critical;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU Institutions and the 27 EU Member States together constitute the largest donor for developing countries, responsible for approximately 46% of the total ODA provided by all OECD ODA members to developing countries; whereas the major shortfall in SDG financing and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been devastating across the developing world, demands an extraordinary sustained response from all EU actors and a system- wide review of the European Financial Architecture for Development (EFAD);
Amendment 26 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the establishment of the Team Europe approach as the global EU response to COVID-19 could help to establish a single strategic coordination framework for the EU’s external response to the pandemic, in support of partner countries and other major disasters, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, in support of partner countries; whereas this approach is a promising process in enabling further cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States and European bilateral and multilateral development finance institutions, the EIB and the EBRD, continuously increasing the EU’s collective effectiveness and visibility;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas EU companies and financing institutions operating in developing countries during the last decade have increasingly faced unfair competition from global players that operate outside the multilateral development finance system which provides for an international sets of rules and regulations, such as specific requirements for ODA, officially supported credits, sustainable lending and debt sustainability, prohibited export subsidies, or international standards to combat bribery and corruption;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Emphasises that the EFAD should provide for an efficient, effective, coherent and inclusive architecture, underpinned by the policy first principle as the backbone of the EFAD structure, and in line with the strategic interests and values of the EU;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Insists that all implementing partners who are part of the EFAD and access EU budget funds under the EFSD+ apply the full range of EU social, human rights, procurement, transparency, and environment standards, policies and procedures; calls on the European Commission to assess, monitor and report back on the adherence to these EU rules;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the policy-first-driven European financial architecture for development (EFAD) should be guided by the principles and objectives set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and that it contributes to achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that the EU’s political engagement should be embodied in its multiannual financial framework and fully reflected in its European Financial Architecture for Development;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. sStrongly insists that EFAD must strengthen the strategic partnerships between the European Union and its global development partners, notably the African Union; reiterates that such partnerships should always be based on mutual respect and dignity, shared interests and values, particularly human rights, gender equality, environmental, social and climate responsibility, health and security, in order to respond jointly to global challenges and achieve sustainable results for peace and stability in the long term; stresses in this regard the multidimensional influence of and support to Putin’s regime in and by the African continent and calls on the EU and its Member States to carefully assess these cases when building on the existing and new partnerships;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the undeniable interconnection between development and security and recalls that, without peace and security, development and poverty eradication are not possible, while without development and poverty eradication neither sustainable peace, nor human nor state security can occur; highlights the role that development plays in preventing conflicts, ensuring durable exits from conflicts and bolstering crisis management; insists on the importance of further developing a well-tailored development- security nexus to address the complexities of modern crises and violent situations;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the role of a collective, coherent EU approach, politically savvy and tailored to the specificities of the partner country, which could be effective in helping to foster the expansion of social protection systems in developing countries and would help bridge the gap between security and development, with social protection being one of the foundations of the social contract and the way to enhance resilience;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that consistency across all EU financing instruments, initiatives and strategies, notably the new NDICI- Global Europe instrument, Team Europe initiative and the new Global Gateway strategy, is crucial in order to maximise the EU’s global response to sustainable growth, development and peace;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Believes that the EFAD should improve the EU’s visibility and the impact of its development finance in the world, in order to ensure that the EU’s perceived role in the world matches the magnitude of its support;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Stresses that eradication of poverty (SDG1), climate action (SDG 13), good health and well-being (SDG 3), with a particular focus on the most marginalised groups and leaving no-one behind are especially acute challenges in today’s world;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. iIs alarmed at how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the long-standing structural drivers of health inequalities; believes, therefore, that the EFAD should particularly promote investments in healthcare and healthcare services, also in research and development of new health technologies;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for exploring the possibility of creating a platform for sharing innovation, knowledge and expertise, supporting multi-stakeholder partnerships, fostering public-private dialogue, and exploring innovative business solutions to accelerate sustainable development;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. believesUnderlines that developing and, even more so, developed countries have a shared responsibility to achieve the SDGs; points out, therefore, that EFAD and the long- awaited EU SDG strategy must reflect and facilitate a coordinated and coherent set of internal and external EU policies and commitments, including through the full set of already existing development policy tools; regrets, in that context, that the Commission has not yet developed an integrated and holistic SDG implementation strategy;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the need to enhance and improve the institutional set-up, reduce heavy bureaucratic coordination and strengthen institutional flexibility, in order to maximise EFAD’s potential, thus increasing development impact;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is concerned that key features of the Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) principle are systematically missing in regulatory initiatives of the EU; insists that mechanisms for ensuring policy coherence for sustainable development must be enshrined in EFAD and used more systematically and efficiently by all relevant EU institutions and all Member States, including at the highest political level;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. DAcknowledges the Commission’s efforts for better regulation with the aim of creating long-term sustainable investments which promote health and the well-being of people and planet and protecting human rights; demands that EFAD be consistent with future EU due diligence and corporate responsibility legislation and that it adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. BNotes that the Team Europe approach emerged as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic; believes that the Team Europe approach should play a key role in further improving strategic cooperation and global coordination and the coherence and effectiveness of development efforts, especially at partner- country level , and believes that it has the potential to further identify key issues that need to be solved, notably stronger policy direction and focus, and stronger mechanisms for communication and visibility;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 112 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to put forward a powerful EU policy direction and to further align the EU development financial institutions’ activities within the new open architecture in order to achieve EU development policy objectives; is of the opinion that the programming process must fully cover the use of EU budgetary guarantees, notably the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD +) ;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to ensure that EFAD pursues the goal of restoring the multilateral development finance system in order to help put an end to the unsustainable lending practices of some countries operating outside that system which not only threaten the level playing field for the EU and other compliant countries, but also dramatically increase the already high external debt of many developing countries which were made even more vulnerable as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic; highlights in that light that the war in Ukraine further worsens the debt burden in many developing countries;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. cConsiders EU taxonomy to be an important tool for achieving the SDGs and the objectives of the Paris Agreement; calls on the Commission to further develop the EU taxonomy, elaborating on the six environmental objectives established in the Taxonomy Regulation and enacting further delegated acts to that effect; strongly believes that it is imperative that development finance institutions both at EU and Member State level, and private actors active in development, base their activities, in particular also in developing countries, on the new EU taxonomy regime;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. rReaffirms the European Investment Bank’s specific role – which is set out in Article 209 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Article 36 of the ‘Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe’ – as the EU’s financial arm with a global reach, delivering EU investments and partnering with the European Commission in implementing the Global Gateway;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the setting-up of EIB Global, a dedicated development branch within the EIB Group, which has been operational since 1 January 2022, hopes that this new branch will enable the EIB to enhance its local presence and become more involved and be more effective in financing for development at country level ;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Encourages the EIB and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to further reinforce their complementarity and their business models through greater mutual reliance initiatives, as the needs are greater than their joint resources and they can easily divide their work along different trajectories;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Encourages the EIB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European development banks and financial institutions to strengthen their cooperation, drawing on their respective financial expertise, added value and resources ;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the EIB to work more closely with the African Development Bank to finance long-term investments that foster sustainable development, building on cooperation to date;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises the importance and potential of Member State development banks within the EFAD structure; stresses the pressing need to boost private sector development in sub-Saharan Africa and the difficulties encountered in serving this area of development cooperation;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to report annually on Team Europe initiatives evaluating the resources mobilised, development planning and impact, harmonisation and application of EU standards, the EU integration perspective and Member States’ involvement ;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Reiterates that institutional control and scrutiny of EU funding fosters democratic debate and helps to boost the credibility of the EU; calls for obligations ensuring appropriate visibility of the implementation of EFAD and calls on the Commission to take action in an appropriate and timely manner where those obligations are not met;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. iInsists that the Member States honour their commitment to spend 0.7 % of their gross national income on ODA; is alarmed that, in 2020, official development assistance from advanced economies was on average just 0.32% of their gross national income – less than half of the 0.7% commitment 1a , whilst the impact of the war in Ukraine on government spending around the globe will put further pressure on aid budgets which are already low; underlines the important role of ODA as a catalyst for change and a lever for the mobilisation of other resources; stresses the importance of the EU’s commitment to mobilise resources for climate action and the EIB’s role in making progress in this area as well as to help meet climate targets, eradicate poverty and increase healthcare;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Stresses the need for crowding in private capital in order to help tackling the existing 2.5 trillion dollars gap identified for meeting the SDGs by 2030, and in order to finance investments in the most vulnerable regions and LDCs, where needs are the greatest;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Amendment 199 #
2021/2252(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Takes note of the two-pillar solution for addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation and globalisation of the economy, as agreed by the members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting; calls on the EU and its Member States to ensure that the agreed global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for Multinational Enterprises is effectively applied; underlines that this minimum tax is estimated to generate around USD 150 billion in additional global tax revenues annually;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the lack of adequate national regulations and strategies, as well as the lack of trained professionals, of funding, of the necessary infrastructure and of proper equipment and facilities,, facilities and learning materials, as well as the lack of stability and security are barriers to quality education in several developing countries;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the existing vulnerabilities in social services in Africadeveloping countries, in particular in the field of education;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges that education is a cross-cutting issue relevant to all dimensions of sustainable development; points out that education is also a tool to empower young people and to support sustainable economic growth in Africa,developing countries and that in the long term, it indirectly paves the way to help eradicating poverty;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that access to quality education for all must be ensured regardless of socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background, religion and the rural- urban divide; notes the particular importance of supporting girls in accessing quality education and of addressing the issue of girls dropping out of school at an early stage;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that in the context of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, particular efforts must be undertaken to invest in well-trained teachers and education infrastructure in order to equip children with skills which are relevant to the job market;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
— having regard to The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO1a), _________________ 1a FAO, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020, https://www.fao.org/3/ca9231en/CA9231E N.pdf
Amendment 17 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 10 b (new)
Recital 10 b (new)
— having regard to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreements between the EU and third countries,
Amendment 26 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
— having regard to the June 2020 report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)1b, which highlights the link between combating climate change and conserving biodiversity, _________________ 1b IPBES-IPCC Co-Sponsored Workshop, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Workshop Report
Amendment 27 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital 23 b (new)
Recital 23 b (new)
Amendment 69 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 91 #
2021/2208(INI)
Fa. whereas there is a link between the increase in measures to protect and restore biodiversity and the guarantee of enhanced food security;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the number of people in need of urgent food, nutrition and livelihood assistance is on the rise; whereas the major drivers of this situation, which is deteriorating, are conflict, climate variability and climate extremes, environmental degradation, economic shocks, global population growth and failed governance15; _________________ 15Global Report on Food Crises 2021.
Amendment 137 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas women and local communities play key roles in feeding the world as farmers, caregivers and producers, but have unequal access to food, resources, services and assets;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2208(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas, however, a number of innovative projects have been set up by some third countries, such as the African ‘Great Green Wall’ initiative, which promotes agro-ecological projects;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Indo-Pacific region has become a geopolitical and geoeconomic reality; whereas the global economy’s centre of gravity has shifted from the Atlantic to the PacificIndo-Pacific region has become a major economic power;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe and the Indo- Pacific together represent over 70 % of global trade in goods and services and over 60 % of foreign direct investment (FDI) with their annual trade reaching EUR 1.5 trillion in 2019; whereas the Indo-Pacific region produces 60 % of global gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes to two thirds of global economic growth; whereas the EU is the biggest investor in the areagion, which includes four (China, Japan, South Korea and India) out of the EU’s top 10 global trading partners;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated a number of geopolitical trends that were already under way; whereas it also highlighted the need for international cooperation; whereas it has also shown vulnerabilities in the global supply chains and has made clear the need for more diversification; whereas this has been further accentuated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. Whereas, as stated in the Trade Policy Review, the EU works together with its partners to ensure adherence to universal values, notably the promotion and protection of human rights. This includes core labour standards, social protection, gender equality, and the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas the EU outermost regions and overseas countries and territories, constitutionally linked to its Member States, are an important part of the EU’s approach to the Indo-Pacific;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which identifies trade as a priority; believes its main focus on inclusiveness and cooperation based on shared values and principles, including a commitment to respecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law, is essential; calls for the EU’s strategic approach and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region to be developed based on the multilateral, rules- based international order with a modernised World Trade Organization at its core, based on the principles of open environment for trade and investment, a level playing field, reciprocity and mutual benefit; stresses that this new approach should constitute a fundamental reorientation based on shared interests as the region is vital to EU prosperity;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to work closely with its Indo-Pacific like-minded partners to reinforce value chains by strengthening and diversifying trade relations in order to reduce strategic dependencies in critical supply chains with a particular focus on technologies and raw materials, by working towards the full implementation and better enforcement of existing trade agreements, by finalising ongoing trade negotiations and by developing cooperation in strategic sectors; underlines the importance of working together with like-minded Indo-Pacific countries on establishing technical standards, to further promote the EU as a global standard-setter; further calls on the Commission to closely work together with the Indo-Pacific partners in the process of shaping and implementing the planned Due Diligence framework;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the EU should make better and more strategic use of its economic leverage while respecting the political and economic specificities of its partner countries in order to reach its geopolitical goals, by deploying its full, integrated range of policy instruments, including the requirement of promoting fundamental human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance as part of GSP, for this purpose;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has been instrumental in creating more sustainable trade; welcomes the increase in the preference utilisation rates for EU exports to Japan in 2020; underlinnotes that further progress is needed e has been some progress regarding the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regardsexpansion of the list for GI protection for both parties, the utilisation rates of tariff rate quotas opened by Japan for EU exporters, and the process for ratification of ILO Convention No 105 by Japan; underlines that further progress is needed in the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regards the liberalisation of trade in services and the ratification of ILO Conventions No 105 and No 111;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Call on the Member States to ratify the EU-Vietnam IPA so that it enters into force and creates favourable conditions to boost EU investment in Vietnam and in the region, in particular in areas promoting green transformation and the circular economy; urges Vietnam to guarantee a full implementation of the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions; inviturges Vietnam to complete its key labour reforms in accordance with the agreement and to swiftly ensure the ratification of ILO Convention No 87 by 2023;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for continuing actions oriented at raising awareness among businesses and citizens of existing FTAs in the region and the opportunities they provide; calls for strengthened technical and financial support where necessary to help partner countries to effectively implement FTAs, in particular the chapters on TSD; Calls on the Commission to work together with our Indo-Pacific partners also in the context of the TSD review;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for substantive progress and the conclusion of negotiations on the EU- Australia and EU-New Zealand FTAs by no later than mid 2022 in order for the European Parliament to be able to duly ratify these agreements in the current parliamentary mandate; believes that, especially in the current geopolitical situation, it is of utmost importance that democracies strengthen their mutual relations, also when it comes to trade;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the need for the EU to pursengage in a comprehensive dialogue wits multifaceted engagement with Chinah China and firmly defend the interests and values of the EU, keeping in mind that China’s goals are often divergent from ours, especially in this geopolitically challenging global context; stresses that it is important to continue engaging bilaterally to promote solutions to common challenges and to cooperate on issues of common interest such as fighting climate change; acknowledges that the support of China was vital for the conclusion of the Paris Agreement, and that engagement with China is necessary to curb global greenhouse emissions;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Acknowledges that China’s continued delay in complying with all WTO rules continues to complicate the trade relations between the EU and China. Main issues that must be solved are the multiple barriers European companies face to access the Chinese market, protection of intellectual property rights, counterfeiting, product safety concerns, social and environmental standards, forced technology transfers, obliged Joint Ventures, unfair subsidies and unfair competition by state-owned enterprises;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges that the discussions on the ratification of the Comprehensive Investment Agreement between the EU and China have been put on hold in the European Parliament for the moment; believes, however, that despite our differencesdue to China’s decision to sanction, among others, five Members of the European Parliament and the Human Rights sub-committee for criticizing China’s human rights record; stresses that it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will discuss or ratify the CAI as long as MEPs and one of its committees are under sanctions; further recalls the coercive pressure China has put on member states such as in the case of Lithuania; believes, however, that we should continue to maintain dialogue at all levels and through various channels to be able to understand each others positions and in particular to find a way out of the present situation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reminds that the cooperation with China must go hand in hand with firmness on the issue of human rights and minority; underlines the need for the EU to take a clear stance against the human rights violations in China, notably the forced labour camps and continuous repression against the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, which according to several international organisations amount to crimes against humanity and that some parliaments already have called a genocide; further deplores the oppression of the Tibetan community and the violation of China’s international commitments in Hong Kong;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is looking forward toTakes note of the EU-China Summit taking place in April 2022; trusthopes that it will contribute to calming the recently the de-escalatingon of trade and geopolitical tensions between both parties, that it will allow progress towards developing a much more balanced economic relationship based on reciprocity and, that it will help to resolve the crisis linked tobe the occasion for a frank dialogue on the worrying human rights situation in China as well as that it will help to lift the unjustified Chinese sanctions imposed on EU policymakers, including members of the European Parliament;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the EU to launch a structured dialogue with Taiwan on cooperating in green technology and digital economy, including the semiconductor industry, with a view to signing a memorandum of understanding that benefits both the EU and Taiwan; repeats thatits call on the Commission shouldto begin an impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Philippines, which started in 2015, have been put on hold; acknowledgunderlines that negotiations should only resume once the worrying and critical situation concerning human rights and the rule of law in Philippines has improved;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Malaysia have been put on hold since 2012; invites the Malaysian authorities to take a position on the possible resumption of negotiations and invites both parties to take stock of the findings of the sustainability impact assessment; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations should be preceded by tangible improvement of the human rights situation in the country;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that negotiations for an EU- Thailand FTA were launched in 2013; further notes that they were put on hold in 2014 following the military take-over in Thailand. Acknowledges that the EU in recent years has taken steps towards broadening its engagement with Thailand; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA should be preceded by tangible improvement of the democratic situation in the country;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for further engagement with ASEAN and its member states and for the development and promotion of the EU- ASEAN strategic partnership; calls on both sides to use the momentum of the planned EU-ASEAN Summit in 2022, on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the EU- ASEAN bilateral relationship, to present a new EU-ASEAN action plan for the upcoming period to promote increased multifaceted cooperation in key areas and explore the possibility of resuming negotiations of a region-to-region trade agreement, based on shared values and principles, including fundamental rights and gender equality, once the conditions in terms of human rights and democracy are to the EU’s standards;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a new strategic approach towards the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as a core element of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, stresses that closer cooperation would allow the EU to reap important economic benefits with regard to possible welfare gains, diversification of supply chains and reduction of strategic dependencies, and would give the EU the opportunity to continue to shape standards in the Indo-Pacific region and globally;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. recalls the need to take into account the specificity of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories in these regional and bilateral negotiations and to take and implement specific provisions in their regards;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the positive shift in EU- Africa relations towards a partnership on an equal footing, allowing both sides to pursue their own interests but also to identify common areas of cooperation; stresses that free, fair and sustainable trade facilitates inclusive economic growth and sustainable development and contributes to poverty reduction; highlights, in this regard, the importance of the new partnership agreement between the EU and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the upcoming summit between the African Union and the EU, and innovative initiatives such as the EU multi-stakeholder dialogue for sustainable cocoa and the sustainable forestry initiative;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EU to actively support the new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and its free movement protocol, which presents a major opportunity for African countries to deepen economic integration, boost inclusive growth, enable sustainable development, reduce poverty, regularise mobility and improve living standards; notes that the AfCFTA pavrovides the way for aability to fundamentally transformation of the continent’s development prospects; calls upon the EU to invest in capacity building and technical support in order to support the full implementation of the AfCFTA;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 21 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU and Africa have an important and longstanding political, economic and cultural relationship; whereas the 6th Summit of the EU and the AU in 2022 led to an agreement on ‘A Joint Vision for 2030’, to drive our common priorities, shared values and international law, by preserving together our interests and common public goods, the security and prosperity of our citizens, the protection of human rights for all, gender equality and women’s empowerment in all spheres of life; whereas both Unions recognised the importance of food security and nutrition;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that economic partnership agreements need to support the various regional trade communities in Africa and the further development of the AfCFTA, contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains, and help to boost and diversify intra-African trade; calls for chapters ensuring consistency with development needs and policies and the UN sustainable development goals to always be included and implemented; recalls that the implementation of sustainability chapters must be accompanied in parallel by capacity building through the EU’s development assistance and other investments to assist partner countries in honouring their commitments, and that civil society actors should be further involved in monitoring; insists that, in order for EPAs to positively contribute to development on the African continent, a significant effort must be made by the EU to simplify and harmonise Rules of Origin at the international level and to provide technical support to ensure that EU standards are not experienced as non- tarriff barriers to trade;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the reform of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences as one of the EU’s key trade instruments for supporting developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty and ensure respect for human rights; welcomes, in particular, the aim to facilitate increased economic growth and job creation in developing countries on the African continent; calls on the EU to make sure that European trade policy does not contradict efforts by African partners to establish viable economic structures., particularly in agriculture, which is a key sector for job creation, tackling food insecurity and malnutrition;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas strengthening the intra- continental trade in Africa is essential for its sustainable economic development; whereas the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives new momentum to pan-African trade and investment opportunities; whereas the EU’s trade policy has an important role in strengthening EU-Africa, as well as intra- African trade;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas AfCFTA aims to be beyond a trade liberalising instrument an enabler of inclusive growth and sustainable development; whereas the AfCFTA can contribute to the advancement of women and youth-lead SMEs; whereas the effective implementation of the AfCFTA is essential for enhancing intra-African trade, notably through enhanced trade facilitation, removal of tariff and non- tariff barriers, and better customs procedures;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the mobilisation of up to €300 billion between 2021 and 2027 under the Global Gateway initiative, which, if well-designed, could boost local and regional development and facilitate intercontinental trade; calls on the Commission to ensure that sustainable trade and development are at the core of this initiative, inter alia, by focusing on updating border and transport infrastructure, targeting SMEs and ensuring that investments are easily accessible to them by limiting any unnecessary red tape;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2178(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Supports ongoing initiatives to ensure that EU trade policy fosters sustainable production and consumption; eagerly awaits the forthcoming legislative proposal on the Sustainable Product Initiative; recalls the European Parliament’s overwhelming support for an ambitious legislative proposal on mandatory corporate due diligence, which would fundamentally transform supply and value chains and ensure that EU- Africa trade relations contribute to sustainable development; calls upon the European Commission to ensure continuous and broad consultation with relevant stakeholders throughout the legislative process for the abovementioned initiatives, especially civil society organisations in the EU and Africa.
Amendment 62 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Africa is a continent of hope and opportunity and perceived as such by a growing number of its young population; whereas empowering the economic position of women and youth in Africa contributes to both economic growth, and advancing their position in society;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2178(INI)
L. whereas the 6th EU-AU-Summit committed to engage constructively towards an agreement on a comprehensive WTO response to the pandemic, which includes trade-related as well as intellectual-property-related aspects; whereas the EU, the United States, India and South Africa, the ‘quad’, reached a compromise in the WTO to facilitate a waiver of certain Intellectual Property provisions, but a broader discussion in the WTO is yet to commence;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas EU-Africa trade in agricultural products needs to be revised to advance sustainable agriculture on both continents;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas the war in Ukraine demonstrates the interconnectedness of food security and the global market, and the dependency of some African countries on food imports from a small number of exporting countries or regions; whereas an overdependence can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that EU-Africa trade and investment relations form part of our joint endeavour to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030 and the objectives of the Paris Agreement; stresses that the modernisation of EU-AU trade and investment relations must adhere to the principle of policy coherence for development and contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by means of, and to the green and digital transformation of the economies in both the EU and the AU, as well as among our global trading partners;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of creating a resilient, competitive and solid infrastructural and industrial basis in Africa, as laid down in the AU Agenda 2063, aiming at the development of resilient value chains and high added value processing of raw materials in Africa as a major avenue towards quality job creation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the EU needs an entirely new foundation for itsmust engage in a renewed, mutually beneficial economic partnership with Africa, based on equal grounds and based on mutual respectity, mutual respect and understanding of the challenges African partners face in the context of trade and investment relations; underlines that the EU-Africa trade relationship should take into consideration commitments towards promoting human rights, good governance, the rule of law and ugenderstanding; equality; calls on the Commission to advance these elements within the context of EU-Africa trade relations;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that the European response to global vaccination efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic lead to a disruption of EU-Africa relations; underlines that the outcomes of the 6th EU-AU summit must be a new starting point of advancing EU-Africa relations; calls on the Commission to structurally engage with African partners bilaterally, and through regional and multilateral engagement to advance EU-Africa relations; calls on the Commission to engage with the European Parliament on a discussion regarding the TRIPS waiver compromise negotiated by the ‘quad’ of the EU, the US, India and South Africa; calls on the Commission to remain flexible and pragmatic in the discussions in the WTO to reach a compromise on a targeted and temporary TRIPS waiver with other WTO members to move towards a conclusion and meaningful results on trade and health related aspects by MC12;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the need for the further development of infrastructure that contributes to better interconnectedness of the African continent, most notably for rural areas; stresses that Global Gateway should contribute to the development of infrastructure to increase intra-African trade; Calls on the Commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in Africa;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that a rules-based multilateral trading system contributes to advancing economic growth in the EU, and on the African continent; Notes that the future of the international trading system depends on the revitalising of the WTO and finalising the Doha Round, on which African countries have placed their hopes;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls the Parliament’s commitment to the European Green Deal and welcomes trade initiatives that contribute towards achieving its objectives, including but not limited to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the legislative proposal on mandatory due diligence, and the proposal on deforestation-free products; insists that the Commission must carefully monitor the impact of these initiatives on EU- Africa trade and present accompanying measures to mitigate any short-term disruption; is convinced that in the long- term, these legislative initiatives will result in more resilient and sustainable global value chains, benefitting citizens and businesses in the EU and Africa;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the EU should deepen its economic and trade relations with Africa through investments and the creation of jobs; underlines the discrepancy of access to finance within African regions and countries due to various factors; underlines that the emphasis of investments should be placed on new infrastructures, such as digital and green infrastructures, and renewable energy production; Calls on the Commission to foster investment in the African continent through innovative financial instruments to increase capital flows and reduce risks; encourages the Commission to propose sustainable investment initiatives- as announced in its communication “Trade Policy Review - An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy” - with African countries;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that least developed countries (LDCs) have an interest in and are strong supporters of rules-based multilateral trading systems; is aware of the fact that special and differentiated treatment is a founding principle of the WTO; calls on the Commission to ensure that developing countries can fully exercise their rights under the WTO special and differential treatment provisions, most notably to ensure their food security; is of the opinion that an overdependence on a single country or geographic region for any given product can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks, which could have a hugely damaging impact on the food security of developing countries; believes therefore that the Commission should support our African partners in diversifying their trade flows, to increase their resilience;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the trade partnership between the EU and Africa must prioritise quality nutrition self-sufficiency on both continents; stresses that the EU-Africa trade relationship must ensure adherence to the principles of sustainability and should never undermine food security, food safety and food quality nor drive deforestation, degradation of the environment and biodiversity; calls on the Commission to ensure investment facilities, such as Global Gateway and Global Europe, contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural sector in Africa in line with the SDGs, and to support the implementation of the AfCFTA for intra-African agricultural trade; calls on the Commission to facilitate education and training to advance and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Africa and to advance existing initiatives in Africa;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 232 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates that the different EPAs should contribute to developing intra- African integration and to the development of a fair and sustainable trade model; stresses that EPAs should contribute to and promote sustainable development in line with the SDGs and Agenda 2030, foster intra-African trade flows, contribute to trade facilitation and the removal of unnecessary barriers to trade, market access for businesses, most notably SMEs, to the European and African market, promote public and private investments in Africa, and foster trade relations between the EU and Africa, taking into account the outcomes of the EU-AU summit; calls on the Commission in the revision of EPAs to address, mitigate and avoid any potential effect that could impair the objectives of the development of the intra-African market, in close cooperation with our African partners; calls on the Commission to ensure EPAs are a basis for the strengthening of economic relations between the parties in a mutually beneficial way, taking into account their respective levels of development; calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs, and to support African SMEs who export to the EU with technical assistance;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2178(INI)
18. Is committed to strengthening fair and sustainable trade and investment relations between Europe and Africa as part of a wider advanced cooperation framework, including increased investments in research and development related to green goods and technologies; in this context, calls on the Commission to work with our African partners to advance fair and sustainable trade, notably through TSD chapters in EPAs, and to work with our partners in the upcoming TSD review;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Welcomes the reform of the GSP and its role in increasing trading opportunities for developing countries, advancing sustainable development and ensuring adherence to human rights, good governance and gender equality; underlines that the GSP has the potential for African countries to foster sustainable and resilient economic growth and interconnectedness in the global economy; stresses that countries benefitting from the GSP must adhere to international conventions, such as the Paris Agreement and ILO conventions; calls on the Commission to ensure GSP is complementary to other trade policy initiatives on the African continent;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the agreement of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers on common rules of origin for the bloc for 87.7 % of goods or 3 800 tariff lines covered by AfCFTA; calls on the European Commission to harmonise the rules of origin in all the different EU agreements with regions and countries in Africa with the common AfCFTA rules; calls on the EU to engage with the AfCFTA Secretariat to advance capacity building and technical support for the implementation of the AfCFTA;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Appreciates the initiative by the Council and the Commission to organise the first Africa-Europe Week, which was held in February 2022 in Brussels; stresses that better European engagement with young Africans and the African diaspora in Europe can structurally improve the EU-Africa relationship on the long-term; calls on the Commission to organise the Africa-Europe week on an annual basis, and to include young people, especially women and girls, in discussions organised during the Africa-Europe Week;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that transport networks are critical enablers of trade and prosperous economies; stresses the need to better connect African rural and urban areas to ensure greater interconnectedness within African countries, and on the African continent; Notes that a functioning transport network and investments in infrastructural projects can contribute to the development of African economies; calls on the Commission through its trade and investment instruments for Africa to facilitate public and private investment for African infrastructural projects;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Shares the long-term vision of creating a comprehensive EU-Africa continent-to-continent trade and cooperation agreement, building on the AfCFTA; underlines that a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement must be preceded by the meaningful development of a robust and resilient intra-African market; Stresses in this regard the role of the EU’s trade policy engagement with Africa in the development of the intra-African market; calls on the Commission to regularly update the European Parliament on the long-term objective of a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement, notably through the various policy instruments related to Africa;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the responsible and swift implementation of the commitments on trade and investment agreed at the 2022 EU-Africa Summit, and calls on the Commission to structurally report to the European Parliament on the implementation of the commitments on trade and investment in the relevant committees;
Amendment 286 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that knowledge-sharing and skills development within Africa can contribute to the development of a sustainable trade relationship; underlines the possibilities digital infrastructure has in stimulating the African economy, as well as driving innovation on the continent; Calls for reinforced cooperation on EU-AU digital agendas based on the principles of democratic governance, effective regulatory mechanisms across the digital domain and global-to-local governance mechanisms for data and digital infrastructures that place people- centred development at the core;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Underlines that human rights and gender equality must be at the centre of the reinforced cooperation between the EU and the AU, with a special focus on the impact of emerging and innovative technologies on human rights and the inclusion of women in the economy; Stresses the potential digital trade can have for advancing and improving trade facilitation in Africa, and calls on the Commission to advance digital capabilities in light of the implementation of EPAs, and the implementation of the AfCFTA; calls on the Commission to include the EU-AU digital agenda in the engagement with its global strategic partners;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Underlines that effective engagement with civil society groups, businesses, most notably SMEs, and disadvantaged groups, such as women, are a vital element in advancing the EU’s equal partnership with Africa; stresses in this regard that the EU should further facilitate and include civil society dialogues in its trade relations with Africa to better understand the position of African interest groups, and their specific needs in trade relations with the EU; calls on the Commission to structurally advance its engagement with African civil society to advance inclusive engagement and economic growth across the continent;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Underlines the importance of including gender equality and gender mainstreaming in EU-Africa trade relations as an essential component to foster inclusive and sustainable growth; Stresses that trade and investment relations have the potential to promote gender equality, contribute to economic and social empowerment of women and to more equal, as well as resilient economies and societies; welcomes the Commission’s work on data collection and analysis to better understand the impact of trade policy on women; calls on the Commission to engage with African partners to promote gender equality and women empowerment in EU-Africa trade relations; calls on the Commission to gender mainstream EU-Africa trade and investment relations; Calls on the Commission to include standalone gender chapters in EPAs;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Policy Coherence for Development is recognized within the institutions and within multilateral frameworks as a tool with which to achieve sustainable development and legitimacy of external action and policy creation, through the achievement of concrete goals in all policy related sectors;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas a lack of a clear definition of PCD in policy creation undermines the creation of concrete goals, achievements and agenda-setting and its translation into reality; whereas this can lead to negative effects of PCD;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 25 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas EU delegations and EU Member States' diplomatic missions play a key role in ensuring PCD in partner countries; whereas there is, however, no clear approach towards applying PCD through EU delegations and EU Member States' diplomatic missions in partner countries;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas individual approaches to PCD and sector specific partnership agreements can undermine the effectiveness of PCD;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas a lack of accountability reports within the EU Commission and the Council, without follow-up action on conclusions and recommendations of previous reports undermines the credibility of the actions of the EU in development cooperation; whereas there is a lack of willingness on the part of the Council to raise PCD as a priority;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Amendment 33 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas, as co-legislator and a contributor to policy-making, Parliament bears much of the responsibility for the EU’s implementation of PCD; whereas its Committee on Development (DEVE) plays a key role in this through opinions to other committees; whereas for PCD to work properly a ‘whole-of-Parliament’ approach is needed, with active contributions from all parliamentary committees involved in different policies, which has so far rarely been the case; whereas there is a need for a strengthened coordination on PCD between the committees in the EP;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the private sector plays an integral part in development cooperation, most notably through private and blended funding;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Commission to work closely with the OECD and Member States to establish a common approach to the implementation and respect of PCD, also with regards to developing countries; Calls on the Commission to partake in the exchange of best practices with developing countries on PCD so as to establish good governance and a more coherent multilateral approach to the achievement of the SDGs;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for a communication that clarifies the definition and role of PCD in the context of the SDGs and is accompanied by an action plan on PCD with a clear methodology and concrete quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the implementation of PCD by the EU and Member States and ensure accountability by including this in a new framework for monitoring and coordination of development policies across the EU; calls for this communication to be published beforey the en23rd of the current Commission’s mandateJune 2023;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that PCD needs to remain a key part of the EU’s foreign policy and calls for it to be given more visibility and for the EU to play a leading role in promoting PCD globally, most notably within multilateral organisations, including at the OECD Development Assistance Committee and at the UN;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls the necessity for the EU to advocate for establishing a clear multilateral framework for PCD within the UN and to establish a more substantial cooperation between the EU and the UN on PCD;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recommends the establishment of an EU platform for PCD, to allow for better coordination between the relevant European Institutions, the UN, the OECD, the World Bank and with developing countries, to ensure alignment and cooperation on PCD, to better cooperate on the achievement of the SDGs, and to find new synergies on development cooperation between the EU and its Member States and with third countries;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the European Commission and the European Parliament to establish a clear definition and reachable goals for PCD, which can be translated into reality through effective reporting, the establishment of partnership agreements and internal coordination and evaluation by the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 a (new)
- to provide for an assessment of the current state of play of PCD in EU Policy, which includes a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of PCD, by the 23rd of June 2023;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 4 a (new)
- to establish clear mid- and long- term goals for the effective translation in reality and achievement of PCD;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises the critical role of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) in ensuring the implementation of PCD in the Commission; calls on DG INTPA to actively and meaningfully engage with other DGs as early as possible through all available mechanisms to ensure that PCD is implemented in all relevant Commission initiatives; welcomes DG INTPA’s complementary studies on the impact of key legislative initiatives on developing countries, but notes that these should instead be fully analysed in the relevant impact assessment; calls for the re- establishment of a dedicated PCD team within DG INTPA to coordinate and reinforce the PCD work of thematic units; calls on the European Parliament to consider the establishment of a similar coordination unit in its administration;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes thatCalls for better alignment of the Neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument – Global Europe could bewith PCD, to used to prevent and minimise the negative impacts of new EU legislation or policy initiativehe NDICI-Global Europe to mitigate negative impacts of EU policies, to prevent and minimise their negative impacts, whenre these cannot be avoided, and to build positive synergies in developing countries; calls also for the EU Development Education and Awareness Raising Programme to include activities focused on PCD;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 9 – indent 1 a (new)
- strengthen public and private communication on the effectiveness of PCD, on the efforts of the EU on ensuring PCD and on the positive results of development cooperation as a whole, in third countries and within the EU, so as to increase visibility of and support for the EU in partner countries;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – indent 2
Paragraph 9 – indent 2
- systematically include PCD among the topics to be discussed in policy dialogues with developing countries and in multilateral organizations;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – indent 3
Paragraph 9 – indent 3
- regularly monitor the impact of EU policies on developing countries and contribute to detailed bi-annual reporting on PCD;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 3
Paragraph 11 – indent 3
- devote appropriate expertise and resources, and establish coordination mechanisms, in their national administrations to effectively implement PCD and report on its implementation and to establish better coordination between and among Member States and their relevant ministries on PCD, to hold regular peer-reviews on even ground and to implement the recommendations made in previous reports and evaluations on PCD;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 11 – indent 5 a (new)
- to resume holding meaningful and regular exchanges with the Commission and the Parliament on PCD during high- level and inter-ministerial working group meetings;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 1
Paragraph 12 – indent 1
- instructs DEVEthe European Parliament and most notably the DEVE Committee to clarify the role of its Standing Rapporteur for PCD and its cooperation with other committees;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 12 – indent 1 a (new)
- Recommends all parliamentary committees to evaluate and commit to screening all of its future own initiative reports and legislative reports, for alignment with PCD as established by the commission and as set out in this report;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 3
Paragraph 12 – indent 3
- instructs Parliament’s Research Service (EPRS) to regularly screen the Commission’s Work Programme and European Parliament Own Initiative Reports (INI) for PCD issues, systematically analyseing how PCD is dealt with in Commission impact assessments and relevant proposals, and to report when important weaknesses or omissions are found;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – indent 4
Paragraph 12 – indent 4
- intends to strengthen its own awareness and expertise on PCD at political level by providing voluntary training and information on PCD for new and sitting MEPs, and at administrative level, in particular among the staff of bodies involved in legislation;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the Council of the European Union to rapidly conclude the signing and ratification of the draft new Partnership Agreement between the European Union and members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) (post-Cotonou Agreement);
Amendment 131 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Recalls that the implementation of PCD is in part dependent on good governance in partner countries; encourages the Commission to ensure a level playing field and cooperative framework with partner countries, by establishing common goals and measures to ensure PCD in policy fields in which partner countries are directly affected; calls on the Commission to share best practices on PCD with partner countries;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2164(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12 c. Calls for the inclusion of the private sector in the future of the PCD framework;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Amendment 12 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, with 238 million people in need of assistance in 2021, due largely to conflicts but also systemic factors such as climate change, natural disasters, environmental degradation, global population growth and failed governance; whereas the burgeoning of humanitarian needs and their increasing complexity touches upon each of the SDGs and points to a worrying lack of global progress on Agenda 2030;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing fragilities and inequalities, amplified humanitarian needs – notably a sharp increase in hunger, with almost 300 million people at risk of becoming acutely food insecure and over 40 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity – and hampered the humanitarian response owing to border closures and other restrictions; whereas the growth in humanitarian needs is, in part, a result of insufficient development assistance to address the drivers of fragility; whereas, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), humanitarian assistance for all fragile contexts increased by 38% from 2015 to 2016, while programmable development aid for fragile contexts did not increase over the same period 9a ; whereas, between 2014 and 2018, humanitarian assistance accounted for the second largest share of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) contributions across the 29 countries in the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) 9b; _________________ 9aOrganisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, States of Fragility, 2018. 9bNational Centre for Biotechnology Information, Tracking sectoral allocation of official development assistance: a comparative study of the 29 Development Assistance Committee countries, 2011– 2018, Global Health Action, 2021.
Amendment 28 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas growing humanitarian needs have not been matched by adequate resources, leading to a rapidly increasing funding gap: in 2020, less than half of the UN humanitarian appeal was met, and as of August 2021, only USD 10.9 billion in funding was available for needs amounting to USD 36.6 billion (30 % of the total)10 ; whereas, in 2020, funding unrelated to the Covid-19 pandemic response from the largest 20 public donors fell below 2019 levels 10a. _________________ 10UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Financial Tracking Service, 2021 humanitarian aid contributions. 10a Development Initiatives, Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2021.
Amendment 30 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas global humanitarian funding continues to rely heavily on a very limited number of donors, with the ten largest accounting for around 85 % of all funding; whereas the share of total ODA contributed by emerging donors, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Korea, is estimated to have grown by 47% between 2010 and 2015 11a, yet has plateaued in recent years, with the annual contribution from Saudi Arabia falling by 53% and that of the United Arab Emirates falling by 39% in 2020 11b; _________________ 11aDevex, Emerging Donors 2.0 Report, 2021. 11b Development Initiatives, Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2021.
Amendment 35 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in 2020 the EU and Member States’ combined funding was 36 % of global humanitarian assistance – the largest share in the world; whereas the level of contributions varies within the EU, with four Member States and the Commission accounting for around 90 % of all EU humanitarian financing;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas ‘quality funding' comprises one of the two enabling priorities of the Grand Bargain 2.0 and Pillar Two of the 2016 High-Level Political Forum on Humanitarian Financing calls for a widening of the humanitarian resource base through partnerships with new/emerging bilateral donors and the private sector, facilitating remittance flows and Islamic social finance 12a; whereas humanitarian assistance from private donors is already on the rise, having increased by 9%, from US$6.2 billion in 2018 to a record US$6.8 billion in 2019 12b; _________________ 12aHigh-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing Report to the Secretary- General, Too important to fail— addressing the humanitarian financing gap, 2016 12b Development Initiatives, Global Humanitarian Assistance Report, 2021.
Amendment 86 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Supports the Commission’s commitment to leveraging private finance and further involving the private sector in EU humanitarian assistance and welcomes the launch of pilot blending initiative from the EU’s humanitarian budget in 2021; calls upon the Commission to lead by example in trialling a range of blending initiatives, including humanitarian impact bonds and disaster risk insurance schemes, and to make full use of the European Investment Bank and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus for humanitarian purposes;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include international humanitarian law violations as a criterion for listing individuals or entities in the relevant EU sanctions regimes; notes that sanctions and restrictive measures taken in the context of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy must comply with international humanitarian law and must not hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance; underlines the need to consistently include humanitarian excemptions in regimes of restrictive measures and to provide the necessary support and guidance to partners to apply these exceptions effectively;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the EU and its Member States to swiftly fulfil the commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit and as part of the Grand Bargain; highlights the importance of making humanitarian aid more efficient and effective by increasing multiannual and multi-country funding, reducing the administrative burden for humanitarian partners and promoting innovative solutions, among other endeavours; calls upon the Commission to continue efforts to ensure the flexibility and fungibility of humanitarian and development assistance and, to this end, to regularly monitor and report upon the pilot Programmatic Partnerships launched in 2021 with partner NGOs; encourages the EU and its Member States to introduce crisis modifiers in grant agreements with local development partners to ensure sufficient programme flexibility for those partners to rapidly shift from development activities to emergency response in case of a sudden emergency; encourages the Commission and the EEAS explore ways of making full use of the Rapid Response pillar of the ‘Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument', Global Europe'.
Amendment 105 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls upon the Commission and the European External Action Service to devise a strategy for long-term collaboration with third countries and, in particular, emerging donors by leveraging the EU’s bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomacy; notes with concern that many emerging donors do not qualify for membership of the DAC, which remains a major forum for the coordination of humanitarian financing; regrets that the United Kingdom, as the fifth largest humanitarian donor in the world, cut its humanitarian budget by 31% between 2019 and 202013a; notes with concern the lack of a formal arrangement within the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement regarding humanitarian aid and calls on the Commission and Member States to work towards such a formal EU-UK partnership on humanitarian aid; calls upon the Commission to invite the United Kingdom and other relevant partner governments to participate in the EU Humanitarian Forum in January 2022. _________________ 13a Development Initiatives, Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2021.
Amendment 114 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the particular importance of supporting local actors and urges the Commission to develop a localisation policy outlining how to provide more and better support for local respondents to enable them to make use of all the instruments available; maintains that such a policy should foster transparency, focus on long-term funding to develop trust and local networks, and make use of existing partner capacity assessments by UN agencies and international NGOs;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the fact that while humanitarian aid seeks to tackle immediate, life-threatening situations, crises are caused by drivers that require long-term solutions; notes that although humanitarian needs are often created by sudden, man-made or natural disasters, underlying fragility is a significant predictor of humanitarian crises; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to adopt a communication developing a clear policy on a humanitarian-development-peace nexus in order to bridge the gaps between the individual policy areas; calls for the EU and the Member States to swiftly implement this nexus approach, with a particular focus on preventing conflicts, tackling hunger, providing education and livelihood opportunities, tackling fragility and building resilience, while protecting the rights of vulnerable groups; stresses that the SDGs should be used as a framework for such an approach, given that 2030 Agenda provides a unique opportunity to address the root causes of fragility and conflict, as well as reversals into conflict, including by combatting climate change, strengthening global multilateralism, a rights-based approach to development and ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’; calls upon the Commission to publish an assessment of the six pilot projects aimed at operationalising the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in Chad, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda and to consult with civil society organisations, Member States and the European Parliament in the drafting of lessons learned and the design of future projects under the nexus approach;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2163(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Recalls that women, girls and persons from the LGBTIQ+ community are particularly vulnerable in contexts of fragility and conflict and are the hardest hit by humanitarian crises; insists, therefore, that achieving such a nexus approach requires that the EU’s humanitarian assistance is both gender- sensitive and actively promotes gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights and sexual health and reproductive rights;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that churchesRecalls that freedom of belief and religion are fundamental human rights, enshrined in the EU Charter of fundamental rights and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; recognizes the importance of freedom of belief and freedom of religion for an inclusive society and for the full and entire achievement of the 2030 SDGs; acknowledges that institutions of and places of worship, faith- based organisations (FBOs) and religious associations have a major role in the social fabric of developing countries, are important partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach communities and can greatly contribute to sustainable development and to achieving the SDGs, in particular SDGs 3 and 4; further notes that churchesinstitutions and places of worship and FBOs deliver in social sectors where shortcomings in state services are experienced;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that combatting discrimination against all minorities regardless of their traditions, belief or religion, and promoting and protecting their rights, contribute vastly to social and political stability, poverty reduction, democratic governance, and conflict prevention;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Considers that freedom of belief and freedom of religion is only possible with the assurance of personal and human freedom, including the right to sexual and reproductive health and the right to self-determination, regardless of origin or sexual orientation;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Condemns the criminalization and other punitive treatment of minority traditions in legal systems through the instrumentalisation of religion; Condemns the use of religion and religious interpretation to the detriment of human rights, through the institutional persecution of belief- or religious minorities and for the legal and social restriction of sexual health and of gender and sexuality;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that FBOs cover approximately 40 % of healthcare and a significant part of education in sub-Saharan Africa alone1 , while their role remains mostly unrecognised; emphasizes that healthcare and education provided by FBOs must be provided to all persons in need, regardless of their religious background, ethnicity, gender or orientation; condemns the severe restrictions on sexual and reproductive healthcare by religious institutions and associations, which are translated into restrictive laws and penal codes; _________________ 1 https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/1 0665/43884/9789241596626_eng.pdf
Amendment 34 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that churchesinstitutions and places of worship and FBOs are frequently the only providers of healthcare, and other social services in remote areas of sub-Saharan Africa and, in conflict- prone settings such as northern Mozambique and otherand in crisis zones;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the activities of churchesinstitutions and places of worship and religious leaders in the field of conflict management and mediation, and in fostering reconciliation, dialogue and peace; highlights that inter-religious dialogue is crucial, notably in conflict areas, to foster peace and, reconciliation and an inclusive society on all levels;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reminds institutions and places of worship, FBOs and religious leaders of their responsibility and role in preventing hatred and violence directed towards religious or belief minorities; calls on all institutions and places of worship, FBOs and religious leaders to promote a tolerant and non-discriminatory discourse and to contribute to constructive exchanges between communities, regardless of their belief or religion, minority and majority alike;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Council to makcontinue the fight against the persecution of religious minorities and to priorityize, promote and protect freedom of belief, assembly, expression and speech in the programming of activities related to EU development assistance, in line with the areas of cooperation for geographic and thematic programmes of NDICI-Global Europe;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recognizes that LGBTQI+ communities are a part of faith traditions; Recognizes that as all human beings, LGBTQI+ persons have a right to freedom of expression, speech, belief and religion; reiterates the importance of the role that religious authorities can play to ensure that religion and tradition are not utilized to discriminate, criminalize or exclude persons based on their sexual orientation and gender identity;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States to strengthen legal and institutional protection mechanisms to ensure that human rights of members of minorities on the basis of belief and religion, as well as those of women, children and members of the LGBTQI+ community are ensured and to guarantee that others in vulnerable situations, such as migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons are fully protected on the basis of their fundamental rights and are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of their belief or religion;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2055(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU to develop the necessaryan adequate accountability, reaction and sanction mechanisms to combat effectively violations of freedom of religion or belief, including discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief in its partner countries, as well as any kind of impediment to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the European Union and the United States have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, which is also the largest and deepest bilateral trade and investment relationship with bilateral trade in goods and services accounting for more than 1 trillion euros per year; emphasises the importance of reinvigorating our Transatlantic relationship as historic allies and trading partners with the aim of promoting multilateralism, an open rules- based trading system and finding common solutions to pressing global challenges, including the global health crisis; stresses that improved trade relations between the EU and the US will benefit citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Highlights that the Covid-19 crisis has not reduced but reinforced the need for closer cooperation between the EU and the US, including on the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Identifies trade policy as a strategic geopolitical tool for the transatlantic agenda; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; stresses that ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains should be at the core of such an agenda taking into account that our economic relations are also intertwined with our security interests; therefore welcomes the positive signals from the Biden administration to strengthen bilateral relations with the EU, and calls for renewed cooperation that should bring lasting and concrete results in the years to come; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; emphasises the need to reform the global trading system, so that it improves the global level-playing field and to work together to develop new rules, in particular with regard to unfair trade practices, as unfair competition is heavily affecting our companies and workers; notes that the US trade policy agenda focuses on ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the US support for the new Director-General of the WTO, the US’s return to the Paris Agreement, the WTO tariff rate quota agreement and the temporary suspension of Airbus Boe's return to the Paris Agreement; also welcomes, the swift conclusion of the WTO TRQ agreement, which was the first agreement with the US under the new Biden administration and demonstrates the willingness of this new administration to seek agreements with the EU ing tariffshe WTO framework;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the US remains the EU’s closest and most important strategic partner;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the four-month temporary suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs as a positive step to finding a lasting solution to removing additional tariffs and proposing new rules for civil aircraft subsidies; notes that the suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs will end in July, and urges that these tariffs are permanently lifted;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Notes the move by the Commission to suspend the increase of tariffs against US imports related to the dispute on aluminium and steel; urges the US to remove section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium and emphasises the need to address the concerns related to the steel and aluminium excess capacity from third countries;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises at the same time that some diverging interests remain; in this regard, urges both sides to resolve bilateral disputes; urges the US to remove unilateral trade measures and refrain from taking further ones; urges the removal of section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidias European companies cannot be considered a national security threat; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidies; and calls for the EU-US Summit in June to be used to seek progress and potentially solve these issues;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU and the US share a fundamental interest in shaping the international environment, according to a shared worldview based on democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and individual freedom;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform, including reinstating the appellate body,Welcomes the US support for the new WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform to make the WTO ready for the green and digital transitions, and address the paralysis of the WTO appellate body as an urgent matter; calls for the need to regulatinge trade in health products, settingdevelop rules for digital trade, set an ambitious environmental agenda, and agreeing on concrete deliverables for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12); encourages both sides to stick topromote multilateral agreements and trade based on rules;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2038(INI)
C. whereas the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States and Kamala Harris as Vice-President has created new opportunities to resetvitalize the transatlantic relationship;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates for a joint strategic approach towards China, addressing the roots of unfair trade practices and tackling industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprises and human rights concern in order to tackle unfair trade practice that lead to market distortions and a lack of a level-playing field as a matter of urgency; calls for the EU and the US to find an approach to tackle industrial subsidies and SOEs, forced technology transfers, theft of intellectual property, obliged joint ventures, market barriers and address human rights concerns; urges to build upon the trilateral agreement on industrial subsidies with the US and Japan whilst also developing an autonomous instrument against unfair foreign subsidies; calls for the EU and the US to exchange information on foreign investments in strategic sectors, including on potential hostile takeovers;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas constructive dialogue is needed to address the transatlantic divffergences;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas, while pursuing transatlantic cooperation in areas of shared interest, the EU should also foster it is complementary to EU advance towards strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to strengthen the transatlantic bond and increase the joint leverage of the EU and the U.S. on the world scene;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. While promoting dialogue and common action, calls on the Commission to assertively promote the EU’s interests and react to US unwarranted duties, extraterritorial sanctions and market barriers, including in public procurement; calls for a dialogue on the Buy American Act and address market access issues for EU companies in public procurement and enhance access to markets for services;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas both the EU and the US share a number of new common challenges such as combatting technology-enabled attacks and securing digital infrastructure, mitigating the socio- economic impact of the pandemic, the promotion ofng global health, addressing the climate emergency, the fighting against global criminal networks, and advancing the digital and green transformation as a means of sustainable modernisation;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages both sides to engage in an ambitious dialogue and find a framework for joint action and look for selective agreements, such as on trade & technology as well as conformity assessments which will particularly benefit SMEs; calls for a stronger regulatory, green and digital partnership through the Trade and Technology Council and a coordinated approach to critical technologies, a carbon border adjustment mechanism andsetting international standards for critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and digital trade more broadly; welcomes the proposal by the Commission for a Transatlantic AI Agreement to set such standards and develop ethical guidelines; and find common grounds for a CBAM as well as digital and global taxes.
Amendment 105 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to reassert the continued relevance of the strategic transatlantic relationship for the rebuilding and reinvigorating of the multilateral rules- based international order, the global strengthening of democrastrengthening democracy worldwide, shaping the rules of the digital future according to shared transatlantic values, and the promotion ofng human rights, sustainable development and inclusive growth;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for a new transatlantic agenda that privileges cooperation on digital and technology issues, multilateral cooperation for a healthier world, the fight against climate change, promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts and reform of economic governance, by puttingand the fight against inequalities at its centre;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the EU and the U.S. to operationalize a Trade and Technology Council and a Transatlantic Agreement on Artificial Intelligence, as called for by the joint communication on a new EU-US agenda for global change;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for strengthened interparliamentary cooperation between Members of the European Parliament and Members of Congress in different thematic areas that could enable the exchange of best practices on global, but also on shared, domestic challenges, such as supporting innovation and education for the digital age, addressing economic and social inequality, protection ofng human rights and democratic standards, universal health coverage, legislative convergence on AI, responsibility oftechnology, and online platforms, and a just transition towards climate neutrality;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for increased EU-US coordination and joint action at the global level for maintaining technological leadership, setting global standards in technology and internet governance, and shaping the development of emerging and critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, 5G and 6G in accordance with democratic values;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls for increased EU-US joint funding of cutting-edge projects based on frontier technologies, increased joint investments in research and development, increased people-to-people academic exchanges in STEM, and increased joint support for technology start-ups and SMEs;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Highlights that non-democratic regimes such as China increasingly use technology to control and repress their citizens restricting the exercise of fundamental, social, and political rights; calls for increased EU-US cooperation in developing human-centric technology that respects privacy and reduces biases and discrimination;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers it necessary to foster cooperation not only on traditional security threats, but also on new ones such as hostile foreign technological dominance, hybrid threats, disinformation and cybersecuritycyber-attacks, attacks on critical digital infrastructure such as 5G and intercontinental undersea cables;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the EU and the U.S. to leverage technology to consolidate democracy and the functioning of democratic institutions and to protect against malign foreign interference, including by developing new and effective collective deterrence and response mechanisms for state-sponsored technology-enabled subversion such as election interference, fake news, fake science, and disinformation; to this end, calls for the EU and the US to spearhead the establishment of a global alliance of digital democracies;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for a comprehensive EU-US dialogue on China that should address theand seek to find common ground on areas of divergence, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments, and explore possibilities for EU-US cooperationengagement with China in multilateral frameworks on commonglobal challenges, such as climate change;
Amendment 364 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Underscores the need to explore areas of convergence and possible cooperation with the US on China, notably regarding the protection of human and minority rights, de-escalation of tensions in South-East Asia and protecting South- East Asian democracies, coordination of actions in the Indo-Pacific region, setting global technological standards, securing critical infrastructure and supply chains for critical technology components, protecting intellectual property rights and the fight against, fighting disinformation; supports closer coordination on these and other issues of common concern;
Amendment 384 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for close cooperation to jointly address the range of threats emanating from the Russian Federation, such as the territorial breaches of Ukraine and Georgia, the continued destabiliszation of Ukraine and Georgiand interference in the Republic of Moldova, interferences in democratic processes in the EU and the US, hybrid, military and cyber threats and disinformation campaigns, while at the same pursuing selective cooperationengagement in the areas of shared transatlantic interest, notably in the area of arms control;
Amendment 421 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls for a joint EU-US strategy on Africa that supports democracy, inclusive and sustainable development, human rights, digitalization, education, and gender equality, mitigates the impact of climate change and its demographic implications, reduces Chinese exploitation of Africa’s natural resources and ensures their sustainable use, and engages with Africa as an economic, social, and political partner of both the EU and the U.S.;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that in 2020, in the COVID- 19 context, China for the first time ranked as the EU’s largest partner for trade in goods, with the trade balance further deteriorating to the EU’s detriment; calls on the Commission to deeply analyse the EU's dependency on China in certain strategic and critical sectors, as the pandemic has revealed, using all our policies and setting out plans to make our supply chains more resilient, more diversified and reduce dependency;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that the EU-China bilateral trade and investment relationship is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the notion of reciprocity at its core;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned about the increasingly unbalanced EU-China bilateral economic and trade relationship; stresses that rebalancing and a more level playing field are vital to EU interests; recalls the overall objective for the European Union to build its open strategic autonomy;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Repeats its deep concern about the many barriers that European businesses face when accessing and operating on the Chinese market; is worried that China’s ‘dual circulation strategy’ referred to in its 14th Five Year Plan will further deteriorate the business environment for EU companies; is extremely concerned that several international companies, notably in the apparel and textiles sector, have been subject to an extensive and widespread boycott after expressing concern about the reports on forced labour in Xinjiang and taking the decision to cut supply-chain ties with Xinjiang; strongly condemns the aggressive political coercion exercised against them by the Chinese Government; highlights again its particular concern about the market distorting practices of Chinese state-owned enterprises, forced technology transfers and data localisation, industrial overcapacity in sectors such as steel and the related dumping of exports, and other unfair trading practices; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their cooperation at WTO-level with like-minded allies to develop a joint approach to tackle these Chinese unfair trading practices, including a new initiative on fighting counterfeiting;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. calls on China to play a more active part in multilateral initiatives at WTO-level such as the Trade and Climate, Trade and Health and the implementation of the SDGs; calls on China to play a more active role in the WTO reform, especially in restoring all the WTO dimensions, from monitoring, creating new rules and solving disputes; urges China to fully comply with all its WTO obligations;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. calls on the Member States to allow for a swift adoption of an International Procurement Instrument to ensure reciprocal access to third country public procurement markets, in order to help European businesses which are facing discrimination and lack of access to the Chinese public procurement markets that remain largely closed;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WBelcomes theieves that while working on improving EU companies’ conditions on the Chinese market to better reflect benefits of Chinese companies on the Single Market, the reception of the sudden conclusion at the political level of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) proves that the trade relations do not take place in a vacuum; recalls that the CAI has to be considered in the context of a strengthened assertive EU toolbox of unilateral measures; underlines it will thoroughlystrongly welcomes the the Commission’s support to suspend efforts to ratify the EU-China CAI; underlines that as long as the countersanctions have not been lifted and as long as the Chinese authorities have not respected the commitment to ratify the ILO core conventions on forced labour they expressed in the EU-China CAI, and before the adoption and implementation by the EU of an assertive trade toolbox, it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will proceed to any vote of any kind on this agreement; underlines it will thoroughly, once the conditions are met, scrutinise the agreement, including its sustainable development section, and take stock of the human rights context, before determining its position;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the urgent need to re- balance EU-China relations through the adoption of a more assertive toolbox of autonomous measures while recognising the need to maintain an open dialogue with Chinese government on other common challenges such as the global fight against climate change;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission to propose an EU mandatory and horizontal due diligence legislation as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that EU companies and non-EU companies operating in the Single Market respect human rights, social and environmental standards through their supply chain as well as to eliminate the risk of forced labour and human rights abuses from their supply chains;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Is extremely concerned by the recent unilateral trade-related measures taken by China against Australia in retaliation to the Australian critics on the Chinese COVID-19 crisis management; calls on the Commission, in this very worrying context, to propose urgently its instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries in order to be able in future to respond to any illegal and unilateral measures adopted against the EU interests and international law;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Urges the Commission to present a blacklist and to propose an instrument to ban on the importation of goods produced using child labour or any other form of forced labour or modern slavery;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Reiterates its full support to the EU FDI Screening Regulation, putting in place for the first time an EU-level mechanism to coordinate the screening of foreign investments in strategic sectors; calls on Member States to adopt urgently a national screening mechanism if they do not have one yet, in line with the Commission guidelines from March 2020; recalls the importance to strengthen the existing EU FDI Screening Regulation in order to make sure that any potential investments which could be a threat to the EU security and public order, in particular with regard to Chinese state- owned and state-controlled enterprises in European strategic sectors, are blocked;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. welcomes the Commission regulation proposal on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market; calls for a swift adoption of this regulation, making sure that thresholds and the procedures allow for an efficient instrument, in order to tackle the Chinese unfair trading practices in the European Single Market;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5 g. Takes note of the recently agreed Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) and highlights the absence of provisions on trade and sustainability, including labour and social standards, environmental and climate objectives; calls on the Commission to analyse the impacts of the RCEP on the EU presence in the region;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5 h. Reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to start the scoping exercise and formally launch the negotiations with Taiwan for an Investment Agreement;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the entry into force of the EU-China Agreement on geographical indications (GIs), and reiterates the importance of effective and exemplary implementation of the Agreement; underlines that this limited agreement on GIs could serve as a model and basis for future GIs agreements; highlights the crucial role that the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) will play in monitoring and improving compliance with this Agreement; calls on the CTEO to react immediately in the event that the Agreement is not implemented correctly.
Amendment 10 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the new EU Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials and stresses that EUthe EU's trade policy can plays a key role as a vehicle for improving EU access to these materials; notes that the COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the lack of resilience of global value chains for certain key products, showing the need for more robust and resilient supply chains for critical raw materials;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that demand for raw materialsWelcomes the Commission's flagship policies of the green and the digital transition, notes that critical raw materials have an important role to play in facilitating these transitions and that their demand is projected to double by 2050; andcknowledges that an increase in demand globally is likely to lead to an increase in price and encourages the Commission to present analysis on this point; believes that this analysis should be complemented by a strong communication strategy, explaining potential trade-offs to citizens; notes that the EU is highly reliant on non- EU countries for critical raw materials, making diversified sourcing essential to increase the EU’s security of supply; calls, therefore, on the Commission to diversify the supply sources of critical raw materials as much as possible, and reduce current reliance on a few countries; calls on the Commission to focus also on securing supplies by establishing strategic stocks and appropriate stockpiling of critical raw materials in Europe, particularly in light of the uncertainties linked to the evolution of the geopolitical situation worldwide and the potential trade tensions with rich non-EU producer countrcontinue monitoring the EU's strategic dependencies in order to identify potential vulnerabilities, and conduct a detailed analysis on the role strategic stockpiles could play in addressing these vulnerabilities;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that future EU free trade agreements (FTAs) should include a specific focus onprovisions on critical raw materials; calls on the Commission to further enhance the enforcement of FTAs to ensure that commitments and obligations on responsible sourcing of critical raw materials are met by trading partners; calls on the Commission to strengthen cooperation on sustainable sourcing of critical raw materials with third countries, particularly with likeminded partners such as the US, under existing and future EU policies and instruments, including enlargement, neighbourhood, development and cooperation policies, as well as in its engagement at the WTO;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that a fully functioning rules-based multilateral trading system is also key to ensuring open trade flows of critical raw materials; renews its call on the Commission, in this regard, to pursuexpresses concern at the use of export restrictions on critical raw materials by some WTO Members, including China, and urges all Members to refrain from pursuing such policies; renews its call on the Commission to redouble its efforts for the modernisation, strengthening and substantial reactivation of the World Trade Organization to fight distortions of provide a stable and predictable international tradeing environment and guarantee effectivefair competition worldwide;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that the EU's trade policy consists of multilateral and bilateral engagement, as well as autonomous measures and therefore; - welcomes the Commission's public commitment to introduce a legislative proposal on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability in 2021 and insists that this legislation contribute towards addressing abuses of human rights, social and environment standards in value chains; - calls on the Commission to explore new technological solutions for improving traceability in global value chains and recalls that blockchain technology can contribute towards this goal; - welcomes also the preparatory work towards a WTO-compliant Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism which, once introduced, will further contribute to the sustainability of value chains;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomesAgrees with the Commission’s proposal toassessment that shifting EU import payments for critical raw materials from other international currencies to the euro, so as to achieve lowerwould have some advantages such as reducing levels of price volatility and help to break the dependence ofing make EU importers and third- country exporters less dependent on US dollar funding markets.
Amendment 66 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas violence is the most extreme form of gender inequality; whereas gender-based violence is to be understood as an extreme form of discrimination and a violation of human rights;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas violence against women and girls presents different not mutually exclusive forms, including cyberviolence; whereas Plan International estimated that of 14,000 women and girls in 31 countries more than half (58%) had been harassed and abused online;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on EU missions and delegations and on the Member States to cooperate closely in the implementation of GAP III; calls on the Commission to strengthen synergies with the United Nations, partner countries and international stakeholders, to jointly advance and reach international targets related to gender equality in the Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action, and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and its review conferences;
Amendment 200 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for funding for local women’s organisations to be increased; condemns all moves to clamp down on women’s rights activists, including women’s human rights defenders, and urges all governments to protect, support and cooperate with civil society;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. WNotes with appreciation that gender equality is considered in the Gender Action Plan III a cross-cutting priority of the EU external action in its policy and programming work; welcomes the fact that 85% of all new external actions will be required to incorporate gender as a significant or principal objective; stresses that the objectives set should also be quantified in terms of dedicated funding and not just a percentage of the overall programmes;
Amendment 233 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls forWelcomes that the first area of engagement of the Gender Action Plan III focuses on eliminating all forms of gender based-violence; notes that almost one in three women globally (around an estimated 736 million) have been subjected to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life; calls for coordinated and holistic action to combat femicide and all types of violence against women and girls to be stepped up in the EU’s development initiatives;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points out that the victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation are mainly women and girls; calls for greater leadership and monitoring from the European Commission and Member States and increased international cooperation to end the practices resulting in such forms of enslavement;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates that the COVID-19 crisis is affecting women’s access to the labour market; stresses the need for the inclusion of a gender dimension in all COVID-19 recovery plans and Team Europe initiatives;
Amendment 354 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for GAP III to promote women’s economic activity and their access to the necessary resources and social protection; calls on the Commission and Member States to support and promote gender-responsive social protection mechanisms, including cash transfers, to enhance the capacity of partner countries in responding to crises and external shocks; calls for measures to help make women more employable and provide them with business opportunities;
Amendment 365 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Amendment 379 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Points out that women are facing increasing inequalities due to the current economic and food crises, particularly in rural areas; notes with concern that women are greater affected by food insecurity than men; reiterates that the right to food for women and girls must be a priority in the EU's development action; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote specific initiatives in this regard;
Amendment 403 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that women are under- represented at every level of political and public life; calls for programme funding to promote the training and participation of women, including supporting community level participatory approaches and specific educational activities for girls and young women;
Amendment 439 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. SPoints out that women are disproportionately affected by conflict related sexual violence and other human rights violations with impunity, including higher risk of trafficking; stresses the need to ensure that women and girls who have suffered sexual violence in conflict zones receive holistic care and treatment;
Amendment 460 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. ANotes that climate change is not gender neutral, as it acts as an amplifier of existing inequalities, especially in fragile environments; appreciates the EU’s determination to address gender issues in the context of the green transition, given the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls; stresses the need of including, listening and empowering women and girls in the design of effective approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation in partner countries;
Amendment 470 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Points out that women are at the forefront when it comes to expertise in the fields of agriculture, climate and biodiversity; calls for them to be given support in the form of funding, legislative framework provisions and access to resources; reiterates the role of gender responsive adaptation, including climate- smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, circular economy and sustainable management of natural resources;
Amendment 483 #
2021/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for women and girls, especially those living in rural areas, to be given better access to digital tools and training in the use thereof and for measures to be taken to promote their advancement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM professions);
Amendment 403 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) Being the entry and exit points for the land infrastructure of the trans- European transport network, maritime ports play an important role as cross-border multimodal nodes which serve not only as transport hubs, but also as gateways for trade, industrial clusters and energy hubs, for example with regard to the deployment of on-shore and off-shore wind installations.
Amendment 414 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46 a (new)
Recital 46 a (new)
(46a) Maritime seaports are clean energy hubs of the future and important facilitators of the energy transition across Europe. In their role as energy hubs, maritime seaports play a key role in realising the EU’s climate objectives for 2030 and 2050, as well as the ambitions outlined in the REPowerEU plan.
Amendment 415 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46 b (new)
Recital 46 b (new)
(46b) Maritime seaports increasingly take up new responsibilities and are involved in new services, such as sustainable energy production, research on the blue economy, and military mobility. In their role as multi-service actors, maritime seaports can substantially contribute to a sustainable, digital and resilient European economy.
Amendment 1124 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. A maritime port shallIn order to be part of the comprehensive network where, a maritime port shall meet at least one of the following conditions is met:
Amendment 1141 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. It is considered by its Member State as a critical node for the supply of renewable energy in the EU and is considered to be instrumental to reach the ambitions of REPowerEU.
Amendment 1146 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 b (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. The total annual wind energy volume, derived from both onshore and offshore wind, imported through the maritime port exceeds 0.1% of the total annual wind energy deployed by the Union. The reference amount for this volume is the latest available five-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat.
Amendment 82 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
Having regard to the development cooperation objectives pursuant to Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 87 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
Amendment 88 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Many stakeholders consider the term ‘non-financial’ to be inaccurate, in particular because it implies that the information in question has no financial relevance. Increasingly, however, the information in question does have financial relevance. Many organisations, initiatives and practitioners in this field refer to ‘sustainability’ information. It is therefore preferable to use the term ‘sustainability information’ in place of ‘non-financial information’. Directive 2013/34/EU should therefore be amended to take account of this change in terminology and to align sustainability reporting standards with financial reporting standards.
Amendment 91 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The ultimate beneficiaries of better sustainability reporting by undertakings are individual citizens and savers. .Savers who want to invest sustainably will have the opportunity to do so, while all citizens should benefit from a stable, transparent, sustainable and inclusive economic system. To realise these benefits, the sustainability information disclosed in undertaking’s annual reports first has to reach two primary groups (‘users’). The first group of users consists of investors, including asset managers, who want to better understand the risks and opportunities that sustainability issues pose to their reputation and investments and the impacts of those investments on people, in particular workers and local communities, and the environment. The second group of users consists of organisations, including international organisations, national, regional and local governments, non- governmental organisations, as well as communities and social partners, that wish to better hold undertakings to account for their impacts on people and the environment. Other stakeholders may also make use of sustainability information disclosed in annual reports. The business partners of undertakings, including customers, may rely on this information to understand, and where necessary report on, the sustainability risks and impacts through their own value chains. Policy makers, social partners, non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies may use such information, in particular on an aggregate basis, to monitor environmental and social trends, to contribute to environmental accounts and social progress, and to inform public policy. Few individual citizens and consumers directly consult undertaking’s reports, but they may use such information indirectly such as when considering the advice or opinions of financial advisers or non-governmental organisations. Many investors and asset managers purchase sustainability information from third party data providers, who collect information from various sources, including public corporate reports.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) There has been a very significant increase in demand for corporate sustainability information in recent years, especially on the part of the investment community. That increase in demand is driven by the changing nature of risks to undertakings and growing investor awareness of the financial implications of these risks. That is especially the case for climate-related financial risks. Awareness of the risks to undertakings and to investments resulting from other environmental issues and from social issues, including health issues, is also growing. The increase in demand for sustainability information is also driven by the growth in investment products that explicitly seek to meet certain sustainability standards or achieve certain sustainability objectives. Part of that increase is the logical consequence of previously adopted Union legislation, notably Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 and Regulation (EU) 2020/852. Some of the increase would have happened in any case, due to fast-changing citizen awareness, consumer preferences and market practices. The COVID-19 pandemic will further accelerate the increase in users’ information needs, in particular as it has exposed the vulnerabilities of workers and of undertaking’s due diligence along the supply and value chains. Information on environmental impacts is also relevant in the context of mitigating future pandemics with human disturbance of ecosystems increasingly linked to the occurrence and spread of diseases.
Amendment 98 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In the absence of policy action, the gap between users’ information needs and the sustainability information reported by undertakings is expected to grow. This gap has significant negative consequences. Investors are unable to take sufficient account of sustainability-related risks and opportunities in their investment decisions. The aggregation of multiple investment decisions that do not take adequate account of sustainability-related risks has the potential to create systemic risks that threaten financial stability. The European Central Bank and international organisations such as the Financial Stability Board have drawn attention to those systemic risks, in particular in the case of climate. Investors are also less able to channel financial resources to undertakings and economic activities that address and do not exacerbate social and environmental problems, which undermines the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Action Plan on Financing Sustainable Growth. Non- governmental organisations, social partners, communities affected by undertakings’ activities, and other stakeholders are less able to hold undertakings accountable for their adverse impacts on people, the environment and on the environmentrule of law and good governance systems, especially in developing countries where the institutions that are in charge of defending and protecting those organisations, social partners, communities and other stakeholders are often lacking in capacities. This creates an accountability deficit, and may contribute to lower levels of citizen trust in businesses, which in turn may have negative impacts on the efficient functioning of the social market economy. The lack of generally accepted metrics and methods for measuring, valuing, and managing sustainability-related risks is also an obstacle to the efforts of undertakings to ensure that their business models and activities are sustainable.
Amendment 103 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Articles 19a and 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU apply to large undertakings that are public-interest entities with an average number of employees in excess of 500, and to public-interest entities that are parent undertakings of a large group with an average number of employees in excess of 500 on a consolidated basis, respectively. In view of the growth of users’ needs for sustainability information, additional categories of undertakings should be required to report such information. It is therefore appropriate to require all large undertakings and all undertakings listed on regulated markets, except micro undertakings, to report detailed susall small and medium sized undertakinability information. In addition, all undertakings that are parent undertakings of large groups should prepare sustainability reporting at group levelgs operating in high risk sectors as well as undertakings established outside the Union, but operating in the internal market, to report detailed sustainability information.
Amendment 111 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) The specific situation of undertakings which, although not having any legal establishment in the Union, regularly engage in significant economic activity within the Union, should be taken into account. Such undertakings should be subject to the same obligations as those established in the territory of the Union.
Amendment 113 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Considering the growing relevance of sustainability-related risks and taking into account that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on regulated markets comprise a significant proportion of all listed undertakings in the Union, in order to ensure investor protection as well as due diligence with regard to the environment, human rights and good governance, it is appropriate to require that also those SMEs disclose information on sustainability matters. It is also appropriate to require all SMEs operating in high risk sectors of economic activity to carry out sustainability reporting, defined as those sectors with a significant impact on human rights, the environment and good governance. The introduction of this requirement will help to ensure that financial market participants can include smaller listed undertakings in investment portfolios on the basis that they report the sustainability information that financial market participants need. It will therefore help to protect and enhance the access of smaller listed undertakings to financial capital, and avoid discrimination against such undertakings on the part of financial market participants. The introduction of this requirement is also necessary to ensure that financial market participants have the information they need from investee undertakings to be able to comply with their own sustainability disclosure requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. SMEs listed on regulated markets should, however, be provided with sufficient time to prepare for the application of the requirement to report sustainability information, due to their smaller size and more limited resources, and taking account of the difficult economic circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. They should also be given the possibility to report according to standards that are proportionate to the capacities and resources of SMEs. Non- SMEs not carrying out high risk economic activities and non-listed SMEs can also choose to use these proportionate standards on a voluntary basis. The SME standards will set a reference for undertakings that are within the scope of the Directive regarding the level of sustainability information that they could reasonably request from SME suppliers and clients in their value chains.
Amendment 115 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18 a) Certain sectors of economic activity are recognised as posing particularly significant sustainability risks. In order to ensure that this Directive can also apply to such high-risk sectors of economic activity they should be defined and the power to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in respect of establishing a list of high-risk sectors of economic activity should be delegated to the Commission. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry 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-Making. In particular, to ensure their equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, Parliament and the Council should receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts should systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. Small and medium sized undertakings carrying out a high risk economic activity should also be subject to sustainability reporting obligations.
Amendment 117 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Articles 19a(3) and 29a(3) of Directive 2013/34/EU currently exempt all subsidiary undertakings from the obligation to report non-financial information where such undertakings and their subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated management report of their parent undertaking, as defined in that Directive, provided this includes the required non-financial information. It is necessary, however, to ensure that sustainability information is easily accessible for users, and to bring transparency about which is the parent undertaking of the exempted subsidiary undertaking which is reporting at consolidated lethe activities of all the undertakings covered by the scope of that Directivel. It is therefore necessary to require those subsidiary undertakings to publish the consolidateda management report of their parent undertaking and to include a reference in their management report to the fact that they are exempted from reporting sustainacontaining information on sustainability. The absence of an exemption does not affect the possibility information. That exemption should also apply where the parent undertaking reporting at consolidated level is a third country under a parent undertaking to pool costs and resources with its subsidiaries in order for them to fulfil their obligations concerning sustakingability reporting sustainability information in accordance with the requirements of this Directive or in a manner equivalent to EU sustainability reporting standardsand auditing of sustainability reporting. Nor does it affect the possibility for parent undertakings to produce a consolidated management report.
Amendment 121 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
Amendment 124 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The list of sustainability matters on which undertakings are required to report should be as coherent as possible withbuilt on the definition of ‘sustainability factors’ laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. That list should also correspond to the needs and expectations of users and undertakings themselves, who often use the terms ‘environmental’, ‘social’ and ‘governance’ as a means to categorise the three main sustainability matters. The list of sustainability factors laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 does not explicitly include governance matters. The definition of sustainability matters in Directive 2013/34/EU should therefore be based on the definition of ‘sustainability factors’ laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, but with the addition of governance matters. That definition should also be fully aligned with the international definition of ‘due diligence’ in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and corresponding guidance that this Directive assumes and should take into account the definitions provided by the Parliament in its resolution of 10 March 2021 on Corporate due diligence and corporate accountability. The due diligence requirements provided for in this Directive should be adapted so that they are in line with future legislation on sustainable corporate governance and due diligence.
Amendment 133 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To ensure consistency with international instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the UNGPs 10+, and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, as well as other regional instruments such as the Inter-American Standards for Business and human rights, the due diligence disclosure requirements should be specified in greater detail than is the case in Article 19a(1), point (b), and Article 29a(1), point (b) of Directive 2013/34/EU. Due diligence is the process that undertakings carry out to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate the principal actual and potential adverse impacts connected with their activities and identifies how they address those adverse impacts. Impacts connected with an undertaking’s activities include impacts directly caused by the undertaking, impacts to which the undertaking contributes, and impacts which are otherwise linked to the undertaking’s supply and value chain. The due diligence process concerns the whole value chain of the undertaking including its own operations, its products and services, its business relationships and its supply chains. In alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, an actual or potential adverse impact is to be considered principal where it measures among the greatest impacts connected with the undertaking’s activities based on: the gravity of the impact on people or the environment; the number of individuals that are or could be affected, or the scale of damage to the environment; and the ease with which the harm could be remediated, restoring the environment or affected people to their prior state. With regard to the impacts on the rule of law and governance systems of the country where the undertaking and its value and supply chains are operating, consistency and coherence should also be pursued with other international and regional instruments, such as the UN Convention against Corruption, Section VII of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the principles of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and related Recommendations.
Amendment 143 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) is a non-profit association established under Belgian law that serves the public interest by providing advice to the Commission on the endorsement of international financial reporting standards. EFRAG has established a reputation as a European centre of expertise on corporate reporting, and is well placed to foster coordination between European sustainability reporting standards and international initiatives that seek to develop standards that are consistent across the world. In March 2021, a multi-stakeholder task force set up by EFRAG published recommendations for the possible development of sustainability reporting standards for the European Union. Those recommendations contain proposals to develop a coherent and comprehensive set of reporting standards, covering all sustainability matters from a double-materiality perspective. Those recommendations also contain a detailed roadmap for developing such standards, and proposals for mutually reinforcing cooperation between global standard- setting initiatives and standard-setting initiatives of the European Union. In March 2021, the EFRAG President published recommendations for possible governance changes to EFRAG if it were to be asked to develop technical advice about sustainability reporting standards. These recommendations include offsetting up within EFRAG a new sustainability reporting pillar while not significantly modifying the existing financial reporting pillar. When adopting sustainability reporting standards, the Commission should take account of technical advice that EFRAG will develop. In order to ensure high-quality standards that contribute to the European public good and meet the needs of undertakings and of users of the information reported, EFRAG’s technical advice should be developed with proper due process, public oversight and transparency, accompanied by cost benefit analyses, and be based on and developed with the expertise of relevant stakeholdersa broad consultation involving social partners, consumer organisations, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders such as international organisations or governments from countries where the undertaking or its value and supply chain will operate in order to represent the interests of both groups of users referred to in Recital 8 of this Directive. To ensure that Union sustainability reporting standards take account of the views of the Member States of the Union, before adopting the standards the Commission should consult the Member State Expert Group on Sustainable Finance referred to in Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 on EFRAG’s technical advice. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) plays a role in drafting regulatory technical standards pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 and there needs to be coherence between those regulatory technical standards and sustainability reporting standards. According to Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council54 , ESMA also plays a role in promoting supervisory converge in the enforcement of corporate reporting by issuers whose securities are listed on EU regulated markets and who will be required to use these sustainability reporting standards. Therefore, ESMA should be required to provide an opinion on EFRAG’s technical advice. This opinion should be provided within two months from the date of receipt of the request from the Commission. In addition, the Commission should consult the European Banking Authority, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, the European Environment Agency, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Central Bank, the Committee of European Auditing Oversight Bodies and the Platform on Sustainable Finance to ensure that the sustainability reporting standards are coherent with relevant Union policy and legislation. Where any of those bodies decide to submit an opinion, they shall do so within two months from the date of being consulted by the Commission. _________________ 54Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84).
Amendment 145 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Sustainability reporting standards should be coherent with other Union legislation. Those standards should in particular be aligned with the disclosure requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, and they should take account of underlying indicators and methodologies set out in the various delegated acts adopted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2020/852, disclosure requirements applicable to benchmark administrators pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 of the European Parliament and of the Council55 , the minimum standards for the construction of EU climate transition benchmarks and EU Paris-aligned benchmarks; and of any work carried out by the European Banking Authority in the implementation of the Pillar III disclosure requirements of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. Standards should take account of Union environmental legislation, including Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council56 and Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council57 , and should take account of Commission Recommendation 2013/179/EU58 and its annexes, and their updates. OAll other relevant Union legislation, including Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council59 , and requirements laid down in Union law for undertakings as regards directors’ duties and due diligence, should also be taken into account. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2014/17/EU and Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (OJ L 171, 29.6.2016, p. 1). 56Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 57Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS), repealing Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 and Commission Decisions 2001/681/EC and 2006/193/EC (OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p. 1). 58Commission Recommendation 2013/179/EU 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). 59 Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17).
Amendment 152 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) Sustainability reporting standards should also take account of internationally recognised principles and frameworks on responsible business conduct, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and its guidance on ensuring that the activities of human rights defenders are not obstructed, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and related sectoral guidelines, the UN Global Compact, the Tripartite Declaration of Principles of the International Labour Organisation concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, the ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility, and the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. Other frameworks such as the UN Convention against Corruption, Section VII of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the principles of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and related recommendations should also be taken into account.
Amendment 159 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Sustainability reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose on social factors, including employee factors and human rights. Such information should cover the impacts of undertakings on people, including on human health. The information that undertakings disclose about human rights should include information about forced labour in their value chains where relevantand child labour in their value and supply chains. Reporting standards that address social factors should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that are relevant to businesses, including equal opportunities for all and working conditions. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan adopted in March 2021 calls for stronger requirements on undertakings to report on social issues. The reporting standards should also specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. .
Amendment 166 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) Undertakings in the same sector are often exposed to similar sustainability- related risks, and they often have similar impacts on society and the environment. Comparisons between undertakings in the same sector are especially valuable to investors and other users of sustainability information. Sustainability reporting standards adopted by the Commission should therefore specify both information that undertakings in all sectors should disclose and information that undertakings should disclose depending on their sector of activity. Standards should also take account of the difficulties that undertakings may encounter in gathering information from actors throughout their value chain, especially from SME suppliers and, from suppliers in emerging markets and economies or suppliers operating in fragile contexts, as defined by the OECD's 'States of Fragility' report, conflict-related areas or affected by security concerns.
Amendment 167 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) To meet the information needs from users in a timely manner, and in particular given the urgency to meet the information needs of financial market participants subject to the requirements laid down in the delegated acts adopted pursuant to Article 4, paragraphs 6 and 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, the Commission should adopt a first set of reporting standards by 31 October 2022. That set of reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to all reporting areas and sustainability matters, and that financial market participants need to comply with the disclosure obligations laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2088. The Commission should adopt a second set of reporting standards at the latest by 31 October 2023, specifying complementary information that undertakings should disclose about sustainability matters and reporting areas where necessary, and information that is specific to the sector in which an undertaking operates. Standards for undertakings active in high risk sectors that have severe impacts as regards sustainability factors should be developed as a priority. The Commission should review the standards every 3 years to take account of relevant developments, including the development of international standards. A one-off review of the standards should take place following the adoption of the due diligence legislation, in order to ensure as close as possible alignment between corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence.
Amendment 179 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57 a (new)
Recital 57 a (new)
(57 a) A high level of independence should be ensured for sustainability reporting assurance operations by establishing the principle of incompatibility between a statutory audit engagement and an assurance of sustainability reporting engagement being carried out by the same statutory auditor or the same audit firm.
Amendment 182 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
(60) Article 27 of Directive 2006/43/EC sets out rules on the statutory audit of a group of undertakings. Those rules should be extended to the assurance of consolidated sustainability reporting, where the statutory auditor performs the statutory audit.
Amendment 188 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The coordination measures prescribed by Articles 19a, 19d, 29a, 30 and 33, Article 34(1), second subparagraph, point (aa), paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 34, and Article 51 of this Directive shall also apply to the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the following undertakings, provided that they meet the criteria laid down in Article 19a(1) of this Directive, regardless of their legal form:
Amendment 193 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 17
Article 2 – point 17
(17) ‘sustainability matters’ means sustainability factors as defined in Article 2, point (24) of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council\*4, namely respect for environmental, social and employee issues, human rights and governance factors;
Amendment 196 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 20a (new)
Article 2 – point 20a (new)
(20 a) ‘high-risk economic activity sector’ means economic activities likely to have serious negative impacts on sustainability matters, namely respect for human rights, the environment, social and employee issues, good governance and the rule of law of countries, regions and territories where the undertaking or its supply chains operate;
Amendment 201 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 20b (new)
Article 2 – point 20b (new)
(20 b) ‘Specific science-based measurable targets’ means indicators which take into account the UN programme ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, reports and analyses of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the Sustainable Development Goals and the EU’s ‘Europe 2020 strategy’.
Amendment 202 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(20 c) ‘sustainability strategy’ means the undertaking’s plans of action to achieve long term SDGs and targets in line with the UN 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and other relevant international commitments, as well as Union policies and legislation. It includes corporate due diligence processes aimed at identifying and managing the potential or actual adverse risks and impacts linked to sustainability matters.
Amendment 205 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 1
Article 19a – paragraph 1
1. Large undertakings and, as of 1 January 2026, small and medium-sized undertakings which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a undertakings referred to in Article 3(7) which are governed by the law of a third country and are not established in the territory of the Union when they operate in the internal market selling goods or providing services under the arrangements set out in Article 19b(1), and, as of 1 January 2026, small and medium-sized undertakings which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a), and small and medium-sized undertakings referred to in Article 3(3) which operate in one or more of the high risk economic activities referred to in Article 19a (8), shall include in the management report information necessary to understand the undertaking’s impacts on sustainability matters, and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters affect the undertaking’s development, performance and position.
Amendment 209 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Directive 2013/34/EU
(a) a brief description of the undertaking's business model and strategy and its implementation, including:
Amendment 212 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point a – sub–point ii
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point a – sub–point ii
(ii) the opportunities and risks for the undertaking related to sustainability matters;
Amendment 216 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 point a – sub–point iii a (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 point a – sub–point iii a (new)
(iii a) how the business model and strategies contribute to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development in the developing countries where the undertaking or its supply and value chains operate;
Amendment 219 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – sub–point iv
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – sub–point iv
(iv) how the undertaking’s business model and strategy take account of the interests and needs of the undertaking’s stakeholders and of thrisk management and of the principal actual or potential adverse impacts of the undertaking on sustainability matters along the entire supply and value chain;
Amendment 221 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – sub–point v
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a – sub–point v
(v) how the undertaking’s sustainability strategy has been implemented and the results achieved with regard to sustainability matters;
Amendment 224 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a description of the targets related to sustainability matters set by the undertaking and of, the actions to be taken to successfully achieve those targets, the progress the undertaking has made towards achieving those targets and where relevant, an analysis of the lack of progress in relation to those targets and corrective measures;
Amendment 229 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) a description of the role and the composition of the administrative, management and supervisory bodies with regard to sustainability matters;
Amendment 232 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point e – subpoint i
Article 19a – paragraph 2 – point e – subpoint i
(i) the due diligence process implemented with regard to sustainability matters in particular regarding human rights, social rights, rule of law and good governance systems and environmental due diligence along the entire supply and value chain, in accordance with international and regional human rights conventions, guidelines and standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the ILO fundamental conventions and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The reporting requirements as regards due diligence shall be based on the upcoming legislation on corporate due diligence;
Amendment 237 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(ii) the principal actual or potential adverse impacts on sustainability matters connected with the undertaking’s value chain, as identified in the implementation of the due diligence strategy, including its own operations, its products and, services and assets, its business relationships, its subsidiaries and its supply chain;
Amendment 250 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Article 19a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 253 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph –1 (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph –1 (new)
3 a. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be published in a specific section of the management report and in a formal equivalent to, and consistent with, that laid down for the publication of financial statements.
Amendment 256 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 6a (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 6a (new)
6 a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 49 to establish and amend the list of high-risk sectors of economic activity set out in Article 19a(1). In establishing that list the Commission shall take into account the work of the Platform on Sustainable Finance established in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, including for mining, extractive industries, agriculture, clothing and footwear, finance and international shipping, as well as other relevant UN bodies’ guidance on specific sectors. The list of sectors taken into account in this definition shall take account of the need to be consistent with the NACE classification.
Amendment 257 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 261 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 2
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 2
The consolidated management report of the parent undertaking referred to in subparagraph 1 shall be published in accordance with Article 30, in the manner prescribed by the law of the Member State by which the undertaking that is exempted from the obligations set out inwhich meets the requirements referred to paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article is governed.
Amendment 264 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 3
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 3
The Member State by whichwhere the undertaking that is exempted from the obligations set outwhich meets the requirements referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 is governed, may require that the consolidated management report referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraphof a parent undertaking referred is published in an official language of the Member State or in a language customary in the sphere of international finance, and that any necessary translation into those languages is certified.
Amendment 267 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 4 – point b
Article 19a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 4 – point b
Amendment 276 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – sub point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – sub point ii
(ii) information that undertakings shall report that is specific to the sector in which they operate. Standards for undertakings operating in high risk sectors shall be adopted as a priority.
Amendment 278 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – subpoint ii a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – subpoint ii a (new)
(ii a) the specific measurable objectives based on scientific evidence set out in Article 2, point (20b);
Amendment 279 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – subpoint ii b (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – subpoint ii b (new)
(ii b) the criteria and implementing information rules for sustainability reporting for small and medium-sized undertakings referred to in Article 19(a)1;
Amendment 280 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – sub point ii c (new)
Article 19 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – sub point ii c (new)
(ii c) the criteria and implementing rules for sustainability reporting for undertakings referred to in Article 3(7), which are governed by the law of a third country and are not established in the territory of the Union when they operate in the internal market selling goods or providing services;
Amendment 282 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – point b
The Commission shall, at least every three years after its date of application, review any delegated act adopted pursuant to this Article, taking into consideration the technical advice of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), and where necessary shall amend such delegated act to take into account relevant developments, including developments with regard to international standards. In addition, the Commission shall carry out a one-off review of the aforementioned delegated acts following the adoption of the upcoming legislation on corporate due diligence.
Amendment 312 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – sub point iii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – sub point iii
(iii) respect for the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO fundamental conventions and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 320 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – sub point i
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – sub point i
(i) the role of the undertaking’s administrative, management and supervisory bodies, including with regard to sustainability matters and proper implementation of the due diligence strategy, and their composition;
Amendment 322 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 –subparagraph 2 – point c – sub point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 –subparagraph 2 – point c – sub point ii
(ii) business ethics and corporate culture, including anti-corruption and anti- brib, anti- bribery, anti-workplace violence, anti- harassment and internal arrangements within the undertaking for protecting whistleblowerys;
Amendment 327 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point iii a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point iii a (new)
(iii a) management and quality of the relationships with state actors and in particular with public administrations, and information on public administrative procedural practices, including public procurement;
Amendment 330 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – subpoint v
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – subpoint v
(v) the undertaking’s internal control and risk management systems, including in relation to the undertaking’s reporting process and implementation of the due diligence strategy.
Amendment 331 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point v a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c – point v a (new)
Amendment 343 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) a description of the diversity policy applied in relation to the undertaking's administrative, management and supervisory bodies with regard to gender and other aspects such as, age, or educational and professional backgrounds, the objectives of that diversity policy, how it has been implemented and the results in the reporting period. If no such policy is applied, the statement shall contain an explanation as to why this is the case.;
Amendment 345 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 1
Article 29a – paragraph 1
1. Parent undertakings of a large group shall include in the consolidated management report information necessary to understand the group's impacts on sustainability matters, and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters affect the group's development, performance and position. This information shall be published in a specific section of the management report and in a format equivalent to, and compatible with, that laid down for the publication of the financial statements.
Amendment 355 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – sub paragraph 1 – point a – point v
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – sub paragraph 1 – point a – point v
(v) how the group’s strategy has been implemented with regard to sustainability matters including the group's measures to ensure decent work, fair wages, training and further education for workers, information and consultation of workers;
Amendment 362 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
Article 29a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) the due diligence process implemented with regard to sustainability matters, in particular regarding human rights, social rights, rule of law and good governance systems and environmental due diligence along the entire supply and value chain, in accordance with international and regional human rights conventions, guidelines and standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the ILO fundamental conventions and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The reporting requirements as regards due diligence shall be based upon the upcoming legislation on corporate due diligence;
Amendment 376 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Article 29a – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 380 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 29a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 29a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 387 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 388 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a – point ii
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a – point ii
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point aa
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point aa
(aa) where applicable, express an opinion based on a limitedreasonable assurance engagement as regards the compliance of the sustainability reporting with the requirements of this Directive, including the compliance of the sustainability reporting with the reporting standards adopted pursuant to Article 19b, the process carried out by the undertaking to identify the information reported pursuant to those reporting standards, and the compliance with the requirement to mark- up sustainability reporting in accordance with Article 19d, and as regards the compliance with the reporting requirements of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852.;
Amendment 389 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point b
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
3. Member States mayshall allow an independent assurance services provider to express the opinion referred to in paragraph 1, second subparagraph, point (aa), provided that it is subject to requirements that are consistent with those set out in Directive 2006/43/EC as regards the assurance of sustainability reporting as defined in Article 2(1), point (r) of that Directive.
Amendment 402 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 51a (new)
Article 51a (new)
1 a. Article 51a is added: Article 51a Cooperation with developing countries 1. Developing countries shall be consulted in the procedure of the Commission aimed at defining the sustainability reporting standards if there is a legitimate interest based on the fact that the undertaking or its supply and value chains operate in their territory. 2. Member States and the Commission shall step up cooperation with developing countries with a view to strengthening their institutional and legal systems to effectively implement and enforce corporate sustainability reporting in line with the international, regional and Union frameworks and standards. 3. Special support shall be provided to small and medium undertakings operating in high risks sectors in developing countries with a view to facilitating the implementation of sustainability reporting requirements of this Directive, including concerning undertakings’ value and supply chains.
Amendment 405 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 51 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 51 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States may include other penalties such as: (a) exclusion from entitlement to public benefits or aid; (b) temporary or permanent exclusion from access to public funding, including tender procedures, grants and concessions; (c) temporary or permanent disqualification from the practice of commercial activities.
Amendment 409 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 51 – paragraph 3 point e a (new)
Article 51 – paragraph 3 point e a (new)
Amendment 414 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/43/EC
Article 1
Article 1
This Directive establishes rules concerning the statutory audit of annual and consolidated accounts and the assurance of annual and consolidated sustainability reporting, where this is performed either by the statutory auditor or by the audit firm carrying out the statutory audit of financial statements.;
Amendment 415 #
2021/0104(COD)
(cc) sustainability reporting standards; as referred to in Article 19b of Directive 2013/34/EU;
Amendment 417 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Directive 2006/43/EC
Article 27 a – subparagraph 2 (new)
Article 27 a – subparagraph 2 (new)
The statutory auditor or the audit firm carrying out the statutory audit of an undertaking referred to in Article 19a(1) of Directive 2013/34/EU, or any member of the network to which the statutory auditor or the audit firm belongs, shall not, directly or indirectly provide to the audited entity, to its parent undertaking or to its controlled undertakings within the Union any assurance of sustainability reporting in : (a) the period between the beginning of the period audited and the issuing of the audited report; (b) the financial year immediately preceding the period referred to in point (a) of this subparagraph.
Amendment 418 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 – point e
Directive 2006/43/EC
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The audit report shall be signed and dated by the statutory auditor or by the audit firm carrying out the audit. Where an audit firm carries out the statutory audit and, where applicable, the assurance of sustainability reporting, the audit report shall bear the signature of at least the statutory auditor(s) carrying out the statutory audit and that of the auditor carrying out the assurance of sustainability reporting on behalf of the audit firm. Where more than one statutory auditor or audit firm have been simultaneously engaged, the audit report shall be signed by all statutory auditors or at least by the statutory auditors carrying out the statutory audit and the assurance of sustainability reporting on behalf of every audit firm. In exceptional circumstances Member States may provide that such signature(s) need not be disclosed to the public if such disclosure could lead to an imminent and significant threat to the personal security of any person.;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges a shift away from trade- oriented agricultural policies and towards support for food sovereignty and local and regional marketRecalls that sustainable food production and food security are essential pre-requisites for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement; Considers that the Farm to Fork Strategy should promote the global transition towards resilient, fair and sustainable agri-food systems, while also addressing the food and nutritional needs of partner countries; is of the opinion that a comprehensive approach is needed to meet these objectives, which recognises the role of trade, including at local and regional levels; calls for the EU to further develop the external dimension of the Farm to Fork Strategy, in close cooperation with Member States and partner countries; recalls that agroecology’s capacity to reconcile the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability has been widely recognised;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that EU funding for agriculturethe Farm to Fork Strategy must be in line with Agenda 2030 and prioritisesupport investments in agroecology, agroforestry and crop diversification; stresses the importance of preserving agricultural biodiversity, local animal and plant breeds and local varieties; emphasises the need to strengthen resilience to climate change, particularly among smallholder farmers;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
(1) Recalls the Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger by 2030; is deeply concerned that 265 million people worldwide were acutely food insecure in 2020 and that this figure could double as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; regrets that food and nutrition security are not a priority in the Team Europe approach despite the escalating food crisis; urges the EU to mobilise additional resources to secure nutritious, safe, affordable and high quality food, particularly for those left furthest behind;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that increasing vertical and horizontal concentration in the agri- food sector reinforces the industrial food and farming model; believes that the Green New Deal requires the creation of a new anti-trust environmentConsiders that the process of economic recovery offers an opportunity to better integrate small farmers and producers into local and regional markets and to develop more sustainable livelihoods; highlights the central role of women in agriculture and the need to fully engage them in efforts to create more sustainable agri-food systems; supports the boosting of regional trade, which presents opportunities for economic growth and diversification while also offering affordable food for consumers; calls for the EU to support capacity building for regional integration efforts, for example the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
Amendment 47 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EU to boost investments in the transition towards more sustainable agriculture in partner countries, for example by supporting innovative farming methods; considers that this could create new opportunities for employment and sustainable economic growth; calls for increased engagement with the private sector, including through blended finance, in this regard; underlines the key role of civil society in helping the poorest communities and smallholder farmers by linking them to training, resources, markets and value chains;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 66 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that EU free trade agreements (FTAs) should not disrupt local agriculture, damage small producers or exacerbate dependency on food imports; calls into question international trade rules which allow dumping through the WTO green boxand Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) can be beneficial for partner countries, by generating increased revenue for poverty reduction and essential services like health and education; recalls however, that the benefits of such agreements must be shared evenly and that they should support local agriculture and small producers; considers that the EU has an important role to play in promoting the upward convergence of standards on food safety and animal welfare in partner countries and facilitating their integration into global markets; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to ensure compliance of EU trade agreements with the Paris Agreement, and calls for market access in FTAs to be conditional on compliance with process and production methods criteria; ;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
(1) Welcomes moves by the EU to promote fairer and more sustainable value chains, including through mandatory legislation on due diligence; calls for continued efforts to ensure coherence between the EU’s trade and development policies, in line with the principle of policy coherence for sustainable development;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Denounces the EU’s double standards on pesticides, which allow the export from the EU of hazardous substances banned in the EU.Considers that the EU should support developing countries in ensuring the safe use of pesticides;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights the need for the EU to support the Committee on Food Security as the foremost multilateral policy platform on food systems; urges the EU and Member States to champion food security and sustainable agricultural development as priorities of the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the 'NWelcomes the Union's new Pact on Migration and Asylum' is a holistic attempt to; notes that this Pact addresses Europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside Europe and urges that, asylum, integration and border management challenges; deeply regrets the absence of legislative proposals on improving safe and legal pathways to the Union; reiterates however the need to tackle the external challenges of migration, such as political instability, poverty and violence; urges therefore, to continue addressing the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressedthrough a values- based approach;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Draws attention that the 'New Pact on Migration and Asylum' should revolve around responsibility and solidarity by creating a proper solidarity system among Member States; calls for overcoming the principle of the first country of arrival in favour of a more flexible mechanism; beneficiaries of international protection should be granted freedom of movement in the Schengen area;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls Member States’ right to determine their own that the Union has a shared competence for developing a common immigration policiesy; underlines that facilitating labour migration at Union level underminescan provide a complementary addition to Member States’ unique and diverse labour market policies; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not reduce illegal migration or human trafficking and will alleviate pressure on the Union's asylum system; considers that a fragmentation of labour migration regulations across the Union discourages the use of legal pathways; calls therefore on the Union and its Member States to establish harmonised application procedures;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the Member States must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an acceleratedmigrants who are not granted a stay in the Union or an entry to the Member States must be returned under humane conditions and that this should occur on a voluntary basis; stresses that the external borders procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejecteds should be considered as an optional tool and not as a mandatory practice to be used in normal times;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that no detention should be allowed where detention conditions are not compatible with human dignity; health and psychological care, access to interpretation, legal information and assistance by NGOs should always be provided;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. URecalls that the right to migrate is a human right; underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of theircan lead to a reduction of human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; considers circular migration, a more open visa policy, but also increasing funding of the Erasmus+ programme to be useful tools to tackle those risks; calls for the expansion of more alternatives for legal migration to the Union, by creating opportunities for academic exchanges through the Erasmus+ programme, apprenticeships and vocational training; calls for the future EU Talent Partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent EU pilot projects on legal migration;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Union to develop new and improve on existing safe and legal pathways to the Union, including labour migration policies as well as increased resettlement capacities and complementary pathways; welcomes the revised Union Blue Card Directive, but stresses that labour migration policies should also be developed for medium- and low-skilled workers;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls on the Union to strive for formal agreements with partner countries on migration mobility, return- and readmission in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Welcomes the EU Talent pool proposed by the Commission as a measure to attract global talent but regrets its limited scope; considers that the Union should strive to develop a more sustainable migration policy, including through circular migration and labour mobility agreements in its partnerships with third countries;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts, in close cooperation with relevant local governments as well as with UNHCR and IOM, to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migrationand human traffickers;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2255(INL)
6. Calls for the appropriate use of the NDICI-Global Europe to contribute to reducing migration flows byaddressing the root causes of migration by fighting poverty, stimulating economic growth and by enabling development in third countries; recalls that the NDICI- Global Europe covers a wide array of other Union migration-related policies which requires to be in line with the principle of policy coherence for sustainable development;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2255(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to involve all stakeholders in Europe and partner countries in the definition and evaluation of new and existing legal migration strategies; highlights the importance of religiousindependent civil society entities, which play a key role in partner countries, including in conflict resolution.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the decision of the UK government to pursue a hard Brexit upon its withdrawal of the UK from the EU was inevitably going to entail the disruptive disintegration of economic and trade ties and the divergence of regulatory regimes for operators, citizens and third-country trading partners;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the Protocol) is the only solution found with the UK, after four years of intense negotiations, to address the specific consequences for Northern Ireland of the UK’s decision to leave the EU single market and the customs union, and to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, the functioning of the all- island economy without a hard border and the integrity of the EU’s single market for goods, consumer protection and other areas;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. Whereas Brexit has never had cross-community support in Northern Ireland, whereas the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the Protocol) is the only solution found with the UK, after four years of intense negotiations, to address the specific consequences for Northern Ireland of the UK’s decision to leave the EU single market and the customs union, and to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement, the functioning of the all-island economy and the integrity of the EU’s single market;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU-UK’s Withdrawal Agreement, notably the Protocol and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), constitute a common framework for the UK’s trading relationship with the EU, whereas the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is predicated on the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and its Protocol, and implementation challenges under the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol are therefore inextricably linked to the TCA;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas it is necessary to preserve a level-playing field and legal certainty for businesses and citizens;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas a lack of implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement will have serious consequences for the entire EU- UK relationship, extending beyond the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas it is paramount to uphold international law and strengthen cooperation with likeminded countries and democratic allies on the basis of mutual trust, in particular given the current geopolitical and security context;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the consistent EU position that the Protocol will not be renegotiated and highlights that EU Member States and institutions remain united in this view; points out that renegotiation would only further increase legal uncertainty and lack of predictability for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes the recent resumption of talks between the EU and the UK following a pause in the talks since February 2022; regrets that the UK has not been willing to accept a satisfactory negotiated solution yet, despite the flexibility of the EU to engage on the Northern Ireland Protocol;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DStrongly deplores the publication on 13 June 2022 of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by the UK; calls on, which is an attempt to unilaterally override most parts of the Protocol; highlights the need to preserve the role of the European Court of Justice, which is necessary to interpret the applicable EU law; strongly rejects the proposed removal of the obligation for businesses in Northern Ireland to align with provisions in EU law; reaffirms the need for a level-playing field in the field of state-aid; and therefore urges the UK Parliament not to adopt the bill and calls on the UK Government to engage constructively with the Commission toand address practical trading issues within the legal framework of the Protocol.
Amendment 39 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 6 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and; demonstrate compliance with environmental, social and safety standards in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and promote the achievement of the SDGs;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of unregulated global supply chains, and that businesses with better environmental, social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes have weathered the crisis better;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers, even in high-risk sectors; notes that publicly listed companies, unlisted public companies and private companies registered in the EU may have different obligations under national law in regards to sustainable corporate governance; recalls the importance of levelling the playing field vis-a-vis companies registered outside of the EU;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop, disclose and implement a long- term corporate sustainability strategy for all aspects of the company’s operations, including its supply chainlocal and global supply chains; notes that adjustments to the composition of a board of directors, such as through the appointment of a member with knowledge of sustainable corporate governance, could increase compliance with these obligations; considers that the principle of proportionality should be applied to the likelihood of a breach of obligations rather than the size of the company; notes notwithstanding that all efforts should be made to reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls upon the Commission to review the impact of sustainable corporate governance obligations on financial institutions providing trade finance;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains.; calls on the Commission to explore an EU-level certification scheme for supply chains as part of its legislative proposal on due diligence; calls on the Commission to rapidly assess, following the principle of “one in, one out”, which existing regulation could be updated or replaced;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that Europe's 25 million small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy employing around 100 million people and accounting for more than half of Europe’s GDP; underlines that the proper functioning of the internal market and the creation of a capital market union remains an absolute priority for SMEs;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2131(INI)
1 a. Welcomes the new SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe, especially its focus on the EU’s twin transitions to a sustainable and digital economy as well as on reducing regulatory burden for SMEs and improving their market access and access to financing; believes that focusing on digital and innovative solutions will increase Europe’s global competitiveness as a whole;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Welcomes the European Union trade policy review responding to the new global challenges and taking into account the lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis; emphasizes that it must recognise the challenges faced by SMEs in international trade;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Encourages the Commission to fully support SMEs inUnderlines that global markets are a crucial source of growth for SMEs; notes however that only 600 000 SMEs export goods outside the EU; encourages the Commission to fully support SMEs and to effectively implement the new SME strategy in order to overcominge all barriers that prevent their access to third- countryinternational markets; requests therefore for the Commission to continue the inclusion of an SME chapter in every trade agreement; underlines the need for the effective enforcement of trade agreements as a priority task of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO); welcomes the recent appointment of the first CTEO and highlights its important role in ensuring that SMEs get maximum value from EU trade agreements;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights the significance of the ongoing plurilateral WTO negotiations on e-commerce; calls for a comprehensive and ambitious set of rules, to facilitate the free flow of data across borders while guaranteeing European data protection standards, to address digital trade barriers including data localisation requirements and ensure that businesses, especially SMEs, can compete globally on a level playing field;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to be more active in its support of national and regional export agencies in order to allow SMEs to overcome the information gap and take better advantage of trade agreements; opines, in this respect, that the Commission could set up an SME internationalisation platform to monitor progress; recalls that the EU Delegations also have a crucial role in providing support by addressing queries and practical difficulties of SMEs linked to the implementation of FTAs;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to take greaterinto account of the role of SMEsSME specifities in all chapters of trade and investment negotiations, including when it comes to negotiating public procurement chapters in trade agreements; welcomes the announcement from the Commission that it will launch a new information portal on customs procedures and formalitiesto raise awareness of SMEs on trade policies and provide detailed information on customs procedures and formalities for exporting to third countries; asks the Commission to reach out to businesses at the earliest possible stage when setting up new information portals or improving already existing ones to ensure that the information needs of SMEs in particular can be met in a practical way; calls on the Commission to deliver on its objective of launching a self-assessment tool for rules of origin to help SMEs assess whether a product benefits from preferences under a given trade agreement; reiterates, in this context also the importance of streamlined and simplified rules of origin;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the EU’s safeguard and trade defence instrumentstrade toolbox in order to better protect European industrybusinesses, in particular when it affects sectors with a majority of SMEs; urges the Commission to raise more awareness among stakeholders about trade defence instruments (TDI) and increase its support to SMEs in facilitating their access to TDIs.
Amendment 12 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. AcknowledgeHighlights that there is sufficient strong evidence that shows that the voluntary efforts of Union companies tocompanies domiciled or operating in the Union to identify, prevent and, mitigate and account for the negative impacts of their behaviour on developing countries have failednot been sufficient, as violations of the human rights of individuals, in particular worker’s rightsmen and children, and of local communities are still taking place at the end of the supply chainthroughout the supply chain, as are violations of environmental standards and corruption abuses; acknowledges that there is growing political, public and private sector support for Union legislation on due diligence to level the playing field, as responsible companies are currently competing with less scrupulous ones;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that there is strong need for a mandatory, harmonised framework at Union level to contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, and to ensure a level playing field for business and welcomes; calls on the Commission’ to step up its ongoing work on legislation requiring that Union companies domiciled or operating in the Union conduct due diligence on respect for human rights and environmental obligations throughout their supply chains; insists on the importance of consultation with developing countries and civil society organisations in both the Union and developing countries;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that all human rights should be covered by the future legislation; considers that emphasis should be placed on workers and trade union rights, women, children or, in particular women and children, trade union rights and the rights of indigenous people; stresseinsists that full alignment with existing legal obligations and standards at European and international level should be sought; is of the opinion that the legislation should address all types of human rights abuses;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Strongly believes that future legislation should also mandate environmental due diligence, to ensure compliance with Union and internationally recognised environmental standards and rights, including on climate change and biodiversity;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the obligation to respect and protect human rights, the environmental standards and to avoid the risk of corruption, should be embedded throughout whole global value chains, products, services and business relationships;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors, to all types of enterprises, whether public or private, and of all size across the Union; considers that the focus should be placed on the riskss domiciled or operating in the Union, while upholding the principle of proportionality; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks and that there should be positive incentives for companies that can demonstrate high levels of compliance with the ambitions of the new legislation;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is of the opinion that the future legislation should establish mandatory and effective corporate due diligence processes covering all violations linked to companies’ activities and their business relationships, including their supply and subcontracting chains, and should include a duty to report activities accordingly;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need to design a sound monitoring and accountability system and to provide competent authorities (at Union and at national level) with effective instruments to monitor the compliance with the legislation, in particular at local level;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2129(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses the opinion that the future legislation should establish a comprehensive system of liability that includes administrative, civil and criminal liability, and a sanctioning mechanism to enforce compliance with the new legislation and ensure enforcement, including through penalties and sanctions of all nature such as for example, disqualification from acting as a company director, in addition to intermediate steps before prosecution;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2124(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the ‘policy first’ principle underpinning the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), which should enhance coherence and coordination among the EIB, the Commission and Member States in identifying and implementing investment operations that can contribute to sustainable development;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2124(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the EIB to maximise additionality and the development impact of its operations outside the Union by increasing its engagement in LDCs, enhancing the transparency of operations carried out by financial intermediaries, cooperating with EU delegations, and increasing its presence on the ground where necessary; notes that private sector investment will be essential to fill the funding gap for the SDGs; recalls the crucial role of the EIB in de-risking private investment, particularly in fragile contexts;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas humanitarian aid is severely underfunded, which makes it difficult to adequately address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries, particularly those left furthest behind and those impacted by conflict;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt most strongly in developing countries; whereas global extreme poverty is expected to rise in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years, leading to the sale of assets, increased borrowing and the use of savings by vulnerable individuals;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas short-term humanitarian aid must be combined with support for existing challenges such as security, poverty, peace, democracy and climate change, in order to strengthen long-term resilience;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated the existing debt problems of developing countries, while also severely reducing global remittances and FDI;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas school closures due to the pandemic have deprived vulnerable children of school feeding and nutrition services that are essential to their health; whereas interruptions to education could have a lasting impact on the long-term prospects of many young people, in particular girls;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the provision of routine immunisation programmes and other basic health services, which is putting lives at risk;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated human rights violations and stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV, LGBTI persons and other vulnerable groups, underlining the critical need for COVID-19 responses to be rooted in human rights and equality, as learned from the HIV response; whereas key populations have on occasion suffered from denied access to services or discriminatory enforcement of the COVID-19 response under lockdown orders;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the pandemic has highlighted the fragility of global supply chains and heightened the vulnerability of those developing countries that depend on them; whereas the pandemic presents an opportunity to develop more sustainable and resilient supply chains;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise as a secondary effect of the pandemic;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU’s global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrates its ambition to lead and show solidarity with all partner countries; points out, however, that current funds are essentially reallocated from other budget lines and that the challenge of aid front-loading has to be tackled; calls, therefore, for substantial new funds to be mobilised to assist developing countries worldwide in fighting the direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; stresses that making safe vaccines, treatments, equipment and diagnostics available globally in a fast and affordable manner must be one of the first steps;
Amendment 105 #
Amendment 110 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. IsWarns that the pandemic risks triggering a humanitarian crisis; is therefore deeply concerned about the underfunding of the EU humanitarian aid budget, given the additional humanitarian needs caused by the pandemic; calls for a clear distribution of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR) envelope, which should aim to provide balanced coverage of its obligations as follows: neither internal nor external operations may be allocated more than 60 % of the annual amount of the reserve; on 1 October of each year, at least one quarter of the annual amount for ‘year n' must remain available to cover needs arising until the end of that year; as of 1 October, the remaining funds may be mobilised to cover needs arising until the end of that year;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the recent political agreement on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI); considers, nonetheless, that funding for development cooperation is insufficient to meaningfully contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals; notes the worrying trend towards shrinking official development assistance budgets in some developed countries at a time of exceptional need; is deeply concerned that this threatens to undo recent progress towards the 2030 agenda;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Encourages the Commission to adopt a flexible approach towards humanitarian and development policies in line with an integrated nexus approach, particularly regarding the financing and distribution of vaccines;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. UEmphasises that the pandemic is threatening food security in rural, urban and peri-urban settings; underlines that pastoral farming is an ecologically sound, local method of food production and is therefore part of a sustainable food system; considers it essential to support pastoralists by ensuring safe access to local markets during the pandemic in order to make sure that they are able to continue to provide protein-rich food to the local population, that their herds have access to water and grazing land and that mobile community one-health teams monitor the situation and carry out interventions in individual cases but also, where necessary, with a view to maintaining public health; calls for cash transfers and food aid for pastoralists, as well as feed aid for herds, as part of livelihood support in humanitarian aid, when this is needed;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 125 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Considers that the process of economic recovery offers an opportunity to better integrate small farmers and producers into local and regional markets and to develop more sustainable livelihoods; emphasises the importance of technology and digitalisation in this regard, as a means of facilitating market knowledge and access and scaling up small businesses through tools such as mobile money applications;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points out that, even in times of crisis, food production and distribution must be an absolute priority; considers that a balance must be struck between external sources of food, plants, seeds and fertilisers, while also supporting local and diversified agricultural production, and sharing knowledge about more resilient seeds; supports the boosting of regional trade, which presents significant opportunities for economic growth and diversification while also offering affordable food for consumers;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need to support the actions of the FAO and the WFP aimed at mitigating hunger and loss of livelihood and building up resilient food systems, such as those to set up a global data facility for the provision of swift information on humanitarian needs, to provide food production assistance and access to food, to organise cash transfers and in-kind food distribution, to stabilise food systems, and to ensure the functioning of local food markets, value chains and systems while focusing on smallholder farmers by implementing sanitary measures in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recognises the crucial role of nutrition in strengthening resilience; calls for a more integrated approach towards preventing, diagnosing and treating hunger and malnutrition in both humanitarian and development responses, particularly among the countries most vulnerable to climate change;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that global extreme poverty is expected to rise dramatically in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years, with the COVID-19 pandemic compounding the forces of conflict, poor governance and climate change and having a particularly hard impact on informal and migrant workers (who represent one quarter of the global workforce), women and the tourism sector and Latin American and Caribbean economies; highlights, against the backdrop of this extreme crisis, the importance of universal social protection; asks the Commission to work outdesign strategies with partner countries for the economic recovery and, job creation and for improving social security systems, with a particular emphasis on harnessing the opportunities of the digital transition;
Amendment 167 #
Amendment 172 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Commission to address the specific needs of refugees, and displaced persons, who risk falling through the gaps when it comes to vaccine provision, while upholding the guiding principle of public health networks of leaving no-one behind and refraining from blocking front-line humanitarian workers from having direct contact with the migrants and refugeesose that they serve; stresses the absolute need for equal access to COVID-19 treatment and other health services and safety net programmes for all affected people, regardless of nationality, migrant/refugee legal status, origin, sex, gender identity or any other characteristic; emphasises that EU policies should seek to support access to employment, education and civic documentation, which will promote the ability of refugees to work towards self- reliance;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the revision of proposed or existing strategies with the aim of further strengthening health systems (including from private providers) in partner countries, in particular as regards preparedness for pandemics and the organisation and management of health systems, including the provision of universal healthcare, health monitoring and information, training of medical staff, diagnostic capacity and medicine supply (including disease surveillance), training, recruitment and retention of medical staff, diagnostic capacity and medicine supply; urges the EU to promote increased investment in health system strengthening;
Amendment 198 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need to catch up on routine immunisation programmes as soon as possible and to provideensure that the provision of other basic health services is resumed; calls for adequate funding for initiatives such as Gavi, the vaccine Alliance, and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; is concerned about the outsourced, fragmented global vaccine governance system, which has led to competition for vaccines, diagnostics and treatments, rather than cooperation; urges the EU and Member States to lead calls for equal and affordable vaccine access worldwide based on the principle of global solidarity; calls on the Commission to ensure that the EU global response to the COVID-19 pandemic does not undermine EU funding for other vital health programmes, including the Minimum Initial Services Package for sexual and reproductive health and programmes targeting the health of women and pregnant women; urges all countries and the Commission to continue to support partner countries in provideing services related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as well as routine immunisation services, while ensuring the safety of communities and health workers;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls the importance of implementing key lessons from previous health crises such as the Ebola epidemic; highlights in this regard the importance of working with community leaders to spread key public health messages and mobilise societies; underlines the critical role played by civil society organisations and national and international NGOs in delivering health services to the poorest communities; recognises that such organisations will be essential partners in distributing vaccines for COVID-19; calls on the EU to support the capacity- building of these organisations;
Amendment 215 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Supports the important work of the WHO and points out its central role as the leading and coordinating authority on the COVID-19 response, while recognising the need for its reform, including, but not limited to, the reform of the International Health Regulations, after the acute crisis has been managed;
Amendment 233 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the especially severe consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns and the collateral damage that has been suffered by women, girls and children, in particular the rise in gender-based violence, the increasing incidence of child marriage and female genital mutilation, but also the exposure of women to COVID-19 due to their disproportionately high representation in the global health workforce; calls for action to counterbalance the disproportionate care burden borne by women and any potential roll-backs in safety, health, emancipation, economic independence and empowerment, and education, through specific programmes such as the spotlight initiative and by re- focusing European support; calls for the meaningful participation of women in the decisions that impact their health and working lives; underlines the need to include the gender perspective in the EU’s COVID-19 response, to advocate for inclusive decision-making bodies and to collect sex- and age-disaggregated data for gender analysis;
Amendment 242 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, many governments have used the emergency to justify placing restrictions on democratic processes and the civil space and to oppress minorities; draws attention to the growing negative impact of COVID-19 on all human rights, democracy and the rule of law and calls, therefore, for the strengthening of aid, political dialogue and support for institution-building in all these fields, with particular attention to human rights defenders, while recognising that a balance needs to be found between individual freedoms and saving lives;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes that research globally indicates that stigma and discrimination continue to affect people living with HIV, key populations and vulnerable groups; recalls UNAIDS’ conclusions that people and groups associated with COVID-19 have also experienced negative perceptions and actions; highlights that vulnerable and marginalised populations continue to be stigmatised, including through HIV and COVID-19 intersections, such as people living in poverty, the homeless, refugees, migrants, sex workers, persons who use drugs, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons;1a _________________ 1aCOVID-19 and HIV: Progress report 2020, ¶80, accessible on https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/ media_asset/COVID-19_HIV_EN.pdf.
Amendment 262 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the budgets of many developing countries were already out of balance before the crisis and that too little funding was allocated to crisis prevention, health systems and social protectionexperiencing significant levels of debt before the pandemic, thereby preventing adequate investments in crisis prevention, health systems and social protection; underlines the importance of addressing debt sustainability in partner countries as a priority; calls on the Commission to take new initiatives to tackle the problems of illicit financial flows, tax evasion and tax fraud in order to improve the tax bases of developing countries; calls, furthermore, for budget support to be directed towards basic services and resilience;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented numbers of pupils missing out on months of schooling, constituting a major set-back to efforts in the education sector especially with regard to the education of women, girls’ and women’s educatidisplaced persons; urges governments to use school closures only as a measure of last resort in the fight against the pandemic; pressecalls for education to be kept asremain a spending priority in EU development policy and for due consideration to be given to the social function of schools; urges governments, in this context, to prioritise support for the most marginalised children and their families; recommends that EU countries share their approaches to keeping up teaching even in times of crisis and asks the EU and its Member States to exploit the potential of remote and digital learning in their international support programmes;
Amendment 286 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 293 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that the pandemic offers an opportunity to build back better and that the EU’s humanitarian and development policies should support this objective in partner countries; highlights in particular the need to support developing countries in unlocking progress in the digital economy in areas such as health, education and other public services; welcomes the launch of the Digital4Development (D4D) Hub in December 2020 and encourages the EU to make further investments in digitalisation efforts in partner countries, including by leveraging private sector investment;
Amendment 296 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Recalls that private sector investment could play an important role in contributing to economic recovery and the attainment of the SDGs, given the heightened needs generated by the pandemic; calls for the role of the private sector and blended finance to be further explored as part of recovery and resilience building efforts;
Amendment 299 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 308 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 321 #
2020/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that implementation of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus has to be a priority in the programming of the NDICI in fragile countries; emphasises the importance of peace building for sustainable development, therefore calls for a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and instability around the world; calls on the Commission’s DG ECHO and DG DEVCO to implement complementary and flexible programmes suited to local contexts and local opportunities, whenever possible, in order to mutually reinforce the different aspects of the nexus;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the mainstreaming of the European Green Deal into the communication on the Trade Policy Review (TPR) and calls for a concrete action plan, roadmap and timeline to make this ambition a reality;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the incorporation of the Paris Agreement as an essential element in all trade, investment and partnership agreements; stresses that ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions and respect for human rights are requirements for concluding FTAs; asks for ambitious chapters on gender and on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as dedicated chapters on digital trade to be included in all trade agreements;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the importance of including gender equality efforts and gender mainstreaming in trade policy as an important component to foster inclusive and sustainable growth; welcomes the promotion of gender equality through the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Gender Action Plan III to promote gender equality; stresses that trade has the potential to promote gender equality, contribute to economic and social empowerment of women worldwide and to more equal, as well as resilient economies globally; highlights that women are disproportionally affected by theCOVID- 19 crisis; welcomes the Commission’s aim to work on data collection and analytical analysis to better understand the impact of trade policy on women; calls on the Commission to engage with the European Parliament in its work on gender mainstreaming of trade policy; calls on the Commission to include specific gender chapters in EU trade and investment agreements;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points outRegrets that brown goods still receive preferential treatment over green goods and that tariffs and trade barriers are working against sustainable trade; underlines that removing tariffs and trade barriers for green goods and services should be designed to contribute to innovative solutions to tackle the climate crisis and contribute to the goals of the Green Deal, as well as the SDG’s and sustainable development worldwide; demands that the Commission devise instruments to tackle these distortions and walk the talk of the Green Deal by implementing it in all aspects of trade policy;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that high up-front costs, which willcould only repay themselves over time, and a lack of know-how and equipment are currently preventing developing countries from ‘going green’; demands that the Commission use all trade instruments at its disposal to increase financial support, technical assistance, technology transfers and digital penetration in order to empower developing countries and enable them to achieve sustainable resilience;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU to take a leading role at a multilateral level to end harmful subsidies by advocating transparency and strict regulation and disciplines in trade agreements and at the World Trade Organization (WTO); stresses the importance of drawing up sustainability impact assessments on an ex-ante, intermediate and ex-post basis; calls upon the Commission to brief the European Parliament regularly on the ongoing and finalised sustainable impact assessments; stresses the need to develop a comprehensive framework with concrete targets to advance the SDGs, the Green Deal and the ILO Decent Work Agenda in trade and investment agreements; emphasises that new agreements should only be concluded once these targets have been fulfilled and that existing agreements should be revised accordinglyincluding these goals in negotiation mandates of future revisions of existing trade agreements;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of ensuring fair competition and a level playing field for European businesses in both the internal market and third-country markets; stresses, in this regard, the importance of trade defence instruments and; underlines that the enforcement regulation should have a positive contribution to the goal of ensuring fair competition and a level playing field, and stresses that TSD could be subjected to the enforcement regulation; calls on the Commission to swiftly complete the EU’s trade defence toolbox through legislative proposals in 2021, giving priority to an anti-coercion instrument, an instrument to tackle distortions caused by foreign subsidies and state-owned enterprises and to the conclusion of negotiations on the International Procurement Instrument12 ; underlines the role of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) in working with the European Parliament in a transparent manner to discuss and address issues related to trade defence instruments; __________________ 12Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 January 2016 on the access of third- country goods and services to the Union’s internal market in public procurement and procedures supporting negotiations on access of Union goods and services to the public procurement markets of third countries (COM(2016)0034).
Amendment 149 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to come up with a digital trade strategy to increase the market access of European businesses and protect EU citizens’ rights under the GDPR13 ; underlines the acceleration of the digital revolution due to COVID-19 and stresses the importance of the EU taking the lead in setting standards for a sustainable, digital-driven global economy and keeping international data flows open; underlines that the EU can set a global standard for fair and resilient digital trade in its bilateral and multilateral engagements; calls upon the Commission to make meaningful progress on setting ambitious rules for e-commerce in the WTO; underlines that the digital chapter in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement can serve as a model for future trade agreements; __________________ 13Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 167 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that international trade governance has an importantessential role to play in the rapid development of medical treatments and vaccines, the rapid scaling up of production, the development of resilient global value chains and equitable market access for the whole world; stresses, in this context, that the COVID-19 pandemic mustshould be used to provide impetus for more concerted international cooperation and to boost global preparedness for health emergencies;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that global supply chains for raw materials, production and distribution of vaccines benefit from open trade relations; underlines that protectionism in the production and distribution of vaccines can hinder addressing the global pandemic; recognises that the EU is relatively one of the largest exporters of vaccines to third countries, but that on an absolute level, these exports are not yet sufficient to tackle the global pandemic;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the recent rise in variants of COVID-19, as well as export restrictions on vaccines by the main manufacturing countries such as the US, the UK, China and India and by the EU and emphasises that this endangers the rapid global scaling up of vaccine production capacity; urges the Commission to engage with producing countries to swiftly eliminate export barriers and to replace the export authorisation mechanism with an export and import notification requirement; insists on having timely and comprehensive access to such data;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Is deeply concerned about the rising amounts of variants of COVID-19; emphasises that the lack of production and distribution of vaccines in third countries could lead to the increase of different new types of variants; stresses that the COVAX facility is at this time not sufficient in distributing vaccines to the most vulnerable; underlines that timely global access to vaccines can benefit the recovery and resilience of the global economy, as well as the EU economy;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that the vaccines against COVID-19 and its variants arshould be a global public good and that multilateral efforts should be focused on ramping up global production capacities and technology transfers, including in low and middle- income countries; strongly welcomes, in this regard, the Global C19 Vaccine Supply Chain and Manufacturing Summit held on 8 and 9 March 2021 and calls for the establishment of structural platforms to rapidly scale up vaccine production in more countries;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises that international trade policy must play a proactive role in this endeavour by facilitating trade in raw materials, alleviating shortages of qualified and experienced personnel, solving supply chain problems and revisiting the global framework for intellectual property rights for future pandemics; insists, in this regard, on a pro-active and constructive dialogue about a temporary waiver of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in order to ensure that countries do not face retaliation over COVID-19 related patent infringements during the pandemic; underlines the efforts made by the Director-General of the WTO in bringing members forward in the discussion on trade and health initiatives;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Underlines that in order to revive the WTO negotiating function, the EU must work together with likeminded partners to find common ground for WTO reform in the broadest sense; stresses that special attention has to be paid to developing countries and their specific needs in relation to economic growth, sustainable development and WTO reform; reaffirms that meaningful progress in WTO reform needs a broad consensus and coalitions of likeminded partners;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is aware of the importance of the EU’s multifaceted trade relationship with China; firmly believes that EU-China trade relations require a more balanced and reciprocal approach; stresses that the ratification process of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment can only begin once the EU has the requisite autonomous measures in place, including a ban on products made using forced labour, an upgraded trade defence toolbox and a working sanctions mechanism on human rights; Underlines that China has put sanctions on Members of the European Parliament and some of its entities, making the ratification process of the CAI unthinkable at the moment; demands that the Commission move forward with the Investment Agreement with Taiwan; and remain committed to meaningful engagement in trade and investment relations;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Underlines the importance of the EU-Africa relationship and fostering close political and economic cooperation between the continents; stresses the importance of having a robust partnership with the African continent based on reciprocity, equality and shared interests; underlines that various trade policy instruments can complement the Commission’s efforts in this regard; calls on the Commission to foster an inclusive trade policy approach with Africa and to contribute to sustainable development, economic growth and resilience, taking into account the wide variety in levels of economic development on the continent;
Amendment 273 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Underlines the commitment to our partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean and our trade relations with the region; expresses its concern about the impact COVID-19 has on the continent for its sustainable development and its economic resilience; reiterates that the pandemic affected women in Latin America and the Caribbean severely; calls on the Commission to maintain a structural dialogue with our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean; calls on the Commission to include the Overseas Countries and Territories and to take into account their specific trade needs and relationships with the EU;
Amendment 275 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Underlines that Asia is developing economically and has an important role in the global economy at the moment, especially for goods imports to Europe; stresses the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is both an opportunity for expanding European trade, as well as a potential threat to the EU’s trade efforts in the region; calls on the Commission to remain engaged with the region and proactively promote rules- based trade relations;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Welcomes the upcoming review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the Commission’s intention as one of the key objectives to increase trading opportunities for developing countries; underlines that the GSP is a policy tool that has the potential to help developing countries foster sustainable and resilient economic growth; underlines the importance of adhering our partners in GSP+ to international values and possibly update and extend the list of conventions in the upcoming review of the regulation; calls on the Commission to engage with gender equality efforts in relation to GSP, GSP+ and Anything But Arms (EBA);
Amendment 4 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms that the right to migrate is a human right; calls on the Commission to promotebuild up development and humanitarian policies that protect the human and social rights of all migrants, wherever EU action is deployed and irrespective of their legal statuare based on, promote and protect fundamental and human rights including for all migrants;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that EU development cooperation must have as its main objective the reduction and eradication of poverty and that it must be based on partner countries’ development agendas, following a needs andfocus on the needs of the most vulnerable, including when it comes to migrants and refugees and must have as its main objective the reduction and eradication of poverty and inequality, the empowerment of individuals and the promotion of rule of law through a rights- based approach, and not on EU domestic interests;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the EU align its external migration objectives with its sustainable development objectives; calls on the EU to advance development cooperation and funding on the basis of closer cooperation with third countries; highlights that these policies should be harboured in the approach that strengthens the resilience of the most vulnerable; calls on the EU to tailor its ODA towards tackling the root causes of poverty and minimizing negative incentives for irregular migration and forced displacement by improving democratic processes and good governance, creating opportunities for youth engagement and entrepreneurship, advancing gender equality, tackling climate change, and by providing access to services; insists on the importance of designing policies tailored to local circumstances and in partnership with local actors;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls on the EU to strengthen its Regional Development Protection Programmes (RDPPs) within a human rights framework and to foster third countries' capacity-building, conflict resolution and the protection, promotion and respect for human rights; calls on the EU to encourage and assist partnership countries to achieve greater cooperation with international organizations, civil society and regional bodies and organizations to facilitate regional mobility and to enhance mobilization of resources to treat migrants, refugees and returnees with dignity and in compliance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note ofWelcomes the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum; expresses its regret that the proposed measures are insufficient to ensure respect for migrants’ human rights and is especially worried about the externalisation of EU border managementReiterates that respect for migrants’ human rights are and shall remain central to the EU's Migration and Asylum policy; insists that the EU conduct a humane and safe border control and migration controlmanagement;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Insists on the need for humanitarian corridors and safe and legal migration pathways from neighbouring and developing countries into the EU; calls on the EU to tackle human trafficking networks;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the EU to develop new and improve on existing safe and legal pathways for migrants; considers that the EU should strive to develop a more sustainable circular labour migration policy in its partnership with third countries and to offer safe two-way migration mobility, such as for labour and academic purposes;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that neitherEU development assistance inor bilateral or multilateral partnerships with developing countries muscannot be conditional on the successful cooperation on migration policies; with the EU; insists that development aid is not tied to the external security policies of the EU;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. ExpStresses its deep concern about the possible misuse of development funds for border control purposes, including those of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), and the suspected human rights violations linked to the EUTF in Libya, Ethiopia and Nigerthe need to provide direct assistance to refugees and migrants near the homes they fled or moved from, notably through strengthening effectiveness of such instruments as the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF); expresses its deep concern about the misuse of development funds for actions that result in the violation of human rights in border management; deplores the alleged human rights violations linked to the EUTF in Libya, Ethiopia and Niger; reiterates the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights abuses including those at EU borders; welcomes therein the introduction of a new independent monitoring mechanism in the Commission's New Pact on Migration and Asylum;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the lack of transparency of the EUTF and the fact that Parliament is not involved in its scrutiny; calls on the Commission to comprehensively review the implementation of the EUTF to ensure that it falls in line with the EU's development and humanitarian objectives;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2116(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that as Asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest- growing economies, increasing efficient and sustainable connectivity between the EU and Asia, with an open, rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field, will and reciprocity, can play a key role in mutual economic growth and will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the EU-Asia connectivity strategy should go hand in hand with efforts to increase access to respective markets, including public procurement, and promote an open and transparent investment environment, unlocking opportunities and contributing to global competitiveness; Regrets that many countries in Asia still apply protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for European businesses; notes that allowing free trade flows will buildcontributes to strengthening economic resilience and to ensure the global availability of products through the diversification of supply chains;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2115(INI)
3. Believes that efficient and sustainable connections and networks between Europe and Asia through priority transport corridors, including air, sea and land transport, and high-capacity network links as well as more efficient and reliable customs procedures, that build on digitalisation and administrative simplification, will increase trade flows between the EU and Asia; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors, national and international institutions, and multilateral development banks; Stresses that the facilitation of trade between the EU and Asian partners through improved connectivity should at the same time result in the strengthening of customs performance and management, notably in enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), as a tool to fight against fraud and prevent counterfeit goods entering the single market;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the potential of New Arctic shipping routes of reducing by up to 40 percent the time and distance between Europe and Asia, creating new trading hubs, with a significant impact on trade flows; Stresses that the management of these new routes should be sustainable and in line with international rules and norms, preventing any additional pressure on the Arctic ecosystem;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Asian partners, with successful examples of strategic partnerships in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as ongoing negotiations, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments with China; calls on the Commission to start a scoping exercise for the investment negotiations with Taiwan;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious, in particular by promoting sustainable EU norms and standardsand international environmental and social norms and standards, such as the respect of ILO Conventions and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that EU and Asia are important partners on sustainable development, notably on the delivery of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and that the promotion of efficient and sustainable connectivity is an essential element, together with trade, of a broader strategic partnership with Asian partners.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that a strategic trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the EU’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the EU’s reliance on imports of raw materials, and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long- term sustainability of global value chains; underlines that the transition from a linear to a circular economy needs to be inclusive and collaborative in all its aspects and with the consideration and participation of all genders;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. RAcknowledges the need for a comprehensive legal framework on circular economy; regrets the lack of international and European standards on waste quality and end-of-waste criteria as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the Commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and end-of- waste rules, a legal definition of recyclable waste, and to include these in future FTAs; and introduce these standards on an international level; believes that a revision of the Waste Shipment Regulation would provide an opportunity to put an end to the export of the EU’s waste problems and therefore welcomes the Commission's announcement of revising this regulation;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the EU’s environmental footprint is significant; underlines the need for transparency and increased traceability in these supply chains and calls on the Commission to tackle notably the efficient use of resources and sustainable production and consumption patterns in the garment sector under its future ‘EU Strategy for Textiles’; welcomes the planned ‘Circular Electronics Initiative’ and underlines the need to in this context define how e-waste can be exported for re- use and recycling;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products from outside the EU and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs on certain products in order to encourage the development of the circular economy; calls on the Commission to take into account the special needs of EU’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to support them in the implementation of their business strategies to export circular products;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to ensure that FTAs reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant FTA chapters and competitive business models that encourage trade in recycled rather than in primary materials; calls on the Commission to evaluate how to balance enhancing trade in recycled goods with upholding strong quality standards and consumer protection; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant FTA chapters; underlines the need for the effective enforcement of trade agreements as a priority task of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Commission to engage in regulatory dialogues and cooperation with the EU’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; calls on the Commission and Member States to further deploy efforts in international fora (UNCTAD, WTO, G20, G7) to pursue the EU’s agenda on circular economy and ensure a global level playing field with international partners; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-EU recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports; calls on the Commission in particular to integrate the circular economy principles in its strategy ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’.
Amendment 2 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the New Industrial Strategy for Europe, especially its focus on ensuring fair competition and level playing field globally and on the tools to make EU industry fit to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges worldwide;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s initiatives to support European SMEs’ access to international markets; stresses, however, that SMEs have to deal with too many regulations and burdens and excessive bureaucracy; stresses that SMEs are kept at a competitive disadvantage by investing in cEncourages the Commission to strengthen and improve its initiatives to support European SMEs in overcoming barriers that prevent their access to international markets, among others, through negotiating dedicated chapters in trade agreements; calls on the Commission for an effective implementation of the SME strategy in order to reduce burdens and excessive bureaucracy for our businesses abroad and facilimtate neutrality to comply with the Green Deal while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export marketstheir internationalisation;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that our industries are asked to contribute actively to achieving the European Green Deal’s objectives, by investing in climate neutrality and comply with new standards, while confronted with competitors from third countries that are less ambitious on emissions reduction; stresses that European companies, in particular SMEs, risk to be kept at a competitive disadvantage while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export markets; Calls on the Commission for the swift adoption of the Carbon border adjustment mechanism;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Supports, in principle, the initiative to reinforce a rule-based multilateral trading system; expresses its concern, however, about the functRecalls the commitment of the European Union to a rule-based multilateral trading system and underlines that the EU should be at the forefront of defending and reinforcing it; supports the Commission ing of the WTO, owing to some international actors abusing their market power its overall efforts to modernize the WTO and urges to continue engaging with WTO Members to find a long-term multilateral solution to overcome the current deadlock of the Appellate Body; welcomes the multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines the importance of the ongoing plurilateral WTO negotiations on e-commerce, and calls for a comprehensive and ambitious set of rules, guaranteeing European data protection standards, to address digital trade barriers and ensure that companies, especially SMEs, can compete worldwide in a level playing field;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work towards effective and opuncil to move on the ‘International pProcurement that allows the EU to take swift, targeted and compelling measures and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market openingInstrument’; emphasizes the need for an instrument that targets discriminatory practices against EU businesses in third country procurement markets and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market opening; Calls on the Commission to start a reflection on a possible framework for monitoring third country bidders’ access to EU procurement markets in strategic sectors;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to finalise and share its White Paper on an Instrument on Foreign Subsidies, to address the distortive effects caused by foreign subsidies within the single market as part of the European trade defence toolbox; recalls that it should be coherent with the possible modernization or update of targeted EU competition rules, with the aim of ensuring a level playing field for EU companies;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the adoption of the review of Regulation 654/2014 (Enforcement Regulation), in order to strengthen it; stresses that this is an important tool to protect the Union’s interests under international trade agreements in situations when third countries adopt illegal measures that can negatively hit our businesses;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2076(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission to consider the urgent enforcement of intellectual property rights and the involvement of all actors in the fight against infringement and counterfeiting as key objectives of the intellectual property action plan; Calls on the Commission to promote and ensure the protection of Geographical indications (GIs) both at international and bilateral level and to resume the debate on GIs for non- agricultural products that could support innovation, sustainable production and jobs in the EU, improving the attractiveness and reputation of our quality productions worldwide;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to strengtheWelcomes the guidelines on the screening of fForeign dDirect iInvestment and to protect access to(FDI) and calls on the Commission to strengthen it, also in light of the current crisis, in order to protect strategic industries, infrastructure, key enabling technologies, or any other assets in the interests of security and cybersecurity.
Amendment 17 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that the EU depends on a narrow set of countries for a large proportion of its imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemical raw materials; stresses that this over- reliance can poses a risk when limitations in production capacity, excess demand or protectionist measures threaten the proper functioning of global supply chains and potentially undermine the availability of medicines in the EU; calls on the Commission to present a long-term strategy focused on ensuring the EU’s open strategic autonomy in health which includes guidelines on the diversification of pharmaceutical supply chains;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the EU is a leading global exporter of pharmaceutical products; notes that the protection and enforcement of well-balanced IP rights in free trade agreements (FTAs) and at the WTO is crucial toshould serve the development of new medicines and treatments; underlines that the flexibilities provided in the TRIPS agreement can be used to address potential supply shortages in exceptional circumstances; stresses that public health crises should constitute legitimate grounds for activating such flexibilities; and notes that developing countries may need to rely on these flexibilities in order to respond appropriately to the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that a broad network of FTAs together with a fully functioning multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation and an operational Appellate Body at its core constitute the best way of guaranteeing that multiple sources of manufacturing for essential medicines are available and regulatory standards converge globally;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Strongly encourages all countries to join the WTO’s Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement; callurges for its scope to be extended to all pharmaceutical and medicinal products; stresses that medical products should at all times be exempted from retaliation in trade disputes;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that a complete repatriation of medical supply chains is not possible in a global economy nor is it desirable; urges the Commission and the Member States to work with the EU’s partners, the WHO and WTO, on establishing an international framework that can prevent the breakdown of supply chains and limit resort to protectionist measures during health crises; calls on the Commission to explore the creation of a common European strategic reserve of medicines, building on the rescEU stockpile initiative.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to Article 11 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
Amendment 8 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Global Compact on Migration of December 2018,
Amendment 23 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the special report of the IPCC “Managing the risks of extreme events and disasters to advance climate change adaptation”;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the special Report of the IPCC “The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate”;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
— having regard to the Assembly of the United Nations resolution 71/312 “Our Ocean, our future: call for action”, especially its article 3;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 d (new)
Citation 8 d (new)
— having regard to the report by the Secretary General of the United Nations Economic and Social Council “From global to local: supporting sustainable and resilient societies in urban and rural communities”;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 e (new)
Citation 8 e (new)
— having regard to the special report of the IPCC “Global Warming of 1.5°C”;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the impacts of climate change include increases in the frequency and gravity of storms and hurricanes, floods, landslides, extreme heat waves, droughts, forest fires and other disasters, as well as slow-onset developments such as rising sea-levels, coastal erosion, salinisation, gradual changes in rainfall patterns and the decline and displacement of animal and plant populations;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas women suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change, owing not least to the agricultural tasks they carry out but also to the discrimination they suffer in terms of access to land and services, access to education and vocational training, participation in decision-making and respect when embarking on activities traditionally dominated by men; whereas women and children are also strongly over-represented among people displaced for reasons related to climate change;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas women suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change, owing not least to the agricultural tasks they carry out but also to the discrimination they suffer in terms of access to land and services, participation in decision-making and respect when embarking on activities traditionally dominated by men; whereas women are also strongly over-represented among the victims of natural disasters and people displaced for reasons related to climate change;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the COVID-19 crisis illustrates the close link between human health and the health of our ecosystems; whereas the role of women in implementing the One Health approach in environmental policies and climate action should be further recognised and promoted;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the UN Global Compact on Migration identifies climate change and environmental degradation as a driver of population displacement;
Amendment 77 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic drastically increases vulnerabilities in developing countries both through its direct impact on public health and through its many deepening economic and social effects; whereas both the pandemic and climate change are eroding public finances while at the same time increasing financing needs, including for social protection and services; whereas the COVID-19 reflects the interdependence of health crises with climate and environmental crises and the loss of biodiversity;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas adaptation action should mainly focus on the most vulnerable and should include increasing the resilience of their dwellings, and the infrastructure they depend on, to extreme weather events, improving their food and water security, helping subsistence farmers and fishermen to adapt their agricultural and fishing methods to changes in rainfall and temperature patterns, helping them to face up the irreversible deterioration of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the ensuing consequences for their food and economic security and helping poor people in increasingly uninhabitable areas to re- settle; whereas these adaptation actions should encourage environmentally friendly and nature-based solutions;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. wWhereas the ruling by the UN Human Rights Committee in the case of Teitiota v. New Zealand acknowledges agives therefore an incentive to a clarification of a common terminology at the international legavel basis for refugee protection for those who face an imminent well as the European level concerning the conditions of climate-induced migration and calls for the consideration of protection solutions for vulnerable populations coming from territories threat to their life on accountwill become, in the short or long term, uninhabitable due to the impacts of climate change;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
Na. whereas the strategy of the EU and its Member States in support of developing countries should be designed to anticipate the effects of climate change; whereas this support should be directed both to the short-term effects of climate change, such as natural disasters, and to its long-term effects such as the loss of territories due to rising sea-levels or droughts ;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N b (new)
Recital N b (new)
Nb. whereas climate change constitutes a major challenge for both the national and local levels and requires a territorial approach in order to give decentralised local authorities as well as local CSOs a greater role to address the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change
Amendment 124 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N c (new)
Recital N c (new)
Nc. whereas the geographical situations of developing countries tend to make them suffer worse consequences of the impacts of climate change, in particular in the case of developing countries around the tropical belt which regularly suffer from extreme weather events such as El Nino or La Nina;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N d (new)
Recital N d (new)
Nd. whereas vulnerable populations are directly dependent on biological diversity for their food, health and economic security; whereas they sometimes lack the resources to effectively address climate change on their own;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N e (new)
Recital N e (new)
Ne. whereas island territories are particularly affected by the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, increasing air and sea surface temperatures and tropical cyclones; whereas islands and isolated territories often rely on international and EU aid for their risk and crisis management capacity
Amendment 130 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N f (new)
Recital N f (new)
Nf. whereas, according to the OECD, South-South migration, whether voluntary or forced, concerns 82 million people and accounts for 36% of international migration; whereas international and European development strategies should therefore take into account this macro-regional perspective in order to better support the resilience of vulnerable populations and the adaptation of territories affected by the impacts of climate change;
Amendment 132 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N g (new)
Recital N g (new)
Ng. whereas the 1951 International Convention relating to the Status of Refugees does not cover the scope of protection of persons displaced on environmental grounds;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N h (new)
Recital N h (new)
Nh. whereas climate-induced migration is increasing and requires intensified cooperation at the international level as well as the development of sustainable and realistic solutions, adapted to the needs of the affected populations, to strengthen their resilience to climate change;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the world is badly off track to reach the agreed objective of limiting global heating to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 °C; is alarmed by the impacts of this on developing countries; condemns the failure of world leaders to take adequate action and calls for the EU to make its European Green Deal an example of such action; stresses that the external dimension of the Green Deal should give priority to supporting partner countries in their efforts to adapt to climate change and take full account of the particular needs of the most vulnerable people or those suffering discrimination;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the world is badly off track to reach the agreed objective of limiting global heating to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C; is alarmed by the impacts of this on developing countries; condemns the failure of world leaders to take adequate action and calls for the EU to show climate and biodiversity leadership and to make its European Green Deal an example of such action; recalls in this regard the proposal of the President of the European Commission to increase the 2030 target for emission reduction to at least 55% within the EU;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the world is badly off track to reach the agreed objective of limiting global heating to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C; is alarmed by the impacts of this on developing countries; condemns the failure of world leaders to take adequate action and calls for the EU to make its European Green Deal an example of such action; insists that the European Green Deal must contain a stronger third country dimension;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
- the pursuit of rapid, radical curbing and reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions, including through own emission cuts,through an ambitious objective in all sectors of the economy, in terms of both internal and external policies of the EU, and in line with international agreements, while respecting the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” with a common objective of protecting and restoring terrestrial and marine biodiversity;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 3
Paragraph 2 – indent 3
- increased support for developing countries’ capacities to take such action with resources mobilised by themselves and with the help of international climate financing and other assistance, such as technical assistance, as well as sharing of best practices;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
- affirming and seeking widespread, bindingternational recognition that displacements and internal and external migration iss are becoming ever more inecessaryvitable as part of the response to the impacts of climate change, and; proposing international arrangements for managing climate migration,and anticipating climate-induced displacement and migration through an enhanced regionalised coordination with sending and receiving countries and territories;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2042(INI)
- increasing capacities to rapidly respond to needs for humanitarian aid, as global heating will inevitably keep increasing such needs, especially through the rapid response component of the NDICI;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
- promoting the systematic inclusion of a gender dimension in partner countries’ climate action and environmental policies in order, on the one hand, to address the numerous discriminations suffered by women and girls in connection with the consequences of climate change and, on the other hand, to promote their role and participation in decisions on combating climate change and environmental degradation;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
- increased financial support to developing countries to support more effective implementation of the SDGs in order to anticipate and limit the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
- affirming support for the principles of climate justice and the pursuit of a human rights based approach to the EU’s climate and development policies,
Amendment 196 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 5 b (new)
- a global strategy based on disaster prevention and adaptation, pre and post extreme weather events, to increase the resilience of vulnerable territories, such as islands
Amendment 213 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that the agricultural sector is one of the hardest hit by the consequences of climate change in partner countries; recalls that women in rural areas are particularly exposed to the consequences of climate change on agricultural production and food security; calls on the EU and its Member States to enhance their cooperation with partner countries in order to include a stronger gender dimension in agricultural and rural development policies;
Amendment 218 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls that women and girls are more likely to die in a natural disaster or to be displaced, in particular owing to a lack of access to information and the fact that they carry the main responsibility for taking care of the family; stresses that women and girls are also particularly vulnerable to early school leaving, sexual violence and exploitation during and after such crises; calls on the EU to strengthen this gender dimension in its humanitarian action and to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for the EU to lead international discussions on providing support for the loss and damage caused by climate change in developing countries; including through the use of innovative climate finance methods;
Amendment 262 #
2020/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Member States to create a formal Council configuration on gender equality, in order to give ministers and secretaries of state responsible for gender equality a dedicated forum for discussion, and to facilitate gender mainstreaming across all EU policies, including environment and development policy;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that, while there are a number of dynamic middle income countries on the African continent, its economic development is still relatively weak in comparison to other parts of the world; stresses that many of its countries will therefore face almost insurmountable challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and the effects of climate change; highlights that due to their economic situation, not all of these countries are able to take lockdown measures similar to those taken in developed countries and therefore the containment of the COVID- 19 virus has been impeded;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the announcement from the G20 on a temporary moratorium on debt repayments for the weakest developing countries; and encourages the G20 to go further on debt relief to ensure that the basic human needs of citizens can be provided for;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the European Union still has important economic ties with African states, and that China has intensified its economic engagement in Africa;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that the role of many African states in the international division of labour does not promote their sustainable development; calls on the Commission to create a strategy aimed at assisting the African nations with value chain development in order for more added value to be generated within the African continent;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that European companies have a responsibility for their supply chains; calls on the Commission to create an ambitious proposal on mandatory rules for due diligence for both human and social rights and environmental effects which includes provisions enabling victims in third countries to pursue civil remedies for breaches of these rules;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to reformappropriately revise its current version of its strategy entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ with a view to addressing the needs of the African countries and regions in the wake of this health and economic crisis;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to support Africa in its ambitions for a continental free trade area by making the necessary adjustments in order to implement its Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and make them fit the project of theensure that the EPAs will not form an obstacle towards the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the fragmented implementation of EPAs has resulted in a lack of substantial progress in supporting regional integration, capacity-building on border cooperation, and improvements in investment climates and good governance; calls on the Commission to further assist the African countries in these areas without making this assistance fully conditional on implementation of EPAs;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CUnderlines the vital importance of meeting the goals as set by the Paris Climate Agreement; calls for a concrete proposal that establishes common initiatives on a renewable energy supply on the African continent;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the need for substantial sustainable investments that enable leapfrogging in the African states; calls for an investigation on how leapfrogging can contribute to sustainable development;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls that the position of women can be strengthened with strong provisions on Gender & Trade in Trade Agreements; calls in this regards on the European Commission to assist the African Union with the implementation of it Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and implement measures that contribute to the achievement of gender equality in its trade agreements with the African countries;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences will have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals; calls on the Commission to make the achievement of the SDGs a guiding principle in all its policies with regard to the African countries and urges the Commission to have full regard for these goals when negotiating the post-Cotonou Agreement in order to ensure balanced and free trade with the African continent;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Highlights that around 60% of the population of the African countries is under 25 years old; calls on the Commission to assist the African youth with dedicated education programs under for example Erasmus+ and to increase educational and professional mobility by means of a dedicated strategy in cooperation with the African Union, the private sector and financial institutions (for example by making available micro- credit for start-ups) with the aim of improving economic and trading opportunities;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Highlights that the future partnership between the European Union and the African Union should be one that is built upon shared values with respect for human rights and good governance;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
10 e. Underlines that Africa and sub- Saharan Africa in particular will have the highest population growth in the coming decades; calls in this respect for the EU to follow the Task Force for Rural Africa (TFRA) conclusions on the need of investments to Africa food chains with a focus to be given to value-added commodities;
Amendment 246 #
2020/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that health is a prerequisite for human development; stresses the need to build a genuine partnership in health matters and that the strengthening of health systems must be the foundation for accessible and affordable health care for all;
Amendment 313 #
2020/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the European Fund for Sustainable Development should finance investment that promotes inclusive and sustainable economic and social development whilst recognising its shortcomings in Less Developed Countries (LDCs);
Amendment 337 #
2020/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Points out that private investment is essential for financing efforts to achieve the SDGs and for the development of the local private sector and must be compatible with human rights and the green transition; stresses that leveraged private investment should be in addition to, rather than instead of, developed countries commitment to achieving Official Development Assistance (ODA) of 0.7% of GNI and 0.15-0.2% of GNI for Less Developed Countries (LDCs);
Amendment 345 #
2020/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Believes that detailed consideration should be given to alleviating unsustainable debt burdens that result in major losses of public services and welfare measures;
Amendment 484 #
2020/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Stresses that the partnership should promote research and innovation and access to digital services, in order to foster social inclusion, and recognises that irregular energy supplies in rural areas constitute a significant barrier to access to digital services;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas during the transition period, EU law across all policy areas, is still applicable to, and in, the UK, with the exception of provisions of the Treaties and acts that were not binding upon, and in, the UK before the Withdrawal Agreement entered into force; whereas on the 14th of May 2020, the European Commission opened infringement proceedings against the UK for failure to comply with EU rules on free movement;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the European Parliament gave its position on the proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in its resolution the 12 February 2020.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 8 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the negotiations on the future partnership shouldcan only be premised on the effective and full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and its three protocols;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the United Kingdom (UK) ceased to be a Member State of the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020.
Amendment 21 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU and the UK agreed in the Political Declaration to convene at a high level in June 2020 to take stock of progress of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and of the negotiations with the aim of agreeing action to move forward with negotiations on the future relationship;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas unity of the EU and its Member States should maintain their unity throughout the negotiations in order to defend the interests of their citizens in the best possible waythroughout the negotiations is essential in order to defend the interests of the EU, including those of its citizens in the best possible way; whereas the EU and its Member States have remained united throughout the negotiation and adoption of the Withdrawal Agreement and ever since; whereas this unity is reflected in the adoption of the negotiating mandate entrusted to the EU negotiator and Head of the EU Task Force Michel Barnier, who enjoys the strong support of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EU and UK agreed in the Political Declaration that the future relationship should be underpinned by shared values such as the respect for and safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, the rule of law, and support for non-proliferation, international rules-based order including support for non-proliferation, protection of the environment and that these values are an essential prerequisite for cooperation within the framework of the Political Declaration; whereas the future relationship should incorporatebe conditioned to the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to respect the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR);
Amendment 29 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the Political Declaration states that the future economic partnership will be underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing field for open and fair competition.
Amendment 31 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Amendment 32 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas facing a global pandemic and its foreseeable geopolitical, economic and social consequences reinforces the necessity to improve cooperation mechanisms between partners and allies.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes and insists that the Commission continues its practice to provide timely information to the Parliament on the negotiations, in line with the information that is shared with the Member States;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Strongly believes that transparency benefits the negotiation process and is also beneficial to citizens and businesses as it allows them to better prepare for the post-transition phase;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that the covid-19 pandemic directly affects the negotiation process; recognizes the willingness by both parties to continue negotiations during the covid-19 pandemic through virtual means in order to limit the extent of the delay; acknowledges that negotiations through virtual means pose additional challenges; calls on the parties to hold face-to-face meetings once this is deemed safe;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Strongly believes that the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on global trade and economic relations serves as an additional incentive to make substantial progress in the negotiations and work towards a comprehensive and ambitious partnership;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point iv
Paragraph 4 – point iv
(iv) the safeguarding of the EU legal order and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) as the sole body responsible for interpreting EU law in this respect;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point vi
Paragraph 4 – point vi
(vi) a level playing field, ensuring equivalent standards in social, labour, environmental, competition and State aid policies, including through a robust and comprehensive framework on competition and State aid control, dispute settlement and enforcement mechanisms;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point vii a (new)
Paragraph 4 – point vii a (new)
(vii a) the Parties' commitments to international agreements to tackle climate change including those which implement the United-Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change, in particular the Paris Agreement should constitute an essential element of the future agreement.
Amendment 91 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that without a balanced and long-term fisheries agreement that ensures reciprocal access to waters and resources with respect to the principle of sustainable management of fisheries and marine ecosystems and ensuring a level playing field, there will be no economic and trade partnership agreement;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Emphasises the importance of making substantial progress on all topics in parallel, including on those that showed limited to no progress such as the level-playing field, governance, law enforcement as well as the timely conclusion of a fisheries agreement;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the importance of being ready for the UK’s withdrawal from the internal market and the customs union at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations; stresses that the consequences will be even more significant should no agreement be reached; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s sector-specific ‘readiness notices’, which seek to ensure that EU industry is ready for the inevitable shock that the UK’s withdrawal from the single market will cause; encourages the European Commission and Member States to enhance their efforts in order to fully inform European citizens and businesses of the risks that the transition period might end before an agreement is reached, in order to allow for and support adequate preparedness to such an unintended but possible outcome.
Amendment 105 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls the negotiating directives, which set out that Gibraltar will not be included in the territorial scope of the agreement to be concluded between the EU and the UK, and that any separate agreement will require the prior agreement of the Kingdom of Spain;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Withdrawal Agreement is the instrument for implementing the arrangements for the UK’s withdrawal, that it is not subject to any sort of renegotiation of its provisions and that the onlysole purpose of the EU-UK Joint Committee is to oversee its application; underlines the importance of the effective implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement as a litmus test for the good faith that the UK brings to the negotiating process and recalls that the outcome of the negotiations would be linked to ion the future relationship should be linked to implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Insists on having solid guarantees that the UK will implementthe full implementation by the UK of the Withdrawal Agreement effectively and in its entirety before the end of the transition period; stresses that monitoring its implementation should be an integral part of the work on the future relations;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Pays special attention to the full respect of citizens' rights as defined in the Withdrawal Agreement; is determined to ensure that Member States fully respect and protect rights of British citizens living in the European Union under the Withdrawal Agreement; is equally committed to monitor closely that the UK fully respects and protects the rights of EU citizens living on its soil under the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Insists the European Parliament to be fully and immediately informed of all the discussions held and decisions taken by the Joint Committee; recalls in this respect the obligations stemming from Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 of 30 January 2020 on the conclusion of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United-Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community2, and in particular Article 2(3) thereof, which provides that Parliament must be in a position to exercise fully its institutional prerogatives throughout the Joint Committee proceedings;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Insists that the European Parliament is regularly informed regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Notes with concern that the COVID19 pandemic had significant consequences on the possibility for EU citizens living in the UK to apply to the EU settlement scheme as front offices have been closed due to the lockdown decided by British authorities;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Expresses concern at reports that EU citizens under pre-settled status were denied social benefits in the UK due to bureaucratic obstacles; underlines that such situations equal undue discrimination and have significant consequences, especially at the time of severe economic and social uncertainty;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, designed and adopted in order to ensure the absence of a hard border on the island of Ireland while protecting the integrity of the Single market after the end of the transition period the UK, while being a third country, will have the task of implementing parts of the Union Customs Code, which will require unprecedented structures to be set up even before the end of the transition period, necessitating due consideration for the issue of proper implementation and enforcement; calls on the Commission to carry out efficient checks and controls; expresses concern at the repeated refusal expressed by the British authorities to authorize the opening of a permanent office for EU officials in Belfast to monitor the good implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; notes that the term goods ‘at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union’ used in Article 5 of that Protocol is unclear and depends on subsequent decisions of the Joint Committee which are exempt from formal European Parliament scrutiny; requests to be kept fully informed on the application of that Article and any proposals for decisions of the Joint Committee in that regard;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Emphasises the need to proceed with the necessary measures for the introduction of customs procedures for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, as well as necessary sanitary and phytosanitary controls and other regulatory checks;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes note that the UK has chosen to establish its future economic and trade partnership with the EU on the basis of a ‘Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement’ as laid down in the UK’s Approach to Negotiations; emphasises that, while the European Parliament is supportive of the EU constructively negotiating a balanced, ambitious and comprehensive FTA with the UK, by its nature an FTA will never be equivalent to ‘frictionless’ trade; expresses concern at the intention of the UK government to move away from zero tariffs and zero quota and avoid any commitments on the level playing field; emphasizes, in this regard, that the agreement should ensure open and fair competition, and prevent distortions in trade and unfair competitive advantages; shares the Commission’s negotiating position whereby the scope and ambition of an FTA that the EU would agree to is conditional on the UK agreeing to provisions related to the level playing field, given the geographical proximity and integration of markets, as well as on the conclusion of an agreement on fisheries;
Amendment 168 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes that contrary to the UK’s claim of relying on existing precedents, many proposals in the UK draft legal proposals go significantly beyond what has been negotiated by the EU in other FTAs with third countries in recent years, for example in the area of financial services, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and conformity assessment, equivalence of the SPS regime, or the cumulation of Rules of Origin;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Deeply regrets in this regard that the UK has so far refused to engage, notwithstanding its commitment taken in the Political Declaration, for instance on Public Procurement, maritime transport as well as the protection of future geographical indications, especially as the UK did include some of those topics in its negotiation mandates with the USA and Japan; furthermore regrets that the UK has so far not submitted a proposal on SMEs;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2023(INI)
(-i) a level playing field;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point i
Paragraph 13 – point i
(i) reciprocal arrangement for mutually beneficial market access for goods, services, public procurement, recognition of professional qualifications and where relevant foreign direct investment to be negotiated in full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules while recalling the necessary difference of treatment between a third country and a Member State;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point iii
Paragraph 13 – point iii
(iii) while striving for the widest possible trade in goods, the Commission should evaluate possible quotas and tariffs for the most sensitive sectors as well as the need for safeguard clauses to protect the integrity and stability of the EU single market; reiterates, moreover, that for instance with respect to food and agricultural products, access to the single market ishould be conditional on strict complianceregulatory alignment with all EU laws and standards ensuring a level playing field, particularly in the fields of food safety, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, geographical indications, animal welfare, labelling and traceability, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, and human, animal and plant health;
Amendment 202 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point vi
Paragraph 13 – point vi
(vi) commitments on services should be made with the aim of delivering a level of liberalisation in trade in services well beyond the parties’ WTO commitments, building on recent EU FTAs, while safeguarding the high quality of the EU’s public services in accordance with the TFEU and in particular Protocol 26 on Services of General Interest; audio-visual services should be excluded from provisions related to liberalisationthe scope of the economic partnership; reiterates that under an FTA market access for services is limited and always subject to exclusions, reservations and exceptions; all modes of supply of services should be covered, including commitments on the movement of natural persons across borders (Mode 4) and provisions, linked to EU rules and the respect for equal treatment of workers and recognition of professional qualifications while recalling the necessary difference of treatment between a third country and a Member State; the arrangements should include provisions on market access and national treatment under host state rules to ensure that EU service providers are treated in a non- discriminatory manner, including with regard to establishment as well as regulatory coordination platformexchange of information on regulations; the new arrangements should allow for the temporary entry and stay of natural persons for business purposes with the aim of providing services;
Amendment 208 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point vii
Paragraph 13 – point vii
(vii) there should be opportunities for access to both Parties to public procurement markets beyond WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) commitments, guaranteeing market access for EU companies in strategic sectors at all levels of government and a degree of openness equal to the EU’s public procurement markets; regrets the fact, in this regard, in specific areas at all level of governments without prejudice to their national rules aimed at protecting their essential security interests, guaranteeing market access for EU companies and a degree of openness equal to the EU’s public procurement markets; however, defence and security contracts will have to remain excluded from the provisions of the agreement; regrets the fact that the UK’s initial negotiating position does not cover public procurement;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point ix
Paragraph 13 – point ix
(ix) an overarching chapter on the needs and interests of micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to market access facilitation issues including, but not limited to, compatibility of technical standards, and streamlined customs procedures with the aim of preserving and generating concrete business opportunities and fostering their internationalisation; noteregrets that the UK’s approach to the negotiations does not include specific provisions reflecting these objectives;
Amendment 239 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates that given the UK’s geographic proximity and economic interdependence with the EU, the breadth and depth of the agreement on a level playing field will be essential in determining the extent of the overall future EU-UK relationship; considers, therefore, that a level playing field must be ensured and EU standards safeguarded are a condition in order to avoid a ‘race to the bottom’ while contributing to sustainable development and the fight against climate change, with a view to dynamic alignment; stresses the need to ensure that the UK does not gain an unfair competitive advantage through the undercutting of levels of protection and to prevent regulatory arbitrage by market operators;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
16. Recalls its determination to prevent any kind of ‘dumping’ in the framework of the future EU-UK relationship; considerspoints out that a key outcome of the negotiations is to guarantee a level playing field through robust commitments and enforceable provisions on:
Amendment 249 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point i
Paragraph 16 – point i
(i) competition and State aid, which should prevent undue distortion of trade and competition and include provisions on state-owned enterprises; regrets, with regard to State aid, that the UK approach does not reflect the same ambition and only covers subsidies;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point ii
Paragraph 16 – point ii
(ii) relevant tax matters, including the fight against tax evasion and avoidance and, money laundering and terrorism financing;
Amendment 256 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point iv
Paragraph 16 – point iv
(iv) environmental protection and climate change related standards, the promotion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; the Parties' commitments to international agreements to tackle climate change including those which implement the United-Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement; enforceable midterm commitments to tackle climate change; the implementation by the UK of a system of carbon pricing of at least the same scope and effectiveness as provided for by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the same principles regarding the use of external credits by the end of the transition period should apply;
Amendment 260 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point v
Paragraph 16 – point v
(v) a high-level of protection and product sanitary quality in food sector for consumers;
Amendment 263 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that these provisions should ensure that standards are not lowered, while empowering both parties to modify commitments over time to lay down higher standards or include additional areas; stresses, moreover, that commitments and provisions should be enforceable by autonomous interim measures, a solid dispute settlement mechanism and remedies, to provide the Union with the ability to adopt sanctions as a last resort in every covered areas, including in relation to sustainable development with a view to dynamic alignment;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reiterates the need to maintain high standards and a level playing field in the areas of medicinal products, medical devices, food safety and labelling, animal wellbeing and veterinary, phytosanitary, and environmental policy and standards;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recalls that this is contrary to the provisions of the Political Declaration, which envisages an ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership in the field of foreign policy, security and defence and contains a part dedicated specifically to the EU-UK future security partnership, and to which the UK has agreed;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Points out that the entire Agreement with the UK as a third country, including among others provisions on the level playing field and fisheries, should include the establishment of a coherent and solid governance system as an overarching framework, covering the joint continuous supervision and management of the Agreement as well as dispute settlement and enforcement mechanisms with sanctions and interim measures where necessary with respect to the interpretation and application of the Agreement’s provisions;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. emphasises the need to further improve the implementation and enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation to best preserve sustainable trade in imported and domestically produced timber and timber products;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU borders in order to ensure that the imported products do indeed comply with the criteria for entry into the EU; stresses that the Commission needs to ensure that customs controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, incoordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. notes with concern that research continues to affirm a worrying link between zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, and deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. welcomes the EU communication of 23 July 2019 on stepping up EU action to protect andrestore the world’s forests; recalls that sustainable and inclusive forest management and governance is essential to the achievement of the objectives set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal; underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals, as the EU is a significant importer of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, which are often drivers of global deforestation;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. highlights the fact that commodities like cocoa offer an early chance to make progress on such an approach, learning lessons from the FLEGT VPA process;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. believes that the EU needs to ensure that it only promotes global supply chains and financial flows which are sustainable and deforestation-free and which do not result in human rights violations;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Amendment 22 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3 h. underlines the fact that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous people, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; recalls that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy framework, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; believes that gender equality in forestry education is a key point in the sustainable management of forests which should be reflected in the EU Action Plan;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 i (new)
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3 i. recalls the importance of respecting the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; supports the ongoing negotiations to create a binding UN instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights and stresses the importance of the EU being proactively involved in this process;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 j (new)
Paragraph 3 j (new)
3 j. calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to extend the due diligence obligations provided by the EU Timber Regulation so as to cover conflict timber in the framework of the upcoming review;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. the proposal should ensure that there is legal certainty for all relevant stakeholders on any new EU wide measure and framework relating to the current use of FLEGT VPAs and licencing, in order to secure the interest in investing in deforestation free export to the EU;
Amendment 342 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, and in particular to improve the functioning of the internal market and ensure a safe and transparent online environment, it is necessary to establish a clear and balanced set of harmonised due diligence obligations for providers of intermediary services. Those obligations should aim in particular to guarantee different public policy objectives such as the safety, health and trust of the recipients of the service, including minors, women and vulnerable users, protect the relevant fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter, to ensure meaningful accountability of those providers and to empowerprovide recourse to recipients and other affected parties, whilst facilitating the necessary oversight by competent authorities.
Amendment 478 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) Three categories of systemic risks should be assessed in-depth. A first category concerns the risks associated with the misuse of their service through the dissemination of illegal content, such as the dissemination of child sexual abuse material or illegal hate speech, and the conduct of illegal activities, such as the sale of products or services prohibited by Union or national law, including counterfeit products. For example, and without prejudice to the personal responsibility of the recipient of the service of very large online platforms for possible illegality of his or her activity under the applicable law, such dissemination or activities may constitute a significant systematic risk where access to such content may be amplified through accounts with a particularly wide reach. A second category concerns the impact of the service on the exercise of fundamental rights, as protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the freedom of expression and information, the right to private life, the right to non-discrimination, the right to gender equality and the rights of the child. Such risks may arise, for example, in relation to the design of the algorithmic systems used by the very large online platform or the misuse of their service through the submission of abusive notices or other methods for silencing speech or hampering competition. A third category of risks concerns the intentional and, oftentimes, coordinated manipulation of the platform’s service through the submission of abusive notices, with a foreseeable impact on health, civic discourse, electoral processes, public security and protection of minors, having regard to the need to safeguard public order, protect privacy and fight fraudulent and deceptive commercial practices. Such risks may arise, for example, through the creation of fake accounts, the use of bots, and other automated or partially automated behaviours, which may lead to the rapid and widespread dissemination of information that is illegal content or incompatible with an online platform’s terms and conditions.
Amendment 1550 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Very large online platforms shall identify, analyse and assess, from the date of application referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 25(4), at least once a year thereafter,on an ongoing basis, the probability and severity of any significant systemic risks stemming from the functioning and use made of their services in the Union. This risk assessment shall be specific to their services and shall include the following systemic risks:
Amendment 1563 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) any negative effects for the exercise of any of the fundamental rights listed in the Charter, in particular on the fundamental rights to respect for private and family life, freedom of expression and information, the prohibition of discrimination, the right to gender equality and the rights of the child, as enshrined in Articles 7, 11, 21, 23 and 24 of the Charter respectively;
Amendment 1606 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Very large online platforms shall put in place reasonable, proportionate and effective mitigation measures, tailored to the specific systemic risks identified pursuant to Article 26. Such measures mayshall include, where applicable:
Amendment 1626 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where a very large online platform decides not to put in place any of the mitigating measures listed in Article 27(1), it shall provide a written explanation that describes the reasons why those measures were not put in place, which shall be provided to the independent auditors in order to prepare the audit report in Article 28(3).
Amendment 1658 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the obligations set out in Chapter III; in particular the quality of the identification, analysis and assessment of the risks referred to in Article 26, and the necessity, proportionality and effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures referred to in Article 27
Amendment 2120 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 51 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission, acting either upon the Board’s recommendation or on its own initiative after consulting the Board, mayshall initiate proceedings in view of the possible adoption of decisions pursuant to Articles 58 and 59 in respect of the relevant conduct by the very large online platform that:
Amendment 2130 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Wheren the Commission decides to initiates proceedings pursuant to paragraph 1, it shall notify all Digital Services Coordinators, the Board and the very large online platform concerned.
Amendment 4 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas almost half of the land area in Honduras is covered by forests, half of which is tropical rainforest; whereas there is still a huge resource of unclassified trees and species; whereas Honduras has lost about 12.5 % of its forest area since 2015 due mainly to climate change, forest fires, deforestation and illegal logging, and suffered a pest infestation in 2016;
Amendment 7 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Honduras passed its Climate Change Law in 2014 and was the first state to publish its first nationally determined contribution (NDC) in the framework of the Paris Agreement the following year, of which one commitment is to restore one million hectares of forests;
Amendment 8 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the share of the forest sector in Honduras’ economy has decreased over the years representing around 3,6% of the GNP in the last 16 years owing to stricter requirements on the legality of timber in Honduras’ export markets and to forest destruction; whereas the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process, which emphasises legality and good governance, is helping the forest sector to increase its share, provide rural jobs and generate income for Hondurans;
Amendment 11 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Honduras is a lower- middle- income country where poverty, inequaliaccording to the World Bank classification; whereas it is the second poorest in Latin America, and third poorest in the Western Hemisphere; whereas the poverty, corruption, violence and impunity in Honduras remain persistent concerns, as well as the situation for women's rights, in particular the recent backlash concerning sexual and reproductive health rights;
Amendment 16 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas despite the fact that the Honduran Government has made positive commitments and initiated legislation to protect human rights defenders, it remains one of the most dangerous countries in the region for human and indigenous rights defenders and environmental activists who continue to be subject to abuses, violence, arbitrary detentions, threats and killings;
Amendment 18 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the mandate of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) ended in January 2020 and was not renewed;
Amendment 19 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the EU-Central America Association Agreement was concluded in 2012, and the trade part provisionally applied since 1st of August 2013;
Amendment 20 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas VPAs provides for a Joint Implementation Committee, responsible for its implementation and monitoring;
Amendment 25 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas the negotiations leading to the conclusion of this VPA have created a cooperative space among different stakeholders to discuss environmental, human rights, social and economic issues;
Amendment 27 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas a good forest management requires sustainable land tenure, respect of the environmental needs and human rights, transparency, legal security, trust and long-term investments;
Amendment 29 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
K b. whereas general elections will take place in Honduras before the end of 2021;
Amendment 31 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the VPA between the EU and Honduras and calls for its swift ratification by both sides so it can enter into force in 2021, thus allowing for the important next steps in terms of implementation, including setting up the licencing;
Amendment 36 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Believes that the EU has a very important role and an obligation in improving both the supply and the demand side of timber, in order to responsibly reject illegally produced timber and to reinforce exporting countries in their efforts to combat illegal logging and corruption that results in destruction of their forests, climate change, and violation of human rights;
Amendment 52 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highly appreciates that Honduras has managed to ensure involvement of government institutions, civil society, private sector, indigenous and afro- descendant people of Honduras, academia and communities, who accepted and contributed to the process to drafting the VPA; welcomes the fact that all these sectors agreed to be present around the same negotiating table and the achievement of the feeling of inclusiveness and the possibility to contribute;
Amendment 53 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Believes that the fight against corruption needs to be constant, in every part of the world; welcomes that transparency has proven useful in the process to concluding this VPA, and cannot be enough stressed in the forthcoming process of implementation;
Amendment 61 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Believes that the successful negotiations of this VPA also proves the importance of the Union’s Delegations to third countries;
Amendment 68 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Asks the Commission to annually report on the implementation of the EU- Honduras FLEGT VPA to Parliament, including on the work of the Joint Implementation Committee, calls on the Commission to consider improving the regulation on FLEGT licencing at the next review exercise in order to enable it to respond quickly to cases of significant infringements of VPA commitments;
Amendment 74 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Supports the European Commission in finding additional potential partners for future voluntary partnership agreements under FLEGT;
Amendment 2 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the joint communication entitled “EU-China - A strategic outlook” (JOIN(2019)5),
Amendment 3 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 6 October 2015 on the possible extension of geographical indication protection of the European Union to non-agricultural products,
Amendment 9 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU is globally reputed for its know-how and the production of high value and quality agri-food products,
Amendment 26 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the importance of the EU strategic relationship with China; highlights that trade and investment should be rules-based and value-based, with a multilateral trade system at its core; asks China to play a more active part in the WTO and other multilateral initiatives;
Amendment 45 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that despite protection under the agreement, some of the EU Geographical Indications like cheese products cannot be exported to China due to Chinese food import standards; asks the Commission to continue the dialogue with China to recognize EU food safety standards, which are among the highest in the world; askscalls on China to remove unjustified barriers in place to EU agri- food exports;
Amendment 53 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of Geographical Indications within the intellectual property rights and highlights the importance of efforts directed at fighting counterfeit products; calls for a deepened EU-China customs cooperation as it is crucial to fight counterfeit and to guarantee fair competition; underlines that respect and protection of geographical indications protect the value of the local, including infrastructure and employment, improving regional development and enhancing traceability, transparency and consumer information; with that aim in view, recalls its request to the Commission to propose a legislative proposal with the aim of establishing a single European system of protection of geographical indications for non- agricultural products; encourages the Commission to continue cooperation with China in the area of Intellectual Property Rights, and asks the Commission to keep on supporting EU companies through the IPR helpdesk;
Amendment 59 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the importance of effective implementation and proper enforcement in the market place of the agreed provisions of the Agreement; underlines the crucial role of the newly appointed Chief Trade Enforcement Officer in the monitoring of the implementation of this agreement and asks him to immediately react in case of any dysfunctioning in the implementation; reiterates the European Parliament’s determination to monitor and scrutinize the correct application of the Agreement; in this regard, calls on the Commission to inform the Parliament about the implementation of the Agreement 2one years after entry into force;
Amendment 61 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. HighlightsIs concerned about the impact that the Economic and Trade Agreement between the United States and China that entered into force on 14 February 2020, the so-called US - China Phase One deal shcould have on the EU-China agreement on GIs and underlines that it must be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner and in full compliance with WTO rules as well as withnd without any disruptive impact on the enforcement of the commitments taken in the EU- China Agreement on Geographical Indications; expects that European exporters immediately benefit from trade facilitating measures in the agri- food sector;
Amendment 68 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the urgent need to further improve the level playing field between the EU and China in other areas; urges China to extend the constructive cooperation on the protection of Geographical Indications to other areas of trade and actively contribute in particular to the ongoing negotiation of the bilateral investment agreement, the reform of the WTO, comprehensive rules on industrial subsidies, the role of State-Owned Enterprises, provisions on forced technology transfer and forced data localisation and overcapacities in the steel, aluminium or high-tech sectors, complying with its commitments as a WTO member and reflecting its level of development;
Amendment 78 #
2020/0089(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls the need for an ambitious progress in the negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, addressing the current market asymmetries; emphasises that ensuring the level playing field, reciprocity and a non-discriminatory treatment of the respective parties and their business communities are key; recalls that Chinese companies, including state-owned enterprises, are benefiting from wide open markets in the EU whereas EU companies have a very limited access to the Chinese markets and no access to Chinese public procurement emphasises that ensuring the level playing field, reciprocity and a non-discriminatory treatment of the respective parties and their business communities are key; recalls that this agreement must reflect EU priorities on sustainability and include a human rights clause and an ambitious and enforceable TSD chapter in order to protect human rights, promote sustainable development and fight against climate change, including the implementation of Paris Agreement;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 a (new)
Citation 35 a (new)
- having regard to the OECD Report of 24 June 2020 entitled 'The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis on development finance'24a; _________________ 24a http://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy- responses/the-impact-of-the-coronavirus- covid-19-crisis-on-development-finance- 9de00b3b/
Amendment 24 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the global environment is becoming more complex and uncertain, with a rise in conflict and geopolitical rivalry, the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss and more frequent and severe natural disasters, notably in developing countries, which affect the most vulnerable; whereas this highlights the need for strengthened multilateralism and continuous efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of European aid;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the world is struck by the Covid-19 pandemic; whereas the impact of this pandemic on developing countries and aid assistance beneficiary countries is still unclear; whereas the impact of this pandemic presents a significant strain on aid assistance capacities of donor countries and private investors;
Amendment 29 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the current pandemic has severely disrupted and could have long- lasting effects on tourism, sea transport, and other ocean-based sectors, negatively impacting the economies of many developing countries, including the most vulnerable countries, small island developing states and least developed countries;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the world’s population is growing faster than gross national income (GNI), in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, where the population is expected to double over the next 30 years; whereas in spite of strong economic growth, this will increase the number of people living in poverty and unemployment, emphasising the urgent need to support developing countries effectively in their efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); whereas the gap in aid financing for the SDGs is estimated at $2.5 trillion; whereas aid effectiveness will play a critical role in the success of the 2030 Agenda; whereas the role of blended finance in bridging this gap should be further explored;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. Whereas the EU’s development policies and partnerships must be built on sustainable political and economic cooperation with partners on an equal footing, with respect for human rights at its core; whereas its development policies must take into account the situation of forced displaced people, of vulnerable populations and of migrants and asylum seekers;
Amendment 65 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and, foreign direct investment and humanitarian aid may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes inforced displacement and migration are direct and indirect consequences of unstable political economies, notably related to governance, the distribution of power, social exclusion, and lack of access to resources, as well asnd a lack of potential to interaction with the global economy; whereas this highlights the need for tailor-made development cooperation that aims at bringing about inclusive transformational changes that tackle these core issues;
Amendment 66 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes in political economies, notably related to governance, the distribution of power, social exclusion, redistributive policies, social protection and access to resources, as well as interaction with the global economy;
Amendment 86 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that effectiveness means delivering more and better impact, achieving the SDGs and leaving no-one behind; believes that when EU support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts and delivered through their institutions and systems in support of priorities that have been agreedartner country priorities through inclusive and equitable policy processes, the impact is bigger, faster and more sustainable;
Amendment 87 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that gender equality is an essential precondition for any development and is necessary for the achievement of the SDGs; takes the view that progress made in combating discrimination and violence against women and girls in partner countries should be systematically taken into consideration in assessing aid effectiveness;
Amendment 91 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines its view that the EU, as the world’s biggest donor, should use its powerful toolbox of instruments and aid modalities in a coordinated manner and take the lead in using the principles of aid effectiveness and aid efficiency, in order to achieve real impact and reach the SDGs in its partner countries; further highlights the need to implement the policy objectives in the new European Consensus on Development in a more strategic and targeted manner in each partner country, reinforcing and complementing the EU’s foreign policy goals and values; stresses that an effective aid programme must be triangulated with an analysis of debt sustainability and should consider the need for parliamentary oversight in a partner country;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and the Council to scale up joint programming between the EU and its Member States, with the aim of securing a European voice with which to move forward towards commonly defined policy objectives, which should take into account innovative financing methods such as blending and guarantees; calls for clear, actionable commitments towards joint implementation and evaluation and for shared accountability mechanisms towards citizens; calls for the EU to work with non-traditional donors that can demonstrate adherence to aid effectiveness principles;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that in view of the future implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), joint programming by the EU, its Members States and EU development financing partners should build upon the aid effectiveness principles; believes that the EU should collectively set strategic priorities and identify investment needs/gaps in the pre-programming phase and subsequently look at ways to optimise the range of modalities in the EU institutions’ toolbox, including grants, budget support and EIB loans, as well as financing from the Member States; calls on the EU institutions and Member States, accordingly, to share evidence and experience about the kinds of development interventions that tend to be successful and those that have failed, proved difficult to implement or not produced the intended impact; underlines the need to facilitate the creation of markets which are self- sustaining and to ensure good exit practices are taken into account in the pre-programming phase;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that accountability for all public expenditure, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), is vital both in Europe and in partner countries; believes that accountability requires strong institutions and that having clear and agreed targets for European ODA is essential for ensuring continued public support for the EU’s development cooperation endeavours; emphasises, furthermore, that accountability requires transparent and robust procedures as well as concern for efficiency and the attainment of demonstrable results, thorough ex-ante and ex-post evaluation, and critical analysis of failures as well as learning about how to deliver effective and sustainable results; recalls the impact that partnerships and cooperation with civil society and NGOs can have on ensuring accountability in public expenditure of ODA;
Amendment 131 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. calls on the Commission and Member States to fully untie their ODA in line with the commitments of the European Consensus on Development and to encourage all development cooperation providers, including emerging economies, to do the same;
Amendment 136 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that the use of results- based approaches is critical for the EU’s partner countries and is a fundamental element of their capacity to deliver the SDGs for their citizens; calls on the EU and its Member States to support and use partner countries’ own national results- measuring frameworks and their monitoring and statistical systems, and to involve all relevant actors: local authorities; national parliaments; civil society; and the private sector; stresses that investment in the capacity building of local civil society organisations is an essential prerequisite for effective aid;
Amendment 141 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the EU and its Member States to enhance their commitment to transparent data flows through continuous investment in data visualisation, statistical reporting and the publication of open data, the application of international standards such as IATI (the International Aid Transparency Initiative Standard), and by regularly updating the EU Aid Explorer; encourages the EU to step up its efforts to ensure public access and dissemination of data and reporting on the spending of EU development aid;
Amendment 144 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Recalls that development cooperation might have different impacts on girls and boys and men and women; urges therefore the European Commission and Member States to prioritize gender equality and to make use of tools such as gender targeting, gender analysis, gender budgeting, gender mainstreaming; insists furthermore on the need to collect sex disaggregated data;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the need to take account of the development policy actions and decisions of the other donor countries in order to ensure complementarity and to meet partner countries' needs and priorities in the best way possible;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Stresses the key role played by EU delegations in maximising the effectiveness of aid and enhancing its visibility in partner countries; calls for the delegations' knowledge of each partner country's specific circumstances to be capitalised on more, with a view to assessing the outcomes of projects run by the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 180 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Acknowledges the value of predictable and flexible financing, including multi-annual humanitarian finance for protracted crises and development aid programmes that have the capacity to adapt to unforeseen humanitarian crises;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the European Commission to reassess whether the administrative obligations to access EU funding are proportionate; deplores in that context that EU grants become increasingly inadequate and unattractive for NGOs due to requirements to limit support costs as well as due to increasing administrative and audit burdens;
Amendment 199 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its request that the Council and the Member States set out a clear timeline for reaching the target of raising the ODA budget to 0.7 % of GNI and that the Commission present a concrete action plan defining how additional resources will be leveraged towards achieving the SDGs; Stresses the need to clarify the differentiation between climate funding and development aid and assistance;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2184(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its requestStresses that the effectiveness of aid is no substitute for the adequacy of aid, and reiterates that the Council and the Member States set out a clear timeline for reaching the target of raising the ODA budget to 0.7 % of GNI and that the Commission present a concrete action plan defining how additional resources will be leveraged towards achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to Turkey's membership in the Council of Europe and in NATO;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values, interests, standards and policies of the EU and to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria and to align itself with EU policies and objectives;
Amendment 54 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas an analysis of the Commission’s reports on Turkey since 2014 and, in particular, the 2019 and 2020 reports, reveals that Turkey has increasingly and rapidly distanced itself from the EU’s values and its normative framework; not only by the domestic democratic backsliding but also by aggressive foreign policy moves, including illegal actions against EU member states; notes that these reports state that Turkey did not implement the recommendations of the previous reports, pointing to a lack of commitment from the Turkish side and calling into question Turkey’s wish for accession;
Amendment 67 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the European Parliament has substantially cut the Pre-Accession funding for Turkey, in light of the democratic backsliding and inability to adhere to the rule of law;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, in spite of this principled stance by Parliament and all of the current circumstances, the European Council, in its conclusions of 1 October 2020, offered Turkey a renewed and broad positive agenda, provided that constructive efforts are sustained, in a further attempt to restore our relations; whereas after the European Council meeting of October 2020, no such constructive efforts were made;
Amendment 102 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern that Turkey’the Turkish government's continuous and growing distancing from European values and standards hasand the Turkish president’s threats and openly provocative, on occasions insulting, statements against the EU and its leaders have brought EU- Turkey relations to a historical low point, having deteriorated to such an extent that it requires both parties to profoundly reassess the current framework of relations;
Amendment 155 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that, since the Parliament’s last report, the situation, far from improving, has deteriorated even further; firmly insists, therefore, on therefore that, in line with the Negotiating Framework from October 2005, the Commission should recommend the formal suspension of accession negotiations with Turkey, in order for both sides to review in a realistic manner the appropriateness of the current framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, to explore possible new models for future relations;
Amendment 177 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current lack of understandingstate of play of relations between the EU and Turkey, but reaffirms its firm conviction that Turkey is a strategic neighbour, key for the stability of the wider region, and ally with which the EU wishes to have the best possible relations, including within NATO; is deeply concerned about Turkey's current destabilising role in the wider region through its involvement in several conflicts;
Amendment 209 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its will to strengthen and deepen mutual knowledge and understanding between Turkish and European societies, combating all manifestations of social, religious or cultural prejudice; expresses its full commitment to continue supporting Turkey’s independent civil society in whatever circumstances and framework of relations that the future may bring; believes, nevertheless, that the accession process would still be the mostis a powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on the Turkish government and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society; stresses that a purely transactional relationship will hardly contribute to the advancement of Turkey towards a more democratic modrecognises however that the advancement of Turkey towards a more democratic model will require political will at the highest political level;
Amendment 232 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with deep concern that, despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in July 2018, its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt, most recently with the mass sentencing on November 26 of 337 people to life imprisonment for taking part in the failed coup in 2016;
Amendment 271 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is deeply worried about the disregard by the Turkish judiciary of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings and the increasing non-compliance of lower courts with the judgments of the Constitutional Court; recognises that there have been instances where Turkey has requested the re-trial of its prisoners following a decision by the ECtHR however, notes with regret that these retrials often fail to meet internationally recognised standards for a fair trial, such as in the Ilhan Sami Comak case;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is deeply concerned about the constant attacks and pressure on the opposition parties and sentencing of members of the opposition, which undermines the proper functioning of a democratic system;
Amendment 325 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on Turkeythe Turkish government to release all imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, academics and others who have been detained on unsubstantiated charges and to enable them to carry out their work without threat or impediment in all circumstances; strongly condemns the re-arrest and continued detention of Osman Kavala, a prominent civil society figure; is appalled by the tragic death of human rights lawyer Ebru Timtik after 238 days of hunger strike at protest of her unfair trial after being convicted of membership of a terrorist organisation;
Amendment 377 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges Turkeythe Turkish government to protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups, including women, LGBTI people and ethnic and religious minorities and to take further measures to end violence against women and the deplorable practice of so called “honour killings”; calls on Turkey to fully implement and abide by the Istanbul Convention to which it has signed up;
Amendment 475 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. RecallAhead of the 10-year anniversary of the conflict in Syria, commends the laudable role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; acknowledges that Turkey continues to host and provide social services for 3.6 million Syrian refugees; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of the EU-Turkey Statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; recognizes the migratory pressure Turkey is facing however, firmly objects to the Turkish government using migrants as blackmail against the EU;
Amendment 516 #
2019/2176(INI)
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union cwould be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union given the current circumstancebelieves that a door should be left open for a modernisation of the Customs Union but stresses that would require a change of attitude and constructive efforts by the Turkish government to improve overall relations and would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States;
Amendment 542 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; welcomes the proposal of the European Council for a Multilateral Conference on the Eastern Mediterranean and calls on the High Representative to launch it as soon as soon as possible;
Amendment 588 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Strongly condemns the Turkish military interventions in Syria, especially in the northeast and Idlib, which constitute grave violations of international law; reiterates its position as expressed in its resolution of 24 October 2019 on the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences, including the call for an EU-wide arms embargo on Turkey;
Amendment 608 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on Turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Libya under the auspices of the UN, and to fully adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council and to not obstruct EU and NATO missions mandated to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya;
Amendment 621 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. RFirmly regrets that, rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh thereby resorting to provocative rhetoric fuelling tensions instead of reducing them ; condemns the transfer of foreign fighters by Turkey from Syria and elsewhere to Nagorno-Karabakh, as confirmed by international actors, including the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chair countries;
Amendment 648 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Calls on the EEAS StratCom division to document suspicions of Turkish disinformation directed at the EU, particularly in Africa and the MENA region and to report its findings to the European Parliament;
Amendment 653 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that it is high time to review the EU’s relations with Turkey and to define a comprehensive, unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term, among all EU institutions and Member States; believes that the EU should not confuse Turkey with the policies of its current government, therefore underlines that the EU should remain committed to support Turkey’s civil society, human rights defenders and journalists and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities, and media platforms for journalists with the objective of protecting and promoting democratic values and principles, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 684 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Takes the view that enhancing communication and dialogue at all levels are key to restoring mutual trust between the EU and Turkey; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusal of the Turkish side to reinstexpresses in this regard the hope thate the normal functioning of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee can be reinstated soon;
Amendment 691 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the European Council to take appropriate actions against Turkey, including restrictive measures, given the absence of progress, but underlines that these sanctions should not have an adverse impact on the Turkish people, its civil society or the refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 694 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33b. calls for an EU-Turkey leaders meeting after a genuine process of de- escalation, in order to review the current framework of relations, or, to explore new, more effective models for the relations;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2156(INI)
1. Calls on the EU to increase its investments in programmes for climate resilient agriculture, sustainable intensification and diversification, agroecology and agroforestry, and nature- based solutions with the aim of stopping the expansion of land use at the expense of forests while feeding and providing economic opportunities , protecting ecosystems and improving livelihoods and food security for a growing population;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and agro-ecology have direct and indirect benefits in food security, livelihoods and nutrition in developing countries, contributing to end hunger and improving the nutrition of local communities; recalls that progress towards sustainable agriculture, food security and sustainable forest management, should be made simultaneously as core elements of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, whose SDGs are interconnected and indivisible;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that EU cooperation measures need to tackle deforestation, corruption, weak governance and institutions, lack of trained personnel, impunity and insecure land tenure as major causes of illegal logging, fraud, tax evasion and violations of human rights;
Amendment 30 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that indigenous people, local communities, smallholder farmers and women possess and heavily rely on indispensable knowledge regarding forests and that together with environmental human rights defenders, they are increasingly under threat and intimidation, facing human rights violations in their efforts to protect their forests, land and environment; calls on the EU to ensure their participation in the design and implementation of EU development programmes which have an impact on them and in the enforcement of forest protection measures; calls on the EU, furthermore, to increase the transparency of Voluntary Partnership Agreements;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the forestry sector to feature strongly in the upcoming Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) and for the full potential of the External Investment Plan and regional blending facilities to be exploited in leveraging private funding, with the aim of achieving the SDG’s;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Forests are an important part of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and contribute to mitigation and adaptation to the negative impacts of climate change, such as, extreme weather disturbances, including flooding, droughts, storms, erosion, heat waves and fires. Calls, therefore on the EU to enhance biodiversity protection with regards to forestry in development policy and cooperation with third countries;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the EU to pay specific attention, in its cooperation with development countries, to forests in coastal areas, such as mangroves ; which are particularly impacted by climate change and human activity and represent a great opportunity for preservation, adaptation and mitigation policies;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the European Commission to expand the use of the Copernicus REDD+ satellite system to support global forest risk monitoring and deforestation in collaboration with developing countries, to strengthen prevention and preparedness efforts for wildfires by collaborating with developing countries on early warning tools, disaster resilience and risk mitigation measures; in this context, calls on the Commission to assess, together with the private sector and other development actors, new disaster risk finance and insurance solutions against catastrophic events affecting forests;
Amendment 70 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the EU to make sure that policies in all areas are coherent with its commitments to protect and restore forests; recalls that biodiversity objectives should be mainstreamed into forestry and other policies ; recalls that the sustainability chapters of trade agreements need to contain binding forest- specific and responsible business conduct provisions, as well as mechanisms to oversee the effective implementation of these provisions.
Amendment 75 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasizes that the link between health, environmental and climate crisis has been scientifically proven. Points out that, due to climate change and biodiversity loss such as deforestation, such crisis might multiply in the decades to come ; therefore calls on the EU, as part of the Green Deal’s external dimension, to step up its technical assistance as well as the sharing of information and best practices with third countries regarding sustainable forest management.